28 Side Dishes That Fill the Missing Component in Your Meals

Looking for the perfect side dish to complete your meal? These side dishes are the answer, adding just the right balance of flavor and texture to any dinner. Whether you're cooking for the family or hosting guests, these easy and delicious options will elevate your meal without the extra hassle.

A plate of cooked Brussels sprouts in sauce with lemon slices on the side. A fork holds one sprout above the plate. — Braised Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

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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 are a quick and easy side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to any meal. The air fryer makes them crispy on the outside while keeping them tender inside, cutting down on cooking time. Whether you’re pairing them with a main dish or serving as a snack, they’re the perfect addition to round out your meal. This simple recipe is sure to please, and cleanup is a breeze. A great option when you need something easy and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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

Green Beans with Garlic Butter is a simple yet flavorful side that brings the perfect balance to any dinner. The rich garlic butter coating adds a savory touch that complements a variety of main dishes. This recipe is quick to prepare and requires just a few ingredients, making it a reliable choice for busy nights. It also pairs well with everything from chicken to steak. A quick, easy, and tasty side dish that adds freshness and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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 fantastic side that adds a bold, flavorful component to any meal. With a few pantry staples, this recipe comes together in no time, making it a perfect addition to any meal. The rice is cooked with savory spices and vegetables, making it a great partner for tacos or burritos. It brings just the right balance of flavors without being too heavy. A simple, satisfying side dish that complements any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican 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.

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes are a rich and comforting side that pairs well with a variety of meals. The creamy filling combined with melted cheese and crispy skin makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. With a simple prep and baking time, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or a family gathering. They’re hearty enough to be served alongside a light protein. A fulfilling side dish that makes any meal feel extra special.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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 a perfect side when you want a creamy and comforting dish that practically cooks itself. With minimal prep time, the slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a creamy, cheesy treat. It's an excellent side for casual dinners or when you’re feeding a crowd. This recipe delivers both comfort and ease, and it pairs beautifully with roasted meats or veggies. A no-fuss dish that’s always a hit at the table.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

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.

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer is a quick side that brings a sweet and savory touch to your meal. The air fryer cooks the carrots to perfection, adding a caramelized glaze that enhances their natural sweetness. This simple recipe is both easy and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights. These carrots add a refreshing flavor to balance out heartier main dishes. A fast, flavorful side that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

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 a rich and hearty side that brings deep flavor to any meal. The cabbage is cooked down with bacon, creating a savory dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. This recipe comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice when you need something filling and flavorful. It pairs perfectly with just about any protein, especially pork or chicken. A side dish that brings the perfect balance to a meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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.

Slow Cooker Rice is an easy and fuss-free way to make rice perfectly every time. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, this dish cooks while you focus on other parts of the meal. It’s an essential side dish that pairs well with a variety of mains, from stews to grilled meats. The slow cooker ensures the rice is tender and fluffy. This is a simple side that rounds out any dinner with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

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.

Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes is a creamy, flavorful side dish that complements any dinner. The natural creaminess of the red potatoes pairs perfectly with the rich garlic flavor. This dish is simple to prepare, making it a great option for weeknight meals or family dinners. It goes well with both light and hearty mains. A comforting side that always adds the right touch to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage is a unique and savory side that brings a crispy, smoky flavor to your meal. The air fryer ensures the cabbage gets a crispy exterior while staying tender inside, and the bacon adds a rich, savory taste. This recipe is quick to prepare and doesn't require many ingredients, making it a great last-minute side dish. It pairs beautifully with almost any protein. A simple but flavorful side that will complement any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole is a classic side that brings a warm and comforting touch to any meal. The creamy sauce and crispy topping make it a favorite, and it’s easy to prepare. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, from roast turkey to grilled chicken. It’s the perfect side for family gatherings or any meal that needs a hearty addition. A classic side dish that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries is a quick and easy side that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The air fryer crisps up the fries without the need for excess oil, making them a healthy and convenient option. This side is ideal for adding a bit of sweetness to any meal. The fries cook in just minutes, and they’re perfect for pairing with burgers or grilled meats. A simple and fast side that adds flavor with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a vegetable-packed side that brings fresh and bold flavors to your table. The dish is full of tender, roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and peppers, making it a great complement to almost any main. It’s an easy dish to prepare that can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile. This is a wonderful side to pair with lighter proteins or pasta dishes. A simple, flavorful side that’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

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 is a creamy, cheesy side that’s perfect for any dinner. The potatoes bake to perfection, with layers of cheese and cream creating a comforting dish. This recipe is quick to prepare and is a great addition to any weeknight meal or special occasion. It pairs well with meats like roast chicken or beef. A rich, hearty side that adds extra flavor to your meal without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Zucchini Bruschetta

Zucchini Bruschetta is a light and fresh side that adds a burst of flavor to your meal. The zucchini is topped with a fresh tomato mixture, giving it a Mediterranean flair. This is a great side when you want something simple, healthy, and full of flavor. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or pasta dishes. A refreshing, easy-to-make side that balances out any meal with its lightness.
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. — Braised Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Braised Brussels Sprouts is a savory side that brings out the natural sweetness of the sprouts. Cooking them slowly allows for a tender texture and rich flavor, making it a great complement to meat dishes. This simple recipe can be made with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy nights. It pairs beautifully with everything from steak to chicken. A flavorful, hearty side that enhances any meal.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo Gobi Masala is a vibrant and aromatic side filled with cauliflower and potatoes in a spiced curry. The dish is packed with flavor, offering a warm and comforting addition to any dinner. It’s an easy dish to prepare and can be paired with a variety of mains, including grilled meats or lentils. This recipe adds a unique twist to traditional vegetable sides. A flavorful, hearty side that’s perfect for a variety of meals.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood Pasta Salad is a light and refreshing side that’s perfect for warm weather meals. With a mix of pasta and seafood, it offers a great balance of flavors and textures. This dish can be made in advance, making it a great choice for gatherings or a simple dinner. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or fish. A cool and flavorful side that complements a variety of mains.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

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.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams is a comforting, easy-to-make side that adds a sweet and savory touch to your meal. The dish combines the natural sweetness of the yams with a rich topping for a cozy, filling side. It’s a great addition to Thanksgiving or any time you want something special without a lot of effort. This recipe pairs beautifully with roast turkey, chicken, or ham. A no-fuss side that brings warmth and flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

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 is a simple yet flavorful side that comes together quickly. The air fryer enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, giving them a deliciously roasted flavor. This dish is perfect for pairing with any main, from grilled meats to pasta. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a great addition to any meal. A quick and easy side that adds depth to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

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 is a hearty and comforting side that brings the perfect balance to any meal. The potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a rich cheese topping. This dish is easy to prepare and cooks quickly in the air fryer. It pairs well with meats or as a side to your favorite veggie dish. A flavorful, fast side that adds extra comfort to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

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 is a quick and simple side that gives you crispy, golden potatoes with minimal effort. The air fryer cuts down on cooking time while still delivering that perfect crispiness. These potatoes pair well with breakfast or as a side to any main course. They’re versatile, easy to make, and can be ready in just minutes. A classic side that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

Air Fryer Potato Wedges is a fast and easy side that’s perfect for any meal. The air fryer makes them crispy on the outside while keeping them tender on the inside. These wedges cook up quickly, making them an ideal side when you’re short on time. They go great with burgers, chicken, or steak. A simple and satisfying side that adds just the right amount of crunch to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Crab Fried Rice

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

Crab Fried Rice is a savory, satisfying side that adds a bit of luxury to any meal. The crab meat blends beautifully with the rice and vegetables, making this a great option when you want something extra special. It’s a quick dish that can be served with seafood or grilled meats. This fried rice is a simple yet flavorful choice for when you need a tasty side. A unique twist on a classic dish that adds depth to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

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 is a hearty and flavorful side that brings a little spice to your meal. The sweet potatoes are loaded with a flavorful taco filling, offering a great balance of savory and sweet. This dish is simple to prepare and can be enjoyed as a side or light main. It pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a lighter meal. A filling, easy-to-make side that brings a little heat to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

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.

Green Bean Tomato Salad is a refreshing, light side that’s perfect for warm-weather meals. The combination of fresh green beans and tomatoes offers a crisp, satisfying texture. It’s a simple dish that’s easy to make and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or pasta. This salad brings a fresh, vibrant addition to your meal. A quick, easy side that’s always a hit at the table.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

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 is a quick and easy way to make crispy, flavorful sprouts. The air fryer cooks them to perfection, giving them a crispy texture that’s sure to please. This dish is simple to prepare, making it a great addition to any meal. The sprouts pair well with meats or can stand alone as a vegetarian side. A fast, tasty side that adds a healthy crunch to your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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 is a simple yet flavorful side that brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage. The roasting process creates a crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender. It’s a great side dish to serve with a variety of meats, from pork to beef. This recipe requires minimal ingredients and comes together quickly. A savory, easy-to-make side that’s perfect for rounding out your meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks