25 Side Dishes That No One Ever Complains About

Side dishes can make or break a meal, and I’ve learned that the best ones are the kind no one ever complains about. Whether you're feeding picky eaters or a crowd with different tastes, some sides just have a way of keeping everyone happy. These are the go-to recipes that disappear fast, pair well with just about anything, and never leave leftovers sitting in the fridge.

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.

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This rice comes out perfectly cooked with minimal effort, making it an easy addition to any meal. Whether paired with a hearty main dish or used as a base for flavorful toppings, it always finds a place on the table. Slow cooking locks in moisture, preventing it from becoming dry or sticky. A dependable side that works with everything and never gets complaints.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

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 mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and made with simple ingredients that keep everyone coming back for more. Slow cooking allows the cheese to melt evenly, creating a smooth texture without the hassle of constant stirring. Whether served at a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, it always disappears fast. It’s the kind of side dish that people load onto their plate without thinking twice.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

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.

Crisp green beans and juicy tomatoes come together in a simple salad that works for any occasion. It’s fresh, colorful, and easy to throw together when you need something quick. The balance of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser, whether served at a picnic or alongside a weeknight dinner. A no-fuss side that’s always a good choice.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Aloo Gobi Masala

This classic potato and cauliflower dish is packed with flavor and pairs well with just about anything. The hearty vegetables hold up well to spices, making it a warm and comforting side dish addition to any meal. It’s a simple way to bring something different to the table without making extra work in the kitchen. A dependable choice that never goes to waste.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Crispy bacon and tender cabbage make this dish a favorite for any meal. The air fryer cuts down on cook time while giving the bacon just the right amount of crunch. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, it’s easy to put together and always gets eaten fast. A simple, no-fuss side that keeps plates from coming back with leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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.

These Brussels sprouts cook down until they’re tender, bringing out their natural sweetness without losing texture. Braising them gives them a deep flavor that pairs well with everything from roast chicken to grilled steak. As a side dish, they add a hearty, flavorful element to any meal without much effort. Even people who aren’t usually fans tend to go back for more.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

Ratatouille

This mix of slow-cooked vegetables is packed with flavor and works as a side or a light meal on its own. The ingredients cook together to create a dish that’s both comforting and versatile. It’s a great way to use up extra vegetables while making something that everyone will eat. A classic dish that fits in with just about any meal.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

These potato wedges come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with very little effort. The air fryer makes them golden and crisp without needing a deep fryer or extra oil. They work well as a side for burgers, sandwiches, or just about anything else. A simple, homemade option that beats anything from a bag.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Seafood Pasta Salad

This cold pasta salad brings together fresh seafood and a mix of vegetables for a light yet filling side. It’s easy to make ahead, which makes it perfect for cookouts, potlucks, or quick lunches. The flavors blend together as it chills, making it even better the next day. A refreshing choice that always gets finished.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

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.

These scalloped potatoes cook up creamy and rich with soft layers that melt in your mouth. They pair well with everything from ham to grilled chicken, making them a reliable go-to side dish for dinner. The simple ingredients and no-fuss prep make them easy to throw together, even on busy days. A classic comfort food that never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Zucchini Bruschetta

This twist on bruschetta uses zucchini as the base, keeping things fresh while still bringing in big flavor. It’s a great way to serve up a vegetable side that doesn’t feel boring or repetitive. The combination of ingredients makes it work as an appetizer or a side for any main course. A quick, simple dish that always gets eaten.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

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.

These potatoes come out crispy on the edges and soft in the center, with melted cheese bringing everything together. The air fryer speeds up the process while keeping cleanup easy. They make a great alternative to fries or baked potatoes and pair well with any protein. A crowd-pleasing side that doesn’t require extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with 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.

These carrots cook up tender with just the right amount of sweetness from the maple glaze. The air fryer keeps them from turning mushy while cutting down on cook time. They work well with roasted meats or as a quick side for weeknight dinners. A simple dish that always gets finished.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Vegan Mexican Rice

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

This rice is full of bold flavors and makes a great side for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats. It’s easy to cook in large batches, making it a great option for meal prep or family gatherings. The mix of seasonings gives it a warm, balanced taste that never feels plain. A reliable dish that works with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Crab Fried Rice

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

This fried rice brings together fresh crab and simple seasonings for a quick and flavorful side. It’s easy to make with leftover rice and can be served with seafood, chicken, or on its own. The flavors blend together well, making it a dish that always disappears fast. A great way to add variety to a meal without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Green Bean Casserole

This casserole is a classic for a reason—simple ingredients come together to make something warm and comforting. The creamy sauce and crispy topping make it a side that works for both holidays and everyday dinners. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and bakes up beautifully every time. A dependable dish that never gets ignored.
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 are smooth, buttery, and full of garlic flavor. Using red potatoes gives them a heartier texture while still keeping them creamy. They pair well with just about any main dish and come together with minimal effort. A simple, no-fail side that works every time.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

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 bring together creamy mashed filling, crispy potato skins, and plenty of cheese for a side that feels just as special as the main dish. They’re a great way to make a meal feel heartier without extra fuss. You can prepare them ahead of time, making them perfect for busy days. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a holiday spread, no one turns down a plate of these.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Home Fries

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

Home fries in the air fryer cook up crispy on the outside and soft in the middle with minimal effort. They work just as well for breakfast alongside eggs as they do for dinner with a burger or sandwich. The air fryer makes them quicker and less messy than traditional pan-frying. They’re a no-fuss side that always disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

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.

Roasting cabbage brings out a rich, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with almost any main dish. The edges crisp up nicely, adding texture without a lot of extra ingredients. This side dish is an easy way to add something a little different to the table without much effort. Even those who don’t usually go for cabbage end up enjoying these.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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.

Green beans and bacon are a classic combination that never disappoints. The beans stay crisp-tender while the bacon adds just the right amount of smoky flavor. This side dish brings extra flavor to a simple vegetable without overcomplicating things. Whether for a weeknight meal or a holiday dinner, they’re always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Green Beans

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

This dish keeps things simple but packs in plenty of flavor with tender cabbage and crispy bacon. A quick cook on the stove means it comes together fast, making it great for busy nights. It’s one of those sides that goes well with almost anything and doesn’t leave leftovers sitting around. Even people who aren’t big on cabbage tend to go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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.

Sweet potatoes cook up perfectly in the air fryer, with crispy edges and a soft center. They don’t take much time or effort, making them a great choice for both weeknights and meal prep. As a side dish, their natural sweetness works well with a variety of seasonings, so they fit in with many different meals. They’re an easy way to add something hearty without spending extra time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

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.

The air fryer gives Brussels sprouts a crispy, golden brown finish without the need for a lot of oil. They cook quickly and pair well with just about any main dish. Even people who usually skip Brussels sprouts find themselves reaching for more when they’re cooked this way. They’re a simple, fuss-free side that never sticks around for long.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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

A quick toss in garlic butter makes these green beans a simple but flavorful side that works with almost any meal. They come together fast, making them perfect for busy nights when time is short. The garlic adds just enough flavor without overpowering the beans. It’s a go-to recipe that always gets eaten up without complaint.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter