31 Side Dishes To Dress Up Your Meals

I love having a good mix of sides on hand because they can completely change the feel of a meal. Even the simplest dinner can feel more put-together with the right dish alongside it. That’s why I’ve gathered a variety of options that are easy to make and perfect for adding something extra to the table.

Close-up of a wooden spoon holding a mix of cooked chopped vegetables including zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and bell peppers, garnished with herbs. — Ratatouille. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven

Roasted zucchini slices with melted cheese and herbs sit enticingly on a white plate, as a fork elegantly holds one piece. — Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Roasting zucchini with Parmesan gives it a crisp edge and a warm, cheesy finish that pairs well with almost any main dish. It’s quick to prepare and bakes in under 30 minutes. The recipe is light but still hearty enough to stand out on the plate. It’s a simple way to add variety and color to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven

Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Close-up of macaroni salad with elbow pasta, peas, cheddar cheese cubes, red onion, and a creamy dressing. — Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This pasta salad combines creamy ranch, crisp vegetables, and smoky bacon for a side that works in any season. It’s easy to make ahead, which makes it practical for both weeknight dinners and gatherings. The mix of flavors keeps it from being plain. It’s a dependable choice when you want to bring extra flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Baked macaroni and cheese topped with breadcrumbs and bacon in a white dish, with a serving on a plate beside it. — Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Inspired by a restaurant classic, this mac and cheese is creamy, rich, and perfect for pairing with almost any main dish. The cheese sauce adds depth without making the recipe complicated to prepare. It’s ready in under an hour, making it practical for weeknights. It’s a warm side that instantly makes meals feel more complete.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Crab Fried Rice

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

Fried rice with crab is quick to make and offers a seafood twist on a familiar dish. It pairs well with grilled meats, stir-fries, or even on its own for a lighter meal. The flavors are simple yet filling, making it versatile. It’s a dependable side that brings variety to the table.
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 baked sweet potatoes are filled with seasoned vegetables and beans, making them hearty and flavorful. They’re easy to prepare and bring balance to heavier mains. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs well with the spiced filling. It’s a side that feels special without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

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.

Crisp green beans with bacon add both crunch and smoky flavor to the plate. The recipe comes together quickly with only a few ingredients. It’s a flexible side that works for both everyday meals and gatherings. A warm pan of these beans helps round out dinners with ease.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Green Beans

Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Using the air fryer makes frozen sweet potato fries crisp in minutes without much effort. They work well alongside burgers, sandwiches, or roasted meats. The recipe is quick, requiring almost no prep. It’s a dependable option when you want something warm and easy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Zucchini Bruschetta

This recipe uses zucchini rounds topped with tomatoes, garlic, and cheese for a lighter version of bruschetta. It bakes quickly and brings freshness to heavier meals. The small portions make it easy to share. It’s a practical way to add variety to the table.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Green Bean Casserole

This classic casserole brings together tender beans, creamy sauce, and a crisp topping for a dependable side. It’s baked in the oven and can be made ahead for convenience. The recipe pairs easily with both casual and holiday meals. It’s a familiar option that helps complete the table.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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 casserole uses canned yams for convenience while still giving that soft, warm texture everyone expects. A sweet topping adds extra flavor without complicating the process. It’s simple enough for weeknights but also fits perfectly with holiday meals. It’s a reliable side that brings warmth to the table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Ratatouille

A mix of eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers baked together makes this French-inspired dish colorful and hearty. It’s slow-cooked but worth the time for its rich flavor. The vegetables keep it light, yet it complements a wide range of mains. It’s a flavorful option that balances heavier plates.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

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 turns a simple vegetable into a hearty side. The dish comes together quickly in one pan, making cleanup easy. It’s filling without being too heavy. A bowl of this is a good way to bring warmth and texture to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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.

This mac and cheese cooks low and slow, freeing up time while still delivering creamy pasta. It’s easy to prepare and makes enough for a family dinner. The hands-off cooking method makes it especially convenient. It’s a warm and dependable side for both weeknights and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

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 coated in a maple glaze cook quickly in the air fryer until tender. The balance of sweet and savory flavors pairs well with roasted meats. This recipe takes little effort while still feeling special. It’s a colorful and practical addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

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

This bread requires little hands-on time but delivers a crusty loaf that pairs perfectly with soups and pastas. It bakes up golden and hearty without needing special tools. The recipe makes the kitchen smell inviting as it cooks. Fresh bread like this easily completes a meal.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

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.

Creamy pasta without dairy makes this version versatile and easy to serve alongside any main dish. The sauce still feels rich, keeping the recipe hearty. It’s quick to make on weeknights but also works for gatherings. A warm bowl of this mac and cheese helps round out any meal.
Get the Recipe: Dairy Free Mac and Cheese

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.

Slowly cooked Brussels sprouts turn tender and flavorful, making them a dependable side. They’re simple to prepare and pair well with chicken, pork, or beef. The braising process gives them depth without much extra effort. It’s a warm dish that balances heavier meals.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Bowl of roasted sweet potato cubes garnished with herbs. — Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

The air fryer makes butternut squash cubes caramelized on the outside and soft inside in less time than the oven. It’s a colorful side that adds variety to the table. The recipe requires minimal prep, making it practical for busy nights. It’s an easy way to bring seasonal produce into your meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

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.

Baking asparagus with Parmesan gives it crisp tips and a savory finish. It cooks quickly, making it a convenient side for both weeknights and gatherings. The cheese adds just enough flavor to keep it from being plain. It’s a simple dish that brings balance to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

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.

These mashed potatoes use red potatoes for a creamy texture with a touch of garlic. They’re simple to prepare and work with nearly any main dish. The recipe makes a generous batch, perfect for family dinners. A warm bowl of these potatoes is always welcome at the table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

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 coated in garlic butter are quick to cook and full of flavor. They pair well with grilled meats, chicken, or fish. The recipe uses just a few ingredients but delivers a warm and hearty side. It’s a straightforward choice that makes any plate feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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 in the oven until caramelized create a hearty side dish. They’re easy to prepare and require only a short baking time. The edges turn crisp while the center stays tender. It’s a practical way to bring variety to vegetable sides.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Aloo Gobi Masala

This dish of potatoes and cauliflower cooked with spices is both filling and flavorful. It’s a warm side that balances out meat-based mains. The recipe doesn’t take long to prepare and uses simple ingredients. It’s an easy way to add variety to your table.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

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 potatoes are baked, scooped, and filled again with cheese, bacon, and sour cream. They’re hearty enough to almost be a meal on their own. The recipe is oven-baked and easy to prepare ahead. It’s a warm and comforting side that pairs with nearly any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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.

Thin potato slices layered with creamy sauce make this dish both filling and classic. It bakes in the oven until golden and bubbly. The recipe works well for holidays but is simple enough for everyday dinners too. It’s a reliable way to add something warm to the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

These potato wedges cook quickly in the air fryer, turning out crisp on the outside and soft inside. They’re simple to make and pair well with chicken, beef, or fish. The recipe uses pantry staples, making it convenient. It’s a side that works for both casual meals and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Seafood Pasta Salad

Pasta salad with shrimp, crab, or other seafood brings freshness to the table. It’s quick to assemble and can be made ahead, making it practical for busy days. The mix of seafood and pasta feels hearty without being heavy. It’s a versatile side that pairs with many mains.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

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.

The air fryer makes Brussels sprouts crisp outside and tender inside in less time than the oven. They’re simple to prepare and add variety to the plate. The recipe pairs well with roasted or grilled meats. It’s an easy way to add a warm vegetable side to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Cabbage wedges wrapped in bacon cook up crisp in the air fryer for a hearty side dish. The smoky flavor pairs well with simple mains like chicken or pork. This recipe takes little effort while delivering a filling option. It’s a dependable way to add warmth and texture to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Air Fryer Home Fries

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

Cubed potatoes cook quickly in the air fryer, turning golden and crisp with little oil. They’re practical for both breakfast and dinner meals. The recipe uses everyday ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes. It’s a versatile side that brings warmth to the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

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 tomatoes and spices, making it a hearty addition to the plate. It’s easy to prepare and pairs well with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. The recipe uses pantry staples, keeping it simple and convenient. It’s a dependable side that brings balance to meals.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice