A burrata with tomatoes and pesto appetizer or salad featuring fresh basil and olives, all beautifully arranged on a white platter, accompanied by grilled bread slices on the side.

13 Easter Sides That Refuse to Sit Quietly Beside the Ham

Side dishes have a way of taking an Easter meal to the next level. They add layers of flavor, color, and texture that make every bite more exciting. These dishes help bring everyone together as they share, taste, and enjoy a variety of flavors. From light and fresh to rich and comforting, sides make the table feel full and festive. With the right combination, your Easter dinner will be both delicious and unforgettable.

A burrata with tomatoes and pesto appetizer or salad featuring fresh basil and olives, all beautifully arranged on a white platter, accompanied by grilled bread slices on the side.
Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn

Slow cooker jalapeño corn dip topped with bacon and chopped peppers.
Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

If you love jalapeño poppers, you will want to try this creamy corn version made in the slow cooker. Sweet corn blends with spicy jalapeños, bacon, and plenty of cheese for a rich and comforting side dish. It is incredibly easy to make and always fits right in at potlucks, holiday dinners, or any meal with steak, chicken, or burgers.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn

Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad

Overhead view of a watermelon feta cucumber salad on a large platter.
Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad tastes like summer in a bowl. Sweet watermelon and crisp cucumber pair perfectly with salty feta, while a drizzle of honey lemon dressing ties everything together with bright flavor. A handful of fresh mint keeps it cool and refreshing, making it perfect for warm days or an easy light lunch.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Feta Cucumber Salad

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Slices of air fryer garlic bread on a wooden board with herbs and a bowl of garlic butter nearby.
Air Fryer Garlic Bread. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Golden, crispy edges and a soft buttery center make this Air Fryer Garlic Bread seriously hard to resist. A French loaf spreads with homemade garlic butter loaded with parmesan, parsley, and bold garlic flavor in every bite. The air fryer makes the whole thing fast and easy, and the flavor beats store bought garlic bread by a mile.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Smoked Asparagus

Smoked asparagus on a wooden cutting board with lemon slices.
Smoked Asparagus. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

When you want a side dish that feels special without extra work, Smoked Asparagus does the trick. Lemon pepper seasoning brings out the freshness of the asparagus while the smoker adds rich flavor and a buttery garlic lemon glaze ties everything together. It’s simple, tasty, and perfect next to anything coming off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Asparagus

Crack Green Beans

White casserole dish with cooked green beans and bacon on a cooling rack.
Crack Green Beans. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Say goodbye to boring green beans with this irresistible side dish. Crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a sticky sweet and savory sauce make these green beans a total crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for holiday dinners or even just a cozy meal at home, and you won’t believe how fast they disappear from the plate.
Get the Recipe: Crack Green Beans

Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto

A burrata with tomatoes and pesto appetizer or salad featuring fresh basil and olives, all beautifully arranged on a white platter, accompanied by grilled bread slices on the side.
Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

When you want an easy Italian appetizer that still feels special, this Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto checks every box. Creamy burrata sits alongside sweet heirloom tomatoes, olives, fragrant basil, and vibrant pesto for a fresh and flavorful bite. Serve it with crunchy garlic toast and watch everyone gather around the plate.
Get the Recipe: Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Air fryer sweet potato wedges garnished with chopped herbs lie next to a glass container of dipping sauce on parchment paper.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges turn out golden, crispy, and packed with flavor in every bite. Onion powder, garlic powder, and a touch of red pepper flakes give them a bold seasoning that makes them hard to stop eating. Dip them in spicy mayo or your favorite sauce and serve them alongside burgers or chicken sandwiches for an easy side everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Brussels Sprouts

ood blogger, Bella Bucchiotti of xoxoBella, shares a recipe for roasted brussels sprout pomegranate pancetta feta casserole.
Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

You can turn simple Brussels sprouts into something truly special with this pomegranate pancetta feta combination. Roasted sprouts get tossed with crispy pancetta, walnuts, Dijon, and balsamic for a mix of savory, tangy, and crunchy goodness. Pomegranate seeds and creamy feta add pops of sweetness and richness that make every bite exciting.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Brussels Sprouts

Smoked Italian Pasta Salad

A black bowl of colorful pasta salad with cheese, salami, veggies, and zesty Pepperoncini dressing, perfect for summer BBQs.
Smoked Italian Pasta Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Bring something a little different to the table with this Smoked Italian Pasta Salad. The smoker adds irresistible savory flavor to the tomatoes, meats, cheese, and veggies, creating layers of delicious taste. Tossed in a bright homemade vinaigrette, it turns into a chilled pasta salad that shines at BBQs, potlucks, or easy lunches.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Italian Pasta Salad

Garlic Green Beans

A white plate of garlic green beans is topped with sliced garlic, next to a wooden pepper mill and a bowl with chunks of butter.
Garlic Green Beans. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Whip up these Garlic Green Beans in just 15 minutes for a side everyone will enjoy. The beans get coated in garlicky goodness while staying crisp-tender and full of flavor. They match perfectly with any main, from chicken to seafood to vegetarian dishes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Green Beans

Stick of Butter Rice

A close-up of a casserole dish filled with baked stick of butter rice.
Stick Of Butter Rice. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Stick of Butter Rice proves that the simplest recipes often taste the best. A few ingredients turn ordinary rice into a rich, buttery side dish that feels cozy and satisfying. Bring it to the table once and your family will ask for it again and again.
Get the Recipe: Stick of Butter Rice

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

A plate with roasted carrots.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These sheet pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots are full of flavor and super easy to make. The natural sweetness of the carrots pops alongside the buttery parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs. Everyone at the table will reach for seconds, and even picky eaters will love them.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Slow Cooker Polenta

A bowl of creamy polenta topped with grated parmesan cheese and herbs, served next to sausages and a slow cooker in the background.
Slow Cooker Polenta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Slow Cooker Polenta is a total crowd-pleaser. You don’t need a long ingredient list, just polenta, broth, butter, garlic powder, and parmesan. Feel free to mix in herbs or spices to make a new version each time you cook it.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Polenta

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *