21 Simple Sides That Will Make Your Dinner Perfect

Sometimes, it’s the side dishes that really bring a meal together. I’ve gathered a collection of simple sides that are quick to prepare but make a big impact at the dinner table. Whether you’re looking to balance out a hearty main dish or just need something easy to round out your meal, these recipes are perfect for any night of the week. They’ll make your dinners feel complete without adding extra stress to your routine.

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

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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 the perfect side for any dinner. The air fryer gives them a crispy outside, while the cheese adds a comforting layer of flavor. They're quick to make and pair well with just about any main dish. If you're looking for a simple but satisfying side, these are a great choice. Ideal for busy weeknights when you want something easy yet hearty.
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.

These air fryer sweet potatoes are a great addition to any meal. They come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them an easy, fuss-free option. Sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness that complements savory mains perfectly. With minimal prep and cooking time, this side is great for keeping dinner simple yet complete. A perfect go-to when you want something wholesome and fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Crab Fried Rice

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

Crab fried rice is an excellent side for a seafood-inspired dinner. The rich flavors of crab combine perfectly with rice to create a satisfying dish that elevates any meal. It's a quick and easy way to bring a bit of the ocean to your dinner table. Ideal for pairing with light or grilled dishes, this rice can make any dinner feel a little more special without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato stuffed with black beans and corn. — Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These vegan taco stuffed sweet potatoes bring together the warmth of sweet potatoes with the boldness of taco flavors. They're easy to prepare and make for a side that can easily stand on its own. Perfect for adding variety to your dinner table, this dish keeps things fresh and hearty without complicating your meal prep. A great way to balance out heavier mains.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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

Loaded with cheese and bacon, these twice-baked potatoes are a classic side that everyone loves. They provide a perfect balance of creaminess and crunch, making them a great companion for both simple and hearty mains. Preparing them ahead of time makes dinnertime easier, while the flavors make every bite worth it. This is a perfect side for when you want something that feels special but doesn’t require much extra work.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a timeless side that always delivers. It’s simple to make and offers a comforting blend of creamy and crunchy textures. Perfect for any fall or holiday dinner, it pairs well with just about any main course. This dish brings warmth to the table without complicating your prep. A reliable option when you're looking for something familiar and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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 a rich and flavorful side that's easy to prepare. The cabbage absorbs the smoky flavor from the bacon, making it a hearty addition to your meal. It's a great way to add a little more depth to simple dinners, while keeping things quick and stress-free. This side adds a bit of Southern comfort to any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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

Green beans with garlic butter are a quick and easy side that goes well with almost any dinner. The fresh green beans are lightly sautéed in garlic butter, creating a simple yet flavorful dish. This side adds brightness to the meal while being incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for keeping things simple yet tasty on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

These air fryer potato wedges are crispy, golden, and perfect as a side dish. They're quick to make and require minimal ingredients, making them a great choice for any dinner. Their crunchy texture is a great contrast to softer mains, and the air fryer ensures they come out just right. A great option for when you need a simple, no-fuss side to complete the meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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.

Roasted Roma tomatoes are a light and flavorful side that's easy to prepare in the air fryer. Their natural sweetness intensifies, making them a great complement to richer dishes. This is an ideal choice when you want something fresh and vibrant to balance out your dinner. It’s a simple, healthy option that adds a touch of warmth to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

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 a crispy and hearty side dish that’s perfect for dinner. With minimal prep, they turn out golden and flavorful, pairing well with anything from steak to eggs. They’re an easy way to add a comforting side without spending extra time in the kitchen. Great for keeping things simple while still offering something substantial.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

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 healthy and flavorful side that brings depth to any meal. The roasting process caramelizes the edges, adding a slight sweetness that balances the savory dishes you might serve them with. They're quick to prepare and can be tossed in the oven while your main dish cooks. A great choice when you want something different but easy to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Zucchini Bruschetta

Zucchini bruschetta is a fresh and light side that's perfect for summer dinners. The zucchini serves as the base, making this dish a healthy alternative to traditional bruschetta. It’s easy to prepare and adds a bright, flavorful element to any meal. This is a great choice when you need something quick that also feels fresh and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

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.

This green bean tomato salad is a light and refreshing side dish. The fresh green beans and juicy tomatoes create a vibrant combination that pairs well with grilled meats or hearty casseroles. It's quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy nights. This side adds a nice contrast to richer main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Ratatouille

Ratatouille is a great vegetable side that brings warmth and heartiness to any dinner. It's packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, making it a simple but flavorful dish. Perfect for pairing with roasted meats or casseroles, it’s an excellent way to add a little extra color and nutrition to your meal. This side is great for those nights when you want something healthy but filling.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

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.

This sweet potato casserole made with canned yams is a quick and easy side that brings the warmth of fall flavors to your table. The natural sweetness of the yams pairs perfectly with savory dishes, making it a versatile addition to any dinner. You can prepare it ahead of time and just bake it when needed, making it great for busy nights. A comforting option that complements your meal without extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

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 made in the air fryer are a sweet and savory side that adds warmth to any meal. They cook quickly and the maple glaze caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, making them a flavorful addition to your dinner. Ideal for pairing with roasted meats or lighter mains, this side offers a balanced contrast to richer flavors. An easy way to add something special without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Seafood Pasta Salad

Seafood pasta salad is a refreshing side that’s perfect for a summer dinner. It’s light, packed with seafood, and pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a larger spread. You can prepare it ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy evenings or gatherings. This side brings a fresh and flavorful element to any meal without complicating things.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Air fryer frozen sweet potato fries are a simple and quick side that fits perfectly with almost any dinner. They come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with little effort, making them an easy option for busy nights. Perfect for pairing with burgers or grilled chicken, these fries offer a comforting addition to the table. A great choice when you want something fast and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon-wrapped cabbage cooked in the air fryer is a savory side that adds a smoky flavor to any meal. The cabbage becomes tender while the bacon crisps up perfectly, creating a great contrast of textures. It’s easy to prepare and doesn’t take long to cook, making it a convenient choice for weeknight dinners. This side is a great way to add a little more flavor without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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.

Slow cooker rice is a simple and reliable side that can complement almost any dinner. It’s a great choice when you want a no-fuss option that takes minimal effort, allowing you to focus on the main dish. The slow cooker ensures the rice turns out perfectly every time, making it a dependable choice for busy weeknights. This side is perfect for pairing with hearty meals or flavorful sauces.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

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.

Crock pot mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort side dish that practically cooks itself. With rich, creamy cheese coating tender pasta, it’s a great addition to any dinner. The best part? It’s easy to set up in the crockpot and let it cook while you handle other parts of the meal. A perfect side when you want something hearty and classic without spending time over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo Gobi Masala brings the warmth of spiced potatoes and cauliflower to your dinner table. This flavorful Indian-inspired side pairs well with a variety of mains, making it a versatile option. It’s easy to prepare and adds an extra layer of depth to your meal without overwhelming your time in the kitchen. Great for those nights when you want to bring in something unique yet simple.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

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.

Easy scalloped potatoes are a comforting side that pairs well with just about any dinner. The creamy sauce and layers of thinly sliced potatoes make it a hearty option that’s sure to please. This dish can be prepped ahead of time, making it ideal for a busy schedule. Perfect for adding richness to a meal without overcomplicating things.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

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.

Air fryer brussels sprouts are a crispy and quick side that’s perfect for busy nights. The air fryer gives them a golden finish, making them a great addition to your dinner plate. This side dish brings out the natural flavors of Brussels sprouts, adding something light and flavorful to your meal. Ideal when you need something simple yet satisfying.
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.

Vegan Mexican rice is an easy and flavorful side that complements a variety of meals. It’s packed with spices that bring warmth and depth to your dinner without much effort. Perfect for pairing with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled veggies, this rice can tie your meal together in a matter of minutes. A great go-to for weeknights when you want something quick and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice