Everyone loves this grown-up macaroni and cheese. It's also tasty with sharp cheddar and cream cheese instead of Gruyere and mascarpone. Throw in some crispy bacon for a twist. -Jennifer Standing, Taos,...
"Either as an appetizer or side dish," promises Faye Buffenmeyer of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, "this is delicious!" And, since it can be made ahead, you might think about doubling the recipe and freezing some...
This unexpected combination is so tasty. It makes a wonderful fall or winter side dish with any meat. Double or triple the recipe to feed a bigger group.-Carol Ferranti, Esmond, Rhode Island
We love this Asian rice recipe that's loaded with veggies and a hint of gingery freshness. It's so versatile, and even the picky eaters in our family love it! -Teri Lindquist, Gurnee, IL
This protein-filled dish could be served as a colorful side dish or a meatless main entree. When you make it, double the recipe because it will be gone in a flash! The basmati rice add a unique flavor...
"With rice and this mix on hand, you can whip up a tasty side dish whenever you need one," says Linnea Rein from Topeka, Kansas. "It goes with any meat and has superb flavor."
This orange salad dessert is slightly sweet and tangy, too. It adds beautiful color to any meal and appeals to all ages! -Ann Eastman, Santa Monica, California
I like to add a little extra flavor to my green beans. And this mouthwatering recipe is one of the quickest and most delicious I have.-Katherine Firth, Oro Ballay, Arizona
I've taken this dish to many church dinners and receive good comments every time. If your children won't eat cabbage, try making this recipe for them (but don't tell them what's in it!).
With tons of veggies and flavorful rice, this simple dish has all your sides covered. Hearty and filling, this, paired with chicken or the pork chops here, is the only side you'll need. Vary the basil...
Georgia is famous for the sweet onions grown in the Vidalia area. My family looks forward to the time these onions are available to use in salads and casseroles.
Although I call these "company carrots," I'll often serve them on a weeknight to my family. No matter who's eating it, the fast, easy dish is always a favorite. -Cynthia Hanus-Beard, Tamarac, Florida
I've shared this recipe many times with relatives and friends, just as my sister-in-law shared it with me. It can be prepared up to two days in advance.-Margaret Lindberg, Richland, Washington
Here's a different treatment for zucchini that's a favorite in our home. Even though the creamy Parmesan sauce is homemade, the recipe's cooking time is short. -Marguerite Shaeffer, Sewell, New Jersey
I like to serve this Greek-style rice dish alongside steaks with mushrooms. It makes an elegant side that can be doubled for guests. -Jeanette Cakouros, Brunswick, Maine
A co-worker from Louisiana shared hearty helpings of this delightful dressing (and copies of the recipe!) more than 20 years ago. It's been a "must" on my Thanksgiving menu ever since.
This versatile, colorful dish complements a variety of meats or other vegetarian entrees. To give this dish a crunchy texture and additional flavor and protein, stir in 2 cups of bean sprouts just before...
I've made this recipe featuring apples and grapes for special dinners all through my 46 married years, and it's always been a hit. My sister worked for a farm wife during the late '30s and early '40s,...
One day I wanted to serve zucchini as a side dish-but I didn't have the time to slice and deep-fry it. So I came up with these fritters instead! They go especially well with barbecued ribs or pork chops...
My husband and I are retired farmers. Our main crop was wheat, and we began growing beans when our son joined the operation. When our church cookbook was revised a couple years ago, this recipe was included...
There's lots of garlic flavor in this filling side dish. I like it with grilled chicken but it works wonderfully with nearly any menu.-Brenda Nolen, Folsom, Louisiana
For a change of pace, I like to serve these stuffed cucumbers in place of a lettuce salad. They're really refreshing, and a touch of French dressing makes them a colorful addition to any meal. -Mrs. Howard...
Carrots pair beautifully with anything from roasted meat to grilled fish. Cook the carrots fully to ensure a velvety smooth puree. -Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
Year-round, our family always goes for this crisp, refreshing salad. With a tangy vinegar and oil dressing., it has wonderful homemade flavor. When Mom made it years ago for our family of seven, it was...
Grits are a staple in southern cooking. Serve this as a brunch item with bacon or as a side dish for dinner.-Jennifer Wallis, Goldsboro, North Carolina
Spinach and fennel are two of my favorite veggies, so I'm always looking for new ways to use them. This is an amazing side dish, but if you slice the fennel a bit smaller, it also makes a great stuffing...
My husband absolutely loves peas. My middle son isn't the biggest fan, but he loves bacon. So, I combined the two, and it was perfect! This pea salad is an awesome side dish, especially for barbecue. -Angela...
"A friend created this mild and light dressing that's a snap to whip up with on-hand ingredients," says Joan Rose of Langley, British Columbia. "Whenever I serve it, someone asks for the recipe."
MY Mother often fixed this salad when I was a child. I grew up on a farm and most of our food came right from the garden. We especially liked this in the spring, when early leaf lettuce appeared. After...
I had a green bean salad at a local deli and enjoyed it so much, I tried to re-create it at home. The result was yummy! It lasts for several days in the fridge, and the taste keeps getting better. -Allison...
For a little zip, crumble feta over the top of this artichoke salad. Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a beautiful main dish. -Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Can't decide whether to cook vegetables or pasta for a side dish? Try combining them in this medley. It received rave reviews at our volunteer fire department meeting. Now, I make it for other covered-dish...
I love this creamy, fresh-tasting dressing! It's so quick to assemble and adds a summery gourmet touch when drizzled over a salad. -Kendra Stoller, Kouts, Indiana.
Grilled mushrooms always taste good, but this easy recipe makes them taste even more fantastic. As the mother of two children, I love to cook entire meals on the grill. It's fun spending time outdoors...
When I want a break from butters or jams, I like to whip up this simple spread. All of the variations are wonderful and taste great on toasted breads. -Rita Addicks, Weimar, Texas
My mother and I came up with this sweet dish. It's one easy way to get everyone to eat their veggies. With only five ingredients, it's fast and simple to make, too.
A friend gave me the recipe for this delicious dish, which uses a packaged stuffing mix. A salad and bread of your choice is all you'll need for a filling lunch or dinner. It's so versatile, you can even...
Grandmother always served sweet potatoes and apples with pork, so I know she'd approve of this dish I created to combine the two.-Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona
I've had this cheesy corn casserole recipe for years, and my family still asks for it all the time. Our son, who is not a big vegetable eater, says it's one of his favorites.-Joan Hallford, North Richland...