29 Easy Sides That Save You on Busy Weeknights

When dinner's already a scramble, I rely on easy sides that don't add to the chaos. These are the ones that come together fast, work with almost anything, and don't leave a mess behind. I keep them in regular rotation because they make getting a complete meal on the table feel way more doable.

A plate of cooked Brussels sprouts in sauce with lemon slices on the side. A fork holds one sprout above the plate. — Braised Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

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Air Fryer Home Fries

Air-fried potato cubes with diced green bell peppers on plate. — Air Fryer Home Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These home fries crisp up fast and don't need a lot of attention. They're a smart way to stretch a meal with minimal effort. You can season them however you like to match what you're serving. Great for when you're juggling a few dishes at once. A solid go-to that works well on busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Bacon Green Beans

Close-up of a plate with sautéed green beans and bacon pieces, with a fork spearing a few beans. — Bacon Green Beans. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This green bean side adds a smoky touch and comes together quickly. It works with everything from chicken to pork. You won't need a long list of ingredients to make it feel complete. It's quick, familiar, and doesn't leave a mess behind. A handy option to keep dinner on track when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Green Beans

Aloo Gobi Masala

This spiced potato and cauliflower dish is hearty enough to round out a lighter main. It comes together in one pan and doesn't need much babysitting. You can make it ahead or cook it fresh in under 30 minutes. It adds variety without extra steps. A practical pick for fast-paced evenings.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Green Bean Casserole

This casserole is baked in one dish and holds up well for seconds or leftovers. It pairs well with most meats and doesn't take long to prep. You can keep it warm in the oven until everything else is ready. It's easy enough to pull off on a weeknight. A dependable side that helps you get dinner done faster.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

These fries go straight from freezer to plate with barely any effort. They crisp up quickly and go with just about anything. Great for burgers, wraps, or baked mains. You don't have to plan ahead or deal with peeling. A time-saving favorite when your evening feels packed.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with parsley, set on a pink cloth napkin, with whole potatoes and a grater in the background. — Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These mashed potatoes come together quickly and don't need a lot of fuss. The garlic adds just enough flavor to work with both mild and bold mains. You can make them ahead or serve fresh. Great for when you need something filling that won't slow you down. A reliable side that fits right into a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

A spoon lifting a smashed potato garnished with rosemary, with a festive table setting in the background. — Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These potatoes crisp up nicely and cook in less time than oven-roasted versions. The cheese adds a quick boost without much extra work. They're easy to make in batches, depending on how many people you're feeding. You can serve them right from the air fryer tray. A smart way to get something warm on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Seafood Pasta Salad

This chilled salad can be made ahead and pulls double duty as a side or light meal. It mixes in protein so you don't need much else on the plate. Good for nights when it's too hot or too late to cook. It stores well in the fridge for busy days. A useful option to have on hand when things get hectic.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Two halves of baked sweet potato topped with butter and garnished with herbs on a white plate, with a red checkered napkin on the side. — Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These sweet potatoes cook fast and come out with a crisp edge and soft center. They go well with chicken, pork, or even just a salad. You don't need much prep or cleanup. Great for nights when the oven's already full or you're short on time. A quick fix that works across all kinds of meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Teriyaki Noodles

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with vegetables, topped with sesame seeds, placed on a brown cloth napkin. Chopsticks rest on the bowl's edge, and a small dish is visible in the background. — Teriyaki Noodles. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These noodles cook fast and bring in flavor that stands up to both meat and veggie mains. You can prep the sauce ahead to make things even quicker. Great for adding something warm and filling to the table. The leftovers work well for lunch the next day. A time-saving side that feels like more than filler.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Noodles

Vegan Mexican Rice

Mexican rice in small oval serving dish with spoon. — Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This rice dish comes together in one pot and doesn't take long to cook. It pairs well with tacos, grilled meat, or beans. You can make a big batch for multiple meals. Great for keeping dinner moving on nights when you're juggling tasks. A steady choice when you want something simple and hands-off.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Zucchini Bruschetta

This dish brings in fresh flavor without the need for bread. The zucchini cooks fast and holds up well on a tray. You can prep ahead and finish just before dinner. Works well alongside roasted or grilled mains. A fast way to add something different without slowing things down.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with pine nuts on a plate. — Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These green beans cook quickly and don't need a long list of ingredients. The garlic butter adds just enough flavor to keep things interesting. Great for rounding out a protein-heavy meal. You can prep them in advance or make fresh in minutes. A low-fuss choice when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Tongs holding roasted asparagus with grated cheese on a white platter, surrounded by lemon slices. — Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This asparagus side bakes in under 20 minutes and goes with just about anything. The parmesan gives it a little texture without much work. You can prep and bake it while the main dish finishes. Easy to clean up and simple to serve. A quick win when your evening's already full.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Mushrooms and Green Beans

A fork holds cooked green beans and sliced mushrooms, with more on a plate in the background. — Mushrooms and Green Beans. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This combo brings in rich and earthy flavor without much prep time. It cooks quickly in one pan and works well with meat or plant-based meals. You don't need to fuss with extra sides. It's warm, simple, and easy to reheat, too. A good way to fill out a plate without slowing down dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mushrooms and Green Beans

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Roasted tomatoes seasoned with herbs and spices, served on a white plate garnished with parsley. — Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These tomatoes cook fast and add brightness to whatever you're serving. They work as a topping or a side, depending on the meal. The air fryer keeps things simple and quick. Great when you need to bring a bit of color to the plate. An easy way to keep dinner balanced when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Braised Brussels Sprouts

Plate of roasted Brussels sprouts with lemon slices, served with a creamy sauce. A fork holds one sprout above the dish. — Braised Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These sprouts soften up fast and take on flavor without a lot of effort. You can cook them ahead and reheat or make them fresh in about 20 minutes. They're hearty enough to stand up to bigger mains. Great for nights when you want something warm but low-effort. A dependable side to round out dinner fast.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato stuffed with black beans and corn. — Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These sweet potatoes bake in the oven while you prep everything else. They're filling and packed with flavor even without much seasoning. You can serve them as a full meal or pair with something lighter. They reheat well for leftovers too. A helpful option when you need dinner to take care of itself.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Ratatouille

This veggie-packed side bakes in one dish and works with just about any main. It's easy to prep ahead and reheat later. Great for clearing out the fridge or using up leftovers. You don't need to watch it while it cooks. A useful way to get more vegetables on the table without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Dairy Free Mac and Cheese

A bowl of creamy penne pasta with a fork, placed on a textured surface. — Dairy Free Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This mac and cheese comes together quickly and skips the dairy without feeling like a trade-off. It's creamy, warm, and pairs well with chicken or vegetables. You can make a big batch and heat up what you need. Good for households with mixed preferences or allergies. A reliable option when you're short on time.
Get the Recipe: Dairy Free Mac and Cheese

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish. — Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These potatoes can be prepped ahead and baked fresh when you're ready. The cheese and extras make them feel like more than just a side. They hold up well on the plate and work with a range of mains. Good for nights when you need something filling that doesn't take over your schedule. A solid choice to pull out of the fridge and finish in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Close-up of a spoonful of sweet potato casserole with a topping of toasted pecans and marshmallows. — Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This casserole uses shortcuts to save time without skipping flavor. It bakes in one dish and doesn't need much hands-on effort. You can prep it earlier in the day and reheat as needed. Great for bigger meals or just stretching a weeknight dinner. A warm side that's easy to fit in on busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Italian artisan bread sliced on cutting board. — No Knead Italian Artisan Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This bread takes very little active time and bakes up with a crisp crust and soft center. You can prep it in the morning and bake at dinner. It works well with soups, stews, or pasta. You don't need special tools or techniques. A great side when you want homemade bread without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

These cabbage wedges crisp up fast and bring in a smoky flavor with hardly any prep. They work well as a warm side without taking over your evening. You can cook a few at a time depending on what else you're serving. They don't need extra sauces or toppings to feel complete. A smart way to round out dinner without dragging it out.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air-fried brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese on a white plate. — Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These sprouts cook in under 20 minutes and come out crisp on the edges. You can add seasoning to match whatever else is on the plate. Great for last-minute sides or when the oven is full. The air fryer keeps cleanup easy too. A quick side that's ready before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Sliced and roasted cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs on a white plate, garnished with black pepper and fresh herbs. — Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These cabbage steaks bake in one tray and don't need flipping or fussing. They're hearty and pair well with both meat and vegetarian mains. You can season them however you like and walk away while they cook. They're done in under 30 minutes with little cleanup. A simple side that fits into even the busiest evenings.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Crab Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with vegetables and crab meat. — Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This rice dish comes together in one pan and brings protein and carbs in a single dish. It reheats well and works for lunch the next day, too. You can pair it with seafood or lighter mains. It's fast, filling, and easy to customize. A time-saving way to bulk up dinner without extra pots.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Sliced glazed carrots garnished with herbs on a fork, with more on a plate in the background. — Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These carrots cook quickly and take on just enough sweetness without much effort. They're great for weeknights when the oven's already in use. The air fryer keeps things quick and cleanup is light. They hold their shape and pair with almost anything. A quick side that adds color and warmth to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Fried potato wedges with ketchup and parsley. — Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These wedges come out crisp and golden without much oil or prep. They're easy to season and work with all kinds of mains. You can cook them straight from the fridge or freezer. The air fryer keeps things simple and quick. A go-to when you need something fast and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges