25 Side Dishes That Will Make Your Dinner So Much Better

Side dishes can turn a good dinner into something unforgettable. Whether you're looking to round out your meal with something simple or add a little extra flavor to the table, the right side dish makes all the difference. I've pulled together a list of sides that are easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any night of the week.

Loaf of bread sliced open with a pat of butter on one slice. — No Knead Italian Artisan Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Ratatouille

Packed with vibrant vegetables and rich flavors, this ratatouille is a versatile side that complements any protein. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more veggies into your meal without extra effort. The dish comes together in one pan, making cleanup quick and easy. Serve it alongside grilled meats or pasta to add depth to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

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 crispy, cheesy smashed potatoes are the perfect addition to any meal. The air fryer ensures they’re golden and flavorful without being greasy. They’re quick to prepare and ideal for adding comfort to a weeknight dinner. Pair them with steak, chicken, or even a simple salad for a satisfying combo.
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.

Roasted cabbage steaks are an easy and impressive way to add a unique side dish to your dinner. The cabbage turns tender and slightly crispy in the oven, creating a great texture. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats or vegetarian mains. Simple to make and packed with flavor, they’ll make your meal feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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.

Fresh and vibrant, this green bean tomato salad brings color and freshness to your plate. It’s quick to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of crisp green beans and juicy tomatoes complements any entrée. Toss it together for a light and refreshing addition to your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

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 braised Brussels sprouts are tender, flavorful, and perfect for rounding out your meal. The cooking method brings out their natural sweetness, making them a favorite even for skeptics. Serve them with roasted chicken or a hearty casserole for a well-balanced dinner. They’re simple to prepare yet bring a comforting touch to any table.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

Vegan Mexican Rice

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

This vegan Mexican rice is packed with bold flavors and pairs effortlessly with a variety of mains. It’s an easy side that feels hearty and satisfying while being simple to make. The bright colors and rich spices bring life to your dinner plate. Serve it alongside tacos, enchiladas, or grilled veggies for a crowd-pleasing addition.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

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.

Crispy and flavorful, these air fryer Brussels sprouts are a fantastic addition to any dinner. The air fryer ensures they’re perfectly cooked without the need for heavy oils. They pair wonderfully with a variety of main dishes, from chicken to pasta. Quick, easy, and satisfying, they’re an ideal weeknight option.
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.

Green beans with garlic butter are a simple yet flavorful side that enhances any meal. The buttery garlic sauce coats the beans perfectly, adding richness and depth. They come together quickly, making them a practical choice for busy nights. Pair them with roasted meats or casseroles for a balanced plate.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo Gobi Masala is a warm and hearty side dish featuring potatoes and cauliflower in a rich, spiced sauce. It’s a comforting addition to any dinner, particularly when paired with rice or flatbread. This dish is easy to prepare and brings bold flavors to the table without overwhelming the main course. Ideal for those looking to spice up their side options.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Zucchini Bruschetta

Zucchini bruschetta offers a fresh twist on a classic dish, making it a standout side. The combination of tender zucchini and a flavorful topping brings brightness to any meal. It’s easy to assemble and works perfectly alongside pasta, grilled meats, or seafood. This side dish feels light yet impactful, adding balance to your dinner plate.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

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 easy scalloped potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and a true comfort food classic. They’re a perfect side dish for hearty mains like roast chicken or pork chops. The layers of potatoes come together effortlessly, making it a go-to option for any dinner. Serve it up for a meal that feels both simple and special.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Italian artisan bread sliced on cutting board. — No Knead Italian Artisan Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This no-knead Italian artisan bread is crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for pairing with soups, salads, or pastas. It’s easy to prepare with minimal effort, making it a practical option for weeknight meals. The homemade touch adds something extra to your table without extra hassle. Enjoy it fresh from the oven for a warm and comforting addition to dinner.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

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 bring creamy comfort to your dinner table. The garlic adds just the right amount of flavor, while the red potatoes keep the texture smooth and hearty. They’re quick to whip up and pair beautifully with just about any main dish. Serve them as a side that makes your meal feel more complete.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Tongs holding roasted asparagus with grated cheese on a white platter, surrounded by lemon slices. — Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Oven-baked asparagus with Parmesan is a simple yet flavorful way to brighten up your dinner plate. The asparagus roasts to tender perfection, while the Parmesan adds a savory touch. It’s a quick side dish that pairs well with everything from roasted chicken to seafood. Perfect for busy nights when you need something easy but impactful.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

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 air fryer home fries are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, making them a versatile addition to any meal. They’re a quick and easy way to round out breakfast-for-dinner nights or complement roasted meats. The air fryer gets them perfectly cooked without the extra oil. A side that’s both practical and comforting for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

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 creamy and cheesy side dish that practically cooks itself. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to focus on the main course or relax. It’s an excellent choice for pairing with barbecued meats, fried chicken, or even a simple salad. A family favorite that feels like comfort in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon-wrapped air fryer cabbage brings a smoky, crispy twist to a classic vegetable side. The air fryer ensures the cabbage is tender while the bacon adds flavor and texture. It’s a quick and creative way to liven up any dinner spread. Pair it with grilled proteins or casseroles for a well-rounded meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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 way to bring warmth and sweetness to your dinner. The air fryer keeps them tender on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside. They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, pork, or even a simple salad. A fuss-free side dish that feels wholesome and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Seafood Pasta Salad

This seafood pasta salad is a light and refreshing side that complements any meal with its mix of textures and flavors. The combination of pasta and seafood creates a hearty yet balanced dish. It’s easy to make ahead, making it a great option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Pair it with grilled mains for a satisfying spread.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

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 the air fryer are a sweet and savory side dish that comes together in no time. The air fryer caramelizes the carrots perfectly, giving them a rich, deep flavor. They’re a great companion to roasted meats, casseroles, or even vegetarian mains. A simple way to add a touch of warmth to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

Air fryer potato wedges are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfect for any dinner. They’re quick to prepare and make an excellent side for burgers, sandwiches, or roasted mains. The air fryer keeps them light while still delivering texture and flavor. A versatile option that works for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a classic side dish that’s hearty and comforting, perfect for pairing with any dinner. The creamy base and crunchy topping make it a crowd-pleaser at both weeknight meals and special occasions. It’s simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice when you want something dependable and flavorful. Add it to your table for a touch of nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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, smoky side that brings bold flavor to your dinner. The combination of tender cabbage and crispy bacon creates a balance of textures that pairs well with hearty mains. It’s quick to make and a great way to add warmth and comfort to your plate. Perfect for busy nights or when you need something classic and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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 flavorful and versatile side dish that adds a touch of seafood to your meal. The rice is light yet filling, making it a great pairing for grilled meats, stir-fries, or soups. It’s easy to prepare and brings a unique flavor to your dinner table. Perfect for nights when you want something special without extra effort.
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.

Cheesy loaded twice-baked potatoes are a hearty and comforting side that feels like a meal in itself. The combination of creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and savory toppings makes it a family favorite. They pair perfectly with grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or even a simple salad. A little extra effort goes a long way in making dinner feel special.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes