these 21 easy sides are the secret to a better dinner

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Looking to upgrade your dinner routine without adding extra stress? These easy side dishes are just what you need to make your meals more exciting and flavorful. With minimal effort and time, they’ll transform any main course into a standout dinner, making your evenings both simpler and more satisfying.

A baked sweet potato topped with sautéed black beans, corn, and green onions, garnished with lime wedges.
Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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 creamy mac and cheese is a perfect choice for making dinner a bit more special without extra fuss. The slow cooker ensures the cheese melts perfectly, making it an easy side that complements any main course. It’s a hands-off way to enjoy a rich and comforting dish. This recipe takes minimal prep and offers maximum flavor. Ideal for those busy nights when you want something comforting and effortless.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Zucchini Bruschetta

Baked zucchini bruschetta topped with chopped tomatoes, herbs, and grated cheese on a parchment-lined tray.
Zucchini Bruschetta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This zucchini bruschetta is a fresh and easy way to add a flavorful touch to your meal. It’s quick to prepare and brings a burst of flavor that enhances any dinner. The crisp texture of the zucchini combined with the savory toppings makes it a great side. It requires minimal ingredients and is a fantastic addition to a wide range of main dishes. Perfect for those who enjoy a light and flavorful accompaniment.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

These potato wedges cooked in the air fryer are a quick and easy way to add a crispy side to your dinner. They have a satisfying crunch with less oil, making them a healthier choice. The air fryer ensures they cook evenly and quickly, making them a convenient side. Their golden-brown exterior and tender inside complement a variety of main dishes. Ideal for busy evenings when you need a quick and tasty side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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 fast and simple way to enjoy a crispy, flavorful vegetable side. The air fryer ensures they come out perfectly crisp without excessive oil. This dish adds a nutritious and tasty element to your meal. With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s a practical choice for enhancing any dinner. Great for those who want a quick and healthy side option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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 a rich and flavorful side that feels like a treat with every bite. The cheese and toppings are baked to perfection, creating a comforting side dish. They add a touch of indulgence to your meal without requiring a lot of extra effort. Ideal for pairing with a variety of main dishes, they make any dinner feel more special. Perfect for those who enjoy a hearty and satisfying side.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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 quick and easy way to enjoy crispy potatoes with less oil. They offer a great alternative to traditional fries, providing a healthier option with the same great flavor. The air fryer ensures they cook evenly and become crispy on the outside. Perfect for adding a satisfying crunch to your meal, they’re an excellent choice for a simple yet delicious side.
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 an easy and flavorful side that adds a unique touch to your dinner. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness and depth of flavor in the cabbage. This side requires minimal prep and pairs well with a variety of main courses. It’s a great way to incorporate vegetables into your meal without extra effort. Ideal for those who want a straightforward yet tasty side dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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

This green beans with garlic butter recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enhance your meal. The garlic butter adds a rich, savory touch to the crisp green beans. It’s an easy side that pairs well with many main dishes and requires minimal prep time. Perfect for busy nights when you want a side that’s both delicious and straightforward. Great for adding a burst of flavor to any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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 side that’s always a hit at the dinner table. It combines tender green beans with a creamy sauce and crispy topping for a comforting dish. This recipe is a great way to add a hearty and flavorful side to your meal with minimal effort. It’s perfect for family dinners and pairs well with a variety of main courses. Ideal for those who want a familiar and satisfying side.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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 offer a creamy and comforting side that’s simple to prepare. The layers of tender potatoes with cheese create a rich and satisfying dish. This recipe is perfect for adding a touch of indulgence to your dinner with minimal work. It pairs wonderfully with many main courses and is great for family meals. Ideal for those who enjoy a classic and hearty side dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

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 are a flavorful and unique side that brings a bit of excitement to your meal. The combination of spices and filling creates a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare. They offer a creative way to enjoy sweet potatoes while adding a savory touch to your dinner. Perfect for those looking for a plant-based option that still delivers on flavor. Great for adding variety to your meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo gobi masala in skillet with naan bread.
Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Aloo Gobi Masala is a flavorful and easy-to-make side that enhances any dinner with its aromatic spices. The combination of potatoes and cauliflower provides a satisfying and hearty option. This dish is simple to prepare and pairs well with various main courses. It adds a rich and savory flavor to your meal without a lot of extra effort. Ideal for those who enjoy a comforting and spiced side dish.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

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.

Air fryer sweet potatoes are a quick and easy way to enjoy a sweet and crispy side. The air fryer ensures they cook evenly and develop a satisfying crunch with minimal oil. This side adds a touch of sweetness and flavor to your dinner. Perfect for busy nights, it requires little prep and enhances any main course. Ideal for those who enjoy a healthier and tasty potato option.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet 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 air fryer smashed potatoes with cheese are a quick and indulgent side that’s easy to make. The air fryer cooks them to a perfect crisp, while the cheese adds a rich flavor. This recipe offers a great way to enjoy a cheesy and satisfying side with minimal prep time. It pairs well with a variety of main dishes and adds a fun twist to traditional potatoes. Ideal for those who enjoy a comforting and flavorful side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with 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.

This green bean tomato salad is a fresh and easy side that adds a vibrant touch to your meal. The combination of crisp green beans and juicy tomatoes makes for a light yet flavorful dish. It requires minimal prep and pairs well with many main courses. This salad is perfect for adding a healthy and refreshing option to your dinner. Ideal for those who enjoy a simple and colorful side.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Air fryer frozen sweet potato fries.
Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air fryer frozen sweet potato fries are a convenient and quick way to enjoy a crispy side. The air fryer cooks them to perfection with a satisfying crunch and minimal oil. This option is perfect for those busy nights when you need a side that’s both easy and flavorful. They pair well with a variety of main dishes and offer a healthier alternative to traditional fries. Great for adding a bit of sweetness to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

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 air fryer roasted Roma tomatoes are a flavorful and easy side that complements any dinner. The air fryer ensures they cook quickly and develop a rich, roasted flavor. This side requires minimal prep and adds a burst of taste to your meal. Ideal for enhancing your dinner with a simple yet delicious option. Perfect for those who enjoy a quick and tasty vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

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 easy side that adds a bit of excitement to your meal. The blend of spices and vegetables makes it a great accompaniment to many main courses. It’s simple to prepare and pairs well with a variety of dishes. This rice offers a hearty and satisfying option that’s perfect for those looking for a plant-based side. Ideal for adding a touch of spice and flavor to your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

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 cooked in the air fryer are a sweet and savory side that’s easy to make. The air fryer ensures they cook quickly and develop a caramelized flavor. This recipe adds a touch of sweetness to your meal with minimal effort. It pairs well with a variety of main courses and offers a simple yet flavorful side. Ideal for those who enjoy a quick and tasty vegetable option.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

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 colorful and flavorful side that’s easy to prepare and adds a touch of elegance to your meal. The mix of vegetables is cooked until tender, creating a satisfying and hearty dish. This recipe enhances any dinner with its rich flavors and minimal prep time. It pairs well with a variety of main courses and offers a delicious way to enjoy vegetables. Ideal for those who want a simple yet impressive side.
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.

Sweet potato casserole with canned yams is a comforting and easy side that adds a touch of warmth to your dinner. The use of canned yams simplifies preparation while still providing rich flavor and texture. This dish is perfect for adding a bit of sweetness and heartiness to your meal with minimal effort. It pairs well with various main courses and is great for family gatherings. Ideal for those who enjoy a classic and easy side dish.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

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