9 Sensational Sides That Will Dress Up Any Dish

Side dishes are often an afterthought, but they can be just as memorable as the main course. These sensational sides will have people scrambling for seconds.

1. Roasted Broccoli with Chipotle Butter

Build a meal around this flavorful broccoli. The florets are tossed in a sweet, spicy, and smoky chipotle honey butter before roasting. Pair with simply grilled salmon or steak and dinner is done. GET THE RECIPE

2. Pancetta Wrapped Asparagus

It sounds fancy but is incredibly simple. All you do is wrap big, thick asparagus spears with pancetta and sauté them until nice and crisp. I especially love them for brunch alongside eggs or quiche. GET THE RECIPE

3. Curried Roasted Carrots

These sweet and spicy roasted carrots are delicious enough to stand on their own as a simple supper or satisfying snack. GET THE RECIPE

4. Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

This rustic version of mashed potatoes is an easy crowd-pleaser. Simply boil a few pounds of baby red potatoes, smash them with a fork, then mix them with butter, Parmesan cheese and seasonings. GET THE RECIPE

5. Basmati Rice Pilaf with Dried Fruit and Almonds

Bright yellow, studded with dried fruit and almonds, and scented with cumin, cinnamon and turmeric -- this rice pilaf will remind you of someplace exotic you'd like to travel far far away. Serve it with Chicken Kebabs. GET THE RECIPE

6. Cheddar Soda Bread

This quick and easy table bread is made with extra sharp cheddar, which gives it a crisp, golden crust and tender, cheesy interior. For a cozy dinner, serve with a bowl of tomato soup or chili. GET THE RECIPE

7. Balsamic-Glazed Roasted Beets

If you love beets, you may just obsess over these. They're oven-roasted, which intensifies their natural sweetness, and then tossed in a tart and syrupy balsamic reduction. Serve this nutritional powerhouse as a side, or keep them in the fridge for snacking or salad toppers. GET THE RECIPE

8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar & Honey

Vegetables are not usually described as addicting, but these brussels sprouts doused with balsamic and honey will have you coming back for seconds and thirds. GET THE RECIPE

9. Gingered Carrot Souffle

Technically, it's not really a soufflé, but rather a baked puree of carrots, butter, brown sugar, and eggs that has a fluffy and delicate texture. It's also not technically a dessert, but it's almost sweet enough to be. GET THE RECIPE