Chicken wings are the MVP of game day, but let’s be real—they need a killer supporting cast. These 13 sides are crowd favorites for a reason: they’re ridiculously delicious, easy to make, and guaranteed to disappear faster than the wings themselves. Ready to level up your spread?
1. Crispy Parmesan Garlic Fries That Outshine the Wings
These fries aren’t just a side—they’re a flavor bomb. Golden, crispy, and loaded with garlic and Parmesan, they’re the ultimate wing accomplice. Perfect for when you want carbs to shine.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss fries with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake 25-30 mins, flipping halfway.
- Toss hot fries with garlic, Parmesan, and parsley. Serve immediately.
Pro tip: Double the batch—these vanish fast. FYI, dipping them in ranch is non-negotiable.
2. Cool Ranch Slaw That Cuts Through the Heat
When your wings are spicy AF, this creamy, crunchy slaw is the refreshing reset your palate needs. It’s like a hug for your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
- Whisk sour cream, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, and salt.
- Toss dressing with cabbage until coated. Chill 30 mins before serving.
Great on pulled pork sandwiches too—just saying.
3. Loaded Nacho Cheese Dip That’s Basically a Food Group
Wings and nacho cheese? A match made in snack heaven. This dip is creamy, spicy, and stupidly addictive. Consider it a mandatory game-day side.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients (except chips) in a skillet over medium heat.
- Stir until melted and smooth, about 5-7 mins.
- Serve hot with chips for dipping—or just a spoon. No judgment.
Add crumbled bacon if you want to go full hero mode.
4. Buttery Cornbread Muffins That Taste Like Grandma’s
Sweet, buttery, and slightly crumbly—these muffins are the cozy side your wings didn’t know they needed. Bonus: They soak up extra sauce like champs.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Whisk wet ingredients separately, then combine with dry mix.
- Pour into greased muffin tin. Bake 18-20 mins until golden.
Drizzle with honey before serving for extra magic.
5. Smoky Bacon Baked Beans That Put Canned to Shame
Sweet, smoky, and packed with bacon, these baked beans are the ultimate wing sidekick. They’re basically a protein-packed hug in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups canned navy beans, drained
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Cook bacon until crispy. Drain excess fat, leaving 1 tbsp.
- Mix bacon with remaining ingredients in a baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 mins until bubbly.
Top with extra bacon because, duh.
6. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites That Even Meat Lovers Crave
Veggie haters, prepare to be converted. These crispy, saucy bites taste like wings but won’t steal the spotlight. Perfect for balancing your spread.
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Whisk flour, water, and garlic powder into a batter. Dip florets.
- Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 20 mins until crispy.
- Toss with hot sauce-butter mix. Serve with blue cheese dressing.
Warning: These disappear faster than actual wings.
7. Garlic Butter Noodles That Are Dangerously Addictive
Buttery, garlicky, and ready in 15 minutes—these noodles are the carb-loaded comfort your wing night deserves. Proceed with caution.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Cook noodles al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant. Toss with noodles.
- Add parsley, pepper flakes, and pasta water if needed.
Top with grated Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.
8. Crispy Onion Rings That Put Fast Food to Shame
Golden, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned—these onion rings are the textural contrast your wings crave. Bonus: They’re way better than anything from a drive-thru.
Ingredients:
- 2 large onions, sliced into rings
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp paprika
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Dredge onion rings in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Fry in 375°F (190°C) oil until golden, about 2-3 mins per batch.
- Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt immediately.
Serve with spicy mayo for dipping. Trust me.
9. Jalapeño Popper Dip That’s Basically Crack
All the flavors of jalapeño poppers, minus the hassle. Creamy, spicy, and topped with crispy breadcrumbs, this dip is a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 4 jalapeños, diced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions:
- Mix cream cheese, cheddar, mayo, and jalapeños in a baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs mixed with butter. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 mins.
Serve with tortilla chips or celery sticks for crunch.
10. Tangy Cucumber Salad That’s Ridiculously Refreshing
Light, crisp, and tangy, this salad cuts through rich wings like a champ. It’s the palate cleanser your spread needs.
Ingredients:
- 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dill
Instructions:
- Whisk vinegar, sugar, salt, and dill.
- Toss with cucumbers and onion. Chill 1 hour before serving.
Add cherry tomatoes for color if you’re feeling extra.
11. Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread That’s a Showstopper
Garlic bread meets cheese pull. This loaf is buttery, cheesy, and impossible to resist. Consider it the carb-loaded side your wings deserve.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf Italian bread
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Cut bread into a crosshatch pattern (don’t slice through the bottom).
- Mix butter and garlic. Brush between cuts. Stuff with cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 mins until golden and melty.
Warning: This will upstage your wings. No regrets.
12. Sweet Potato Fries with Sriracha Mayo That Slap
Crispy, sweet, and slightly spicy—these fries are the upgrade regular potatoes wish they could be. The sriracha mayo? Chef’s kiss.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into fries
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 tbsp sriracha
Instructions:
- Toss fries with olive oil and paprika. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25 mins.
- Mix mayo and sriracha. Serve alongside fries.
Pro tip: Double the sauce. You’ll thank me later.
13. Classic Mac and Cheese That’s Comfort Food Gold
Creamy, cheesy, and nostalgic—this mac and cheese is the ultimate wing partner. Because sometimes, you just need carbs covered in cheese.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
Instructions:
- Cook pasta al dente. Melt butter, whisk in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually add milk, then cheese and mustard. Stir until smooth.
- Mix with pasta. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 mins if you want a crust.
Add crispy bacon or hot sauce for extra oomph.
There you have it—13 sides that’ll make your next wing
