13 Family-Friendly Sides and Appetizers That Bring the Fun Back to Friday Night Dinners Again

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Friday night dinners just got a lot more exciting with these family-friendly sides and appetizers. Whether you’re tired of the same old dishes or need crowd-pleasing options that everyone will actually eat, these recipes bring flavor, fun, and zero stress to your table. Perfect for sharing, dipping, or munching, they’re here to turn your end-of-week meal into a feast that everyone will love.

Cheesy Pickle Chips

Cheesy pickle chips are the ultimate family-friendly snack that pairs perfectly with dinner or as a fun Friday night starter. The tangy pickles wrapped in crispy, cheesy goodness are an irresistible combo that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With just two ingredients, you’ll have a side dish that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Pickle Chips

Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Mashed cauliflower potatoes are the low-carb twist that pairs beautifully with any dinner you’ve got planned. Creamy, fluffy, and full of flavor, they’re the perfect complement to your main dish without leaving anyone missing the traditional version. Add them to your Friday menu for a side that’s guilt-free and absolutely delicious.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Cheese Curds

Cheese curds are the perfect side to add a little fun to your family dinner. Whether baked or pan-fried, these golden, gooey bites are impossible to resist and pair perfectly with anything from burgers to casseroles. Make them part of your Friday night lineup, and watch them become an instant favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Curds

Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

This baked cauliflower mac and cheese is the ultimate dinner companion for your family-friendly Fridays. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with nostalgia, it’s the perfect side dish for everything from roasted chicken to grilled steak. Make a big batch because everyone will want seconds!
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Herb Cheese Ball

This herb cheese ball is a star appetizer that also works as a tasty side for your dinner table. Creamy, flavorful, and coated in fresh herbs, it’s the perfect pairing for crackers, veggies, or even a simple salad. Add it to your Friday night menu for a dish that feels festive and fun.
Get the Recipe: Herb Cheese Ball

Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

Buttermilk drop biscuits are the side dish that goes with absolutely everything, making them a must for dinner this Friday. They’re soft, golden, and impossible to mess up—just mix, drop, and bake! Perfect for sopping up gravy, serving with soup, or pairing with a roast, these biscuits are a true dinner MVP.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

Bacon Cheddar Dip

Bacon cheddar dip isn’t just an appetizer—it’s the ultimate dip that complements dinner like a pro. Serve it with chips, crackers, or even alongside grilled meats for a family-friendly side that’s loaded with flavor. Make it part of your Friday night spread, and let the dipping fun begin!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Dip

Cauliflower Tortillas with Garlic and Oregano

Cauliflower tortillas are the perfect low-carb side to pair with tacos, wraps, or any Friday night dinner you’ve got planned. Flexible and flavorful, they bring something fresh and healthy to the table without sacrificing taste. Stuff them with your favorite fillings and let them steal the show!
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Tortillas with Garlic and Oregano

Coconut Pumpkin Soup

Coconut pumpkin soup is a creamy, comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with any dinner. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or alongside your main course, its warm spices and velvety texture add a special touch to your Friday table. Cozy and flavorful, it’s the side everyone will want more of.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Pumpkin Soup

Cabbage Fritters

Cabbage fritters are the crispy, flavorful side you didn’t know you needed for dinner this Friday. Packed with aromatic spices and paired with a garam masala yogurt sauce, they bring a fun twist to any main course. Serve them alongside your favorite dishes for a meal that’s anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Fritters

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Cauliflower mac and cheese is the perfect dinner side to satisfy your family’s cheesy cravings. It’s creamy, low-carb, and goes with everything from baked chicken to grilled veggies. Add it to your Friday night menu, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “pass the mac.”
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

Bacon and cheddar biscuits are the ultimate side to serve with dinner this Friday. Fluffy, cheesy, and packed with crispy bacon, they’re a perfect match for hearty soups, casseroles, or even a simple salad. Straight from the oven, these biscuits are guaranteed to be the highlight of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice is the side dish that completes any dinner with a healthy, flavorful twist. Light, fluffy, and endlessly versatile, it’s perfect with stir-fries, curries, or roasted meats. Make it part of your Friday night table, and enjoy a dish that’s as good for you as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Rice