17 sides so good you’ll wonder why you bothered with the main

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Are you ready to upgrade your meals with some extraordinary sides? We’re diving into a world of side dishes so incredible that they might just steal the show from the main course. From crispy roasted vegetables to creamy casseroles and flavorful rice dishes, these sides are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, adding depth and excitement to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to jazz up your weeknight dinners, these sides will leave you wondering why you even bothered with the main dish. Get ready to take your meals to the next level!

A ramekin of green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions, served on a wooden table.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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 in Air Fryer offer a delightful combination of sweetness and crunch, making them an excellent choice for sides that steal the spotlight from the main course. With the convenience of the air fryer, these carrots are roasted to perfection with a sticky maple glaze, enhancing their natural flavor and caramelizing their edges. Whether served alongside a hearty dinner or as a standalone snack, these maple glazed carrots are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table, adding a touch of elegance to any meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes are a comforting and indulgent side dish that will have you questioning the need for a main course. With fluffy potato filling mixed with cheese, bacon, and green onions, these twice-baked potatoes are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether served at a barbecue or holiday dinner, these cheesy potatoes are easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit with friends and family, providing a satisfying and delicious addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

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

Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes offer a flavorful and satisfying side dish option that stands out on its own, making you forget about the main course. With a filling of spicy taco-seasoned beans, fresh salsa, and creamy avocado, these stuffed sweet potatoes are both nutritious and delicious. Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or simply enjoy plant-based meals, these taco stuffed sweet potatoes are sure to please your taste buds and steal the show at any summer gathering.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet 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 with Garlic Butter are a simple yet flavorful side dish that complements any meal with their vibrant color and delicious taste, making them a perfect choice for sides that outshine the main. With tender-crisp green beans tossed in melted butter and garlic, this dish is easy to prepare and pairs well with a variety of main courses. Whether served at a backyard barbecue or weeknight dinner, these green beans are sure to be a hit with family and friends, adding a touch of freshness and flavor to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon wrapped air fryer cabbage on white plate.
Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage offers a unique and savory side dish option that steals the spotlight from the main course with its irresistible flavor and texture. With crispy bacon wrapped around tender cabbage wedges, this dish is both simple and indulgent, perfect for summer meals and gatherings. Whether served as a side dish or appetizer, these bacon-wrapped cabbage wedges are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table, adding a delicious twist to any meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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 a creamy and indulgent side dish that steals the show with its cheesy goodness, making you forget about the main course altogether. With tender pasta cooked to perfection in a rich and velvety cheese sauce, this mac and cheese recipe is easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether served at a potluck or family dinner, this crock pot mac and cheese is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike, providing a comforting and delicious addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

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.

Green Bean Tomato Salad is a vibrant and refreshing side dish that steals the spotlight with its colorful mix of vegetables, making it an excellent choice for sides so good, you’ll wonder why you bothered with the main. With crisp green beans and juicy tomatoes tossed in a tangy dressing, this salad is perfect for summer gatherings and quick weeknight dinners. Whether served as a side or a light meal, this salad is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, adding a touch of freshness to any table.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

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 offers a taste of comfort with its savory and indulgent flavors, perfect for sides so good, they overshadow the main dish. With crispy bacon and tender cabbage cooked in a skillet, this dish is easy to prepare and bursting with southern charm. Whether served at a barbecue or family dinner, this fried cabbage is sure to be a hit with its hearty and satisfying appeal, bringing a touch of nostalgia to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

Air Fryer Potato Wedges provide a crispy and flavorful side dish option that pairs perfectly with any meal, stealing the show with their irresistible taste and texture. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick cook time in the air fryer, these potato wedges are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a favorite among both kids and adults. Whether served as a snack or alongside burgers and sandwiches, these air fryer potato wedges are sure to be a hit, adding a delicious crunch to any plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Seafood Pasta Salad

Close-up of a spoon holding seafood pasta salad garnished with parsley, with more salad in the background.
Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Seafood Pasta Salad is a light and refreshing side dish option that steals the spotlight with its vibrant colors and delicious flavors, making it a perfect choice for sides that steal the show. With a medley of seafood, pasta, and crisp vegetables tossed in a tangy dressing, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying. Whether served at a picnic or summer barbecue, this seafood pasta salad is easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit with seafood lovers and pasta enthusiasts alike, adding a touch of coastal flair to any menu.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

Vegan Mexican Rice

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

Vegan Mexican Rice is a flavorful and satisfying side dish option that shines with its spicy and aromatic flavors, making it an excellent choice for sides so good, they overshadow the main course. With a blend of rice, tomatoes, and spices, this vegan rice dish is easy to prepare and perfect for serving alongside your favorite Mexican-inspired meals. Whether enjoyed with tacos, enchiladas, or burritos, this vegan Mexican rice adds depth and richness to any plate, making it a staple in any plant-based diet.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Air Fryer Home Fries

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

Air Fryer Home Fries offer a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy and seasoned potatoes, perfect for sides that steal the spotlight from the main dish. With just a few simple ingredients and a short cook time in the air fryer, these home fries are golden and crunchy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Whether served with breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these air fryer home fries are sure to be a hit with their irresistible flavor and texture, adding a delicious crunch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Ratatouille

Close-up of a wooden spoon holding ratatouille, featuring chopped zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, garnished with parsley.
Ratatouille. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Ratatouille is a flavorful and colorful vegetable medley that takes center stage with its rustic charm and delicious taste, making it a standout choice for sides so good, you’ll wonder why you bothered with the main. With a mix of zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and bell peppers, this French-inspired dish is easy to prepare and bursting with summer flavors. Whether served as a side dish or a light meal, this ratatouille is sure to impress with its hearty and satisfying appeal, adding a touch of elegance to any table.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

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 and hearty side dish that steals the spotlight with its creamy texture and rich flavor, leaving you wondering why you even bothered with the main course. With layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a velvety cheese sauce, this dish is a classic favorite for any occasion. Whether served at a holiday dinner or weeknight meal, these scalloped potatoes are easy to prepare and sure to be a hit with family and friends, providing a satisfying and indulgent addition to any table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped 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 a flavorful and satisfying side dish that takes center stage with its aromatic spices and tender crab meat, making it an excellent choice for sides that steal the show. With a mix of fluffy rice, succulent crab, and crunchy vegetables, this fried rice is easy to prepare and bursting with seafood flavor. Whether served as a standalone meal or alongside Asian-inspired dishes, this crab fried rice is sure to impress with its delicious taste and vibrant presentation, adding a touch of elegance to any dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

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.

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese offer a crispy and indulgent side dish option that steals the spotlight with its irresistible taste and texture, perfect for sides that outshine the main course. With creamy potatoes smashed and seasoned, then air fried to golden perfection and topped with melted cheese, these smashed potatoes are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these cheesy smashed potatoes are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Green Bean Casserole

A ramekin of green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions, served on a wooden table.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green Bean Casserole is a classic and comforting side dish that steals the show with its creamy sauce and crispy topping, making it a perfect choice for sides so good, they overshadow the main course. With tender green beans coated in a savory mushroom sauce and topped with crunchy fried onions, this casserole is a holiday favorite that’s easy to prepare and always a hit with family and friends. Whether served at Thanksgiving dinner or a casual gathering, this green bean casserole adds warmth and nostalgia to every meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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