29 Sides That Could Be the Main Character

Sometimes the side dishes end up stealing the show, and that's exactly what these recipes are all about. I love having options that are quick to make but still bold enough to stand on their own, whether I'm serving them next to something simple or enjoying them by themselves. These are the kinds of sides that make dinner feel complete without a lot of extra effort.

Bowl of Mexican rice mixed with tomato sauce and garnished with a sprig of cilantro, with a fork inserted into the rice. — Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

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 are quick to make and cook up perfectly crisp in the air fryer. They're hearty enough to stand on their own but also pair well with just about anything you serve. Since they're ready in under 30 minutes, they work for both busy mornings and weeknight dinners. The texture is just right, with a soft inside and golden edges. It's the kind of side dish that easily steals the spotlight at the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Mango Avocado Salad

This salad is light, fresh, and full of color, making it a standout on any table. The combination of fruit and creamy avocado feels like something you'd enjoy in a restaurant, yet it comes together in minutes at home. It's great for warm days when you want something quick that doesn't require cooking. The flavors are bold enough to carry a meal without much else on the plate. That's what makes it more than just a side-it can hold its own as the main event.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad

Zucchini Bruschetta

This dish gives a fresh twist on the classic bruschetta, using zucchini for a lighter feel. It's simple to pull together and only takes a short time to prepare. The balance of flavors makes it versatile enough to go with a variety of meals. Served warm or at room temperature, it still keeps its appeal. It's the kind of recipe that doesn't just sit on the side-it commands attention.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

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 in the air fryer, which makes them a perfect go-to when you need something easy. The glaze brings just the right amount of flavor without being overwhelming. Because they're tender and slightly caramelized, they feel special even though they're simple to make. They pair well with almost anything, yet they have enough character to stand alone. This is one of those dishes that can easily take center stage on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

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 come together fast, making them a perfect choice for busy nights. The sauce adds just the right amount of flavor, and the dish feels filling without being heavy. It's simple enough for a weeknight but doesn't feel boring. You can enjoy it on its own, and it feels like a complete meal. That's exactly why it's more than just a side-it's the star of dinner.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Noodles

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo Gobi Masala combines potatoes and cauliflower in a way that makes the dish feel both hearty and comforting. It's easy to prepare and doesn't take much time, which makes it a reliable choice. The spices bring warmth that works for any mealtime. It can be enjoyed with bread or rice, but it holds strong on its own. That's why it often feels like the main attraction instead of a background dish.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

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 are rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making them much more than a standard side. They do take a little time, but the effort is worth it for something so filling. The creamy texture mixed with the crisp edges makes them feel like comfort food at its best. They're versatile enough to serve with many meals but hearty enough to be the main course. This is a dish that doesn't just sit quietly on the plate-it steals the scene.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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 keep a fresh crunch while still being tender. The garlic butter adds flavor without making the dish complicated. Since they only take a few minutes to make, they're great for weeknights. They can be paired with almost anything, but they're bold enough to hold their own. It's the kind of recipe that proves simple sides can carry a meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Close-up of a cheesy scalloped potatoes dish in a white baking dish, garnished with parsley. — Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Scalloped potatoes are creamy, comforting, and always welcome at the table. This version is straightforward, making it easy to put together without much effort. The layers of tender potato make it feel hearty and filling. It works well with many main dishes but can easily be a meal on its own. That's what makes it more than just a supporting dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker. — Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Using a slow cooker makes mac and cheese even easier, freeing up time while it cooks. The result is creamy and cheesy, just the way you'd want it. It's filling enough to be enjoyed as the main course, especially when you want comfort food without fuss. The hands-off cooking is perfect for busy days. This dish proves that what some call a side can actually be the main draw.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

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.

Sweet potatoes cook quickly in the air fryer, making them a simple and reliable choice. The texture comes out soft inside with crisp edges, so they feel extra special. They work for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, giving them plenty of versatility. Because they're naturally filling, they don't need much else alongside them. That's why they often feel like the focus of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

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.

Mashed red potatoes bring a comforting texture with just enough flavor from the garlic. They're quick to make and don't require fancy ingredients. The creaminess makes them feel hearty enough to be the center of a plate. While they pair well with other dishes, they can easily stand on their own. It's the type of recipe that feels like more than just a side.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Ensaladang Mangga

This mango salad is refreshing and full of bright flavors. It's easy to make and doesn't require cooking, which makes it perfect for hot days. The bold mix of tastes gives it a strong presence at the table. You could enjoy it alongside other dishes, but it's filling enough to be enjoyed as the main part of a meal. It shows how something simple can become the highlight.
Get the Recipe: Ensaladang Mangga

Green Bean Casserole

This casserole is creamy, comforting, and easy to prepare. It's a dish many people associate with gatherings, but it works just as well on a weeknight. The mix of textures keeps it interesting enough to eat on its own. Since it's hearty, it doesn't always need another main course. That's why this classic often feels like it could carry the meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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.

Green beans take on extra flavor with the addition of bacon, making them hard to overlook. They cook quickly, which makes them practical for any meal. The combination of smoky and fresh keeps them balanced. They're great as a partner to many dishes, but they can be filling enough on their own. This is one of those sides that easily steps up as the star.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Green Beans

Crab Fried Rice

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

Fried rice is always a quick option, and the addition of crab makes this version feel even more complete. It cooks in minutes, which is perfect for a busy day. The mix of rice and seafood means you don't need much else on the plate. It's versatile enough for lunch or dinner. That's why this dish works so well as more than just a side.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

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.

Brussels sprouts in the air fryer turn crisp on the outside and tender inside in very little time. They're quick enough for a weeknight and flavorful without being complicated. The texture makes them interesting enough to enjoy without needing much else. They can work alongside other foods but don't need to. This is a great example of a side that feels like the main focus.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Green Bean Tomato Salad

A plate of green beans tossed with cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese, accompanied by a fork, on a white surface. — Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Fresh green beans and tomatoes come together in this simple salad. It's quick to put together and brings a lot of freshness to the table. The colors make it visually appealing, while the flavors keep it bold. You can serve it with other dishes, but it stands tall on its own. That's why it feels more important than just a supporting role.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Vegan Mexican Rice

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

This rice dish is flavorful and cooks in a reasonable amount of time. It works well alongside a variety of foods but also has enough character to be the main dish. The spices bring warmth without making it heavy. It's easy to prepare and doesn't require a lot of steps. That's what makes it more than just a side option.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

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 smashed potatoes cook quickly in the air fryer and come out with crispy edges. The addition of cheese makes them hearty and filling. They're easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to feel like comfort food. They go well with a lot of meals, yet they're strong enough to stand alone. This dish has all the qualities of something that takes center stage.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

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.

The combination of mushrooms and green beans makes this dish both hearty and fresh. It doesn't take long to prepare, making it great for everyday meals. The mix of textures gives it enough depth to feel complete. While it complements many mains, it doesn't rely on them. This is exactly the kind of recipe that can carry a meal by itself.
Get the Recipe: Mushrooms and Green Beans

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Wrapping cabbage in bacon and cooking it in the air fryer gives it flavor and texture in very little time. It's simple to prepare, but the result feels impressive. The combination makes it filling enough to be more than just a side. It works for both family meals and casual gatherings. This dish has enough presence to be the focus on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

Potato wedges in the air fryer are crisp outside and tender inside. They cook quickly and don't need a lot of effort. The hearty texture makes them more than just a background item on the table. You can serve them with dips or on their own. They're the kind of side that often takes the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a mix of vegetables that cooks into a hearty and flavorful dish. It doesn't take long to prepare and makes use of simple ingredients. The variety of textures keeps it interesting and filling. While it can sit beside other foods, it's strong enough to be enjoyed by itself. This dish shows how a so-called side can feel like the centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

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.

Cabbage steaks are easy to make and roast up tender with crisp edges. They bring a hearty texture that makes them filling. Since they don't take long in the oven, they're practical for busy days. The dish is simple but has enough presence to hold its own. That's why it feels more like a main than just something extra on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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.

Braised Brussels sprouts turn out tender and full of flavor without much effort. They cook in a reasonable time, making them an easy addition to dinner. The texture makes them enjoyable enough to eat on their own. They go well with many dishes, but they don't rely on them. This is a recipe that proves a side can feel like the star.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

Seafood Pasta Salad

Pasta salad with seafood comes together quickly and feels both filling and fresh. It's simple enough for a weeknight but works well for gatherings too. The mix of pasta and seafood makes it hearty enough without adding anything else. Since it's served chilled, it's a low-effort meal option. This is the kind of dish that can easily stand in as the main part of the table.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Slow Cooker Rice

A spoonful of slow-cooked white rice held above a bowl, with a fresh green parsley leaf in the background. — Slow Cooker Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Using a slow cooker for rice makes it easy and hands-off. The result is fluffy and ready to pair with almost anything. But because it's versatile and filling, it doesn't need much else to make a complete meal. It's practical for both everyday meals and larger gatherings. This is a good reminder that rice can carry the plate when needed.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cabbage and bacon in white serving bowl. — Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Fried cabbage with bacon is hearty and full of flavor. It doesn't take long to make and only needs a few basic ingredients. The texture makes it feel like comfort food in the best way. It can be served with other dishes, but it doesn't need to rely on them. That's why it feels more like the main attraction than just a side.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon