37 Side Dishes You Didn't Know You Needed

I’ve lost count of how many times a side dish ended up being the best part of the meal. When you find one that’s easy, unexpected, and full of flavor, it deserves a spot on the table. These are the kinds of sides I keep coming back to because they make everyday dinners feel more complete without a lot of effort.

Baked macaroni and cheese topped with breadcrumbs and bacon in a white dish, with a serving on a plate beside it.

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 cold pasta salad brings extra flavor thanks to bacon, ranch dressing, and a mix of textures. It’s easy to make ahead and holds up well for gatherings or quick dinners. It’s not your average pasta salad, which makes it a welcome change next to grilled meats or sandwiches. Great for when you want a side that does more than just fill the plate.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in the 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.

Roasted zucchini with a crispy parmesan coating brings out more flavor than you might expect from such a simple dish. It cooks quickly and works well with just about any protein. The texture is crisp at the edges and soft in the middle, which adds a good contrast on the plate. It’s one of those sides that makes vegetables more interesting.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven

Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

This mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and baked with a crispy top that adds something extra to every bite. It works as a side, but it definitely doesn’t fade into the background. Serve it with steak, chicken, or barbecue, and it’ll hold its own. It’s a dependable option when basic mac just won’t cut it.
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.

This fried rice turns a simple side into something more special with the addition of crab and a few pantry staples. It’s quick to make and pairs well with seafood or grilled dishes. The flavor is subtle but stands out enough to bring variety to the table. It’s great when you want a starch that goes beyond plain rice.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Green Bean Casserole

This classic side dish brings creamy, crunchy, and savory all into one pan. It’s easy to make, especially with canned or frozen ingredients. While familiar, it always ends up being one of the first dishes to go. A solid choice for more than just holidays.
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 sweet potato casserole uses canned yams for convenience without giving up flavor. It has a warm, slightly sweet base and a crunchy topping that makes it hard to skip. It works well with ham, turkey, or roasted chicken. This side adds balance when the main dish leans salty or savory.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

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 roasted sweet potatoes cook up quickly in the air fryer with crisp edges and a soft center. They’re easy to season depending on what you’re serving. You get a warm, filling side without much prep or cleanup. It’s a flexible option that doesn’t need much to shine.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet 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.

These brussels sprouts are tender, flavorful, and work well alongside meats or heavier mains. The braising adds depth you don’t get from simply roasting or steaming. They hold up nicely on a plate and pair with a wide range of dinners. A good pick for something more interesting than plain greens.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

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.

These green beans get a flavor boost from bacon and cook quickly with minimal ingredients. They stay crisp but pick up just enough richness to make them more than a basic veggie. You can pair them with weeknight meals or bring them out for special dinners. They’re easy to make and never boring.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Green Beans

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 filled with cheese, bacon, and green onions, then baked again for extra texture. They’re filling enough to feel like more than just a side, but still play well with mains. You can prep them ahead and reheat when needed. A good option when you want something a little extra without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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 salad combines crisp green beans with juicy tomatoes and a light dressing for a fresh and simple side. It adds color and crunch to any plate without overpowering the main dish. The ingredients are basic, but the flavor stands out. A solid choice when you want something light that still has personality.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato 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.

These smashed potatoes come out crisp in the air fryer and get topped with melted cheese for extra flavor. They’re bite-sized, easy to serve, and feel a bit more fun than regular mashed or roasted potatoes. You can season them any way you like, depending on what they’re paired with. Great for when you want something familiar but upgraded.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

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

This squash cooks up tender in the air fryer with crisp edges and simple seasoning. It works well as a warm side that adds a little sweetness to balance out savory mains. You don’t need much prep or special ingredients to make it happen. It’s a smart choice when you want to change up your usual vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Ratatouille

This vegetable medley brings together eggplant, zucchini, and peppers in a dish that’s more flavorful than it looks. It’s a good way to use up produce and works well alongside simple proteins. You can make it ahead and reheat without losing texture. A good option for adding color and variety to your dinner plate.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

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 tomatoes roast quickly in the air fryer, giving you soft centers and slightly crisp edges. They bring a lot of flavor for something so simple and pair well with meats, pastas, or grains. You can serve them warm or at room temperature. A handy side when you need something quick but not boring.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

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.

These thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a creamy sauce and come out tender and golden on top. They work with just about anything—from weeknight meatloaf to a holiday roast. You can prep them earlier in the day and reheat before serving. A reliable choice when you want a filling side that doesn’t take much thought.
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.

