Kristie Pryor

For what to serve with brisket: best side dishes depend first on whether the meat is smoky Texas barbecue or tender oven-braised brisket. Smoke welcomes pickles, slaw, beans, and corn; braised brisket works naturally with potatoes, carrots, green beans, and sharp salads. These 14 smokehouse picks cover both styles, with complete menu ideas and a … Read more

For what to serve with BBQ ribs: best side dishes should cool the sauce, add crunch, or soak up juices without making the whole plate sweet and heavy. I build a ribs menu around one cold side, one vegetable, and at most one comfort-food starch. These 15 cookout picks include classics, brighter alternatives, and a … Read more

When I decide what to serve with fish tacos: best side dishes need to stay fresh, bright, and easy to eat. The tacos already bring tortillas, fish, sauce, and usually slaw, so the side should not repeat every topping. Lime rice, simple beans, street corn, or a juicy salad can complete the meal without crowding … Read more

For what to serve with crab cakes: best side dishes should protect the delicate crab flavor and add contrast to the crisp exterior. I reach first for lemony greens, vinegar slaw, sweet corn, or a simple potato. Heavy cheese sauces and strongly spiced casseroles can make the crab disappear. These 15 fresh picks cover summer … Read more

When planning what to serve with shrimp scampi: best side dishes should either catch the lemon-garlic butter or cut through it. Because shrimp cook in minutes, the side also needs to be ready first—or finish during the short window while the sauce comes together. These 16 pairings are divided into sauce-catching starches, fresh vegetables, and … Read more

When I choose what to serve with salmon: best side dishes depend on whether the fish is lemony, sweet-glazed, smoky, or creamy. Salmon has a rich texture, so a bright vegetable or herb-forward grain usually belongs on the plate before another rich sauce does. These 16 pairings cover quick stovetop sides, oven-friendly vegetables, potatoes, grains, … Read more

For what to serve with meatloaf: best side dishes should balance a savory, glazed main without turning dinner into three soft brown foods. Mashed potatoes are classic, but they work best when a crisp green vegetable or sharp salad joins the plate. These 16 pairings cover traditional comfort food and fresher weeknight options. I have … Read more

When I plan what to serve with potato soup: best side dishes add crunch, acidity, or protein without repeating the potato. A thick loaded soup may need only a sharp salad, while a smooth, lighter soup can support half a sandwich or a simple protein. These 16 pairings are arranged by the kind of meal … Read more

For what to serve with chili: best side dishes usually include one cooling, crunchy choice and one scoopable bread or starch. Chili is already a complete bowl of sauce, beans, vegetables, and often meat, so it does not need a parade of heavy casseroles. These 16 sides are organized by the job they do—scoop, cool, … Read more

When deciding what to serve with lasagna: best side dishes should lighten the meal, not compete with another full casserole. Lasagna already brings pasta, sauce, cheese, and often meat, so I start with something crisp and acidic. Bread is optional, and a second starchy dish is rarely necessary. These 17 pairings cover leafy salads, roasted … Read more