25+ Kid-Friendly Side Dishes

Creamy Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. These are melt-in-your-mouth smooth and fluffy! Perfect as a side dish for any meal, this recipe is a guaranteed kid-pleaser that will have the whole family begging for seconds!

Sweet potato wedges are a fun side dish that kids and adults alike will devour! These oven-baked wedges are perfectly seasoned, slightly crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. With their natural sweetness and a hint of spice (optional), they’re a flavorful alternative to regular fries!

Crispy smashed potatoes are a side dish that’s as fun to make as they are to eat! Baby potatoes with crispy edges, fluffy centers, each flavor-packed bite is impossible to resist. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce for a side that’s sure to steal the show!

Crispy pizza tater tots are made for tiny tastebuds, with a mashup of two all-time favorites: pizza and tots! Golden, crunchy tater tots are topped with melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a drizzle of marinara sauce, then baked until bubbly and irresistible. They’re the ultimate fun side dish or snack that’s guaranteed to disappear in record time!

Cracker Barrel cheesy potatoes are the definition of comfort food! This rich, creamy casserole is loaded with tender potatoes, gooey melted cheese, and a hint of seasoning that will remind you of your favorite restaurant side dish. It’s easy to whip up for family dinners, holiday gatherings. One bite, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

Sweet potato casserole is a classic side dish that’s equal parts cozy and delicious! It’s a must-have for holiday dinners or any time you want to add a little southern-inspired comfort to your table. Bonus: even picky eaters can’t resist this one!

Sweet cornbread is the perfect side dish to add a touch of cozy sweetness to any meal! Whether baked in a skillet or as muffins, it’s a family favorite that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Cheesy breadsticks made with pizza dough are the ultimate side dish. Loaded with gooey melted cheese, these breadsticks are incredibly easy to make and pair perfectly with marinara or ranch for dipping. Whether served alongside pasta, soup, or as a party appetizer, these cheesy breadsticks are always a hit!

Banana nut bread is a classic treat that’s as comforting as it is delicious! This moist and tender bread is packed with ripe bananas and crunchy nuts, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Serve it warm with a pat of butter, and watch it disappear in no time!

These soft, fluffy rolls have a golden-brown crust and a pillowy center that’s perfect for soaking up gravy or spreading with butter. Kids especially love the melt-in-your-mouth texture of these yeast rolls. Don’t be surprised if they grab one before they even make it to the table!

Crispy air fryer garlic bread is a quick and delicious side dish! Thick slices of bread are slathered with a buttery garlic spread and air-fried in minutes. It's a hit with kids and adults alike. Serve it alongside pasta, soup, or a favorite family meal, and watch it disappear faster than you can make more!

Crockpot creamed corn is a creamy, buttery side dish that practically makes itself! It’s an easy, hands-off recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, or anytime you need a kid-approved side that everyone will rave about. Serve it up, and watch it become an instant family favorite!

Air fryer roasted carrots are a quick and easy side dish. These tender carrots are lightly seasoned, roasted to perfection in the air fryer, and caramelized for a touch of natural sweetness. They’re so flavorful that even kids will reach for seconds!

Instant Pot corn on the cob is the easiest way to enjoy perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy corn in minutes! This kid-lovers side dish is always a hit. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, summer barbecues, or any time you’re craving a quick and delicious veggie!

Easy refrigerator pickles are a crisp, tangy treat that’s incredibly simple to make! With just a few basic ingredients—like cucumbers, vinegar, garlic, and spices—you can whip up a batch of fresh, homemade pickles in no time. There’s no canning required and they’re ready to enjoy after just a day or two in the fridge.

Old-fashioned squash casserole is a comforting classic that’s packed with flavor and nostalgia! It’s the perfect side dish for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist this cozy casserole—it’s a timeless recipe that brings everyone back for seconds!

Even Popeye would approve of this creamy spinach! It’s a delicious way to serve up those leafy greens. Kids love its smooth texture and cheesy flavor, making it a winning choice for the whole family.

Deviled egg pasta salad is a creamy, flavorful twist on two classic favorites! With tender pasta, chopped eggs, and a tangy dressing inspired by deviled eggs, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s kid-approved and perfect for family picnics, potlucks, or as a fun side dish for dinner!

Bowtie pasta salad is a colorful and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for kids and adults alike! It’s a great make-ahead dish for busy weeknights, potlucks, or school lunches, and it’s guaranteed to add a pop of flavor to any meal!

BBQ chicken pasta salad is a bold and tasty side dish that kids and grown-ups will love! It’s a fun twist on a classic pasta salad and perfect for picnics, potlucks, or busy weeknight dinners. This dish is hearty, zesty, and sure to be a family favorite!

BLT pasta salad is a fun and flavorful spin on the classic sandwich that kids will go crazy for! Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, potluck, or family dinner, this salad is a guaranteed hit that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy!

Veggie pasta salad is one of our favorite kid-friendly side dishes that makes eating veggies fun! Loaded with tender pasta, crunchy carrots, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a zesty dressing, it’s as refreshing as it is delicious. Even the pickiest eaters will love the vibrant flavors and fun textures!

Steak fried rice is a hearty and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for kids and adults alike! Tender bites of steak are mixed with fluffy rice, scrambled eggs, and colorful veggies, all tossed in a savory soy-based sauce. It’s a quick and easy recipe that works as a side dish or even a main meal.

Teriyaki noodles are a sweet and savory side dish that kids will love! Soft, slurpable noodles are coated in a delicious homemade teriyaki sauce. Toss in some veggies or protein for an extra boost, and you’ve got a quick and tasty side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. It’s a flavorful, kid-friendly favorite that’s ready in no time!

Tender apple slices are cooked with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a touch of butter until perfectly caramelized and bursting with flavor. Fried apples are greatserved alongside breakfast, as a dinner side, or even as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream. This kid-friendly favorite is always a hit. Simple, cozy, and downright delicious!

Chicken fried rice is a classic, kid-approved side dish that’s loaded with flavor! It’s a quick, one-pan recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a hearty addition to any meal. Serve it up, and watch your family go back for seconds (or thirds)!

Pineapple casserole is a sweet and savory classic that’s always a crowd-pleaser! Juicy pineapple chunks are baked with a buttery cracker topping, melted cheese, and a touch of sugar. It’s a unique side dish that pairs beautifully with ham, turkey, or any festive meal. Kids love its sweet, cheesy goodness, making it a surprising hit at the dinner table!