27 Side Dishes You Didn’t Know Your Dinners Were Missing

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Dinner can sometimes feel incomplete without the right side dish, but these ideas will change that. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make sides that truly complement your main course and bring your meal to life. These easy recipes are all about adding flavor and variety without the extra hassle.

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.

This roasted zucchini brings bold flavor with minimal effort, making it a great way to add something extra to any meal. The parmesan topping crisps up perfectly in the oven, giving each bite a slight crunch. It’s a simple dish that pairs well with everything from grilled meats to pasta. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven

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.

This rich and cheesy mac and cheese takes a classic comfort food and makes it even better. The combination of creamy sauce and a crispy topping makes it stand out from the usual versions. It’s a great way to turn an ordinary dinner into something that feels restaurant-worthy. If you need a go-to side for busy weeknights or special occasions, this one won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Green Bean Casserole

This classic side dish has been a staple for years, and for good reason. It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect addition to any meal. The crispy topping adds just the right amount of texture to balance the soft green beans. If you haven’t made it from scratch before, you’ll see why it’s worth it.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Aloo Gobi Masala

This spiced potato and cauliflower dish brings bold flavors and a hearty texture to the table. It’s a great way to add variety to your usual dinner lineup without extra hassle. The combination of warm spices and tender vegetables makes it a side that stands out. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t add it to your meals sooner.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

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 bring the perfect balance of smoky and fresh flavors to your plate. Crisp-tender beans paired with crispy bacon make for a side dish that works with just about any main course. It’s easy to throw together, making it a great option for busy weeknights. If you’ve been looking for a way to make vegetables more exciting, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Green Beans

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.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce make this a must-try side. It’s a great option when you need something hearty to round out a meal. The golden, bubbly top adds a little crunch, while the inside stays rich and creamy. Whether it’s for a holiday or a regular weeknight, this dish belongs on your table.
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 Brussels sprouts crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, making them a game-changer for dinner. The edges get golden and slightly crunchy, adding texture that pairs well with any meal. They’re easy to make and take only a few minutes to cook. If you’ve been looking for a way to bring more vegetables to the table, this is an easy win.
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.

This simple dish takes cabbage to the next level with smoky bacon and just the right amount of seasoning. It’s a great way to turn an everyday vegetable into something worth making again and again. The flavors blend perfectly, making it a great side for everything from roasted meats to casual dinners. If you haven’t made cabbage like this before, now’s the time to try.
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.

This sweet potato casserole is smooth, creamy, and topped with a layer of crunchy goodness. It’s the kind of side dish that feels special but is easy enough to make any time. The natural sweetness of the yams pairs perfectly with the buttery topping. Whether it’s for a holiday or just to switch things up, this dish is always a good choice.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

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.

This asparagus gets just the right amount of crispness in the oven while staying tender inside. A sprinkle of parmesan adds a little extra texture and flavor without much effort. It’s quick to prepare, making it an easy way to add something fresh to any meal. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it all the time.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

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 cooked until tender, soaking up all the rich flavors of the braising liquid. They’re an easy way to add depth to your dinner without extra effort. The caramelized edges bring a slight sweetness that pairs well with roasted meats or lighter meals. If Brussels sprouts aren’t already part of your meals, this recipe might change that.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

A grilled cabbage slice on a white plate, garnished with herbs, with a fork holding a cut piece. — Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These cabbage steaks roast up with crispy edges and a tender center, bringing something new to the table. They’re a great way to turn a simple vegetable into a dish that feels special. The slight char from roasting adds depth, making them a perfect match for any main course. If you haven’t tried cabbage like this before, now is the time.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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 sweet potatoes cook up quickly in the air fryer, making them an easy way to add something extra to dinner. The outside gets slightly crisp while the inside stays soft and flavorful. They pair well with a variety of main dishes and require minimal prep. Once you see how simple they are to make, you’ll want to keep them in your rotation.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet 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 fresh and simple salad combines crisp green beans with juicy tomatoes for a refreshing side dish. It’s quick to prepare and adds a nice contrast to heavier meals. The light dressing enhances the flavors without overpowering them. If you need an easy way to bring more vegetables to your plate, this is a great choice.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Zucchini Bruschetta

This twist on classic bruschetta swaps out bread for zucchini, making it a lighter yet flavorful side dish. The fresh topping adds brightness, making it a great complement to heavier meals. It’s quick to prepare and a simple way to add more vegetables to your dinner. If you’re looking for something fresh and easy, this is a great option.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

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 home fries crisp up perfectly in the air fryer, making them a quick and easy side for any meal. The edges get golden and crunchy while the inside stays soft and fluffy. They’re perfect for breakfast but work just as well with dinner. Once you try making them this way, you won’t go back to the stovetop method.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

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 flavor and creamy, cheesy goodness. The crispy potato skin holds a rich, buttery filling that pairs well with any main course. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time, making them a great option for busy nights. If you need a hearty side that feels like comfort food, this one is a winner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked 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 smashed potatoes crisp up beautifully in the air fryer while staying soft in the middle. A sprinkle of cheese adds just the right amount of richness without overpowering the dish. They come together quickly, making them a great go-to side for busy weeknights. Once you try this method, you’ll want to make them all the time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

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 red potatoes bring a rich, buttery flavor with just the right amount of garlic. The creamy texture makes them a great complement to roasted meats or lighter meals. They’re easy to prepare and don’t require much effort to turn out just right. If you’re looking for a way to switch up your usual mashed potatoes, this recipe is worth trying.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Crab Fried Rice

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

This fried rice brings together tender crab and fluffy rice for a simple yet flavorful side dish. It’s quick to make and works well alongside seafood, chicken, or even on its own. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a great alternative to plain rice. If you need a side dish that feels a little more special without extra effort, this is a great choice.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried 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 until just tender and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce. They bring a fresh and flavorful contrast to heavier meals. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, they make a great addition to any dinner. If you’re looking for an easy way to upgrade a simple vegetable, this is a great option.
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 potato wedges come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a great side for any meal. The air fryer speeds up the cooking process while keeping them light and crisp. They pair well with everything from burgers to roasted meats. If you’re looking for a way to make homemade fries without the mess, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

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

This rustic bread comes together with minimal effort and bakes up with a crisp crust and soft interior. The no-knead method makes it easy to get bakery-quality results at home. It’s perfect for pairing with soups, pastas, or just serving with butter. Once you see how simple it is, you’ll want to make it all the time.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Ratatouille

This classic vegetable dish brings together tender, roasted vegetables in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a great way to add more vegetables to your meals without extra effort. The slow-roasted flavors make it a perfect complement to a variety of main dishes. If you need a way to add something hearty and wholesome to your table, this is a great choice.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Ham and Potato Casserole

This casserole combines tender potatoes, ham, and a creamy sauce for a hearty, comforting side dish. It’s easy to put together and bakes up with a golden, bubbly top. The combination of flavors makes it a great choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. If you need a side that feels like a full meal, this one won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Casserole

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

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

This butternut squash cooks up quickly in the air fryer, bringing out its natural sweetness while keeping it tender inside. The edges caramelize slightly, adding depth to its flavor. It’s a great way to add something warm and hearty to any meal with minimal effort. If you haven’t tried cooking squash in the air fryer yet, this is a great place to start.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

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 comes out rich, creamy, and full of flavor with almost no effort. The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy days or potlucks. The texture stays smooth and velvety, making it a great side for any meal. Once you see how easy it is, you won’t want to make mac and cheese any other way.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese