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Home / side dishes - Page 3

side dishes

The Best Prime Rib Side Dishes to Serve with Dinner
Christmas | cooking | side dishes

The Best Prime Rib Side Dishes to Serve with Dinner

The Best Side Dishes for an Easy Shrimp Boil Party
cooking | side dishes

The Best Side Dishes for an Easy Shrimp Boil Party

Can You Freeze Green Bean Casserole? (Make Ahead) 
Christmas | cooking | side dishes | tips & tricks

Can You Freeze Green Bean Casserole? (Make Ahead) 

The BEST Green Bean Casserole Recipe (for Thanksgiving)
cooking | side dishes | Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Faves

The BEST Green Bean Casserole Recipe (for Thanksgiving)

Easy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe with Sour Cream
cooking | side dishes

Easy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe with Sour Cream

(Low Carb) Easy Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
cooking | low carb living | Meal Prep | side dishes

(Low Carb) Easy Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Side Dishes for BLT Sandwiches (The Best Ideas)
cooking | side dishes

Side Dishes for BLT Sandwiches (The Best Ideas)

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole with Cheez Whiz
Christmas | cooking | side dishes | Thanksgiving

Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole with Cheez Whiz

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Hey, y'all! I’M ashley!

Welcome!

Many years ago, I created Sweetpea Lifestyle as a way of sharing simple recipes and entertaining tips with friends.⁣

Sweetpea Lifestyle is a go-to resource for dependable recipes that help you effortlessly entertain—you’ll learn to edit out the mess of over-complicated dinner parties

sweetpealifestyle

🍴 Easy recipes to gather
👯‍♀️ Your new hostess bestie
👇 Start with a recipe
🪄 Stay for the magic
No baby. No labor. Just emotional endurance, perso No baby. No labor. Just emotional endurance, personal growth, and surviving 2025. Push present secured. 💅✨ That means I’m heading into @provisionsmercantile for some more @madein goodies. See you soon, Bitties!
Trial reel energy ✨ Sharing this quietly… just Trial reel energy ✨ Sharing this quietly… just to see who it finds. 2026 at Sweetpea is about cozy, intentional hosting that fits real life. Simple recipes. Gentle structure. Gatherings that don’t require perfection—just presence. This year, I’m slowing down enough to speed up what actually matters: 🤍 setting the table on ordinary nights 🤍 cooking food that feels doable and special 🤍 creating community without burning myself out No hustle-hosting. No perfect homes. Just warm food, lit candles, and people who make you feel at home. If this kind of content feels like a deep exhale, 👉 follow Sweetpea for cozy hosting ideas, simple recipes, and reminders that you’re allowed to create beauty right where you are. Saving this = permission to go slower 🤍
Not louder parties. Not harder hosting. Not Pinter Not louder parties. Not harder hosting. Not Pinterest-perfect pressure. This is the era of intentional gathering. Of tables that feel warm, not performative. Of meals that are simple but meaningful. Of hosting that fits your real life. In 2026, we’re setting the table with what we already have. Lighting the candle even on a Tuesday. Inviting people in—without waiting for things to feel “perfect.” Because hosting isn’t about impressing. It’s about presence. It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, fed, and at ease. Where conversation lingers. Where community quietly grows. If you’ve been craving slower dinners, softer plans, and gatherings that actually feel good—this is your sign. Pull up a chair. We’re just getting started. 🤍 Save this if hosting feels like home to you. Comment 🕯️ if you’re ready for your 2026 hosting era. #HostingEra #IntentionalHosting #sweetpealife
✨ New Year, new comfort fave! ✨ Say, “give ✨ New Year, new comfort fave! ✨ Say, “give me some soul” in the comments and I’ll share the recipe with you! This New Year’s Day Soul Bowl is everything warm, cozy, and full of good luck vibes— piled high with goat cheese grits, collard greens, roasted sweet potatoes, grilled pork, black-eyed peas, chow chow & hush puppies all in one bowl (yes please!). 🥣❤️‍🔥 It’s the kind of meal you savor slowly while calling in all the good things for the year ahead — comfort food meets soulful tradition. Whether you’re hosting friends or keeping it low-key at home, this bowl is legit tomfoolery-free deliciousness. 😌🙌 🫶 Save this reel for your next cozy day in.
👇 Tap to watch the full recipe + get every step on the blog. 
Who else wants to curl up with a bowl like this? 🍽️✨ . . . #soulbowl #comfortfood #newyearrecipes #southernfood
2025, you were something special. 🤍 This year 2025, you were something special. 🤍 This year we cooked, gathered, hosted, burned a few things, laughed a lot, and proved (again) that dinner doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. We shared easy recipes, big feelings, soft tablescapes, chaotic kitchens, and the kind of moments that only happen when people slow down and sit at the same table. Together we: 🥂 Made weeknight dinners feel special 🍽 Hosted dinner parties that didn’t require perfection 📚 Dreamed up menus, kits, rituals, and routines 🌸 Built community around food, home, and showing up as we are ✨ Chose cozy over chaos, again and again I’m so deeply grateful for every comment, save, share, DM, and quiet follow-along. This little corner of the internet has been such a gift, and you are the reason it works. I’m taking the rest of the year off to rest, reset, gather offline, and live a little more slowly—but I’ll be back in the new year with fresh recipes, new dinner party magic, and lots to celebrate together. Until then—cheers to full tables, softer days, and a beautiful year ahead. 🥂 See you soon. 🤍
Happy Christmas, Sweet Friends! May all your days Happy Christmas, Sweet Friends! May all your days be merry and bright. 💖
That little dish of olive oil you get at Italian r That little dish of olive oil you get at Italian restaurants? You can make it at home in 30 seconds with this easy spice blend. Here’s how 👇 Say BREAD in the comments, and I’ll share the recipe with you! (You can also scroll down!) Ever been served that dreamy herb-packed olive oil with warm bread at a restaurant and thought… Why don’t I make this at home? Now you can! 🙌 This Italian Bread Dip Spice Blend is made with 5 pantry staples and lasts for months. Mix it with good olive oil, let it sit for 5 minutes, then dip away with crusty bread, focaccia, or baguette slices. ✨ Pro tip: Make a big batch, gift it in a cute jar, and be the person everyone’s obsessed with this season. RECIPE: * 2 TBS parsley * 2 TBS oregano * 2 TBS basil * 2 TBS onion powder * 1 TBS garlic powder * 2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes * Optional: 1 TBS Kosher Salt Mix these together and pour into a jar with an air tight lid! 📌 Save this for holiday gifting, dinner parties, or cozy nights in. 💬 Would you serve this as an appetizer or eat it all before anyone arrives? (I won’t judge…) . . . #breadlover #italianrecipes #homemadespices #appetizerideas #dinnerpartyhack
Ready to zhuzh up your Cocktail Shrimp a little?! Ready to zhuzh up your Cocktail Shrimp a little?! Add some homemade cocktail sauce (store-bought is fine, too!) to a little martini coupe, then lay your shrimp around the edge. Stack on your Drink Tree and, voila! How festive!! Need a link for the drink tree?? Say TREE and I’ll share the link with you! . . . #shrimpcocktail #easyappetizer #hostingathome
I call this Sunday Tomato Salad. It’s a simple I call this Sunday Tomato Salad. It’s a simple arrangement of mozzarella balls, buratta, tomatoes, shallots, and garlic. Drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkled with lots of salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and oregano. It’s perfect served with crusty bread and a bottle of wine! Need a recipe for the tomato salad?? TOMATO SALAD: 2 cups cut up tomatoes 3 garlic cloves, minced (I grate mine over my microplane) 1 shallot, finely diced 2 TBS red wine vinegar 1 TBS capers (with the brine) Fresh basil, to taste Then, add as many mozzarella balls and smooshed buratta as your heart desires. Cheers to Sunday, people! . . . #sundaysnacks #sundayscaries #sacredsunday #easyappetizer
✨ Raise Your Hand if You Need a Last-Minute Appe ✨ Raise Your Hand if You Need a Last-Minute Appetizer That Faces Zero Stress… and Serious Applause 🙋‍♀️ ((Say “Dip on in!” For the recipe!)) 
Because here it is: Boursin Marinara Dip. It’s two-simple-ingredients (well, 2–4 if you count the bread you’ll slather it on), done in five minutes, and disappears every single time. Imagine: silky herbed Boursin cheese meeting bold, flavorful marinara sauce. Not just for dipping—but for impressing. Serve it cold for a light, crisp summer spread; or warm up that same dish for a melty, cozy comfort-food moment. Either way? Your guests will lean in. Why this works so well for hosts who want maximum impact with minimal effort:
• Prep takes 5 minutes. Yes—just five. 
• Uses 2-4 ingredients from the grocery store. Zero fuss. 
• Elegant enough for dinner parties; simple enough for Tuesday night happy hour. 
• It’s got that “I made this” energy without the hours you pretend you spent.
• And bonus: the bread swipes mean you’re hiding the fact you didn’t spend ages plating. 😉 Host Tip:
Choose a rich jar of marinara (think Rao’s or Carbone) and pair it with the Basil & Chive version of Boursin (my fave) for flavor that feels elevated. 
 Want to take it up a notch? Drizzle with balsamic glaze, scatter fresh basil leaves, and garnish with torn bread for that “cozy-chic” table moment. Serving Ideas:
• Use it as part of a charcuterie or appetizer board (perfect for holiday or casual entertaining). 
• Pair with crusty Italian or French bread (soft inside so your guests scoop with ease). 
• Add it to your menu rotation for game-day, movie night, or when last-minute guests show up and you’re like “Let’s make this fun.” 👉 Ready to wow your crowd (without sweating in the kitchen)? Say “Dip on in!” in the comments and I’ll share the recipe! Tag the friend who always brings the dip — and tell them you’re taking the lead next time. Because hosts who simplify and sparkle? That’s your Sweetpea superpower. ✨ . . .
#BoursinMarinaraDip #EasyAppetizer #PartyFood #HostingMadeEasy
✨ Hi! I’m Ashley — and I lit this candle for ✨ Hi! I’m Ashley — and I lit this candle for you. 🕯️ I’m a ♋️ Cancer through and through — which means my favorite place to be is home. I live for cozy evenings where the candles are lit, the champagne is bubbly, and there’s always something delicious on the table to share. Around here, we believe in gathering — not perfection. I host dinner parties that are equal parts simple and magical, where the conversation flows as easily as the rosé, and laughter lingers long after the plates are cleared. My mission? To prove that dinner parties can change the world. Because when we open our doors, pour a drink, and welcome people in — something powerful happens. 🧭 Connection grows. 👯 Community deepens. 🤞🏼 Hope shows up. On this page, you’ll find: 🍴 Easy, make-ahead recipes that wow without stress 🕯️ Hosting hacks that make entertaining feel effortless 🌸 Cozy tablescapes and decor ideas that inspire you to gather 💌 And little reminders that you don’t have to wait for “perfect” to invite people in I believe everyone deserves a life that feels soft, sparkly, and full of good food and even better company. So if you love beautiful tables, cozy evenings, and the idea that gathering people can make life a little richer — you’re in the right place. ✨ Pull up a chair. You’re invited. Follow along for more dinner party magic, everyday elegance, and the courage to open your door (even when life feels a little messy). 💖 Because together, we can make the ordinary feel extraordinary. 🥂 . . . #sweetpealifestyle #dinnerpartyideas #hostingtips #cozyhome #southerncharm
Y’all!! These fake Cinnamon Roll Pull Apart Roll Y’all!! These fake Cinnamon Roll Pull Apart Roll whatever you want to call it… Make them. Buttery cinnamon chai sugar is spread between the layers of fluffy Parkerhouse rolls… Baked to ooey-gooey perfection, and slathered with a cream cheese icing. The recipe is on the blog! Say “PLEASE” in the comments and I’ll share the recipe with you! . . . #christmas2025 #breakfast #christmassweettreat
🍅 Boursin Bruschetta! Y’all, this is an absol 🍅 Boursin Bruschetta! Y’all, this is an absolute stunner! Lay out little baby naan in a circle in your cast iron skillet. Fill the center with a round of @boursincheese. My favorite for this is either the basil and chive or the usual garlic and herb! Delightful. Pop this bad boy into the oven at 350˚ for a good 10 minutes, until the cheese starts to melt. Once it’s out of the oven, ladle fresh tomato salad on top, adding extra fresh basil and a savvy swirl of Balsamic glaze. This is something that really puts the EXTRA into extraordinary! If you’d like a printable recipe, say PLEASE in the comments and I’ll share the recipe with you! . . . #easyappetizer #wineandcheese #boursincheeserecipe
🎄🍝 THIS is your week-before-Christmas dinner 🎄🍝 THIS is your week-before-Christmas dinner hero. Say PLEASE in the comments, and I’ll share the recipe with you! When you want something cozy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing… but absolutely do not want to make things harder than they need to be. Enter: Southern Baked Spaghetti 💛 Cheesy, saucy, hearty, and made for busy nights when your brain is already juggling gift lists, laundry, and who’s coming over when. ✨ And here’s the real magic: If you took my advice a couple months ago and stashed bolognese in the freezer, this dinner is basically DONE before you even start. Thaw, boil pasta, bake, and boom — everyone’s happy. This is the kind of meal I love for the days leading up to Christmas: • Feeds a crowd or makes great leftovers • Can be prepped ahead • Familiar, cozy, and zero drama • Perfect with a salad + garlic bread and call it a night 🎥 Watch how easily this comes together — and then add it to your December dinner plan. 📌 Save this for Christmas week ❤️ Share with someone who needs an easy win 💌 Want the recipe? Get it sent straight to your inbox — say PLEASE in the comments! #SouthernBakedSpaghetti #ChristmasWeekMeals #FreezerFriendlyRecipes #EasyComfortFood LinkDM *120*
✨ Weeknight comfort with just a few pantry stapl ✨ Weeknight comfort with just a few pantry staples — meet your new favorite casserole! ✨ This French Onion Chicken & Rice Casserole is creamy, cheesy, crispy on top, and so easy to pull together when dinner feels like a mountain. 🏔️💛 🧅🍗 Tender chicken + savory wild rice + french onion soup mix + crispy French’s onions = the ultimate cozy dinner. 🎥 Watch how this heavenly, one-dish dinner comes together in minutes — perfect for busy evenings or feeding a hungry crowd. 🥄 Say CHICKEN for the recipe! 📌 Save this for later ❤️ Tag someone who needs cozy comfort food tonight 👇 Tell me your go-to weeknight casserole! #CasseroleNight #FrenchOnionChicken #EasyDinnerIdeas #WeeknightDinnerInspo LinkDM *118*
🎄✨ CONFESSION: I made a charcuterie wreath… 🎄✨ CONFESSION: I made a charcuterie wreath… and I hated every second of it. It looked cute on the internet.
It sounded festive in theory. 
And in reality? It took forever, sucked up all my energy, and literally sent me out of the house to buy a new platter because I was already in too deep. 😵‍💫 This is your reminder that not every viral hosting idea is worth it. 
Hosting doesn’t have to be complicated, crafty, or exhausting to be meaningful. Sometimes the best boards are the ones you throw together in 10 minutes and actually enjoy making. If a recipe, board, or “idea” makes you feel stressed instead of joyful? You’re allowed to skip it. Full stop. 💅 🎥 Watch this reel for the behind-the-scenes chaos (and my official verdict). 👇 Tell me:
Have you ever made a Pinterest recipe or party idea that was a TOTAL regret? 
📌 Save this if you need permission to keep hosting simple
💗 Share with a friend who’s overdoing it this season . . . #HostingRealTalk #CharcuterieFail #PinterestVsReality
🥔✨ CRISPY ON THE OUTSIDE. TENDER ON THE INSID 🥔✨ CRISPY ON THE OUTSIDE. TENDER ON THE INSIDE. ZERO FUSS. ✨🥔 🕎 HappyHanukkah, y’all! Say POTATO in the comments for the recipe! 
These easy potato latkes are the kind of recipe you pull out when you want something simple that still feels special. No fancy tools, no complicated steps — just golden, crispy perfection straight from the skillet. If you’ve ever thought latkes were too much work or “only for holidays,” this is your sign to rethink that. 👀 
They come together quickly, use pantry staples, and make the perfect cozy side dish, brunch star, or snack-for-dinner situation. (Highly recommend serving with sour cream, applesauce… or both. I don’t judge 😉) ✨ Why you’ll love them:
• Crispy edges every time
• Simple ingredients you already have
• Perfect for Hanukkah or random Tuesday nights
• Crowd-pleasing and endlessly snackable Here are my tip for better latkes: • Squeeze the liquid out twice! Fluff the potatoes in between, so the inside spuds get the squeezing love, too!
• Fry at a lower temperature than you think. 
• You can make these ahead of time, then reheat in the oven. 🎥 Watch how easy these come together, then add them to your rotation ASAP. 📌 Save this for later
❤️ Share with someone who loves a crispy potato moment 
💌 Want the full recipe? Say POTATO in the comments! . . . #PotatoLatkes #EasyLatkes #CrispyPotatoes LinkDM *119*
I’m not the best baker… in fact, my claim to f I’m not the best baker… in fact, my claim to fame is I cannot bake! But, scones and biscuits?! I could make those all day long! These cherry scones are delightful. The red and green cherries are perfect for the holidays, too! Save this post for your Christmas baked goods! Want the full printable recipe? Say CHERRY in the comments, and I’ll share the recipe with you! . . . #bakedgoods #easyrecipes #homemadescones LinkDM *117*
If your holiday table needs something fresh, crunc If your holiday table needs something fresh, crunchy, and just a little indulgent, this BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad is it. 🥗✨ Smoky BBQ chicken, crispy fried onion strings, chopped greens, and the dreamiest BBQ ranch drizzle — it’s hearty enough to stand up to the holiday classics but fresh enough to make everything else feel even better. This is the salad you serve when: ✨ You want balance without sacrifice ✨ You’re hosting a crowd and need something universally loved ✨ You believe salads should feel cozy too Put it right next to the rolls, the casserole, and the good silverware. Trust me — it’ll disappear faster than the deviled eggs. 😉 👉 Save this for your holiday menu planning 💬 Say BBQ for the recipe! . . . #EasyHolidayRecipes #CrowdPleaserRecipes #DinnerPartyIdeas #choppedsalad LinkDM *116*
😂😂🥰🥰🫶🫶 😂😂🥰🥰🫶🫶
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  • cooking
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    • southern recipes
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