27 Simple Bread and Side Dishes You Didn’t Know You Were Missing

I never realized how much a good side dish or fresh bread could change a meal until I started paying attention to them. The right addition can turn something basic into something memorable, whether it’s a warm slice of homemade bread or a side that brings everything together. These simple bread and side dishes might not be the main event, but trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever ate without them.

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

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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.

This dish layers tender potato slices in a creamy, rich sauce, making it a great option for any meal that needs a little extra comfort. It’s an easy side that pairs well with anything from roasted meats to vegetable dishes. The simple preparation and hands-off baking time make it perfect for feeding a crowd or just rounding out a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

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.

Red potatoes bring a naturally creamy texture that works perfectly in mashed potatoes. The garlic adds just the right amount of flavor, making this a great choice for meals that need a hearty side. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, this dish is both practical and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

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-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside potatoes are topped with melted cheese for a simple but flavorful side. The air fryer speeds up cooking while ensuring the potatoes have a golden, crunchy texture. It’s a great addition to any meal that needs something warm and filling without requiring much effort.
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.

Roasting cabbage brings out a mild sweetness while keeping the edges slightly crisp. This simple dish requires minimal ingredients and works well as a side for both weeknight meals and special occasions. It’s a practical way to add a vegetable to your plate without a lot of extra work.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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 tomatoes cook quickly in the air fryer, bringing out their natural richness. They make a great side dish for salads, pasta, or even as a topping for toasted bread. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, they’re an easy way to bring extra flavor to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

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

This bread has a crisp crust and a soft, airy inside, making it perfect for sandwiches or dipping into soups. The no-knead method keeps things simple, requiring little effort beyond mixing the ingredients. It’s an easy way to have fresh, homemade bread without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Vegan Mexican Rice

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

This rice dish is flavored with simple spices and ingredients that give it a bold taste. It works well as a side dish for a variety of meals, making it a practical choice for weeknight dinners. The easy stovetop preparation keeps it hassle-free while still delivering plenty of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

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.

Cooking sweet potatoes in the air fryer gives them a crispy outside and a tender inside without much effort. They make a great side dish for any meal, from breakfast to dinner. The short cooking time and minimal ingredients make them an easy addition to your recipe rotation.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Easy Yeast Rolls

Yeast rolls in baking dish. — Easy Yeast Rolls. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These soft, fluffy rolls are perfect for soaking up gravies or serving alongside any meal. The simple ingredients and easy preparation make them great for both everyday dinners and special occasions. Having fresh, homemade bread on the table doesn’t have to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Easy Yeast Rolls

Green Bean Casserole

This classic dish combines tender green beans with a creamy sauce and a crispy topping. It’s a popular choice for holiday meals but works just as well as a comforting side any time of year. The straightforward preparation keeps it simple while still offering plenty of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Aloo Gobi Masala

This spiced potato and cauliflower dish is both filling and easy to prepare. The seasonings give it plenty of warmth, making it a great choice for meals that need a flavorful side. It’s a practical way to add vegetables to your plate with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

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.

The slow cooker makes this mac and cheese creamy and rich without needing much attention. It’s an easy side for weeknights, potlucks, or any meal that could use a warm, comforting dish. With simple ingredients and a hands-off cooking process, it’s both practical and reliable.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Small-Batch Cornbread

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

This cornbread is made in just the right portion for smaller gatherings or weeknight dinners. It bakes up with a soft inside and a lightly crisp edge, making it a great pairing for soups and stews. The quick prep time makes it easy to whip up when you need fresh bread fast.
Get the Recipe: Small-Batch Cornbread

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.

The combination of crisp green beans and juicy tomatoes makes for a fresh, light side dish. It’s a simple way to add vegetables to your meal without much prep work. The flavors come together quickly, making it an easy addition to lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

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 come together quickly with just a few simple ingredients, making them an easy side for any meal. The combination of butter and garlic adds a rich flavor without requiring much effort. They pair well with almost any main dish, making them a great option when you need something reliable and quick.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

This fried cabbage brings a mix of smoky and hearty flavors, making it a dish that stands out on any table. The bacon adds a crisp texture that blends well with the tender cabbage. It’s a great side dish when you want something simple yet full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

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.

Using canned yams cuts down on prep time, making this casserole a go-to for busy days. The soft texture and warm spices create a dish that’s great for holidays or any time you need a comforting side. It’s a practical way to bring a classic flavor to the table with less work.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Seafood Pasta Salad

This pasta salad combines fresh seafood with crisp vegetables and a light dressing, making it a refreshing side dish. It’s a great choice for potlucks, cookouts, or a light meal on warm days. The mix of textures and flavors makes it something you’ll keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

These potato wedges have a crisp outer layer with a soft center, all made in the air fryer with minimal oil. They’re an easy way to add a side that feels like a treat without a lot of extra effort. Perfect for pairing with burgers, sandwiches, or as a snack on their own.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Air Fryer Home Fries

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

Home fries in the air fryer cook up with a golden crust and a fluffy center in no time. They’re a great breakfast side but work just as well alongside dinner. The air fryer keeps things simple while still giving you that classic home-fried texture.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Ratatouille

This vegetable dish brings together a mix of fresh produce in a way that feels both hearty and light. It’s a good option when you want something that highlights simple ingredients without a complicated process. Great for serving on its own or alongside a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

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.

Making rice in the slow cooker frees up stove space and ensures it comes out just right. It’s a practical option for meal prep or busy nights when you need a reliable side. The slow cooking method helps keep the texture consistent without extra attention.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

Mini Banana Bread

Sliced banana bread on a white plate with a geometric pattern, with a whole banana in the background. — Mini Banana Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This small-batch banana bread is perfect when you don’t need a full loaf but still want a homemade treat. It’s a great way to use up ripe bananas without making more than you need. The result is a soft, flavorful bread that works for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Mini Banana Bread

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.

These carrots cook quickly in the air fryer and get a light glaze that brings out their natural sweetness. They’re a great side when you want something with a little extra flavor but don’t have time for a long recipe. The air fryer makes the process simple and hands-off.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

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 crisp up nicely in the air fryer, giving them a texture that’s hard to get with other cooking methods. They’re a quick way to add a vegetable side that feels a little more special without extra work. The crispy edges and soft center make them a good addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Crab Fried Rice

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

This fried rice combines crab meat with simple ingredients to make a dish that’s both light and filling. It’s a great way to add seafood to your meal without a complicated recipe. Works well as a side or a main dish depending on what you pair it with.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Dairy Free Mac and Cheese

A bowl of creamy penne pasta with a fork, placed on a textured surface. — Dairy Free Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This mac and cheese offers the same creamy texture and rich flavor without using dairy. It’s a great side dish for those looking for an alternative while still enjoying a classic comfort dish. The simple ingredients make it easy to put together without extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Dairy Free Mac and Cheese