Side Dish Recipes

Easy Cheesy Pepper Poppers

A flavor-packed appetizer that can also be served as a tasty side dish, these 3-ingredient bites are quick to assemble and bake to golden, cheesy perfection. An optional fourth ingredient offers a spicy-sweet variation! Jalapeño poppers have long been a party favorite. But what if you could make a quicker, easier, every-bit-as-tasty popper with mild…

Ratatouille

With its roots in Provence, France (not the 2007 Pixar film!) ratatouille is a rustic, end-of-summer, vegetable stew that will make the most of a bounty of fresh produce and can be enjoyed in so many ways.   If you don’t like to chop, I give you permission to skip the following recipe. But before…

Jack’s Favorite Tomato & Cucumber Salad

You barely need a recipe for this garden-fresh summer salad that will round out a broad range of meals, from corn on the cob and burgers to grilled chicken and fish.   Normally, my husband would consider dinner incomplete without some form of protein on his plate.  However, when corn on the cob is in…

Roasted Potato Salad with Special Sauce

No need to peel the potatoes in this customizable salad, which uses a uniquely flavorful dressing that can be made in advance.    I’ve been making this salad for years without actually measuring the ingredients. A little different than the average potato salad, it’s always a hit. Most recently, I prepared the summer staple for…

Southwestern Rice Salad

This crowd-pleasing dish can be assembled in advance, travels well, and caters to a variety of eating styles. Ideal for backyard barbecues, potlucks, and stress-free family meals!   You know all those times you’re searching for something a little different than the usual pasta or vegetable-based salad while maintaining broad appeal?  For me, this tried-and-true…

Baked Swiss Chard with Peppers and Feta

Crave-worthy greens are within easy reach thanks to a unique method of preparation, which delivers crispy edges and golden brown bits of feta, all while adding a few other colorful veggies to the mix!   Since much of the work I do for The Fountain Avenue Kitchen takes place in the quiet of my kitchen…

Asiago Asparagus

Asiago cheese provides a delightful alternative to Parmesan, adding a unique twist to simply roasted asparagus. Any crispy bits of cheese sticking to the baking sheet are a special treat!     No doubt, Parmesan cheese is a dependable workhorse in the kitchen. From chicken Parm and pesto to risotto, Italian-style soups, and even popcorn, versatile…

Cilantro Lime Rice

A few key additions transform basic rice into an extra special side dish that enhances a wide variety of cuisines. Not a fan of cilantro? Not to worry. You may omit it and the resulting lime-infused rice will still be a winner!     Perhaps no food better embodies feelings of sustenance and comfort than…

Harissa Roasted Green Beans

A singular condiment adds culinary magic to simply roasted vegetables, in this case, transforming basic green beans into a restaurant-worthy side dish. The best part? The dish takes less than 15 minutes start to finish!    When we’re not familiar with a recipe ingredient, let alone know where to look for it in the grocery store,…

Roasted Mediterranean Cauliflower

Simply roasted cauliflower is elevated to something special thanks to a versatile sauce that might just become a new favorite. The base recipe is perfect as a side dish, and a few pantry staples will transform it into a filling entree.   Easy and flexible are two important words in my kitchen. Day to day,…

Roasted Wild Mushrooms

The simplest of ingredients and a straightforward technique transform earthy mushrooms into a meaty, savory, satisfying dish that can be enjoyed in so many ways. And though wild mushrooms are widely available and contribute interest and textural variety, this hands-off technique will make the most of basic button mushrooms.         When I…

Southern (with a Twist) Cornbread… naturally gluten-free with a dairy-free option

The magic begins when you pour the simple batter into a hot skillet. This unique recipe is naturally gluten-free with a dairy-free option and has been a hit with readers (and my family) for years. And have you noticed how leftover cornbread always seems dry? There’s a great tip for “refreshing” it, and I also mention how I…

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