Chicken wings are the MVP of game day, but let’s be real—they need a killer supporting cast. These 10 easy sides will steal the spotlight (and maybe your heart).
1. Loaded Potato Skins That Put Stadium Food to Shame
Cheesy, crispy, and stuffed with all the good stuff, these potato skins are what dreams are made of. Perfect for when you want to carb-load like a champ.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, baked and halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions:
- Scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch shell.
- Brush skins with oil, season with salt, and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes until crisp.
- Fill with cheese and bacon, then broil until melted (about 2 minutes).
- Top with sour cream and green onions.
Pro tip: Save the scooped-out potato for mashed potatoes later. Waste not, want not!
2. Cool Ranch Slaw That Cuts Through the Heat
This isn’t your grandma’s slaw. Tangy, crunchy, and with a hint of ranch magic, it’s the ultimate wing sidekick.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
Instructions:
- Toss cabbage with ranch, vinegar, and garlic powder.
- Let chill for 30 minutes (trust me, patience pays off).
- Stir in dill before serving.
Bonus: Add blue cheese crumbles if you’re feeling fancy. No judgment here.
3. Garlic-Parm Fries That’ll Make You Lick the Tray
Because regular fries are *yawn* boring. These crispy, cheesy sticks of joy are basically wing soulmates.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen french fries
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp parsley
Instructions:
- Bake fries according to package directions.
- Toss hot fries with butter, garlic, and Parmesan.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
Warning: These disappear faster than your Wi-Fi during a storm.
4. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites for the Veggie Lovers
Who says wing night can’t be veg-friendly? These spicy bites are so good, even carnivores will fight for the last one.
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Toss cauliflower with flour and garlic powder.
- Bake at 450°F for 20 minutes until crispy.
- Mix hot sauce and butter, then coat cauliflower.
- Broil for 2 more minutes to caramelize.
Serve with blue cheese dip for full wing-night immersion.
5. Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins That Spice Up Your Life
Sweet, spicy, and ridiculously moist—these muffins are the edible equivalent of a cozy blanket.
Ingredients:
- 1 box cornbread mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 jalapeños, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
Instructions:
- Mix cornbread, egg, and milk until combined.
- Fold in jalapeños and cheese.
- Bake in muffin tin at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Pro tip: Brush with honey butter right out of the oven. You’re welcome.
6. Beer Cheese Dip That’s Basically Liquid Gold
If wings and dip had a love child, this would be it. Creamy, tangy, and best served with a spoon (no shame).
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup beer (lager works best)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions:
- Whisk cream cheese and beer until smooth.
- Stir in cheddar, mustard, and paprika.
- Simmer on low for 5 minutes until melty.
Serve with pretzels, veggies, or just dive in face-first. We won’t tell.
7. Crispy Onion Rings That Shatter Like Glass
Forget floppy diner rings—these are crunchy, salty, and impossible to eat just one.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet onions, sliced into rings
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions:
- Dredge onion rings in flour, then egg, then panko.
- Fry in 375°F oil for 2 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
Secret weapon: Dip in spicy mayo. Your taste buds will thank you.
8. Mac & Cheese Balls for Grown-Ups Who Love Fun
Mac and cheese, but make it portable. These fried balls are the ultimate finger food upgrade.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mac & cheese, chilled
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup flour
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Roll mac & cheese into 1-inch balls.
- Dredge in flour, egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Fry for 3 minutes until golden.
Serve with ranch or more cheese sauce. Because why not?
9. Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Butter That’s Basically Vacation
Sweet, smoky, and zesty—this corn is summer on a cob. Also, it makes you look like a grill master.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears corn, husked
- 4 tbsp softened butter
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 lime, zested
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Grill corn for 10 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Mix butter, chili powder, and lime zest.
- Slather on hot corn and sprinkle with salt.
Pro move: Add cotija cheese for extra credit.
10. No-Bake Cookie Dough Dip for the Sweet Tooth
Because wing night deserves dessert too. This dip tastes like eating the bowl of cookie dough you’re not supposed to.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- Graham crackers or pretzels for dipping
Instructions:
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Warning: You might need to hide this from your kids. Or yourself.
So there you go—10 sides that’ll make your wing night legendary. Now go forth, feast, and maybe unbutton your pants a little. No one’s judging.
