No fabulous meal is complete without equally fabulous sides. American cuisine is versatile enough to fit almost any meal, whether it is a casual family dinner or a holiday family gathering. The varied cuisine addresses the needs of celebratory preparation for food at a family gathering, whether it is non-greasy, quirky burger dishes or gourmet casseroles. In the post, we outline five key paired meal options in American Side Dishes. These sides are holiday favorites. Adjust the meal according to your taste, and the preparation is quite simple. These sides work best with Thanksgiving, barbecue, or any casual dinner during the week.
Mashed Potatoes
The all-American comfort food side is the mashed potato. It is made with boiled potatoes and is easy to prepare. All you need to do is boil the potatoes and mash them with butter, cream and a bit of salt. The cream and butter make the pots rich, so they make a tasty accompaniment to grilled vegetables and roasted meat. This makes the pots versatile enough to fit any meal. The inclusion of cream and butter renders the dish non-vegan due to the presence of allergens. They absorb flavors and help complement any meat dish. A good replacement for the butter and cream would be any plant-based option.
Macaroni and Cheese
This American classic is a combination of pasta, cheese, and milk, baked into a golden casserole. It is made by first boiling the macaroni, then preparing a cheese sauce, mixing the two, and finally baking it. What makes this dish enjoyable is the combination of contrasting textures: the rich creaminess and the crunch of the baked topping. This dish is made with pasta which contains gluten, and cheese and milk which contain dairy. However, gluten-free pasta and vegan cheese are popular substitutes. It is commonly served with fried chicken and barbecue.
Coleslaw
This dish is made of shredded cabbage and carrots and is usually topped with mayo. It is a popular dish served at summer cookouts. It is made quickly by mixing the veggies with mayo, vinegar, and other seasonings and is very easy to prepare. The ease of the dish is that you get a great balance of taste, with the crispness of the veggies and the sourness, which works great with the heaviness of the main course, usually ribs or burgers. The main allergen comes from the mayo, which is the eggs. However, yogurt-based or mayo-free versions are common. The dish also offers some nutritional value, vitamins, and fiber.
Cornbread
Cornbread is one of the most iconic American holiday sides, made with cornmeal, flour, eggs, and butter. Preparation involves mixing dry and wet ingredients and baking until golden. The benefit of cornbread is its slightly sweet, crumbly texture that complements chili, stews, and barbecue. Common allergens include gluten (flour), eggs, and dairy, but recipes can be adjusted with substitutes. Its history roots back to Native American cuisine, making it both traditional and versatile.
Green Bean Casserole
Often associated with Thanksgiving, green bean casserole combines green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. Preparation is easy—mix, bake, and top with onions. The benefit is a balance of creamy and crunchy textures, plus it sneaks vegetables onto the plate in a flavorful way. Allergens include gluten and dairy from the soup and onions, though gluten-free and dairy-free versions exist. It remains one of the best side dishes for dinner and holiday gatherings.
Conclusion
You can never go wrong with any of these American side dishes. Served with any main course, these sides can stand alone with no problem. They add comfort and versatility and relax any formality of a meal, making it suitable any day of the week or centering it around a special occasion. A week to your next special occasion, pick a side or two on any of your meals to soften the heart and add flavor to the meal.
