There’s something special about a plate piled high with your favorite comfort food. Whether you’re craving crispy fried chicken, tender pot roast, or homestyle meatloaf, the right side dishes can make a satisfying meal even better.
At Corner Cafe, we believe the sides deserve just as much attention as the main course. From creamy mashed potatoes and savory stuffing to fried okra and homemade onion rings, our menu is full of delicious ways to complete your meal. But which sides go best with your favorite comfort food entrees? Let’s explore some classic combinations and a few new favorites worth trying.
What Are the Best Side Dishes for Comfort Food?
The best comfort food sides complement the flavors and textures of the main dish. Creamy potatoes, cooked vegetables, crispy fried sides, and fresh salads are all popular choices because they balance rich, hearty entrees.
Some of the most beloved comfort food side dishes include:
- Mashed potatoes with gravy
- Green beans or corn
- Macaroni and cheese
- Coleslaw
- French fries or homemade onion rings
- Stuffing
- Fried okra
- Steamed vegetables
There’s no single perfect combination. Some people love a plate full of rich, savory favorites, while others prefer something fresh or crunchy alongside their entree.
What Sides Go Best with Fried Chicken?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, and macaroni and cheese are classic sides for fried chicken. Their creamy, buttery, and savory flavors complement the crispy coating and juicy chicken.
At Corner Cafe, you can build a fried chicken dinner that’s just right for your appetite. Try pairing our fried chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans for a traditional homestyle meal. Or choose macaroni and cheese and corn nuggets when you’re craving something especially indulgent.
For a little contrast, coleslaw adds a cool, refreshing crunch that tastes delicious alongside hot fried chicken.
What Are the Best Sides for Fried Catfish?
Coleslaw, fried okra, french fries, and other favorites are popular accompaniments to fried catfish. These sides provide a combination of crunchy textures, savory flavors, and refreshing contrast.
Our Catfish Fillet pairs beautifully with coleslaw and homemade onion rings for a satisfying meal with plenty of crunch. Another delicious combination is fried okra and fresh potato chips.
If you prefer something a little lighter, try steamed vegetables or a dinner salad alongside your catfish.
What Should You Serve with Meatloaf or Pot Roast?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, and steamed vegetables are among the best side dishes for meatloaf and pot roast. These traditional favorites complement the savory flavors of slow-cooked and homestyle beef dishes.
For a classic comfort food combination, pair our meatloaf with mashed potatoes and corn. It’s the kind of hearty dinner that brings back memories of gathering around the family table.
Our pot roast is equally delicious with mashed potatoes and green beans, or you can change things up with stuffing and cabbage.
Want to make your meal even heartier? Our mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, hash browns, and french fries can be ordered loaded for an additional charge.
What Sides Pair Well with Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken?
Mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, and corn are excellent choices for chicken fried steak or chicken fried chicken. Creamy sides complement the breaded entrees and their rich, savory flavors.
At Corner Cafe, our hand-breaded Chicken Fried Steak is grilled and topped with cream gravy, making mashed potatoes a natural pairing. Add green beans or corn for a classic country-style dinner.
Our Chicken Fried Chicken is another great match for macaroni and cheese and steamed vegetables. Or try sweet potato fries for a slightly sweet contrast to the savory entree.
What Are Corner Cafe’s Signature Side Dishes?
Corner Cafe offers several signature sides that put a delicious twist on traditional comfort food accompaniments.
Along with our classic sides, you can choose from:
- Corn nuggets
- Sweet potato fries
- Steamed vegetables
- Sidewinder cut fries
- Macaroni and cheese
- Fresh fruit
- Dinner salad
These options make it easy to customize your meal. Try crispy sidewinder cut fries with fried chicken, sweet potato fries with chicken fried chicken, or macaroni and cheese with just about any hearty entree.
Does Corner Cafe Have Daily Vegetable Specials?
Yes! Corner Cafe features rotating vegetables and homestyle sides throughout the week, giving guests something different to enjoy depending on the day.
Here’s our vegetable-of-the-day schedule:
- Monday: Spiced apples and navy beans
- Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes and baked sweet potato (extra charge)
- Wednesday: Spanish rice and pinto beans
- Thursday: Navy beans and collard greens
- Friday: Roasted carrots and new potatoes
- Saturday: Navy beans and collard greens
- Sunday: Collard greens
These daily selections are a great way to discover a new favorite. Enjoy spiced apples alongside a savory entree on Monday, try scalloped potatoes with meatloaf on Tuesday, or add collard greens to your Sunday comfort food dinner.
Build Your Perfect Comfort Food Plate at Corner Cafe
The best sides for comfort food are the ones that make your favorite entree even more satisfying. Whether you love mashed potatoes with fried chicken, coleslaw with catfish, or green beans with pot roast, there’s no shortage of delicious combinations to explore.
At Corner Cafe, our dinner platters come with your choice of two side dishes and a homemade dinner roll, so you can mix and match your favorites. Bring your family and friends to one of our three locations in Riverside, Liberty, or Independence, Missouri, and enjoy a hearty homestyle meal together.
Prefer to stay in? Order online for pickup or delivery and enjoy your favorite Corner Cafe comfort food wherever you’re gathered.