17 Sides and Breads You Absolutely Need on Your Dinner Table

Are you ready to upgrade your dinners? I put together a collection of sides and breads that are absolute must-haves for any meal. From comforting classics to inventive twists, these recipes are guaranteed to add flavor and flair to your dining experience. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or simply treating yourself to something special, these dishes are sure to please and leave everyone coming back for seconds!

Four baked potato halves topped with melted cheese, diced ham, and herbs in a speckled baking dish. — Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Bowl of sautéed cabbage topped with crispy bacon strips. — Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A comforting side dish, Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon offers a savory blend of flavors and textures. The cabbage is cooked until tender with crispy bacon pieces, providing a satisfying contrast. This dish is a hearty addition to any dinner table, offering a balance of richness and freshness. It's straightforward to prepare and doesn't require extensive cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Close-up of creamy scalloped potatoes topped with melted cheese and garnished with parsley in a baking dish. — Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy Scalloped Potatoes are a classic comfort food dish that is sure to please a crowd. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a creamy sauce until golden and bubbly. This dish is both satisfying and comforting, making it an ideal choice for any dinner table. With a straightforward preparation process and minimal ingredients, these scalloped potatoes are perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Easy Yeast Rolls

Freshly baked golden buns in a ceramic dish. — Easy Yeast Rolls. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These Easy Yeast Rolls are soft, fluffy, and utterly delicious. Made with simple ingredients and minimal effort, they are perfect for accompanying any meal. Whether served warm with butter or used to make sandwiches, these rolls are a versatile addition to the dinner table. With a quick rising time, you can have freshly baked rolls on the table in no time, adding a touch of homemade goodness to any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Easy Yeast Rolls

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

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

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. Creamy and cheesy, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a delicious homemade mac and cheese ready to serve. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and decadent dish that will keep everyone coming back for more. Serve it as a side dish or main course for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Vegan Mexican Rice

Bowl of Mexican rice mixed with tomato sauce and garnished with a sprig of cilantro, with a fork inserted into the rice. — Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Vegan Mexican Rice is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. Made with pantry staples and simple ingredients, this dish is easy to prepare and bursting with Tex-Mex flavors. It offers a satisfying blend of spices and vegetables, making it a nutritious addition to any dinner table. This vegan version of Mexican rice is sure to please both vegans and omnivores alike, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Buttermilk Biscuits

Biscuit cut in half on a white plate, one half with a pat of butter on top, next to a cloth napkin and a bowl of jam in the background. — Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Buttermilk Biscuits are a classic Southern staple that adds warmth and comfort to any meal. These biscuits are light, flaky, and buttery, with a hint of tanginess from the buttermilk. Whether served alongside fried chicken or smothered in gravy, they are sure to be a hit at the dinner table. With a simple preparation process and minimal ingredients, these biscuits are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

Aloo Gobi Masala

A pot of vegetable curry with cauliflower and potatoes, garnished with herbs, served with naan bread. — Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Aloo Gobi Masala is a comforting and flavorful Indian dish that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. This vegan-friendly recipe features tender potatoes and cauliflower cooked in a fragrant blend of spices and tomatoes. With its hearty and satisfying flavors, it makes a delicious addition to any dinner table. Whether served as a side dish or main course, Aloo Gobi Masala is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and aromatic aroma.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

A close-up of a hand holding a slice of garlic bread topped with melted cheese and herbs. — Air Fryer Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air Fryer Garlic Bread is a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic Italian side dish. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this garlic bread is bursting with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have homemade garlic bread ready to serve in no time. It pairs perfectly with pasta, soup, or salad, making it a versatile addition to any dinner table. Whether served as a side dish or appetizer, it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Small-Batch Cornbread

A loaf of freshly baked cornbread on a wooden cutting board, with one slice cut, next to a knife and a blue striped towel. — Small-Batch Cornbread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Small-Batch Cornbread is a simple and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with soups, stews, or chili. Made with pantry staples and minimal ingredients, this cornbread is quick and easy to prepare. It has a tender crumb and a slightly sweet flavor, making it a family favorite. With its golden crust and fluffy texture, it's sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Whether served warm with butter or honey, it's the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Small-Batch Cornbread

No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

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

No Knead Italian Artisan Bread is a rustic and flavorful addition to any meal. With its crispy crust and soft interior, this bread is sure to impress. The no-knead method makes it easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. Whether served alongside pasta, soup, or salad, it adds a touch of homemade goodness to the dinner table. With its rustic appearance and delicious flavor, it's sure to become a staple in your bread-making repertoire.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Grilled cabbage wedge on a plate, partially cut, with a fork and sprinkled with herbs. — Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Roasted Cabbage Steaks are a simple yet elegant side dish that is perfect for any occasion. Thick slices of cabbage are roasted until tender and caramelized, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is easy to make and sure to impress. Serve these cabbage steaks alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables for a delicious and nutritious addition to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Ratatouille

Close-up of a wooden spoon holding a colorful mix of sautéed vegetables, including eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, and tomato, garnished with chopped herbs. — Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ratatouille is a vibrant and flavorful vegetable stew that is perfect for showcasing seasonal produce. Made with a variety of vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, this dish is bursting with color and flavor. With its hearty and satisfying taste, it makes a delicious addition to any dinner table. Whether served as a side dish or main course, Ratatouille is sure to please vegetarians and meat-eaters alike with its robust flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

A plate of green beans tossed with herbs and pine nuts. — Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green Beans with Garlic Butter is a simple yet delicious side dish that is perfect for any meal. Fresh green beans are sautéed in garlic-infused butter until tender-crisp, resulting in a flavorful and nutritious dish. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare. Serve these green beans alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken for a satisfying and wholesome addition to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

A baking dish containing four twice-baked potatoes topped with melted cheese and diced ham, garnished with herbs. — Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food indulgence. These potatoes are baked until tender, then scooped out and mixed with cheese, bacon, and sour cream before being baked again until golden and bubbly. With their irresistible cheesy goodness and crispy bacon topping, they are sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Whether served as a side dish or main course, these loaded potatoes are guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Green Bean Tomato Salad

A plate of green bean and tomato salad topped with crumbled cheese, with a fork on the side. — Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green Bean Tomato Salad is a refreshing and vibrant side dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. Crisp green beans and juicy tomatoes are tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing, creating a light and flavorful salad. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, it's quick and easy to prepare. Serve this salad alongside grilled meats or seafood for a delicious and nutritious addition to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato 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 Air Fryer are a sweet and savory side dish that is sure to please. Tender carrots are coated in a maple glaze and air-fried until caramelized and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is quick and easy to prepare. Serve these glazed carrots alongside roasted chicken or pork for a flavorful and wholesome addition to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole is a classic holiday side dish that is always a crowd-pleaser. Tender green beans are smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy fried onions. With its rich and comforting flavors, it's the perfect accompaniment to any festive meal. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, this casserole is easy to make and sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Whether served for Thanksgiving or a Sunday supper, it's a dish that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole