Best Side Dishes of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

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Side dishes are the perfect complement to any meal. From classic mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables, there are endless options to choose from. For those looking for something a little more unique, consider trying quinoa salad or sweet potato fries. These options offer a healthier twist on traditional sides and are sure to impress dinner guests. Don't forget about the classics, though - mac and cheese and green bean casserole are always crowd pleasers. No matter what you choose, side dishes are the perfect way to add variety and flavor to any meal.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

famiware Ocean Soy Sauce Bowls Cover #TOP 1
famiware Ocean Soy Sauce Bowls
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Hiceeden 20 Pack 2.9 Inch Soy Sauce Dish Cover #TOP 2
Hiceeden 20 Pack 2.9 Inch Soy Sauce Dish
ftb score rating icon 9.7
vancasso SIMI Ceramic Dipping Bowls Set of 6 Cover #TOP 3
vancasso SIMI Ceramic Dipping Bowls Set of 6
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Side Dishes

famiware Ocean Soy Sauce Bowls

Vanilla White
famiware Ocean Soy Sauce Bowls Cover
famiware Ocean Soy Sauce Dishes of 6, Oval Dipping Sauce Cups/Bowls/Dishes for Kitchen, 2.1oz Ceramic Small Bowls for Side Dish, Appetizers, Snacks, and Sushi, Dishwasher Safe, Vanilla White

The famiware Dipping Sauce Bowls are perfect for your dining needs. This set includes six sturdy ceramic bowls, ideal for holding a variety of condiments, snacks, and appetizers. Their unique wave design adds a touch of elegance to your table, enhancing the presentation of your meals. Plus, these bowls are dishwasher and microwave safe, allowing you to easily clean and reheat them without worry. Whether it's a family gathering or a casual dinner, these bowls provide convenience and style for any occasion.

What We Like
Sturdy ceramic construction
Elegant wave design
Dishwasher and microwave safe
Versatile for various foods
#TOP 2

Hiceeden 20 Pack 2.9 Inch Soy Sauce Dish

Hi-WhiteCeramicSauceDish-20p
White
2.9"×0.8"
Hiceeden 20 Pack 2.9 Inch Soy Sauce Dish Cover
Hiceeden 20 Pack 2.9 Inch Soy Sauce Dish, Ceramic Pinch Bowl 1 Oz, Mini Porcelain Dipping Bowl Plate for Side Dishes, Condiment, Sushi, Ketchup, Appetizer

Hiceeden 1 oz soy sauce dish features a mini size perfect for individual portion serving and can be stacked tightly to make room for other tablewares. Made of top grade ceramic, it can be used for serving little side dishes, dessert, appetizer, beans, and more. The smooth glaze avoids food scraps and it can be put into microwave, freezer and oven. Its elegant daisy design matches well with all tablewares.

What We Like
Can be stacked tightly to make room for other tablewares
Wide application for serving various foods
Safe material for microwave, freezer and oven
Easy to clean
Elegant design matches well with all tablewares
#TOP 3

vancasso SIMI Ceramic Dipping Bowls Set of 6

VC-SIMI-LSD
Bohemian
2.7 Oz
vancasso SIMI Ceramic Dipping Bowls Set of 6 Cover
vancasso SIMI 2.7 Oz Ceramic Dipping Bowls Sets of 6, Bohemian Small Bowls for Sauce, 3 Inch Mini Appetizer Plates for Soy Sauce, Sushi, Condiments & Side Dishes, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe

The vancasso SIMI Dipping Bowls bring a lively Bohemian flair to your table with their colorful, artistic patterns that brighten up any meal. Each bowl holds just the right amount for dips and sauces, helping you serve snacks neatly without clutter. Made from sturdy ceramic, these bowls are built to last and easy to clean, whether by hand or in the dishwasher. Their smooth finish prevents stains and sticking, making cleanup quick and hassle-free. With six unique designs, this set adds a fun, creative touch to your dining while offering practical size and durability for everyday use.

What We Like
Colorful Bohemian design
Perfect dip and sauce size
Durable ceramic material
Easy to clean surface
#TOP 4

vancasso SELENE Ceramic Mini Dipping Bowls Set of 6

SELENE-LSD
Cobalt Blue
3 Inch
vancasso SELENE Ceramic Mini Dipping Bowls Set of 6 Cover
vancasso SELENE Ceramic 2.7 Oz Mini Dipping Bowls Set of 6, 3 Inch Small Dip Bowls for Sauce, Soy Sauce, Sushi, Condiments & Side Dishes, Microwave & Dishwasher Safe, Vintage Blue

The vancasso SELENE Dip Bowls come as a set of six small ceramic bowls, each holding 2.7 ounces, perfect for serving sauces, dips, and snacks like soy sauce or nuts. Their compact size helps you control portions and makes prep and serving easier. These bowls feature a beautiful hand-painted blue and white floral design that adds a touch of elegance to your table, making regular meals feel special. Made from high-quality, lead-free porcelain, they are safe for everyday use and more durable than wood or plastic, resisting chips and cracks. This makes them a reliable and stylish addition to your kitchen.

