Elevate those classic vegetable sides with the addition of creamy, melty cheese. Veggies like sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, cabbage and more meet savory parmesan, cheddar, feta or mozzarella to create a tasty side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, these dishes come together in three steps or less, making them the perfect addition to your weeknight lineup. Try our five-star Cheesy Baked Tomatoes or our quick and easy Roasted Lemon-Feta Broccoli for a side that will be the star of the show.
Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Parm
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf.
Nutmeg, thyme and garlic give tender sweet potatoes a warm, savory backbone, while Parmesan creates a golden crust that crisps beautifully in the oven. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt and fresh thyme at the end adds just the right finishing touch. Whether served at a festive gathering or alongside a cozy weeknight roast, these potatoes are sure to steal the spotlight.
Cheesy Sautéed Cabbage
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
This cheesy cabbage is a comforting side dish that turns shredded green cabbage into something special. Creamy havarti cheese melts onto the warm cabbage, creating a rich, velvety texture. A layer of crispy panko breadcrumbs adds just the right amount of crunch. This easy dish pairs well with roasted meats or fish.
Cheesy Baked Tomatoes
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.
Baked tomatoes with cheese are a simple side dish that highlights the natural sweetness of summer-ripe tomatoes. We top halved tomatoes with a layer of melted mozzarella and tangy feta cheese, creating a deliciously gooey, golden crust. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a fresh note, but any fresh herb will pair perfectly with these warm juicy tomatoes.
Garlic-Parmesan Green Beans
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel
These garlic-Parmesan green beans are a quick and easy side dish made in just one skillet. They pair beautifully with anything from roasted chicken to grilled steak, baked salmon or stuffed portobello mushrooms. They’re quick enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough to serve at a gathering.
Roasted Lemon-Feta Broccoli
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
This lemon-roasted broccoli side dish is the perfect weeknight side. It’s quick and packed with vibrant flavors that complement any meal. We love to garnish this dish with fresh mint and oregano, but if you want to skip the fresh herbs, an extra pinch of dried herbs sprinkled over the top will work well too.
Cacio e Pepe Winter Squash
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
This cacio e pepe winter squash recipe is the ultimate cool-weather side dish. This twist on the classic Roman pasta brings the cheesy and peppery flavors of Cacio e Pepe to sweet acorn squash, making it a cozy, flavorful addition to any fall or winter meal. For a simple variation, try it with delicata or butternut squash.
Creamy Cabbage & Sun-Dried Tomato Casserole
Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell
This creamy cabbage with sun-dried tomatoes is pure comfort in a casserole dish. Tender, sautéed cabbage melds beautifully with the rich, cheesy sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes add a touch of tangy sweetness that brightens every bite. Serve this warming side with roasted chicken or pork, or over whole grains.
Cheesy French Onion Cabbage
Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Melissa Gray, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong
These cheesy French onion cabbage wedges are a delicious twist on the classic flavors of French onion soup. Roasted cabbage is topped with caramelized onions, savory Gruyère cheese and a sprinkle of fresh thyme and pepper. They can serve as a warm side dish or vegetarian main.
Roasted Zucchini with Whipped Ricotta
Ali Redmond
This roasted zucchini with whipped ricotta and fresh herbs features a delightful blend of creamy, savory and herbaceous flavors with a hint of roasted sweetness. Whipping ricotta lightens the texture; whisk by hand if you don’t have a mixer.
Cheesy Zucchini with Hot Honey
Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling
These cheesy baked zucchini slices are topped with a mixture of creamy feta and melty mozzarella and finished with a drizzle of hot honey. Cutting zucchini on an angle provides more surface area for the topping. Avoid crowding by using two baking sheets if needed.
Loaded Cabbage Salad
Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Sue Mitchell
This loaded cabbage salad features crisp chopped green cabbage tossed in a creamy dressing flavored with smoky bacon. Bacon fat boosts savory flavor, but you can replace it with oil. Red or napa cabbage also work well.
Loaded Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Greg Dupree
The sprouts in this loaded smashed Brussels sprouts recipe are cooked to crisp-tender, then crushed, baked and smothered in melted Cheddar cheese, bacon and sour cream. Serve as a fun side or appetizer.
Cheesy Pull-Apart Broccoli with Cheddar
Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Julia Levy, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Cheddar and broccoli are a classic combination—here paired for an impressive side or appetizer. Garlic and mustard amplify the deliciousness.
Broiled Cauliflower “Mac” & Cheese
Jason Donnelly
We replaced pasta with cauliflower in this creamy low-carb “mac” and cheese. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a quick broil give it a savory, crispy crust.
