17 Side Dishes Everyone Will Actually Eat

Side dishes shouldn’t feel like an afterthought, but finding ones that everyone actually wants to eat can be frustrating. These easy, no-fuss options work with any main dish and won’t get left on the plate. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or just need something quick, these recipes make dinner feel complete without the usual complaints.

A plate of green beans tossed with herbs and pine nuts. — Green Beans with Garlic Butter. 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 an easy way to add a flavorful veggie to your meal without any complaints. The parmesan coating gives it a crispy, golden finish that makes it more appealing to even the pickiest eaters. It bakes quickly in the oven, making it a great last-minute addition to dinner. Whether served alongside chicken, steak, or pasta, this dish fits right in.
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 creamy mac and cheese brings restaurant-style comfort right to your kitchen. The rich, cheesy sauce and crispy topping make it hard to resist, even for those who usually turn down side dishes. It’s baked to perfection and pairs well with everything from barbecue to roasted chicken. This is the kind of side that disappears fast, so making extra is always a good idea.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

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 crispy brussels sprouts cook up fast in the air fryer and are far from the mushy versions people usually avoid. A little seasoning and a quick crisping process make them a side dish that gets eaten without hesitation. They’re a great option when you need something quick but still packed with flavor. Serve them with any main dish for a well-rounded meal that feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Aloo Gobi Masala

This classic dish combines potatoes and cauliflower with warm spices, making it a flavorful and hearty addition to any meal. The rich seasoning keeps it from being bland, which helps win over even those who aren’t big on veggies. It pairs well with grilled meats, rice, or flatbreads, making it a versatile choice for dinner. The simple ingredients and straightforward cooking process make it an easy win for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

This fried cabbage dish is full of rich, smoky flavor, thanks to the addition of crispy bacon. The combination of soft, caramelized cabbage and crispy bites of bacon makes it a side dish people actually want to eat. It’s an easy way to bring more veggies to the table without complaints. Serve it alongside roasted meats or as part of a hearty Southern-style meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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 fresh and vibrant salad combines crisp green beans with juicy tomatoes for a simple yet flavorful side. The mix of textures and the light dressing make it a refreshing addition to any dinner. It’s quick to throw together, making it a great last-minute option. Whether paired with grilled meats or pasta, it’s a side dish that actually gets finished.
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.

This homemade bread has a crispy crust and soft, airy interior, making it a perfect side for soups, pastas, or roasted meats. The best part is that it requires minimal effort, with no kneading necessary. Freshly baked bread on the table makes any meal feel complete. Once you start making this, store-bought bread won’t be enough anymore.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

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.

Slow-cooked until tender and full of flavor, these brussels sprouts turn out rich and slightly caramelized. The braising process removes any bitterness, making them easier for picky eaters to enjoy. They pair well with a variety of mains, from roasted chicken to steak. If you need a vegetable side that actually gets eaten, this is a solid choice.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

Seafood Pasta Salad

This chilled pasta salad is packed with seafood and a creamy dressing, making it a refreshing yet filling side. It’s a great way to bring more variety to the table without a lot of extra work. The combination of flavors keeps it from being too plain, making it more appealing to a wide range of eaters. It’s perfect for pairing with grilled meats or as part of a light summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these potato wedges cook up quickly in the air fryer. They’re a simple but satisfying side that works with everything from burgers to grilled chicken. The quick cooking time makes them a great alternative to frozen fries. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a side dish that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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.

Thick slices of cabbage roast until they’re caramelized and full of flavor, making them a surprisingly popular side. The crispy edges and tender centers keep them from being bland or boring. They pair well with a variety of mains, from grilled meats to roasted fish. With minimal ingredients and hands-on time, this is a stress-free way to add vegetables to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Cabbage takes on a whole new level of appeal when wrapped in crispy bacon and cooked in the air fryer. The smoky, crispy texture makes this an easy way to get more vegetables onto the plate without complaints. It’s a quick side dish that requires little effort but delivers big results. Serve it with grilled or roasted meats for a balanced meal.
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.

This slow-cooked mac and cheese is creamy, rich, and completely hassle-free. With minimal effort, you get a warm, cheesy side dish that pairs well with nearly any main course. The smooth, velvety texture makes it a dish everyone actually looks forward to eating. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a holiday spread, it’s a guaranteed hit.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

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 foolproof rice comes out perfectly cooked every time with almost no effort. The slow cooker does all the work, making it an easy way to round out a meal. Whether paired with stir-fries, grilled meats, or beans, it’s a reliable go-to. No more standing over the stove worrying about burnt or undercooked rice.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

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 air fryer carrots are coated in a light maple glaze, making them a side dish that’s a little sweet and a little crispy. They cook quickly and require minimal effort, making them perfect for busy nights. The natural sweetness makes them more appealing to those who usually skip over vegetables. They pair well with roasted meats or holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

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 that makes them hard to resist. They work as a side dish or even a light meal on their own. The crispy potato skins hold all the flavor inside, making them a great alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. This is one of those sides that never lasts long on the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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 are lightly coated in garlic butter for a quick, flavorful side that pairs with almost anything. The simple ingredients and short cooking time make them an easy choice for weeknight dinners. They bring a little extra flavor without overpowering the main dish. If you need a vegetable side that won’t be ignored, this one works every time.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter