23 Side Dishes That Are Too Good to Be Extras at Dinner

Side dishes shouldn’t play second fiddle, they should steal the show. I love a meal where the sides are just as exciting as the main course, adding bold flavors, great textures, and a little something unexpected to the plate. These dishes are so good, you might just forget about the main event altogether!

Close-up of a spoonful of creamy macaroni and cheese topped with chopped green onions. — Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Ratatouille

This classic vegetable dish is packed with layers of flavor, making it a standout choice alongside any main course. With a combination of roasted vegetables and herbs, it brings a hearty element to the table that goes far beyond a basic side. It’s a great way to bring more variety to dinner while keeping things simple. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it works well with everything from grilled meats to pasta.
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.

Slow-cooked until tender, these Brussels sprouts absorb every bit of flavor from the broth and seasonings, making them anything but an afterthought. They bring a rich and balanced addition to the plate, pairing well with hearty and lighter main dishes alike. Cooking them low and slow ensures they develop a deep flavor without any bitterness. Whether served with roasted meats or as part of a larger spread, they hold their own at any meal.
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.

Loaded with tender crab meat and seasoned rice, this dish easily competes with the main course. It has the perfect balance of richness and texture, making it much more than just a side. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a great option when you need something that complements a variety of proteins. Whether served alongside seafood or grilled meats, it makes every meal feel more complete.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

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 baked potatoes are filled with a rich and creamy mixture that turns them into a dish worthy of attention. With cheese, bacon, and the perfect seasoning blend, they bring bold flavor and a hearty texture. They work just as well alongside steak as they do with roasted chicken or a casual weeknight meal. The crispy potato skin and creamy filling make them a favorite at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked 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.

The air fryer gives these carrots a caramelized edge while keeping them tender on the inside. A maple glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness, making them stand out among other vegetable sides. They’re quick to make and pair well with a variety of main dishes, from roasted meats to simple weeknight dinners. Their balance of flavor and texture makes them a reliable go-to for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

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.

Slow-cooked to creamy perfection, this mac and cheese is more than just a side—it’s a meal upgrade. The crock pot does all the work, making it an easy choice for busy days or when you need a no-fuss dish that delivers. The rich cheese sauce coats every bite, giving it the kind of texture that makes it hard to pass up. Whether paired with barbecue, roasted meats, or served on its own, it’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and 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. — Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These sweet potatoes come out perfectly roasted with a slightly crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy inside. They bring a natural sweetness that complements everything from grilled chicken to holiday spreads. Cooking them in the air fryer keeps things simple while delivering great texture and flavor. Whether mashed, cubed, or served whole, they hold their own on any plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Zucchini Bruschetta

A fresh take on a classic, this zucchini-based bruschetta skips the bread but keeps all the bright flavors. The combination of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs makes it a refreshing yet flavorful side that works with a variety of meals. It’s quick to prepare and adds a lighter option to the table without feeling like an afterthought. Whether served as an appetizer or alongside dinner, it’s a great way to bring something different to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

These thick-cut potato wedges come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a go-to option for any meal. Seasoned just right, they bring a bold, hearty addition to the plate without taking much effort. The air fryer makes them quick to prepare while keeping them light and crisp. They work well with everything from burgers to grilled meats, making them a side worth serving anytime.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Seafood Pasta Salad

This chilled pasta salad brings together seafood, crisp vegetables, and a light dressing, making it a refreshing option for any meal. It’s a great way to add something different to the table without much effort. The combination of flavors and textures makes it work well alongside grilled meats or as a stand-alone dish. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering, it holds its own next to any main course.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

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.

Cooking rice in the slow cooker makes it hands-off while ensuring the perfect texture every time. It pairs well with anything from stews to grilled meats, making it a dependable choice for dinner. The slow cooker keeps it warm and ready to serve without the need for constant attention. Whether used as a base for saucy dishes or enjoyed on its own, it brings a reliable side to the table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

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.

These green beans are cooked with crispy bacon, adding richness and a depth of flavor that makes them stand out. They bring a bold contrast to lighter main dishes while holding up well alongside hearty proteins. The balance of crisp-tender vegetables and savory bacon makes them a strong addition to any plate. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, they don’t fade into the background at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Green Beans

Aloo Gobi Masala

This spiced potato and cauliflower dish brings warmth and bold flavors that make it a strong side for a variety of meals. It works well next to grilled meats or as part of a larger spread, offering a great balance of texture and seasoning. The blend of spices makes every bite flavorful without overpowering the main dish. Whether served fresh or reheated, it remains a reliable option for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Vegan Mexican Rice

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

This rice dish comes packed with seasoning, tomatoes, and a blend of flavors that make it anything but plain. It pairs easily with a variety of meals, from grilled meats to bean-based dishes, making it a great option for any table. The cooking process ensures it comes out fluffy and full of flavor without much effort. Whether served fresh or as leftovers, it keeps its place as a go-to side.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Cooked with bacon and the right seasonings, this cabbage dish brings a hearty flavor to the table. It works well as a side for barbecue, roasted meats, or any meal that needs a little extra richness. The cabbage becomes tender while still keeping some bite, making it a great balance between texture and flavor. Whether served at a casual dinner or a special gathering, it never feels like an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Green Bean Casserole

This classic side dish brings together tender green beans, a creamy sauce, and a crispy topping, making it a standout at dinner. It pairs well with roasted meats, holiday spreads, or weeknight meals when something comforting is needed. The layers of flavor and texture make it more than just a simple vegetable dish. Whether served fresh or reheated, it keeps its appeal.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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 bring a creamy texture with a bold garlic flavor, making them a strong addition to any meal. The red potatoes keep their natural texture while blending perfectly with the seasoning. They work well with anything from grilled steak to roasted chicken, adding a hearty element to the plate. Whether served fresh or as leftovers, they hold their place at the table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

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.

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these smashed potatoes bring a great mix of texture to any meal. The cheese adds richness, making them feel more like a main attraction than just a side. Cooking them in the air fryer keeps things simple while delivering the perfect crisp. Whether served with steak, chicken, or on their own, they bring something extra to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

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 are roasted until caramelized on the edges while staying tender inside. They work well as a side for roasted meats or a lighter meal option when something simple is needed. The cooking method brings out a natural sweetness in the cabbage without much effort. Whether paired with hearty dishes or enjoyed solo, they bring something different to the table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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 come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a great addition to breakfast or dinner. Cooking them in the air fryer means they’re ready in no time while keeping cleanup easy. The seasoning blend makes every bite full of flavor without overpowering the main dish. Whether paired with eggs, grilled meats, or sandwiches, they fit right in at any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

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 turn crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside, making them anything but a basic vegetable side. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time while giving them a great texture. Their bold flavor makes them a good match for roasted meats or lighter dishes. Whether served fresh or reheated, they don’t get pushed aside at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

The combination of smoky bacon and tender cabbage makes this dish stand out at any meal. The air fryer keeps the bacon crispy while the cabbage softens just enough to bring everything together. It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a larger spread. Whether for a weeknight meal or a special dinner, it holds its place as a side worth serving.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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 brings together crisp green beans, juicy tomatoes, and the right seasonings for a side that feels light but still holds its own. It pairs well with grilled meats, pasta dishes, or anything that needs a bright contrast. The balance of flavors makes it a great addition to both casual dinners and special occasions. Whether served fresh or chilled, it stays a go-to option.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad