27 Sides That’ll Outshine Whatever You’re Serving

Looking for side dishes that actually steal the show? I’ve put together a collection of easy, flavorful options that can turn any meal into something a little more special without extra hassle. These sides are all about bringing simple ingredients together in ways that make your whole dinner better, no matter what you’re serving.

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with vegetables, topped with sesame seeds, placed on a brown cloth napkin. Chopsticks rest on the bowl's edge, and a small dish is visible in the background. — Teriyaki Noodles. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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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.

This recipe combines fresh green beans with crispy bacon for a side that brings extra flavor to your meal. It cooks quickly and is simple to prepare, making it a great choice when time is tight. The bacon adds a smoky note that pairs well with many main dishes. It works well for weeknight dinners or gatherings. This side brings a savory touch without overpowering the main course.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Green Beans

Ratatouille

A colorful mix of vegetables that comes together easily for a hearty side dish. It’s perfect for adding a fresh, comforting element to your plate. The recipe doesn’t take long to prepare and fits well alongside a variety of main meals. This dish brings warmth and texture without being heavy. It’s a great option to brighten any dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Crab Fried Rice

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

This dish combines seasoned rice with crab for a flavorful side that complements seafood or poultry well. It’s ready in a short time and requires minimal effort, making it convenient on busy nights. The balance of ingredients adds a rich taste without being overwhelming. It fits well for casual or more formal dinners alike. This side stands out with its simple, satisfying mix.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Mushrooms and Green Beans

A fork holds cooked green beans and sliced mushrooms, with more on a plate in the background. — Mushrooms and Green Beans. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A quick and easy side that blends tender green beans with earthy mushrooms. It comes together fast and adds a warm, natural flavor to your meal. The combination works well with poultry and beef dishes. This side offers a nice texture contrast and is straightforward to prepare. It’s a reliable choice that enhances any plate without stealing the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Mushrooms and Green Beans

Aloo Gobi Masala

This dish mixes potatoes and cauliflower with spices for a side that brings warmth and a hint of spice to your meal. It’s fairly quick to make and adds a comforting, homey feel. The flavors support a wide range of main dishes without competing. It fits well for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. This side adds depth and a touch of richness to your table.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

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.

Tender Brussels sprouts cooked slowly to bring out a mild, nutty flavor. This side is easy to prepare and pairs nicely with roasted or grilled meats. It’s a simple way to add a fresh vegetable to your plate. The gentle braising softens the sprouts without losing their character. This dish fits well when you want a warm, wholesome side.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

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.

Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce for a comforting and easy side dish. It’s simple to put together and works well for family meals or holiday dinners. The soft texture pairs nicely with roasted meats or vegetables. This recipe requires minimal hands-on time. It offers a classic touch that adds warmth and heartiness to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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

Fresh green beans tossed in garlic butter for a quick side that’s full of flavor. It’s ready in minutes and easy enough for any weeknight. The garlic butter brings a rich note that pairs well with almost any main dish. This side stays light but still adds a bit of richness to the plate. It’s a reliable and straightforward way to add green vegetables to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Teriyaki Noodles

Soft noodles coated in a simple teriyaki sauce for a quick and flavorful side. It’s easy to prepare and works well alongside grilled or stir-fried mains. The sauce adds a sweet and savory balance without being too heavy. This dish is great when you want something warm and comforting that complements other dishes. It brings a little twist without too much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Noodles

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.

Carrots cooked in the air fryer with a maple glaze for a sweet and simple side. It’s quick to make and requires minimal preparation. The slight sweetness enhances the natural carrot flavor and pairs well with pork or chicken. This side adds a touch of color and a hint of sweetness to your plate. It’s an easy way to bring some brightness to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

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.

Thick slices of cabbage roasted until tender with a light crisp on the edges. It’s a straightforward side that comes together quickly in the oven. The roasting brings out a mild sweetness that pairs well with grilled or roasted dishes. This recipe is simple but adds a bit of variety to your vegetable choices. It’s a good pick when you want something different but easy.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Green Bean Casserole

A classic green bean dish baked with a creamy sauce and a crunchy topping. It’s simple to assemble and fits well for family dinners or holidays. This side brings a familiar comfort and pairs well with many proteins. The baking process adds warmth and texture. It’s a go-to option when you want a reliable vegetable side that feels a little special.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish. — Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Potatoes baked, scooped, and mixed with cheese and toppings before baking again for a rich side dish. It’s straightforward and works well alongside many mains. This recipe adds a filling, creamy texture without being heavy. It’s a popular choice for casual dinners or gatherings. This side stands out with its combination of flavors and easy preparation.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Cabbage wrapped in bacon and cooked in the air fryer for a smoky, crispy side. It’s easy to prepare and ready relatively fast. The bacon adds a rich flavor that pairs well with simple mains. This recipe gives cabbage a new twist with minimal effort. It’s a solid choice when you want a vegetable side with a bit of crunch and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Seafood Pasta Salad

A chilled pasta salad mixed with seafood and fresh ingredients for a cool side dish. It’s simple to put together and works well for warm-weather meals or potlucks. This salad brings lightness and a mild seafood flavor without overwhelming the main course. It’s a great choice for a side that adds variety and freshness. This dish stays easy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

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.

Small potatoes smashed and cooked in the air fryer, topped with melted cheese for a quick and hearty side. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect when time is limited. The cheese adds a creamy touch that complements many main dishes. It’s a great way to bring a crispy and soft texture to your plate. This side offers simple flavors that everyone can enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

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 cooked quickly in the air fryer for a warm and healthy side. It requires minimal prep and comes together fast. The natural sweetness works well with a variety of mains without being too strong. This dish offers a soft texture with a lightly crisp outside. It’s an easy way to add a nutritious vegetable to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

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.

Rice cooked slowly to create a fluffy, tender side with minimal effort. It’s a convenient recipe that frees up your attention for other tasks. This rice pairs well with a wide range of dishes from casual to more formal. The slow cooking brings out a gentle texture that complements many flavors. It’s a reliable choice when you want a warm and simple side.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

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.

A fresh salad combining green beans and tomatoes for a light and colorful side. It’s quick to prepare and works well chilled or at room temperature. The mix adds a bright and fresh flavor that pairs well with grilled or roasted main dishes. This salad is a nice way to include vegetables without much fuss. It’s a refreshing and straightforward addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

Crispy potato wedges cooked quickly in the air fryer for a simple and crowd-pleasing side. It’s easy to prepare and ready in less time than traditional oven baking. The wedges have a satisfying crisp on the outside with a soft interior. They pair well with burgers, chicken, or any casual main dish. This recipe is a practical choice that adds texture and flavor to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Cabbage cooked with bacon for a smoky, tender side that’s easy to make. It’s a flavorful addition that pairs well with Southern-style dishes or grilled meats. This recipe comes together quickly and adds a comforting vegetable option. The bacon brings richness without overwhelming the cabbage’s natural taste. It’s a solid side for any hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Zucchini Bruschetta

Fresh zucchini mixed with tomatoes and herbs for a light, flavorful side that’s easy to prepare. This dish brings a fresh, summery feel and pairs well with grilled or roasted mains. It requires minimal cooking and adds a bright note to the table. The combination of vegetables offers a nice balance of textures. This recipe is a simple way to add freshness to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

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.

Creamy mashed red potatoes flavored with garlic for a comforting and classic side dish. It’s easy to make and pairs well with a wide range of main dishes. The garlic adds a mild punch without overpowering the potatoes. This recipe offers a soft and creamy texture that works well for family dinners. It’s a dependable choice when you want a warm, hearty side.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red 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.

A creamy mac and cheese made easily in the slow cooker for a warm and rich side. It requires little hands-on time and is great for busy days. This dish pairs well with roasted or grilled meats. The slow cooking helps the flavors meld together nicely. It’s a comforting and practical side for any meal needing a touch of richness.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

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.

Brussels sprouts cooked in the air fryer for a quick and crispy side dish. It’s easy to prepare and ready faster than traditional roasting. The cooking method gives the sprouts a slightly crisp texture while keeping them tender inside. This side pairs well with meats or other vegetables. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy Brussels sprouts without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Vegan Mexican Rice

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

A simple rice dish flavored with Mexican-inspired ingredients for a vibrant side. It’s easy to prepare and adds a nice touch to many main dishes. The seasoning brings warmth and color without being overpowering. This recipe fits well for casual meals or gatherings. It’s a solid vegetable-forward option to round out your plate.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Air Fryer Home Fries

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

Potatoes cooked in the air fryer until crispy on the outside and tender inside. This side is quick to prepare and works well with breakfast or dinner meals. The air fryer method reduces cooking time and effort. These home fries add a satisfying texture and a mild flavor that complements many dishes. They’re an easy and versatile option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries