Kristie Pryor

Because baked ziti already brings pasta, tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese, the question of what to serve with baked ziti: best side dishes is really about contrast. I reach first for crisp greens, pleasantly bitter vegetables, lemon, and vinegar. Bread can still belong on the table, but it should not be the only side … Read more

When I decide what to serve with pork roast: best side dishes means more than adding potatoes to the plate. Pork can be rich and savory, so I look for a deliberate balance of creamy, crisp, bitter, sweet, and acidic flavors. The cut and seasoning matter too: a garlicky loin needs a different supporting cast … Read more

The useful answer to what to serve with burgers: best side dishes changes with the occasion. A quick stovetop burger needs a fast vegetable or oven fry; a cookout needs sides that can wait safely and serve easily; and a loaded cheeseburger benefits from something crisp and acidic. I choose one classic side and one … Read more

If you are planning what to serve with enchiladas: best side dishes should balance the sauce and filling already in the baking dish. Cheese-heavy red enchiladas benefit from crisp slaw or pickles, while lean chicken or vegetable enchiladas can take a fuller side of rice or beans. I choose by contrast, not by automatically putting … Read more

For what to serve with tacos: best side dishes depend first on the filling. Rich carnitas needs crisp slaw or pickled onions; fish tacos need light corn, cucumber, or avocado; and simple ground-beef tacos can handle rice and beans. I build taco night with one hearty side, one fresh side, and a few toppings—not six … Read more

Because jambalaya already contains rice, vegetables, and meat or seafood, the answer to what to serve with jambalaya: best side dishes begins with restraint. I look for something cool, green, acidic, or crisp—not another large scoop of rice or a competing casserole. The twelve choices here are developed for real meal planning. Each includes preparation … Read more

My practical answer to what to serve with gumbo: best side dishes is to begin with rice or potato salad, add bread for the broth, and choose one cool or acidic side. Gumbo already supplies deep roux flavor, protein, vegetables, and plenty of seasoning, so the rest of the menu should create contrast rather than … Read more

If you are deciding what to serve with crab legs: best side dishes should protect the crab’s sweet, delicate flavor while making the meal feel generous. I recommend one buttery or starchy side, one crisp vegetable or salad, and no more than two dipping sauces. That combination gives you contrast without crowding the seafood. The … Read more

For what to serve with beef tenderloin: best side dishes should feel polished without covering the mild, tender beef. I choose one potato or grain, one green vegetable, and a restrained salad or sauce. Rich gratin plus creamed spinach plus béarnaise can be too much on one plate. These 12 elegant picks work for a … Read more

For what to serve with shepherd’s pie: best side dishes should add freshness rather than more meat, potatoes, or gravy. The casserole already contains a complete comfort-food meal, so a crisp green vegetable or sharp salad is usually enough. These 10 balanced picks work with classic lamb, cottage pie made with beef, and vegetable versions. … Read more