These sprouts crisp up in the air fryer with little oil and even less effort. They’re fast to prep, easy to season, and always seem to disappear quickly. You can pair them with almost anything from chicken to pasta. They’re a dependable pick when you need something green that people will actually eat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

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

These sweet potatoes are filled with a seasoned taco-style mix for a side that’s a little more substantial. They’re good for mixing things up when your main dish is lighter or you want something with a bit of spice. The textures play well together and don’t take much effort to prep. A smart option when you want something that feels more complete.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

These fries cook straight from the freezer and still come out crisp, thanks to the air fryer. They’re a quick fix when you need a warm, familiar side and don’t want to spend extra time. You can add seasoning if you want or keep them plain. Great to keep on hand for last-minute dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

These wedges are soft inside and crisp outside, cooked quickly in the air fryer. They’re easy to pair with just about any meal and feel a little more special than regular fries. You can season them any way you like and still keep cook time low. A good go-to when you want something simple and filling.
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.

This dish brings together cabbage and bacon in a skillet for a warm, hearty side with bold flavor. It’s simple but packs more punch than most vegetable sides. It goes well with roasted meats or beans and rice. A great choice when you want something that sticks with you.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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 roast until golden at the edges and tender in the center, bringing out a mellow flavor. They’re easy to prep and make a nice change from the usual green vegetable sides. You can season them simply or add toppings after baking. A smart way to use cabbage that doesn’t feel basic.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Seafood Pasta Salad

This cold pasta salad adds seafood to the mix, making it a side that feels a bit more special without a lot of effort. It works for picnics, cookouts, or even just an easy weeknight dinner. The flavors are light but still noticeable, and it holds up well in the fridge. A solid pick when you want a chilled side that isn’t the same old thing.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

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 small potatoes get crispy edges in the air fryer and are ready fast with little cleanup. They’re great for breakfast-for-dinner nights or as a quick side with meat or eggs. You don’t need fancy ingredients to make them work. A no-fuss option that fits into nearly any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Cabbage wedges wrapped in bacon crisp up fast in the air fryer and deliver more flavor than you might expect. The outside gets a little crunch while the inside stays tender. This side works well with grilled or roasted mains. A creative way to dress up cabbage without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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 and get just enough sweetness from maple to balance out savory dishes. They’re great when you need a warm vegetable side that isn’t too heavy. The glaze keeps them from feeling plain. A nice go-to when you want something easy that still stands out.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

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 version of mac and cheese is made in the slow cooker, freeing up the stove and saving time. It’s creamy, cheesy, and always a crowd favorite. You can keep it warm for gatherings or serve it up for a weeknight dinner. A hands-off way to make a comfort food side without babysitting it.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

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 version skips the dairy but still brings a creamy texture and plenty of flavor. It’s a good option for sharing when you have mixed diets at the table. The ingredients are easy to find and the prep isn’t complicated. A dependable side dish that works for more than just one kind of eater.
Get the Recipe: Dairy Free Mac and Cheese

Vegan Mexican Rice

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

This rice is cooked with spices and tomato for a side that brings flavor without a lot of fuss. It’s a strong match for tacos, grilled veggies, or chicken. You can make it ahead or serve it fresh, and it holds well either way. A practical way to add something colorful and different to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

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 cooked quickly and finished with garlic butter for a simple but flavorful side. They stay crisp and work well with everything from pasta to roasted meats. You only need a few ingredients to pull it together. A reliable option when you need something fast and not bland.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Aloo Gobi Masala

This mix of potatoes and cauliflower is cooked with warm spices for a flavorful side that goes beyond plain vegetables. It works well with rice or flatbread and holds up as part of a larger meal. The prep is simple, and the result brings plenty of texture and color to the plate. A good way to switch up your usual side routine.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

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.

This rice cooks low and slow in the crockpot, freeing up your stove and making it easy to time with other dishes. It’s ideal for busy days when you want a side ready to go without constant checking. The grains come out fluffy and consistent every time. A dependable choice when you want less hands-on cooking.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

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

This bread bakes up with a crisp crust and chewy inside, all without needing to knead or fuss. It’s great for soaking up sauces or serving alongside hearty mains. You can prep the dough ahead and bake when you’re ready. A smart option for adding homemade bread to dinner without the effort.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

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 slightly different texture and are finished with plenty of garlic. They’re smooth but still have a little bite, which pairs well with meats and gravies. The recipe is straightforward and easy to double for bigger meals. A nice change from the usual mashed side.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Ham and Potato Casserole

This casserole combines chopped ham and tender potatoes in a creamy base that works well with lighter mains. It’s filling without being too heavy, and you can prep it in advance. The leftovers store well, making it a smart option for batch cooking. A hearty side that brings comfort without a long ingredient list.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Casserole

Zucchini Bruschetta

Sliced zucchini replaces bread in this easy bruschetta variation that still brings plenty of flavor. It’s quick to put together and works well as a light side or snack. You can top it with tomatoes, herbs, and cheese depending on what’s available. A fresh option for mixing up your side dish lineup.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

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.

These asparagus spears bake quickly in the oven and get a cheesy finish with a sprinkle of parmesan. They stay crisp-tender and pair well with meats, fish, or pasta. The prep is minimal and cook time is short. A simple way to add something green without going back to salad again.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan