15 Cozy Sides That Will Make You Forget the Main Dish

Sometimes the best part of a meal is the side dish. These cozy sides are all about warmth, comfort, and big flavors that make you forget all about the main course. Perfect for any occasion, they’re the kind of dishes that’ll have you craving more long after the meal is over.

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Easy Scalloped Potatoes make for a creamy and comforting side dish that’s perfect for any meal. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s ideal when you want something quick but full of flavor. This dish will easily become the star of your plate, leaving the main dish in the background. The layers of potatoes and cheese bring a rich, satisfying texture that pairs well with any protein.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo Gobi Masala is a vibrant, aromatic side dish that combines potatoes and cauliflower in a flavorful, mildly spiced sauce. It’s an easy way to add some warmth to your meal without needing much time or effort. With a balance of savory and slightly tangy flavors, it could easily take center stage. This dish is perfect for anyone craving a satisfying side that complements any main course.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese is a crispy, cheesy side that’s quick to prepare and hard to resist. The air fryer gives them a golden crunch on the outside while keeping them soft inside, making them ideal for anyone wanting a comforting dish without long cooking times. With cheese melting over the top, these potatoes could easily replace your main dish. It’s a practical, hands-off recipe that adds a bit of indulgence to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a rich and hearty side that brings smoky flavor and a satisfying texture to the table. The bacon adds depth and a crispiness that balances the soft cabbage, making it a standout dish. This recipe is simple to make and comes together quickly, making it a great choice when you want something filling and flavorful without much hassle. It pairs well with any main course but might end up being the highlight of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Air Fryer Potato Wedges are a quick, crispy side that brings all the comfort of fries with less mess. The air fryer crisps them to perfection in a fraction of the time it would take in a traditional oven. These wedges are a great side that can stand on their own or complement a variety of main dishes. With minimal prep and cook time, they’re an ideal choice for anyone needing a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes are a simple, flavorful side that brings natural sweetness with a crispy outside. You can prepare them quickly with just a little seasoning, making them an easy addition to any meal. The air fryer ensures they cook fast while still keeping the inside tender, making this a practical option for busy days. They’ll easily become a favorite side that could steal the spotlight from your main dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes are the perfect comfort food side that’s both filling and indulgent. Baked potatoes are mashed, then filled with cheese, bacon, and other tasty ingredients, creating a rich dish that’s easy to make and loved by all. These potatoes could easily replace your main course with their hearty, satisfying texture. They’re a great choice when you want a side that feels like a meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Home Fries

Air Fryer Home Fries are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, making them a go-to side when you want something simple yet satisfying. The air fryer makes them quick to prepare without sacrificing crunch, perfect for busy weeknights. These home fries have a crispy outside and soft inside, making them a great side that can stand up to any main dish. They’re easy to make and always a hit with family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole is a comforting side that brings together the classic flavors of green beans, cream, and crispy fried onions. This dish is easy to assemble and can be made ahead of time, saving you stress on busy days. Its rich, creamy texture and savory flavor make it a perfect match for any main course. A reliable side dish that never disappoints, it might just become the star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Slow Cooker Rice

Slow Cooker Rice is a simple yet versatile side dish that goes with nearly anything. Cooking rice in the slow cooker makes it easy to prepare without constant attention, freeing up time for other parts of your meal. This recipe ensures perfectly cooked rice every time, and it complements any main dish with its light, fluffy texture. A practical choice when you need a low-maintenance side to round out your meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a hearty, vegetable-packed side that offers fresh flavors in every bite. This dish combines a variety of colorful vegetables, slow-cooked in a rich sauce, making it a filling addition to any meal. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a side that’s flavorful, healthy, and can easily become the focal point of the plate. A simple yet satisfying choice that makes your main dish feel like an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes offer a creamy, garlicky twist on the classic mashed potato. Their smooth texture and rich flavor make them the perfect side to complement any meal, with minimal prep time. These potatoes can easily be the highlight of your plate, with their comforting taste and versatility. Whether for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, they’re a practical and satisfying option.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is an easy, hands-off side that delivers creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite. Cooking it in the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld perfectly, giving you a rich and comforting dish without spending much time. This mac and cheese is a great side that can easily become the main event, with its thick, velvety cheese sauce. It's perfect for busy days when you want to have a filling side with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Crab Fried Rice

Crab Fried Rice is a flavorful, quick-cooking side that brings the savory taste of crab to a classic fried rice base. The combination of rice, vegetables, and crab creates a filling dish that pairs well with many main courses. This is a great option when you want something a bit different but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s a practical, yet satisfying side that will have everyone reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Vegan Mexican Rice

Vegan Mexican Rice is a vibrant, flavorful side that brings a touch of spice and color to your plate. With a simple blend of ingredients, it’s easy to prepare and pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. This rice dish stands out with its rich flavors and light, fluffy texture, making it a great choice to complement your main meal. It’s a practical and satisfying option that will quickly become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice