Ten superior side dishes earned our readers' highest rating.
1. Brussels Sprouts with Pecans
Slicing the Brussels sprouts horizontally makes for quick cooking, and the addition of toasted pecans add an unexpected crunch and buttery richness to this stunning side.
View Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Pecans
2. Lemon-Scented Broccoli Soufflé
Serve this fluffy side as a perfect foil for the traditionally heavy holiday fare. The soufflé will fall when it's taken out of the oven, but its airy texture and fresh citrus aroma will remain long after it has been served.
View Recipe: Lemon-Scented Broccoli Soufflé
3. Steamed Carrots with Garlic-Ginger Butter
Steaming vegetables helps to retain all of the healthful water-soluble vitamins, and these carrots are no exception. The addition of the garlic-ginger butter gives an exotic flair to an otherwise classic dish.
View Recipe: Steamed Carrots with Garlic-Ginger Butter
See More: Holiday Desserts
4. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Feta Vinaigrette
Orzo pasta is a versatile base for side dishes, and this one is chock-full of zesty ingredients. Red onions add crunch and the combination of artichoke hearts, feta cheese, and kalamata olives all add fresh brininess to the salad.
View Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Feta Vinaigrette
5. Winter Squash Risotto with Radicchio
Golden winter squash adds color to this rich risotto. The bitterness of radicchio is offset by the sweetness of the squash, and a shaving of earthy Parmesan cheese rounds out this festive side.
View Recipe: Winter Squash Risotto with Radicchio
6. Roasted Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Pilau
Hearty pumpkin and creamy sweet potatoes steal the show in this winter-weather pilaf. It's an ideal way to add fiber to your diet and a beautiful showcase for some underused winter vegetables.
View Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Pilau
See More: Top-Rated Pumpkin
7. Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Browned Butter
Caroline's praise doesn't pull any punches: "Best ever recipe for asparagus. Follow directions to a perfect side dish!" This recipe uses all ingredients you probably have on hand now, and its salty-sweet-sour balance is ideal.
View Recipe: Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Browned Butter
8. Baked Apples
Served as an accompaniment to pork or poultry, these baked apples are a sure way to take advantage of the season's bounty while adding flair to your meal. Leftovers? These apples can be served over oatmeal or slices of breakfast bread the next morning.
9. Kale with Garlic and Peppers
Although you can find kale in supermarkets year-round, this leafy green is at its peak flavor in cool-weather months. The jalapeño pepper adds a spicy kick to this side, and the red peppers grant some aromatic sweetness.
View Recipe: Kale with Garlic and Peppers
See More: Superfast Side-Dish Recipes
10. Creamy Polenta with Warm Tomato Compote
Perfect with lamb or roast chicken, this cheesy polenta serves as a well-balanced accompaniment to a hearty meal. The warm tomato topping provides sweetness, sharpness, and color to the side dish.
View Recipe: Creamy Polenta with Warm Tomato Compote
Continue Reading: 9 More Top-Rated Sides
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