Little Bit Recipes

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Resources
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Resources
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home / Roundups

    23 Side Dishes Everyone Reaches for First

    By Lisa MarcAurele · May 27, 2026 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Side dishes are often overlooked, but they can be the real stars of the table. Whether it's something crispy, creamy, or packed with flavor, the right side dish has a way of turning dinner into an event everyone looks forward to. I've rounded up some of the best options that will have everyone reaching for seconds, and maybe even thirds.

    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.Pin
    Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes. 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!

    Loading

    Creamy and packed with flavor, these garlic mashed red potatoes bring comfort to any meal. The hint of garlic makes them irresistible and hard to pass up, making them a standout side dish. Perfectly suited for pairing with roasts or grilled meats, they're a crowd favorite. They come together quickly and are always a reliable choice for the dinner table.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

    Green Beans with Garlic Butter

    Green beans with pine nuts on a plate.Pin
    Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Tender green beans coated in rich garlic butter offer a simple yet bold side dish that stands out. They bring a balance of freshness and richness that complements any main course. Quick to prepare and always a hit, they're a side you won't want to share. This dish is versatile enough for both casual dinners and special occasions.
    Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

    Seafood Pasta Salad

    Close-up of a spoon holding seafood pasta salad garnished with parsley, with more salad in the background.Pin
    Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This seafood pasta salad is light yet satisfying, combining perfectly cooked pasta with chunks of seafood and a refreshing dressing. It's an excellent choice for a side dish that feels special enough for any dinner. The flavors meld beautifully, ensuring it will be one of the first dishes to disappear from the table. Prepare this for a touch of elegance with minimal effort.
    Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

    Aloo Gobi Masala

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

    Aloo Gobi Masala is a spiced blend of cauliflower and potatoes that pairs beautifully with almost any meal. Its bold spices make it a side dish that easily grabs attention at dinner. It's hearty and flavorful, yet easy to prepare, making it a must-have on any table. This dish brings a bit of warmth and comfort with every bite.
    Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

    Crab Fried Rice

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

    Crab fried rice blends tender rice, juicy crab, and a hint of seasoning for a side dish that feels like a main event. It's a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that pairs wonderfully with light or hearty meals. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout at any gathering. A great way to bring something a little extra to the table.
    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.Pin
    Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Creamy layers of potatoes with a rich sauce make these scalloped potatoes a classic side dish that never disappoints. They're perfect for dinner parties or cozy family meals and always feel like a special treat. Easy to prepare and always loved, they'll quickly become a go-to favorite. Everyone at the table will be asking for the recipe.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

    A spoon lifting a smashed potato garnished with rosemary, with a festive table setting in the background.Pin
    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Crispy smashed potatoes topped with melted cheese are a winning side dish that feels indulgent but is so easy to make. The air fryer makes them perfectly crispy without much effort, making them ideal for any meal. This is one side dish that's sure to disappear fast once served. Whether for weeknight dinners or gatherings, they're always a hit.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with 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.Pin
    Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Sweet potatoes roasted in the air fryer bring out their natural sweetness with a perfectly caramelized exterior. They're an easy and healthy side dish that pairs beautifully with almost any meal. Quick to make and hard to resist, they'll quickly become a dinner staple. A simple way to add something special to your plate.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

    Zucchini Bruschetta

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

    Zucchini rounds topped with fresh bruschetta mix make a light and flavorful side dish that everyone will love. They're easy to prepare and offer a fresh, vibrant option for your meal. Great for casual dinners or special occasions, this side dish adds a creative twist to the table. No one will leave without talking about these.
    Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

    Braised Brussels Sprouts

    Plate of roasted Brussels sprouts with lemon slices, served with a creamy sauce. A fork holds one sprout above the dish.Pin
    Braised Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Braised Brussels sprouts bring a rich, tender flavor to the table that's hard to compete with. This side dish works beautifully with hearty meals and adds a touch of elegance to any spread. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it's one that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for weeknights or holiday dinners alike.
    Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

    Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

    Air-fried brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese on a white plate.Pin
    Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Air fryer Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a standout side dish. They're quick, easy, and packed with flavor, pairing well with a variety of main courses. This is the kind of side that even non-Brussels sprouts fans can't resist. Perfect for adding something a little extra to your meal.
    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.Pin
    Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Green beans tossed with fresh tomatoes and a light dressing make a side dish that's bright, refreshing, and hard to resist. It's an easy option that works well for both everyday dinners and gatherings. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a welcome addition to any table. This salad brings a bit of freshness to every bite.
    Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

    Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

    Fried cabbage with smoky bacon is a rich, flavorful side dish that always feels like comfort food. It's quick to make and pairs beautifully with hearty mains like roasted meats or casseroles. A side like this adds something extra special to your dinner and keeps everyone coming back for more. Ideal for weeknights or big family dinners.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

    Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

    Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air fryer potato wedges are a side dish everyone will love. They're easy to make and perfect for pairing with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats. With minimal prep time, they're a great option for busy evenings. These wedges will quickly become a favorite at the dinner table.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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

    Cabbage wedges wrapped in crispy bacon make a side dish that's both hearty and full of flavor. The air fryer makes preparation quick and hassle-free, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. This unique dish pairs well with a variety of mains and adds something extra to the meal. Everyone will be reaching for seconds.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    Slow Cooker Rice

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

    Slow cooker rice is a simple, hands-off side dish that fits seamlessly into any meal plan. It's perfectly cooked every time, freeing you up to focus on other dishes. Whether served with stir-fries, curries, or roasted meats, it's always a reliable choice. A no-fuss option that adds ease to dinnertime.
    Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

    Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

    Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish.Pin
    Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Loaded with cheese and all your favorite toppings, these twice-baked potatoes are a standout side dish. They're hearty, flavorful, and perfect for pairing with steak, chicken, or even a salad. Easy to prep ahead and finish in the oven, they're great for both weeknight meals and special occasions. These are the kind of potatoes you'll want every time.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

    Roasted Cabbage Steaks

    Sliced and roasted cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs on a white plate, garnished with black pepper and fresh herbs.Pin
    Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Roasted cabbage steaks are a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs well with almost any main course. Their crispy edges and tender center make them hard to resist, and they're surprisingly easy to prepare. This is the kind of dish that turns humble cabbage into something special. Perfect for adding variety to your dinner table.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

    Green Bean Casserole

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

    Classic green bean casserole is a must-have side dish that always brings comfort and nostalgia to the table. Creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor, it's perfect for holiday gatherings or any meal that needs a little extra warmth. It's easy to prepare and always a crowd favorite. Everyone will be scooping up seconds.
    Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

    Air Fryer Home Fries

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

    Crispy and golden, air fryer home fries are a versatile side dish that's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They're quick to make and pair well with eggs, sandwiches, or roasted meats. The air fryer ensures they're perfectly cooked every time with minimal effort. These home fries will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

    Ratatouille

    Close-up of a wooden spoon holding ratatouille, featuring chopped zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, garnished with parsley.Pin
    Ratatouille. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Ratatouille is a vibrant vegetable medley that brings a pop of color and flavor to your dinner spread. It's a great side dish for roasted meats or fish and can even stand on its own as a lighter option. This dish is easy to prepare and highlights the natural flavors of fresh vegetables. A perfect addition to any meal that feels both hearty and fresh.
    Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

    Vegan Mexican Rice

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

    This Mexican rice is flavorful and pairs well with tacos, burritos, or any Mexican-inspired main dish. It's simple to prepare and brings just the right amount of spice and texture to the table. This is the kind of side dish that's hard to resist and goes with almost anything. It's a reliable option that never disappoints.
    Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

    Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

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

    Crock pot mac and cheese is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a side dish that everyone loves. The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy days or special gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with everything from barbecue to roasted chicken. Expect this dish to be the star of the table.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

    FacebookXPinterestFlipboard

    More Roundups

    • Plate of slow cooked pork chops served over white rice, garnished with green onions.
      25 Pork Dishes That Bring Big Flavor Without the Work
    • A close-up of seasoned potato wedges served with a side of dipping sauce.
      27 Easy Snack Bites When You Need Something Fast
    • A white bowl of tomato egg drop soup with a ceramic spoon lifting a portion, showing diced tomatoes, egg ribbons, and green onions.
      19 Lunch Ideas That Save You From Another Takeout Order
    • Bowl of Mexican rice mixed with tomato sauce and garnished with a sprig of cilantro, with a fork inserted into the rice.
      28 Worldwide Dinner Ideas Without the Travel

    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.

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    A woman in a green shirt stands in a kitchen holding a bowl of strawberries.

    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

    Read more →

    Popular

    • A bowl of brown rice with Hawaiian chicken on it.
      Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
    • edible cookie dough single serving for one.
      Edible Single Serving Cookie Dough
    • Sliced Italian artisan bread with buttered slice in front.
      No Knead Italian Artisan Bread
    • A sliced meatloaf on a white plate.
      Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (CopyCat)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Cooking

    • Scaling Recipes
    • Mini Pie Pans
    • Mini Loaf Pans

    Recipes

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Desserts

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Newsletter

    LittleBitRecipes.com makes money through affiliate partner links: If you click on a link, we may earn a commission. Our writers create all reviews, recipes, and other content to inform readers, with no influence from our advertisers. LittleBitRecipes.com may earn from qualifying purchased made on Amazon.com. Learn more about our privacy policies, terms of use, and disclosures.

    Copyright © 2026. Little Bit Recipes. All Rights Reserved.