A Valentine’s dinner feels more complete when the sides look just as thoughtful as the main course. We like building a table where every dish adds color, texture, and a little sense of occasion without extra stress. These sides balance comfort with elegance so the meal feels special from the first bite. We keep this lineup handy when we want dinner to feel polished but still easy to pull together.

An assembled tomato burrata salad with sliced basil and burrata on a cutting board and a bowl of chopped heirloom tomatoes.
Tomato Burrata Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese

Dutch oven mac and cheese with a browned top and creamy noodles.
Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese is creamy, rich, and baked until the top turns golden and crisp. We serve it as a comforting side that still feels refined enough for a special dinner.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese

Keto Green Bean Casserole

Creamy keto green bean casserole with a golden, bubbly topping.
Keto Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Keto Green Bean Casserole delivers tender beans in a creamy sauce with a savory finish. We like how it keeps the classic flavor while fitting neatly into a fancy spread.
Get the Recipe: Keto Green Bean Casserole

Domino Potatoes

Domino potatoes roasted until each slice is crisp on the edges and soft inside.
Domino Potatoes. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Domino Potatoes bake into crisp-edged slices stacked with buttery flavor. We use them to add an elegant, restaurant-style touch to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Domino Potatoes

Creamed Leeks

Creamed leeks cooked until soft in a rich, velvety sauce.
Creamed Leeks. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Creamed Leeks cook down into a silky, mild side with delicate onion flavor. We pair them with richer mains to balance the meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Leeks

BBQ Glazed Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Smoked Brussels sprouts glazed in BBQ sauce with crispy bacon pieces.
BBQ Glazed Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

BBQ Glazed Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Bacon combine smoky sweetness with crisp edges. We bring them out when we want a bold vegetable side that stands out.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Glazed Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Duck Fat Roasted Vegetables

A casserole dish filled with roasted broccoli, potatoes, chickpeas, and diced vegetables.
Duck Fat Roasted Vegetables. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Duck Fat Roasted Vegetables roast until caramelized with deep savory flavor. We rely on them to add richness and color to the table.
Get the Recipe: Duck Fat Roasted Vegetables

Roasted Butternut Squash

Roasted butternut squash cooked until the edges caramelize and the inside turns tender.
Roasted Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Roasted Butternut Squash turns tender and slightly sweet with golden edges. We use it to add warmth and brightness to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash

Umami Smoked Mushrooms

Smoked mushrooms with deep umami flavor and browned edges.
Umami Smoked Mushrooms. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Umami Smoked Mushrooms pack concentrated, savory flavor in every bite. We serve them as a hearty side that feels indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Umami Smoked Mushrooms

Roasted Green Beans

Roasted green beans with browned edges and a crisp bite.
Roasted Green Beans. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Roasted Green Beans stay crisp-tender with a clean, fresh taste. We like how they lighten richer dishes on the table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Green Beans

Grilled Asparagus in Foil

Grilled asparagus in foil cooked until tender with lightly charred tips.
Grilled Asparagus in Foil. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Grilled Asparagus in Foil cooks gently until tender with a subtle char. We add it for a simple side that still looks polished.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus in Foil

Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Grilled asparagus wrapped in bacon with charred edges and juicy centers.
Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus pairs smoky bacon with tender spears. We use it when we want a side that feels festive and bold.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Smoked Potato Salad

Smoked potato salad with tender potatoes coated in a smoky, savory dressing.
Smoked Potato Salad. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoked Potato Salad blends creamy texture with a hint of smoke. We serve it chilled to contrast warm mains.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Potato Salad

Smoked Corn on the Cob

Smoked corn on the cob with charred kernels and a rich smoky aroma.
Smoked Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoked Corn on the Cob brings sweet kernels with a gentle smoky edge. We like how it adds color and balance to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Corn on the Cob

Smoked Cabbage

Smoked cabbage cooked low and slow until the leaves are tender and smoky.
Smoked Cabbage. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoked Cabbage softens into tender wedges with deep flavor. We use it as a savory side that feels unexpectedly special.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cabbage

Tomato Burrata Salad

An assembled tomato burrata salad with sliced basil and burrata on a cutting board and a bowl of chopped heirloom tomatoes.
Tomato Burrata Salad. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Tomato Burrata Salad combines juicy tomatoes with creamy cheese and fresh herbs. We finish the table with it for a bright, elegant contrast.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

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About the Author

Kita Roberts is the meat maven and award-winning recipe developer behind Girl Carnivore®, with 15+ years of grilling, smoking, and cooking experience. Her recipes are tested on everything from backyard grills to professional smokers – and always built for real home cooks.
As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivore®, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

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