29 Easy Sides That Make Dinner Way Less Boring

Dinner can feel a bit repetitive, but adding a few easy sides can really change things up. Whether you’re looking for something quick, flavorful, or a bit more exciting, the right side dish can take your meal to the next level without extra hassle. These simple sides are perfect for making your everyday dinners feel fresh and fun, all while keeping prep time to a minimum.

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

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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.

Oven-baked asparagus with Parmesan is an easy side dish that adds flavor and texture to any meal. The crisp-tender asparagus combined with the savory cheese gives your plate a burst of freshness and richness. It's a low-maintenance dish that can bake while you focus on the rest of the meal. Whether you're serving it with chicken, fish, or steak, it fits well with just about anything. This side makes dinner feel less routine and more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

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.

This refreshing green bean tomato salad brings a light, colorful touch to your dinner. The crisp beans and juicy tomatoes are tossed together with a simple dressing, making it an easy side to prepare. It’s the kind of dish that complements everything from grilled meats to pasta. Quick to assemble and full of flavor, it’s a smart addition to any meal. It’s just the kind of salad to keep your dinners feeling fresh and varied.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

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

No knead Italian artisan bread is a straightforward, fuss-free way to get fresh bread on your dinner table. It’s a perfect side when you want something rustic and comforting without all the work. The bread comes out crusty on the outside, soft on the inside, and ready to dip into soups or sauces. It’s easy to prepare and makes your dinner feel more like a treat. This bread is the ideal side for turning any meal into something more exciting.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

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 sweet potato casserole is a breeze to make using canned yams and adds a touch of warmth to your meal. The creamy, slightly sweet flavor works well with almost any main dish, from roast meats to grilled veggies. It comes together quickly, which makes it a great side when you need something hearty and satisfying with minimal prep. Topped with a little crunch, it’s a comforting addition to any dinner. This casserole makes a simple meal feel a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Air Fryer Home Fries

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

Air fryer home fries offer a crispy, golden exterior with a tender inside in just minutes. With minimal effort and no need to stand over a hot stove, they’re an easy choice for a fast side dish. They pair well with eggs, burgers, or chicken, making them versatile for many dinners. The air fryer gives them a perfect crunch without the mess of deep frying. They bring a little extra flavor and texture to make your meal stand out.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

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.

Air fryer sweet potatoes cook quickly and come out crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. These make a great side dish that’s easy to prepare and can be paired with a wide range of main courses. The natural sweetness of the potatoes makes them a favorite for both savory and slightly sweet meals. This is a perfect side when you're looking for something simple but flavorful. They’ll bring new life to your dinner routine with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Southern fried cabbage with bacon is an easy, flavorful side that adds richness and texture to any meal. The cabbage cooks down tender while the bacon gives it a savory crunch. This side dish is quick to make, yet packed with flavor that will make even the simplest meal feel complete. It pairs perfectly with meats like pork, chicken, or even fish. It's the kind of side dish that brings a little soul to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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.

Air fryer Brussels sprouts are crispy, tender, and a quick way to add a little green to your meal. These sprouts cook up with a perfect balance of crunch and flavor, without the need for deep frying. They’re a great side when you want something that’s easy but still has a lot of character. You can season them to your liking, making them a versatile choice for various dinners. They’re a great addition to any meal that needs a side with some personality.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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.

Bacon green beans bring a savory, smoky twist to the traditional green bean side. With bacon adding depth and richness, these beans go beyond your usual vegetable dish. They’re easy to prepare and cook in no time, making them a great option for busy evenings. This side pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted meats. It’s a quick way to turn ordinary green beans into a star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Green Beans

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a flavorful vegetable medley that’s as colorful as it is easy to make. The combination of eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers is perfect for a light, savory side dish. It pairs well with almost any main dish and adds a healthy touch to your dinner. It’s simple to prepare and brings a fresh, garden-like flavor to your plate. This side is perfect for nights when you want to keep things light but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

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 are cooked slowly to bring out their natural sweetness and tender texture. This method makes them a great side to accompany heartier dishes like roast meats or casseroles. The slow cooking process enhances their flavor, turning them into a dish everyone can enjoy. They’re easy to prepare and make a great addition to your regular dinner rotation. A simple yet flavorful side to make your meals stand out.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon-wrapped air fryer cabbage is a quick, flavorful side that’s easy to prepare and cook. The crispy bacon adds a savory crunch, while the cabbage remains tender and full of flavor. It’s an ideal side when you want something with a bit of flair but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. This dish works well with both weeknight dinners and special meals alike. It’s a simple way to make your meal more exciting without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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.

Crock pot mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food side that practically cooks itself. The slow cooking method results in creamy, perfectly melted cheese without any fuss. It’s perfect for serving alongside BBQ, chicken, or even as a standalone dish. This side is perfect when you need a hands-off recipe that still feels like a treat. It adds a rich, comforting element to dinner without any of the usual prep time.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

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.

Easy scalloped potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and bake up perfectly tender. This simple side is a great way to add a little more substance to your meal without much effort. The layers of potatoes soak up the creamy sauce, making each bite a little more flavorful. This dish is ideal for pairing with roasted meats or a hearty stew. It’s a side that brings comfort and a bit of extra flavor to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Dairy Free Mac and Cheese

Dairy-free mac and cheese is a creamy, cheesy side made without any dairy, perfect for those who need an alternative. The rich, smooth texture makes it a comforting addition to your meal without missing the usual ingredients. It’s easy to prepare and pairs well with everything from grilled chicken to roasted veggies. This dish offers a fun twist on a classic favorite, making dinner feel less predictable. It’s a great side when you want something different but still satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Dairy Free Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

Air fryer potato wedges cook up crispy and golden without the need for deep frying. These make for a quick, flavorful side that pairs well with almost anything from burgers to grilled meats. The air fryer gives them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender. They’re easy to season and customize to your tastes. This is a no-fuss way to add variety to your dinner with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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.

Mushrooms and green beans come together for a savory side that’s quick and full of flavor. The earthy mushrooms and tender beans balance each other perfectly, making it an easy addition to your meal. It’s great with anything from roast chicken to steak. This dish is easy to make and will add a burst of flavor to your table. A quick, versatile side that won’t make dinner feel too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Mushrooms and Green Beans

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo Gobi Masala is a flavorful, spiced vegetable dish that brings a warming touch to your meal. The combination of potatoes and cauliflower in a rich sauce is a great way to add variety to your usual sides. It’s easy to make and works well with rice or bread. The spices give it depth without overwhelming the dish. It’s a wonderful side to bring a little different flavor to your dinners.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood pasta salad is a light, refreshing side that pairs well with any grilled or roasted meats. The combination of seafood, pasta, and fresh veggies makes it filling but not too heavy. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a convenient option for dinner. This dish brings a touch of elegance to your meal with minimal effort. It’s a great side when you want to break from the usual and try something new.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

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

Vegan taco stuffed sweet potatoes offer a hearty and satisfying side that’s full of flavor. The sweetness of the potato pairs perfectly with the savory taco filling, making for a balanced dish. It’s a great side that can stand on its own or complement a larger meal. Easy to prepare and full of bold flavors, this dish makes your dinner feel more exciting. It’s a fun way to bring something different to the table.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make side that works well with a variety of mains. The creamy sauce and crispy topping make this dish a favorite at any dinner. It’s simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time for convenience. This dish adds warmth and a little crunch to your meal. It’s a great go-to side when you want something familiar but still special.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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.

Roasted cabbage steaks are a simple, flavorful side that brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage. The crisp edges and tender center make this dish a perfect complement to a variety of meals. It’s easy to prepare and roast, and pairs well with both vegetarian and meat dishes. This dish is an excellent way to add a bit of variety to your dinner. The simplicity of the recipe makes it a no-fuss side.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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.

Air fryer smashed potatoes with cheese are crispy, cheesy, and a fun way to serve up potatoes. The air fryer ensures the potatoes cook quickly with a golden, crunchy exterior. Topped with cheese, they make a flavorful side that pairs well with anything from steak to chicken. They’re easy to make and offer a playful twist on regular potatoes. This side brings something different to your meal with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Vegan Mexican Rice

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

Vegan Mexican rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make side that complements any dish with a little heat and spice. The rice absorbs the flavors of the seasonings, making it a great addition to your meal. It’s simple to prepare and pairs well with tacos, burritos, or grilled meats. This dish is a quick and easy way to bring something extra to your table. The vibrant flavors make it a standout side.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

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.

Air fryer roasted Roma tomatoes are a simple and tasty side that brings a burst of flavor to your plate. Roasted in the air fryer, they cook quickly and develop a rich, concentrated flavor. These tomatoes are great as a side or as part of a salad or pasta. They add a fresh, juicy element to your meal without much effort. They’re an easy, quick way to get more flavor into your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

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.

Teriyaki noodles are a flavorful, quick-to-make side that can complement a variety of dishes. The noodles are coated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce that gives them plenty of flavor. They cook quickly, making them an ideal side when you're short on time. They pair wonderfully with grilled meats, stir-fries, or even a simple veggie dish. This side is a great way to mix up your usual dinner options with minimal work.
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.

Cheesy loaded twice baked potatoes are a hearty, comforting side dish that’s easy to make. The creamy, cheesy filling is combined with crispy potato skin, making them a fun addition to any dinner. They’re simple to prepare and bake, and they can be customized with your favorite toppings. These potatoes add a little extra richness to any meal. They’re the perfect side to make your dinner feel more complete.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Air fryer frozen sweet potato fries are a quick, easy way to add a crunchy side to your meal. The air fryer cooks them up with minimal effort and no greasy mess. They’re perfect with anything from burgers to roasted chicken. This simple side lets you skip the oven and still enjoy a crisp, satisfying snack. It’s a great way to turn ordinary frozen fries into something more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Zucchini Bruschetta

Zucchini bruschetta is a fresh, vibrant side dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for summer meals. The zucchini provides a light base, while the tomatoes and basil bring plenty of flavor. It’s quick to assemble and can be served alongside anything from pasta to grilled meats. This dish gives a refreshing twist to your usual sides, offering a bright contrast to heavier mains. It’s a simple way to make your dinner feel more lively.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta