Easter might center around the main dish, but let’s be honest… it’s the sides that everyone piles onto their plates.

From creamy, comforting classics to fresh, bright salads and easy veggie dishes, these are sides that actually get eaten. Some are make-ahead friendly, some are perfect for the slow cooker or Instant Pot, and all of them are simple enough to pull off without stressing over it.

If you’re building your Easter menu, this is where you’ll find the dishes that round everything out and keep people coming back for seconds.

Jiffy Corn Pudding

Corn Pudding. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

Soft, creamy, and just a little sweet, this corn pudding is as easy as it gets. It’s one of those sides that surprises people with how good it is.
Get the Recipe: Jiffy Corn Pudding

Crockpot Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

Creamy, cheesy hashbrowns cook low and slow until perfectly tender with a golden, bubbly top. This is one of those sides that disappears fast… you might want to grab a scoop early.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

This Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole is a classic side dish made with creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy brown sugar pecan praline topping. It tastes just like dessert, and this version is always one of the first sides gone.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Baked Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of fluffy mashed potatoes topped with chives and paprika in a vibrant red serving dish.
Baked Mashed Potatoes. Photo Credit: Jeannie’s Tried and True Recipes.

These mashed potatoes are baked until warm, creamy, and perfectly fluffy. It’s an easy way to make a big batch and keep it hot for serving.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A close-up of homemade mashed potatoes garnished with herbs on a white plate.
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

These buttery mashed potatoes are loaded with garlic and come together even faster in the Instant Pot. Cooking the potatoes right in milk gives them extra flavor and makes this classic side dish even more delicious.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Buttery Yellow Squash with Onions

Buttery Yellow Squash with Onions. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

Tender squash and sweet onions cooked down in butter until soft and full of flavor. It’s simple, but this is one people always end up loving more than they expected.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Yellow Squash with Onions

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

These mashed potatoes are rich, creamy, and just a little tangy from buttermilk. That small upgrade makes a big difference, and people always notice.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Butter Roasted Carrots

A close-up view of sliced carrots in a floral ceramic dish, prepared and ready for cooking.
Butter Roasted Carrots. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

Simple, buttery roasted carrots with lightly caramelized edges and rich flavor. It’s an easy side that doesn’t look like much at first, but always ends up getting finished.
Get the Recipe: Butter Roasted Carrots

Southern Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread Dressing. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

This cornbread dressing is packed with cornbread and sausage and is super tasty. It’s a must-have holiday side that pairs perfectly with any main dish. The celery and onions add such a wonderful crunch, and the creamy soup brings it all together.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread Dressing

Southern Cornbread

Southern Cornbread. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

Golden cornbread with crisp edges and a tender center that’s full of flavor. It’s simple, classic, and perfect for soaking up everything on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread Recipe

Classic Green Bean Casserole

Close-up of a green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions in a baking dish.
Classic Green Bean Casserole. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

Creamy green beans topped with crispy onions for that classic comfort food everyone expects. It’s simple, familiar, and always disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Classic Green Bean Casserole

Southern Broccoli Casserole

Southern Broccoli Casserole. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

Tender broccoli baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a crispy topping. It’s a classic comfort dish that even broccoli skeptics enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Southern Broccoli Casserole

Southern Style Collard Greens

Collard Greens. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

Slow-simmered with smoky flavor and tender greens, this classic Southern side is full of rich, savory goodness. It’s a make-ahead favorite that only gets better as it sits.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Collard Greens

Roasted Rainbow Carrots

A vibrant plate of roasted rainbow carrots topped with sliced almonds and drizzled with green pesto, presented on a white plate with a red and white striped cloth in the background.
Roasted Rainbow Carrots. Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

When it comes to a special occasion vegetable side dish, roasted rainbow carrots are here for it. They look so beautiful on the plate, especially when topped with fresh herbs in the form of Magic Green Sauce!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Rainbow Carrots

Pea Salad for Easter

A close-up view of a creamy pea salad featuring green peas, diced cheese, crispy bacon bits, and fresh herbs, served in a black bowl on a striped tablecloth.
Pea Salad for Easter. Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

Sweet peas tossed in a creamy dressing with onions, bacon, and cheese. It’s a cool, comforting side that’s easy to make ahead.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad for Easter

Instant Pot Creamed Corn

Instant Pot Creamed Corn. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

Creamy, sweet corn made quickly in the Instant Pot with rich flavor. It’s an easy way to get a comforting side dish on the table fast.
Get the Full Recipe: Instant Pot Creamed Corn

Sweet Potato Stacks

Close-up of layered sweet potato stacks, garnished with herbs, presented on a dark slate surface.
Sweet Potato Stacks. Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

Thin slices of sweet potatoes are layered and baked until tender with crispy edges. They’re a simple but eye-catching addition to your table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Stacks

Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots

A close-up view of shiny glazed baby carrots in a black cooking pot with a black spatula.
Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

Tender carrots cooked in a sweet glaze until soft and flavorful. They’re an easy, hands-off side that pairs with just about everything.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn Recipe

Close-up image of a creamy corn casserole with visible kernels and a spoon.
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

Sweet corn cooks low and slow in a rich, creamy sauce until perfectly tender. It’s hands-off and always one of the first sides to go.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

French Grated Carrot Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

A close-up view of a vibrant shredded carrot salad mixed with green onions and herbs in a white bowl.
French Grated Carrot Salad. Photo Credit: Once Upon a Chef.

Fresh, crisp carrots tossed in a light lemon Dijon dressing for a bright, refreshing side. It’s simple, quick, and a nice balance to richer dishes.
Get the Recipe: French Grated Carrot Salad

Easy Skillet Blackened Corn

Deliciously roasted corn kernels seasoned and garnished with green onions in a cast iron skillet.
Easy Skillet Blackened Corn. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

Sweet corn cooked in a skillet with bold seasoning and a little char. It’s quick, flavorful, and adds something a little different to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Easy Skillet Blackened Corn

Deviled Eggs with Diced Pickles

A close-up view of deviled eggs arranged on a white serving tray, garnished with paprika and displaying a creamy filling.
Deviled Eggs. Image Credit: Southern Bytes.

Classic deviled eggs with a little extra crunch and tang from diced pickles. It’s a small twist, but it makes these stand out from the usual version.
Get the Recipe: Deviled Eggs with Diced Pickles

Ultimate 6 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese

A close-up of creamy macaroni and cheese with melted cheese stretching as it is lifted from a bowl.
6 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese. Photo Credit: State of Dinner.

This mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and packed with layers of cheesy flavor. It’s the kind of side that quickly becomes the star of the table.
Get the Recipe: Six-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese

Crockpot Candied Sweet Potatoes (Yams)

A close-up of glazed candied sweet potatoes in a white dish.
Crockpot Candied Sweet Potatoes. Image Credit: Southern Bytes.

Soft sweet potatoes coated in a buttery, brown sugar glaze that thickens as they cook. This is a classic holiday side that’s rich, sweet, and hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Candied Sweet Potatoes

Crispy Southern Hot Water Cornbread

Close-up of crispy golden-brown potato cakes topped with a pat of butter and drizzled honey, resting on a wire rack.
Crispy Southern Hot Water Cornbread. Photo Credit: Butter & Baggage.

These crispy little cornbread rounds are golden on the outside and tender inside. They’re simple, nostalgic, and perfect for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Southern Hot Water Cornbread

Stove Top Candied Sweet Potatoes

Close-up of caramelized carrots drizzled with syrup and topped with crushed pecans, showcasing a rich, glossy texture.
Stove Top Candied Sweet Potatoes. Photo Credit: Butter & Baggage.

Tender sweet potatoes coated in a rich, buttery glaze right on the stovetop. It’s a quick and delicious way to get that classic sweet potato side that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Stove Top Candied Sweet Potatoes

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

A spoonful of creamy au gratin potatoes with a golden-brown, cheesy crust, showcasing its rich texture and delicious layers.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo Credit: Butter & Baggage.

Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, cheesy sauce until bubbly and golden. It’s a comforting classic that’s always worth the extra scoop.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Crockpot Southern Green Beans

Southern Green Beans. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

These green beans cook low and slow with savory flavor until perfectly tender. They’re simple, hearty, and full of that classic Southern taste.
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans

Cheesy Macaroni Salad

A bowl of creamy pasta salad topped with fresh herbs and black pepper, showcasing a delicious and inviting dish.
Cheesy Macaroni Salad. Photo Credit: Butter & Baggage.

Creamy macaroni salad with a balance of tangy and slightly sweet flavors. It’s a reliable side that works for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Macaroni Salad

Instant Pot Southern Green Beans

Instant Pot Southern-Style Green Beans. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

These green beans cook quickly with savory flavor and a tender texture. It’s an easy shortcut to a classic Southern side.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Southern-Style Green Beans

Cowboy Caviar

Redneck Caviar. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

A fresh mix of beans, corn, and veggies tossed in a zesty dressing. It’s bright, flavorful, and perfect as a side or dip.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar Recipe

Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

Pasta Salad. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

This pasta salad is a bite from my childhood. Tender pasta is tossed with fresh veggies and a zesty Italian dressing. It’s simple, colorful, and great for making ahead.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad Recipe

Creamy German Cucumber Salad

Creamy German Cucumber Salad. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

Cool, crisp cucumbers tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing make for a refreshing side. It’s light, simple, and perfect alongside richer side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy German Cucumber Salad (Gurkensalat)

Easter Hosting Made Simple – 17 Recipes Everyone Will Love

A colorful plate featuring Southern dishes including collard greens, sweet carrots, ham, turkey with gravy, cheesy potatoes, and a cartoon bunny on the side.
Easter Recipes. Photo Credit: Southern Bytes.

Whether you’re hosting the whole family or just keeping things cozy this year, these Easter favorites help you serve a meal that feels thoughtful, satisfying, and completely doable.
Grab them here: Easter Recipes Everyone Will Love

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Hi, I'm Kari!

I’m the home cook and photographer at Southern Bytes. My love of cooking started in my mom’s kitchen more than 30 years ago and grew even stronger after I married into a Louisiana family that lives and breathes Southern food. These are the recipes that capture the heart of Southern tradition, from collard greens and gumbo to cornbread and red beans and rice.

Featured in Women’s Day and Mashed, my recipes have been rated 5 stars by thousands of readers who cook them for their families year after year.

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