Valentine’s dinner feels more special when the sides look like you tried, even if you didn’t. These 19 easy side dishes bring the kind of fancy energy that makes any main feel upgraded. Think crispy edges, buttery finishes, and plates that look restaurant-level without the stress. We’re making it look impressive on purpose.
Crispy Baked Cauliflower Steaks
Crispy Baked Cauliflower Steaks bake in about 30 minutes with golden edges and bold seasoning. We love how they look dramatic on the plate with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Cauliflower Steaks
Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasted Butternut Squash cooks in about 35 minutes with sweet, caramelized bites. It adds that cozy, fancy vibe next to any main.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasted Green Beans
Roasted Green Beans cook in about 20 minutes with crisp-tender texture and simple seasoning. We love how they make dinner feel cleaner and more put together.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Green Beans
Keto Green Bean Casserole
Keto Green Bean Casserole bakes in about 35 minutes with creamy sauce and savory flavor. It’s classic comfort that still feels dinner-party worthy.
Get the Recipe: Keto Green Bean Casserole
Smoked Corn on the Cob
Smoked Corn on the Cob cooks in about 1 hour with smoky flavor and buttery finish. We love it when we want something fun that doesn’t feel basic.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Corn on the Cob
Grilled Asparagus in Foil
Grilled Asparagus in Foil cooks in about 15 minutes with tender spears and easy cleanup. It’s a fast side that always looks fancy.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus in Foil
Easy Grilled Corn Salad
Grilled Corn Salad comes together in about 20 minutes with sweet corn and fresh crunch. We love this one when the meal needs something bright.
Get the Recipe: Easy Grilled Corn Salad
Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese
Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese cooks in about 45 minutes with rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s the side that makes people forget the main exists.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Mac and Cheese
Smoked Potato Salad
Smoked Potato Salad takes about 1 hour with smoky potatoes and creamy dressing. We love how it tastes like a cookout side dressed up for date night.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Potato Salad
Umami Smoked Mushrooms
Umami Smoked Mushrooms cook in about 45 minutes with deep flavor and a meaty bite. They feel steakhouse-worthy next to almost anything.
Get the Recipe: Umami Smoked Mushrooms
Creamed Leeks
Creamed Leeks cook in about 30 minutes with buttery, soft texture and rich flavor. We love how they instantly make dinner feel more elegant.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Leeks
Domino Potatoes
Domino Potatoes bake in about 1 hour with crispy edges and stacked layers. They look impressive enough to steal the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Domino Potatoes
BBQ Glazed Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Smoked Brussels Sprouts cook in about 1 hour with bacon and sticky BBQ glaze. We love how they hit sweet, smoky, and salty all at once.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Glazed Smoked Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus cooks in about 20 minutes with smoky bacon and tender asparagus. It’s a side that always feels like a flex.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Smoked Cabbage
Smoked Cabbage cooks in about 1 hour with tender layers and bold smoky flavor. We love it when we want something different that still feels hearty.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cabbage
Campfire Potatoes
Campfire Potatoes cook in about 45 minutes with crispy edges and buttery flavor. They’re easy, filling, and always a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Campfire Potatoes
Smoked Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese cooks in about 1 hour with smoky pork and creamy pasta. We love this one because it turns the side dish into the main event.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese
Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
Air Fryer Asparagus cooks in about 10 minutes with crisp-tender spears and quick seasoning. It’s the easiest way to add something green and fancy.
Get the Recipe: Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
Cherry Chicken Salad Recipe (with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken)
Cherry Chicken Salad comes together in about 15 minutes with chicken, fruit, and creamy dressing. We love it as a fresh, fancy side that takes zero cooking.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Chicken Salad Recipe (with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken)
