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    Home / Roundups

    17 Easy Side Dishes That Will Fix Your Boring Dinner Routine

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Feb 9, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    If you're stuck in a dinner rut, these easy side dishes are here to help. With minimal effort, you can turn any meal into something more exciting and flavorful. Whether you're short on time or just want a change, these sides will bring new life to your dinner routine.

    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.

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    Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven

    Roasted zucchini slices with melted cheese and herbs sit enticingly on a white plate, as a fork elegantly holds one piece.
    Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    This roasted zucchini is a quick and easy side that pairs well with any meal. The parmesan adds a crisp topping that makes it feel more put together without extra work. It bakes in no time, making it great for busy nights when you need something simple. A good option for adding a vegetable to your plate without making dinner more complicated.
    Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven

    Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

    Baked macaroni and cheese topped with breadcrumbs and bacon in a white dish, with a serving on a plate beside it.
    Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    This mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. The cheese blend gives it a thick sauce that feels hearty enough to stand on its own or pair with any main dish. It’s a great choice when you want a side that feels a little extra but still comes together easily. Perfect for nights when you need something reliable and filling.
    Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

    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.

    A fresh and easy salad that works well with any meal. The green beans add crunch while the tomatoes bring in a little brightness. It’s a great choice when you want a light side that doesn’t take much effort. Perfect for keeping things simple without sacrificing variety on your plate.
    Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.
    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This cabbage dish is packed with flavor and takes little time to prepare. The bacon crisps up in the air fryer, adding a smoky touch to the tender cabbage. It’s a great choice when you need a side that feels hearty but doesn’t require much effort. A good way to add something different to your dinner rotation without making things complicated.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    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 are creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. The garlic adds a rich taste without making the recipe more complicated. It’s a great side when you need something comforting that pairs well with just about anything. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions when you want something familiar and reliable.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

    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 cook up crispy on the outside and soft on the inside in no time. The air fryer makes them quick and easy without needing extra oil. They’re a great side for breakfast-for-dinner nights or when you need something simple that feels a little special. A good option when you want potatoes without spending too much time cooking.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

    Green Bean Casserole

    A ramekin of green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions, served on a wooden table.
    Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A classic side dish that’s easy to put together and always a favorite. The creamy sauce and crispy topping make it a great addition to any meal. It’s a good choice when you need a side that’s familiar and comforting without taking too much time. Works well for holidays or any night when you want something simple and reliable.
    Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

    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 twice-baked potatoes are packed with cheese, bacon, and a creamy filling. They make a great side when you need something that feels hearty but doesn’t take too much effort. Since they can be prepped ahead, they’re a good option for busy nights. A great way to turn basic potatoes into something more exciting.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

    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 brussels sprouts cook up crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The air fryer makes them a quick and easy side without needing much oil. They’re a great option when you need a vegetable that feels a little different but doesn’t take much effort. Works well with any main dish for a simple but flavorful addition.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

    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.

    A creamy, cheesy side dish that’s simple to put together. The layers of thinly sliced potatoes bake until tender, making it a good option for when you want something filling. It’s a great choice for busy nights when you need a side that feels special but doesn’t require much hands-on time. Works well alongside any main dish for a well-rounded meal.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

    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, making them an easy addition to any meal. The maple glaze adds a touch of sweetness without requiring extra work. It’s a great choice when you want a vegetable side that feels a little different but still keeps things simple. Works well with both weeknight dinners and holiday meals.
    Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

    Aloo Gobi Masala

    Aloo gobi masala in skillet with naan bread.
    Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A hearty mix of potatoes and cauliflower cooked with warm spices. It’s a great side when you want something filling that doesn’t take too much effort. The simple ingredients make it easy to prepare while still bringing plenty of flavor. Works well alongside a variety of main dishes without adding extra stress to dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

    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 roast until tender with crispy edges, making them a simple but flavorful side. They’re a good option when you need something easy that pairs well with any main dish. With minimal prep and cooking time, they work well for busy nights. A great way to add a vegetable to your meal without extra hassle.
    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.

    These brussels sprouts cook until tender in a flavorful broth, making them a great choice for a no-fuss vegetable side. They pair well with a variety of meals without requiring too much effort. The simple ingredients keep things easy while still bringing out plenty of flavor. A good option when you need a vegetable side that doesn’t take much time.
    Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

    Crab Fried Rice

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

    A quick and easy rice dish that’s packed with flavor. The crab adds something extra without making the recipe complicated. It’s a great side when you want something filling that doesn’t take much time to prepare. Works well for busy nights when you need a reliable option.
    Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

    Zucchini Bruschetta

    Baked zucchini bruschetta topped with chopped tomatoes, herbs, and grated cheese on a parchment-lined tray.
    Zucchini Bruschetta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A fresh and simple side that comes together quickly. The zucchini adds a twist to classic bruschetta while keeping things easy. It’s a great choice when you need something light that doesn’t take much effort. Works well as a side or even a quick appetizer.
    Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

    Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

    This cabbage dish is cooked with bacon for a smoky, rich flavor. It’s a great side when you need something simple but hearty. The short cooking time makes it a good option for busy nights. Works well alongside any meal without making dinner more complicated.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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    1. Jeanie Snyder

      February 16, 2025 at 2:31 pm

      I have a slow cooker could you send me some recipes for it?

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele

        February 16, 2025 at 7:31 pm

        You'll find them here: slow cooker recipes

        Reply

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