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    Home / Roundups

    17 Sides for Two that Take Meals from Simple to Spectacular

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Jul 29, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Get ready to enhance your dining game because we're diving into a world of flavor with Sides for Two that will effortlessly transform your everyday meals into something extraordinary. Whether you're cooking for a cozy dinner with a loved one or want to add a touch of gourmet to your solo dining adventures, these sides are designed to bring joy to your plate. From the ease of preparation to the delightful burst of flavors, these recipes promise to turn even the simplest meals into memorable culinary moments. Let's go on a delicious journey together and celebrate every meal!

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

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    Aloo Gobi Masala

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

    Upgrade your meals with Aloo Gobi Masala, a side dish for two that effortlessly takes your dining experience from simple to spectacular. With the perfect blend of potatoes and cauliflower in a flavorful masala, this dish not only offers a quick preparation time but also enhances the overall meal with its heartiness and rich taste. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a cozy duo, it's a practical choice for turning ordinary dinners into extraordinary dining moments.
    Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

    Ratatouille

    Close-up of a wooden spoon holding ratatouille, featuring diced zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes, garnished with parsley.Pin
    Ratatouille. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Experience the charm of Ratatouille, a delightful side that transforms everyday meals into something truly special for two. Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, this dish not only adds vibrant colors to your plate but also introduces a variety of flavors. Its simplicity in preparation and compatibility with different main courses make it an excellent choice for those seeking to enhance their dining experience without the fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

    Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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

    Add a touch of elegance to your meals with Green Beans with Garlic Butter, a side dish designed for two that effortlessly takes your dining experience up a notch. The combination of crisp green beans and aromatic garlic butter not only offers a quick and easy preparation but also brings a burst of freshness to your plate. Whether paired with a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this side dish is a practical and flavorful choice for turning ordinary meals into delightful occasions.
    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.Pin
    Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Get the comfort with Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes, a side dish for two that turns simple meals into a spectacular feast. Packed with cheesy goodness and the heartiness of baked potatoes, this dish offers a quick and satisfying solution. Whether enjoyed as a standalone treat or paired with your favorite protein, it adds a comforting touch to your dining experience, making it an ideal choice for transforming everyday meals into extraordinary moments shared with a loved one.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

    Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

    Turn your meals into a southern-inspired feast with Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon, a side dish for two that adds a touch of soul to your dining experience. With the savory combination of cabbage and bacon, this dish not only offers a quick preparation but also brings a hearty and comforting element to your plate. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a flavorful complement to your main course, it's a practical choice for transforming simple meals into spectacular Southern-inspired delights.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

    Roasted Cabbage Steaks

    Sliced and roasted cabbage wedges seasoned with herbs on a white plate, garnished with black pepper and fresh herbs.Pin
    Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Experience the simplicity with Roasted Cabbage Steaks, a side dish designed for two that effortlessly takes your meals from ordinary to extraordinary. With the ease of roasting, this dish highlights the natural flavors of cabbage, offering a quick and satisfying solution. Whether enjoyed as a standalone treat or paired with your favorite protein, it brings a wholesome and hearty touch to your dining experience, making it a practical choice for turning everyday meals into memorable dining moments.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

    Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    A close-up of seasoned potato wedges served with a side of dipping sauce.Pin
    Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Enjoy the crispy goodness of Air Fryer Potato Wedges, a side dish for two that brings a delightful crunch to your meals. With the convenience of air frying, these wedges not only offer a quick and easy preparation but also add a satisfying element to your plate. Whether served alongside a main course or enjoyed as a tasty snack, they're a practical choice for turning ordinary dinners into extraordinary dining experiences, perfect for sharing with a loved one.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

    Green Bean Casserole

    A ramekin of green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions, served on a wooden table.Pin
    Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Dive into classic comfort with Green Bean Casserole, a side dish designed for two that transforms your meals into timeless favorites. With the combination of green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy onions, this casserole not only offers a quick preparation time but also adds a rich and satisfying element to your plate. Whether enjoyed during the holidays or as a regular indulgence, it's a practical choice for turning simple meals into spectacular moments shared with someone special.
    Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

    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.Pin
    Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Spice up your meals with Vegan Mexican Rice, a flavorful side dish for two that brings a touch of fiesta to your dining experience. With a medley of spices and the simplicity of vegan preparation, this rice dish not only offers a quick and satisfying solution but also adds a vibrant and delicious element to your plate. Whether enjoyed as a standalone treat or paired with your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes, it's a practical choice for turning ordinary dinners into extraordinary culinary moments.
    Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.Pin
    Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Get the savory goodness of Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage, a side dish designed for two that adds a touch of indulgence to your meals. With the ease of air frying, this dish not only offers a quick and easy preparation but also brings out the rich flavors of bacon-wrapped around crisp cabbage. Whether enjoyed as a flavorful side or a standalone treat, it's a practical choice for turning ordinary dinners into extraordinary culinary experiences shared with someone special.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

    Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

    Sliced glazed carrots garnished with herbs on a fork, with more on a plate in the background.Pin
    Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Sweeten your meals with Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer, a side dish for two that effortlessly adds a touch of sweetness to your dining experience. With the simplicity of air frying and the rich flavor of maple glaze, these carrots not only offer a quick and satisfying solution but also bring a delightful and comforting element to your plate. Whether served alongside a main course or enjoyed as a standalone treat, they're a practical choice for turning ordinary dinners into extraordinary dining moments shared with a loved one.
    Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

    Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

    Close-up of a spoon holding creamy mac and cheese garnished with green onions.Pin
    Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Dive into creamy goodness with Crock Pot Mac and Cheese, a side dish for two that brings a touch of comfort to your meals. With the convenience of slow cooking, this mac and cheese not only offers a quick preparation time but also adds a rich and satisfying element to your plate. Whether enjoyed as a standalone treat or paired with your favorite protein, it's a practical choice for turning simple dinners into spectacular moments, perfect for sharing with someone special.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

    Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

    Air-fried brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese on a white plate.Pin
    Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Enjoy a crispy delight with Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, a side dish designed for two that effortlessly elevates your meals. With the simplicity of air frying, these sprouts not only offer a quick and easy preparation but also add a satisfying and flavorful element to your plate. Whether served alongside a main course or enjoyed as a standalone treat, they're a practical choice for turning ordinary dinners into extraordinary culinary experiences, perfect for sharing with a loved one.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

    Easy Scalloped Potatoes

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

    Enjoy the classic comfort with Easy Scalloped Potatoes, a side dish for two that turns simple meals into a spectacular feast. Packed with creamy goodness and the heartiness of thinly sliced potatoes, this dish offers a quick and satisfying solution. Whether enjoyed as a standalone treat or paired with your favorite protein, it adds a comforting touch to your dining experience, making it an ideal choice for transforming everyday meals into extraordinary moments shared with a loved one.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

    A spoon lifting a smashed potato garnished with rosemary, with a festive table setting in the background.Pin
    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Experience the crispiness with Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese, a side dish designed for two that effortlessly takes your meals from ordinary to extraordinary. With the simplicity of air frying and the indulgence of melted cheese, these smashed potatoes not only offer a quick preparation time but also add a satisfying and flavorful element to your plate. Whether served alongside a main course or enjoyed as a standalone treat, they're a practical choice for turning simple dinners into memorable meals shared with someone special.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

    Zucchini Bruschetta

    Slices of zucchini topped with diced tomatoes, basil, grated cheese, and herbs are arranged on a white surface. These recipes from around the world are anything but boring.Pin
    Zucchini Bruschetta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

    Add a touch of freshness to your meals with Zucchini Bruschetta, a side dish for two that effortlessly elevates your dining experience. With the crispness of zucchini and the vibrant flavors of bruschetta, this dish not only offers a quick and easy preparation but also adds a refreshing and delicious element to your plate. Whether enjoyed as a light accompaniment or as a standalone treat, it's a practical choice for turning ordinary dinners into extraordinary meals shared with a loved one.
    Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

    Air Fryer Home Fries

    A plate of seasoned roasted potatoes and green bell peppers garnished with parsley.Pin
    Air Fryer Home Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Enjoy the perfect crunch with Air Fryer Home Fries, a side dish for two that brings a delightful crispiness to your meals. With the simplicity of air frying, these home fries not only offer a quick and easy preparation but also add a satisfying and flavorful element to your plate. Whether served alongside a main course or enjoyed as a standalone treat, they're a practical choice for turning ordinary dinners into extraordinary meals, perfect for sharing with a loved one.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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