27 Sides That'll Take Your Dinner from Meh to Magnificent

When dinner feels a little uninspired, the right sides can completely change the game. A great side dish adds flavor, balance, and excitement to your plate, making every meal feel special. I've rounded up some of my favorite go-to options that are easy to make and guaranteed to turn any dinner into a standout experience.

Close-up of a spoonful of sweet potato casserole with a topping of toasted pecans and marshmallows. — Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams. 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!

Zucchini Bruschetta

This fresh twist on bruschetta swaps bread for tender zucchini slices, making it a lighter side that pairs beautifully with rich main dishes. The blend of juicy tomatoes, garlic, and herbs makes it stand out at the table. It's quick to prepare and brings vibrant color and flavor to any meal. Perfect for adding a refreshing touch to hearty dinners.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Crab Fried Rice

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

Crab fried rice adds a touch of elegance to your table with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. The combination of crab and perfectly seasoned rice is simple yet impressive. This dish balances well with lighter mains, adding depth and variety to your spread. It’s a versatile side that feels both special and approachable.
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.

These twice-baked potatoes are packed with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, making them a standout at any dinner. They’re a hearty addition that turns ordinary meals into something memorable. With their crispy tops and fluffy interiors, they bring comfort and flavor in every bite. Easy to prepare ahead, they're a stress-free way to impress.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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.

Braised Brussels sprouts bring a rich, caramelized flavor that complements almost any main dish. Their tender texture and earthy taste make them a crowd-pleaser, even for those who usually skip veggies. The cooking method brings out their natural sweetness, making them a perfect choice for rounding out your dinner. Serve these for a simple yet impressive addition to your table.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, air fryer potato wedges are a no-fuss side that pairs with almost everything. They're seasoned just right to add a savory crunch to your plate. Quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners, they’re a great way to upgrade basic potatoes. These wedges are proof that simple can be outstanding.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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 smashed potatoes are crispy, cheesy, and impossible to resist. Using the air fryer ensures a golden finish that pairs wonderfully with creamy or saucy mains. They’re easy to prep and bring a satisfying crunch to your meal. A great choice for turning everyday dinners into something special.
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 a flavorful and hearty addition to your dinner spread. The edges crisp up beautifully, while the centers stay tender and rich in flavor. These are easy to prepare and go well with both light and bold main dishes. Perfect for anyone looking to add a unique and satisfying veggie option to their meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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.

Sweet and savory, these maple-glazed carrots are the perfect mix of comfort and ease. The air fryer caramelizes them beautifully, enhancing their natural sweetness. They add a colorful and flavorful touch to your plate, complementing heavier main courses. A side dish that’s both effortless and impressive.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

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 flavorful way to bring balance to your dinner. Their natural sweetness and crispy edges make them a hit with any main. They’re versatile and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings. A simple side that feels like a warm hug on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

A classic green bean casserole is always a crowd-pleaser with its creamy base and crispy onion topping. It’s the ultimate comfort side dish, perfect for balancing meaty or hearty mains. This easy-to-make dish brings nostalgic charm and reliable flavor to your dinner table. A must-have for meals that need a little extra warmth.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Seafood Pasta Salad

Light yet flavorful, seafood pasta salad is a versatile side that pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted mains. The fresh seafood and tender pasta create a harmonious blend of textures. It’s an easy dish to prepare ahead, making it ideal for busy nights or entertaining. This refreshing option keeps your dinner vibrant and inviting.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

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 bread is crusty on the outside and soft inside, making it a perfect companion to soups, stews, or roasted dishes. It’s easy to prepare with minimal effort and delivers bakery-quality results. The rustic flavor and texture elevate any meal it’s served with. A side that proves homemade can be just as good as store-bought.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Roasted tomatoes seasoned with herbs and spices, served on a white plate garnished with parsley. — Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These roasted Roma tomatoes are rich, sweet, and perfect for adding a gourmet touch to your plate. The air fryer brings out their natural flavor in just minutes. They’re a great side for lighter mains or as a flavorful addition to pasta or salads. A simple way to make your meal feel extra special.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

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.

These air fryer Brussels sprouts are crispy, golden, and full of flavor. They make a versatile side that pairs equally well with hearty or lighter mains. Quick to prepare and packed with natural goodness, they’re an easy way to round out your dinner. A reliable option that brings out the best in this classic veggie.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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 rich, savory, and packed with comforting flavors. The smoky bacon enhances the cabbage, making it a hearty side for any meal. It’s simple to prepare and a fantastic way to turn a humble vegetable into something memorable. Perfect for dinners that need a little extra boldness.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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 and flavorful, garlic mashed red potatoes are a side that always feels special. The garlic adds depth without overpowering, making them a versatile addition to any main. They’re easy to prepare and bring a comforting touch to your plate. A classic option that works for weeknights or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

This sweet potato casserole is a warm, comforting dish with a rich, buttery topping. Using canned yams makes it easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor. It pairs wonderfully with savory mains, adding a sweet balance to your meal. A timeless side that feels like a little celebration on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo Gobi Masala is a hearty and spiced combination of potatoes and cauliflower that complements any meal. It’s full of bold flavors and a comforting texture. This easy-to-make dish adds a touch of global flair to your dinner. A side that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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

These green beans are tossed in rich garlic butter, making them an elegant and easy side for any dinner. Their crisp-tender texture pairs well with heavier dishes. They’re quick to make, bringing balance and freshness to your plate. A simple yet impressive way to round out your meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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 full of comforting flavors. They make a quick and hearty side that works for breakfast-for-dinner or classic mains. The simple seasoning lets the potatoes shine without overwhelming the dish. Perfect for turning any meal into a cozy experience.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

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.

Creamy, cheesy, and layered with tender potatoes, this scalloped potato dish is a timeless favorite. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats or veggie mains, adding richness and warmth. This easy-to-make side is a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. It’s the perfect choice for when you want something hearty and inviting.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped 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.

Slow-cooked mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and pure comfort in every bite. The crock pot does all the work, making it an effortless side for busy nights or gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains, from barbecue to roasted veggies. A crowd-pleaser that’s as easy as it is satisfying.
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.

Fresh green beans and juicy tomatoes come together in this light, vibrant salad. It’s a refreshing side that complements rich mains while adding a pop of color to your table. Quick to prepare, this salad is ideal for balancing out heavier dishes. A great option for meals that need a touch of brightness.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Ratatouille

This classic French vegetable medley brings a burst of flavor and color to your plate. With its tender, layered veggies, it pairs beautifully with a wide range of main courses. It’s an easy way to add something hearty yet wholesome to your dinner. A simple dish that feels both elegant and approachable.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Vegan Mexican Rice

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

Bold and flavorful, this Mexican rice is the perfect side for tacos, enchiladas, or grilled mains. The vibrant seasoning and fluffy texture make it a standout at any meal. It’s quick to prepare and adds a festive touch to your table. A great choice for spicing up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

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.

Tender asparagus spears topped with a hint of Parmesan make for a sophisticated yet easy side. The oven-roasting brings out a rich flavor that pairs well with everything from steak to fish. This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights or entertaining. A light, flavorful addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Smoky bacon and tender cabbage combine in this simple yet flavorful side. The air fryer gives the bacon a crisp finish while keeping the cabbage juicy. This dish adds a unique and savory twist to any meal, pairing wonderfully with roasted or grilled mains. A fun, no-fuss way to switch up your veggie game.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage