20 Cheesy Sides That Are Too Good to Be True

We’ve put together 20 side dishes where cheese isn’t just an ingredient—it’s the hero. These sides are loaded with cheese to the point where you might forget about the main course. They’re creamy, melty, and downright delicious. Grab a fork and dive into the best cheesy side dishes we could find.

Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes reach new heights when tossed in a Parmesan herb mix and air-fried to crispy perfection. In just 15 minutes, you get a side dish that’s crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a cheesy herb coating that’s absolutely addictive. It’s the perfect quick fix for a busy weeknight, offering up a side that pairs well with virtually anything. The ease of preparation and burst of flavors make it a must-try for anyone looking to spruce up their meal with minimal effort. Plus, the cheesy exterior gives it a sinful taste that’s too good to pass up.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Garlic Parmesan roasted carrots are a side dish revelation, offering a sweet and crispy experience with a cheesy crunch that’s utterly addictive. The combination of garlic and Parmesan cheese elevates these carrots to a side that’s perfect for holidays or everyday dinners. They roast up beautifully, becoming a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Be prepared to make more than you think you need; these carrots have a way of disappearing fast. Their cheesy, crunchy exterior makes them a standout side that’s almost too good to be true.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Transform sweet potatoes with goat cheese and spinach into a side dish that stands out for its creamy texture and rich flavors. This recipe merges the sweetness of potatoes with the creamy tang of goat cheese and the nutritious punch of spinach. It’s a hearty choice that promises to please, doubling as a healthy option that doesn’t skimp on the cheese factor. Quick to whip up, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The lush, cheesy blend makes every forkful a creamy dream.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Broccoli Cauliflower Gratin

Dive into a broccoli cauliflower gratin that could easily steal the spotlight from any main course. This recipe layers cheese and breadcrumbs to perfection, transforming everyday veggies into a creamy, crunchy side dish masterpiece. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy your greens, with a golden, cheesy crust that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for those looking for a comforting side that brings both nutrition and flavor. It’s a testament to how cheese can make even the simplest vegetables taste like a gourmet feast.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cauliflower Gratin

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

Crockpot cheesy potatoes are the side dish that dreams are made of. Just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do its thing. You get layers of flavors with minimal effort, making it perfect for holidays or any day that ends in ‘y’. Whether you’re serving it with Easter ham or just some simple grilled chicken, these potatoes are sure to be a hit. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of cheesy potatoes that practically cook themselves?
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

Cheesy Skillet Corn

Cheesy skillet corn is all about that thick, creamy goodness topped with bits of crispy bacon. It’s a mix of frozen or canned corn, heavy cream, butter, and of course, cheese, with a kick from green chilies and a crunch from scallions. Perfect as a hearty side or a crowd-pleasing dip, it’s loaded with flavors that make your mouth water. Whether you’re scooping it up with chips or piling it next to your main, it’s a winner. And let’s be honest, bacon and cheese together? Can’t go wrong.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Skillet Corn

Cauliflower Cheese

Cauliflower cheese is that classic dish that never gets old. Whether you’re serving it up as a cozy side or the main event, it’s all about that creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s a simple way to turn cauliflower into something everyone wants to eat. Great for dinners where you want to impress without too much stress. After all, a little cheese makes everything better, and this dish proves it.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheese

Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

This cheesy vegetable casserole tosses together a bunch of veggies with cream of mushroom soup, butter, and cheese, all topped with crispy bread crumbs. It’s the kind of dish that comes together in minutes and goes with anything – chicken, meatloaf, steak, you name it. It’s the ultimate “I need something tasty and easy” side dish that never disappoints. With its bubbly cheese and tender veggies, it’s comfort food without the fuss. Plus, it’s a great way to get everyone to eat their greens.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy mashed potatoes are the definition of comfort food, with a cheesy twist that makes them irresistible. This side dish blends fluffy potatoes with a generous amount of cheese, creating a creamy, dreamy texture that’s perfect for any holiday or gathering. It’s a classic with a cheesy upgrade, ensuring it’ll be a hit with guests of all ages. Easy to make and even easier to love, these mashed potatoes promise to be the creamy, cheesy highlight of your meal. They’re so good, they almost feel sinful, making them a perfect choice for those looking to indulge.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Cauliflower Cheese Pasta

Cauliflower cheese pasta is the comfort food hero we all need. It’s quick, it’s hearty, and oh-so-cheesy. With cauliflower thrown into the mix, you get to feel a bit better about diving into a big bowl of cheesy pasta. It’s the perfect pick-me-up after a long day and it’s super easy to make. Basically, it’s everything good about comfort food wrapped up in one delicious package.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheese Pasta

Feta Beet Salad

Feta beet salad is a refreshing mix of cooked beets, crumbled feta, and pistachios, all dressed up with fresh herbs and a zingy lemon olive oil dressing. It’s simple, it’s tasty, and it looks pretty fancy without much effort. Whether you’re serving it as a side salad or a light main, it’s a great way to brighten up your meal. The feta adds just the right amount of creamy saltiness to the earthy sweetness of the beets. It’s a salad that’s sure to impress without stressing you out in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Feta Beet Salad

Zucchini Ricotta Bake

The zucchini ricotta bake is a light yet satisfying side that mimics the comfort of lasagna without the heaviness. Ricotta cheese adds a creamy layer to the dish, making it a cheese lover’s dream. It’s an effortless recipe that serves up big flavors with minimal prep, perfect for a hassle-free dinner. Whether you’re serving it up as a side or a main, it’s sure to be a hit. The combination of cheese and zucchini makes this bake a delightful way to enjoy your veggies with a cheesy twist.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Ricotta Bake

Celeriac Gratin

Celeriac gratin is your ticket to shaking things up in the comfort food department, especially if you’re keeping an eye on carbs. This dish takes the underrated celeriac and transforms it into a creamy, cheesy bake that might just become your new favorite. It’s a cozy side dish that pairs well with pretty much anything, proving that low-carb can still mean full of flavor. So, if you’re looking to try something new, this celeriac gratin is it. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Get the Recipe: Celeriac Gratin

Parmesan Tomato Gratin

This simple yet flavorful tomato gratin celebrates the humble tomato in a way that’s anything but ordinary. Topped with Parmesan cheese and rosemary, it’s a dish that sings the praises of its ingredients, with a cheesy crust that makes each bite memorable. It’s an excellent way to bid farewell to summer or welcome it, depending on your hemisphere. The preparation is straightforward, but the result is a side that feels special and indulgent. The cheesy topping on these tomatoes elevates them to a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Tomato Gratin

Goat Cheese Stuffed Baby Eggplants

Roasted baby eggplants filled with soft goat cheese are a gourmet side or appetizer that brings a touch of elegance to any table. The blend of honey and balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy kick that complements the creamy cheese filling beautifully. It’s a dish that effortlessly combines sophisticated flavors with the comforting pull of melted cheese. Ideal for gatherings, it promises to be a conversation starter. The cheesy filling inside the tender eggplants makes this recipe an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Stuffed Baby Eggplants

One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn

Imagine a one-pot wonder where gouda and cream cheese meet corn in a cozy, comforting side dish. This gouda and cream cheese corn is a hit for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any dinner needing a touch of creamy, cheesy goodness. The mix of cheeses with heavy cream makes this corn casserole irresistibly rich. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for the holidays. And really, who can say no to gouda and cream cheese in one dish?
Get the Recipe: One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn

Zucchini Casserole

Zucchini casserole is here to show you just how awesome zucchini can be. With its cheesy topping, this gratin turns the humble zucchini into a star. It’s easy, cheesy, and just the thing when you’re looking for a side dish that’s a bit out of the ordinary. Perfect for using up that summer squash, it’s a tasty way to make veggies the highlight of your meal. Plus, who doesn’t love a good excuse to add more cheese to their dinner?
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Casserole

Cheesy Quinoa

Cheesy quinoa with zucchini is a sneaky way to pack vegetables into a dish that overflows with cheesy charm. It’s a crowd-pleaser that blends nutrition with irresistible flavor, making it a smart pick for any meal. The creamy cheese enveloping each grain of quinoa and zucchini piece turns this side dish into a comfort food staple. Easy to prepare and universally loved, it’s a surefire way to bring a smile to everyone’s face. The melty, cheesy layer makes it almost sinful, yet it’s packed with goodness.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Quinoa

Cheesy Zucchini Bake

A cheesy zucchini bake with Bisquick and cheddar is the ultimate comfort side dish or light dinner. It’s easy to prepare, requiring just 10 minutes of prep and a handful of pantry staples. The cheddar cheese melts into the zucchini, creating a side that’s both hearty and comforting. Ideal for summer gatherings or a cozy night in, it’s a versatile dish that’s as delicious as it is easy. The cheesy goodness enveloping the zucchini makes this bake a decadent way to enjoy your vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Bake

Cheesy Peas

Cheesy peas are about to turn your midweek dinner from meh to amazing. It’s simple: take some peas, add cheese, and boom – you’ve got a side dish that everyone will be talking about. It’s ridiculously tasty and adds a pop of cheesy joy to any plate. Perfect for when you want to jazz up your meal without a ton of effort. Let’s be honest, everything’s better with cheese, and these peas are no exception.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Peas