14 Garlic Side Dishes That Bring the Flavor

Garlic brings a rich, savory punch to side dishes, turning everyday vegetables and starches into standouts. These recipes highlight how garlic can elevate everything from leafy greens to roasted potatoes with just a few simple ingredients. Whether it’s in a creamy mash or coating tender green beans, garlic delivers bold flavor that rounds out any meal. These sides are easy to make and loaded with comforting taste.

Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes

Garlic Green Beans on a sheet pan. — Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes. Photo credit: .

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This colorful dish combines green beans and cherry tomatoes roasted with garlic. The tomatoes soften and burst, creating a juicy contrast to the beans. Garlic adds boldness that pulls the flavors together. A great way to add brightness to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes

Garlic Herb Cheeseball

Cream cheese is blended with garlic and herbs, then shaped and chilled for spreading. The garlic gives it a punch while the herbs round out the flavor. It’s creamy, zesty, and great served with crackers or sliced vegetables. A simple starter that works for casual dinners or parties.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Cheeseball

10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

Bok choy cooks quickly in a hot skillet with garlic and oil, keeping its bite while absorbing flavor. The leaves wilt just enough, and the stalks stay crunchy. Garlic clings to each layer, making the whole dish fragrant. It’s done fast and goes with a variety of meals.
Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

Chinese Long Beans Recipe (Stir Fried With Garlic)

A plate of stir-fried green beans garnished with sesame seeds and minced garlic. — Chinese Long Beans Recipe (Stir Fried With Garlic). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

These long beans are stir-fried with garlic until blistered and tender. A splash of soy sauce adds saltiness and a touch of depth. The garlic chars slightly, enhancing its aroma. This dish is quick to make and packed with texture.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Long Beans Recipe (Stir Fried With Garlic)

Garlic and Herb Stuffing

A rectangular dish filled with baked stuffing made of cubed bread and herbs, placed on a white surface next to a wooden spoon and a striped cloth. — Garlic and Herb Stuffing. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This stuffing uses sautéed garlic and herbs to flavor cubes of bread and broth. The edges bake up golden while the inside stays soft and packed with flavor. Garlic adds a savory richness that makes this dish feel homemade. A staple during the holidays or alongside roasted meats.
Get the Recipe: Garlic and Herb Stuffing

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

Asparagus spears roast until tender with a crisp, cheesy finish. Garlic adds boldness, while parmesan gives a salty bite that complements the green stalks. The tips brown beautifully under high heat. It’s fast, flavorful, and pairs with most main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with pine nuts on a plate. — Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This simple side features green beans tossed in melted butter and fresh garlic. The beans stay bright and crisp, while the garlic provides a rich aroma. It’s a straightforward way to upgrade a classic vegetable. Works well with almost any protein.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Roasted Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Italian Herbs

Baby potatoes roast to golden perfection, coated in garlic and dried herbs. The skins turn crisp while the insides stay fluffy. Garlic brings out the natural earthiness of the potatoes. Ideal for serving with roasts or grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Italian Herbs

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes are whipped smooth with butter and roasted garlic. The garlic is mellow and sweet, blending perfectly into the creamy base. Each bite is soft, rich, and full of flavor. A comfort food favorite that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Sesame Kale

Kale gets a quick sauté with garlic and sesame oil for a side that’s both earthy and punchy. The garlic caramelizes just enough to mellow out while the sesame adds a nutty finish. It cooks in minutes and holds up well next to rich entrées. A great way to serve greens with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Sesame Kale

Honey Garlic Carrots

Carrots roast until tender with a sticky glaze of honey and garlic. The natural sweetness of the carrots shines through while the garlic keeps things savory. Slight caramelization on the edges adds depth. A flavorful twist on a classic side.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic

Roasted sweet potatoes with feta and walnuts. — Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Sweet potato cubes roast with a sticky glaze made from honey and garlic. The edges caramelize while the centers remain soft. Each bite has a mix of sweetness and savory depth. An easy option that doesn’t need much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Green beans are sautéed until crisp-tender and tossed with golden garlic and crispy onions. The garlic clings to each bean, giving them a savory coating. Fried onions bring extra crunch and flavor. This dish comes together fast and looks great on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Air Fryer Artichokes + Easy Garlic Aioli Dip

Artichoke halves turn crisp and golden in the air fryer, with tender leaves and a warm heart. A quick garlic aioli comes together with just a few ingredients, adding bold flavor for dipping. The outer leaves are great for pulling and scooping, while the centers are soft and savory.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Artichokes + Easy Garlic Aioli Dip