What We Like
Compact size for portion control
Elegant hand-painted design
Durable, lead-free porcelain
Safe for daily use
#TOP 5

Eisinly Dipping Bowls

4inches
Multicolor
4 Inches
Eisinly Dipping Bowls Cover
Eisinly Dipping Bowls, Soy Sauce Dish Ceramic, 3 OZ Small Serving Bowls for Side Dishes Vintage Blue Stylish Design, Set of 6 Mini Appetizer Plates for Condiment Sushi Ketchup BBQ Party, 4 Inch

Eisinly Ceramic Dishes are made of high-end porcelain, ensuring safety and durability. The vintage design adds elegance to your table decor. The perfect size of 4 inches in diameter and 1-inch height with a 3 oz capacity makes them compact, stackable and perfect for serving sauces, spices, and pickles. These versatile dishes are great for daily use, meal prep, and parties. The set of 6 is ideal for gifting. They are oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe, making them convenient to use for everyday cooking and cleaning.

What We Like
Durable porcelain material
Vintage and elegant design
Compact and stackable
#TOP 6

WHJY Japanese Porcelain Side Dish Set

Beige
Small
WHJY Japanese Porcelain Side Dish Set Cover
WHJY Japanese Retro Porcelain Side Dish Ceramic Side Dishes Bowl Seasoning Dishes Soy Dipping Sauce Dishes - Set of 5

WHJY Japanese Retro Porcelain Side Dish Set includes 5 traditional Asian-style dishes with lifelike Chinese-style patterns. Each dish has dimensions of 10x2.5cm and is perfect for holding sushi sauce, tomato sauce, salad soy sauce, and other condiments. These stackable dishes are made of premium ceramic that is 100% lead-free, sturdy, and beautiful. They are also easy to clean and care for, as they are dishwasher and microwave safe.

What We Like
Set of 5 dishes with different lifelike retro Chinese style pattern
Stackable and space-saving
Easy to clean and care, dishwasher & microwave safe
#TOP 7

vancasso Stern Ceramic Dipping Bowls

VC-STERN-G-4FD-UK
Green
Square
vancasso Stern Ceramic Dipping Bowls Cover
vancasso Stern 6 Oz Dipping Bowls, 3.7 Inches Ceramic Soy Sauce Dish, Square Side Dishes, Small Appetizer Plates Set of 4, Green

The vancasso Stern Bowls are perfect for serving dips, snacks, and appetizers. Measuring 3.7 inches, their stackable design helps save space in your kitchen. The unique starry blue finish adds a touch of artistry to your table, making them great for any occasion. You can enjoy them without worry, as they are made from healthy stoneware that is free from harmful chemicals. Plus, they are microwave and dishwasher safe, making cleanup and reheating easy. With these bowls, you can serve your favorite foods with style and convenience.

What We Like
Stackable design for easy storage
Artistic starry finish
Non-toxic and safe materials
Microwave and dishwasher safe
#TOP 8

Nagpew 12-Piece Japanese Ceramic Sauce Dish Set

Ceramic Side Dish
Multicolor
Small
Nagpew 12-Piece Japanese Ceramic Sauce Dish Set Cover
Nagpew 12 Pieces Japanese Sauce Dishes, 2 Oz Round Ceramic Side Dish Set, Small Seasoning Soy Dipping Bowl Plate for Sushi, Snack, Appetizer and Kitchen Prep, Assorted Color

The Nagpew Ceramic Sauce Dishes come in a set of 12, each featuring a unique traditional Japanese design. This variety lets you serve sauces, snacks, or seasonings in style, perfect for daily use or special gatherings. Each dish is a convenient size, ideal for holding soy sauce, wasabi, lemon slices, and more, while being stackable to save space in your kitchen. Made from high-quality, lead-free ceramic, these dishes are durable and safe for both hot and cold foods. Plus, they are easy to clean and can be used in the microwave and dishwasher, making your mealtime prep and cleanup hassle-free.

What We Like
Set of 12 with unique designs
Compact, stackable size
High-quality, lead-free ceramic
Microwave and dishwasher safe
#TOP 9

Cryyam Glacier-Textured Glass Dipping Bowls Set of 6

Cryyam3.1-A6
Glacier-Textured
3.1inch
Cryyam Glacier-Textured Glass Dipping Bowls Set of 6 Cover
Soy Sauce Dishes, Small Dipping Sauce Cups and Bowls, 3.1 Inch Clear Serving Dishes for Condiments, Snacks, Set of 6, Handblown Glass Sauce Dipping Bowls (6, Glacier-Textured)

The Cryyam Glass Dipping Bowls are perfectly sized at just over 3 inches in diameter, making them ideal for serving soy sauce, snacks, or small appetizers during casual meals or special occasions. Crafted from lead-free, handblown glass, each bowl features a unique glacier texture that helps prevent slipping, so you can serve with confidence. These bowls are also highly practical—they can be safely used in the microwave, oven, and dishwasher, allowing you to heat, serve, and clean up without hassle. Their stackable design saves valuable kitchen space, keeping your dining area neat and organized. Overall, these bowls combine style, safety, and convenience for everyday use.

What We Like
Compact size
Handblown textured glass
Microwave, oven, dishwasher safe
Stackable for easy storage
#TOP 10

JapanBargain 2326 Set of 4 Soy Sauce Dishes

2353
White/Blue
Small
JapanBargain 2326 Set of 4 Soy Sauce Dishes Cover
JapanBargain, Set of 4 Soy Sauce Dipping Bowls, White Porcelain with Blue Bamboo Pattern, Small Side Dish Plates

JapanBargain Soy Sauce Dishes are a set of four small dishes that are perfect for serving side dishes, appetizers, sauces, seasonings, and dressings. Made of professional-grade and durable melamine, these dishes are clear-coated for protection and feature a traditional Japanese-inspired design. Measuring 3.75 inches long and 2.5 inches wide, they are dishwasher safe, break and scratch-resistant, and heat-resistant up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Impress your dinner guests with these commercial-grade restaurant-quality dishes that are perfect for use in restaurants, food shops, catering halls, and more.

What We Like
Durable melamine material
Traditional Japanese-inspired design
Dishwasher safe
Buying Guide Image

Deciding which Side Dishes is Best for Your House

Consider your main dish

Before choosing your side dishes, it's important to consider what your main dish will be. This will help determine which side dishes will complement the flavors of your main dish and create a well-rounded meal. For example, if your main dish is a rich, hearty stew, you may want to choose side dishes that are light and refreshing, such as a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. On the other hand, if your main dish is a grilled chicken breast, you may want to choose side dishes that are more robust and flavorful, such as roasted potatoes or sautéed greens.

Think about color and texture

In addition to considering the flavors of your main dish, it's also important to think about the color and texture of your side dishes. A plate that includes a variety of colors and textures will be more visually appealing and satisfying to eat. For example, if your main dish is a creamy pasta dish, you may want to add some color to your plate with a bright green vegetable, such as steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach. You could also add some crunch to your plate with a side of roasted nuts or croutons.

Don't be afraid to mix and match

One of the great things about side dishes is that you can mix and match to create a unique and interesting meal. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations and see what works best for you. For example, if you're serving a spicy Mexican-inspired main dish, you could try pairing it with a refreshing citrus-based side dish, such as a grapefruit and avocado salad. Or, if you're serving a rich and savory main dish, you could try balancing it out with a light and tangy side dish, such as a lemon and herb vinaigrette-dressed green salad.

Consider your guests' dietary restrictions

When choosing side dishes, it's also important to consider any dietary restrictions or allergies that your guests may have. This will ensure that everyone can enjoy the meal and avoid any potential health issues. For example, if you're serving a gluten-free main dish, you'll want to make sure that all of your side dishes are also gluten-free. This may require some extra planning and label-reading, but it will be worth it to make sure that all of your guests can enjoy the meal.

Don't forget about seasonality

In addition to considering the flavors and textures of your side dishes, it's also important to think about what's in season. Choosing ingredients that are in season will not only ensure that they are fresh and flavorful, but it will also support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint. For example, in the summer, you may want to choose side dishes that feature fresh, seasonal produce, such as a tomato and basil salad or grilled zucchini. In the winter, you may want to choose heartier side dishes, such as roasted root vegetables or braised greens.

Final thoughts

When choosing side dishes, it's important to consider your main dish, the flavors and textures of your side dishes, any dietary restrictions or allergies of your guests, and seasonality. By taking these factors into account, you can create a well-rounded meal that is both delicious and satisfying.

Editor's Notes

During our side dish research, we found 24 side dish products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,539 customer reviews through our big data system to write the side dishes list. We found that most customers choose side dishes with an average price of $18.24.

The side dishes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of side dishes, including famiware, Hiceeden, vancasso, Eisinly, WHJY. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 342 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.