17 Comfort Sides That Could Be the Main Dish

Comfort sides don’t know their place—and that’s exactly the point. When they show up rich, creamy, crispy, or downright indulgent, no one’s asking for the main. These are the dishes people go back for, sometimes twice, before even noticing what else is on the table. They’re built to impress but still easy enough to throw together on a low-effort night. Comfort sides don’t play backup—they steal the whole show.

Close-up of a spoonful of creamy macaroni and cheese topped with chopped green onions. — Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Vegan Mexican Rice

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

This rice cooks fast and brings heat and flavor with every bite. It’s a strong match for beans, grilled vegetables, or roasted meats. The spices blend well without overpowering the dish. It’s a flexible side that works for busy nights or bigger spreads.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Ratatouille

This one-pan dish brings together soft, simmered vegetables with rich, slow-cooked flavor. It holds up well next to both protein-heavy meals and lighter dinners. You can prep it in advance and reheat without losing texture. It’s one of those comfort sides that fills the plate without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

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.

This version stays creamy from the first bite to the last and doesn’t need babysitting. Let it cook while you handle the rest of dinner or bring it along to share. The cheese holds its shape without getting greasy. It easily earns its spot on any comfort sides list.
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.

These cook up with crisp edges and a soft middle using almost no oil. The air fryer helps speed things along without sacrificing taste. They go with everything from roasted chicken to grilled fish. A solid pick when you want something fast that feels like one of those comfort sides you always go back to.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

This bake comes together with pantry staples and has just enough crunch to balance the creamy texture. It’s quick to prep and fills out the plate in a way that feels complete. You can make it ahead and reheat with no problems. It’s a familiar comfort side that works for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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 with a little texture thanks to the skins, plus a boost of flavor from fresh garlic. They hold up well with gravy or butter but also stand strong on their own. Prep is simple, and they don’t get gluey when reheated. It’s a great match when you need something warm and easy.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

These wedges turn out golden without needing deep frying or extra prep. They stay crispy long after cooking, which makes them a good option for feeding a crowd. You can season them however you like. They’re one of those comfort sides that doesn’t need much help to shine.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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 cook fast and don’t take much more than some potatoes and oil. They crisp up nicely and stay fluffy in the middle. Pair them with eggs, meat, or even a veggie bowl. When you’re short on time, they make a solid side without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Bacon adds texture while the cabbage cooks down into something warm and rich. You don’t need a long ingredient list or much prep. It’s great with grilled mains or served on its own for a quick bite. This dish checks every box when it comes to easy comfort sides.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Aloo Gobi Masala

This mix of potatoes and cauliflower holds spice well and stays filling without feeling too heavy. You can cook it all in one pan and get plenty of flavor without layering extra sauces. It keeps its texture even if you reheat it later. A nice pick when you're after comfort sides that don’t feel basic.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

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.

This rice comes out fluffy without you babysitting a pot. It stays warm in the slow cooker, which means you can focus on the rest of dinner. It’s great for serving with saucy mains or just keeping things simple. You’ll probably end up doubling it next time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

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 still keep a bit of snap. The garlic butter adds enough punch that you don’t need anything fancy. You can throw this together last minute and it still feels thought-out. It’s one of those sides that goes with almost everything.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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 coat easily in sauce and come together in no time. The sweet-savory mix keeps things interesting without overcomplicating dinner. You can eat them on their own or with protein if you're feeling extra. Either way, they won’t last long on the table.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Noodles

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 hit all the right notes—creamy, crispy, and cheesy without going overboard. You can prep them ahead and bake when you’re ready. They work just as well with grilled meats as they do with sandwiches. Honestly, you might not want to share.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked 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 fast in the air fryer and still feel soft in the middle. The cheese melts right into all the cracks, which helps them stand out. You don’t need a pile of ingredients or any complicated steps. They’re easy, filling, and worth repeating.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Crab Fried Rice

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

This rice cooks fast, but still feels like a full meal thanks to the crab. It’s got just enough richness to skip the extras. Toss in some frozen veggies and dinner’s basically done. It hits especially well on nights when you want low effort and big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

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.

These potatoes bake into soft, creamy layers that hold up well next to almost anything. The top gets golden while the inside stays rich and smooth. You can prep it early and reheat without any weird texture. It’s a no-fuss favorite when you need something warm and solid.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes