21 foolproof side dish recipes for every cooking level

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If you’re on a quest for side dishes that not only complement your meals but also cater to every cooking skill level, you’re in for a treat! I’ve rounded up foolproof side dish recipes that promise to add a dash of flavor to your table, whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned pro. From quick and easy options to more intricate delights, these recipes are designed to elevate your dining experience effortlessly. Let’s dive into the world of sides that suit every taste and cooking journey!

Air fried glazed carrots in a white bowl next to a checkered tablecloth.
Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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

Delve into the goodness of cheesy and loaded twice-baked potatoes, a foolproof side dish that effortlessly delivers delicious and satisfying flavors. With minimal ingredients, this recipe ensures comfort without the worry of leftovers, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an easy and delightful addition to their dinner table, regardless of their cooking level.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted cabbage steaks on a platter.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Experience the perfect blend of warmth and simplicity with these foolproof roasted cabbage steaks. Topped with flavorful seasonings, this healthy side dish not only brings ease to your dinner table but also introduces a delightful choice that effortlessly combines ease of preparation with a delicious taste, catering to every cooking level with an appealing and uncomplicated dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts on a white plate.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Discover the foolproof way to roast Brussels sprouts in the air fryer, ensuring crispy and delicious results with minimal effort. Bid farewell to soggy sprouts and welcome perfectly crisp bites, making this side dish an excellent addition to your dinner table for a hassle-free and flavorful experience suitable for everyone, from beginners to seasoned cooks.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Zucchini Bruschetta

Zucchini bruschetta on parchment paper.
Zucchini Bruschetta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Add a unique and delectable touch to your gatherings with foolproof zucchini bruschetta. This appetizer recipe stands out, bringing a delightful twist to familiar flavors. Easy to prepare and delicious, it’s the perfect choice to make your next gathering even more special and memorable, providing a unique and flavorful side suitable for every cooking level, ensuring success in the kitchen for all.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

Ratatouille

A blue Bowl of Vegan Ratatouille.
Ratatouille. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Delight in the rich flavors of foolproof vegan ratatouille, a French classic that combines zucchini and eggplant for a satisfying and healthy side dish suitable for every cooking level. This rendition offers a delightful twist on tradition, making it an excellent choice to elevate your dinner table with something new and delicious, ensuring an approachable yet impressive dish for all levels of culinary expertise.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Green Bean Casserole

Two bowls of green bean casserole on a cutting board.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Relish tradition without worrying about leftovers with this foolproof green bean casserole tailored for two people. Featuring fresh green beans, it introduces a hint of nostalgia and simplicity to your dinner table. Ideal for a cozy meal, this recipe not only brings ease to preparation but also ensures a comforting addition to your table without the fuss, making it suitable for cooks of every level.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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

Upgrade your veggie game with foolproof green beans bathed in rich garlic butter, offering a flavorful and crisp addition to your dinner table. With a perfect blend of seasoning, this side dish ensures a simple yet delightful accompaniment suitable for every cooking level, guaranteeing a tasty and uncomplicated addition to any meal preparation routine.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Three roasted tomatoes on a white plate with parsley.
Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Upgrade your tomato game with irresistibly flavorful air fryer-roasted Roma tomatoes. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, these tomatoes promise rich, concentrated flavors, making them a delightful addition to your dinner table without the need for extensive effort. A unique and easy-to-make side that’s suitable for every cooking level, ensuring a tasty and accessible dish for all.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cabbage and bacon in white serving bowl.
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Satisfy your cravings with the classic and flavorful foolproof Southern fried cabbage with bacon. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a delicious side dish that complements any meal. Enjoy the rich taste of well-cooked cabbage and savory bacon, making it an irresistible choice for your dinner table. This fried cabbage brings life to your dinner table, providing a delightful addition suitable for every cooking level.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Air fried glazed carrots in a white bowl next to a checkered tablecloth.
Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Up your side game with foolproof delectable maple glazed carrots made effortlessly in an air fryer. The caramelized sweetness of these carrots adds a delightful touch to your meals, making them a standout choice for those seeking a perfect blend of easy preparation and irresistible taste. Suitable for every cooking level, this recipe ensures a delightful and accessible addition to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

A skillet with a sweet potato casserole in it.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dive into savory sweetness with foolproof heavenly sweet potato casserole featuring canned yams. This irresistible side dish promises a taste that’s hard to resist, offering a perfect balance of flavors for a delightful addition to your dinner table, making every bite a moment to savor and enjoy. Suitable for every cooking level, this recipe ensures a comforting and accessible dish for all.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

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.

Savor the ultimate cheesy delight with this foolproof crock pot mac and cheese, slow-cooked to perfection for an easy-to-make dish that promises to wow your taste buds. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, this recipe is a standout choice for a hassle-free and satisfying addition to your dinner table, suitable for every cooking level and ensuring success in the kitchen with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Small baking dish with scalloped potatoes.
Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Experience the simplicity and deliciousness of foolproof easy scalloped potatoes, a perfect side dish for a cozy dinner for two. With its straightforward preparation, this recipe promises a hit every time, bringing comfort to your table without the fuss. Suitable for every cooking level, this dish ensures an approachable yet flavorful addition to your dinner table, making it a versatile choice for cooks of all backgrounds.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes with butter and herbs on a plate.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Looking for the best way to make baked sweet potatoes? Using an air fryer produces the perfect sweet and fluffy inside every time, ensuring a foolproof and delicious addition to your dinner table, suitable for every cooking level.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Vegan Mexican Rice

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

Add an easy and delicious sidekick to your Tex-Mex dishes with foolproof vegan Mexican rice. Quick to prepare, this recipe complements your favorite foods like tacos or burritos, making it a great choice for those seeking a delightful addition to their dinner table without sacrificing flavor or simplicity. Suitable for every cooking level, this dish ensures a tasty and accessible accompaniment for all.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

Love potato wedges but want to cut down on the grease? Our foolproof recipe will give you perfectly golden and crunchy potatoes without the excess oil, providing a simple and tasty side dish that’s easy to prepare for any meal, suitable for every cooking level.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Green Bean Tomato Salad

Green beans and tomatoes on a white plate.
Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Embrace the freshness of summer with a foolproof green bean tomato salad that’s not just easy to prepare but also healthy. Bursting with vibrant ingredients, this delicious side dish adds a light and satisfying touch to your dinner table, bringing a delightful and crisp component suitable for every cooking level, ensuring a refreshing and accessible addition to your meal routine.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Aloo Gobi Masala

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

Introduce a tasty twist to your dinner with foolproof aloo gobi masala, a delightful Indian dish combining potatoes, cauliflower, and spices. This unique recipe promises exotic flavors, making it an ideal choice for those looking to diversify their dinner table with something new and delicious that they’re sure to love. Suitable for every cooking level, this dish ensures an approachable and flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Air Fryer Home Fries

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

Enjoy the crispy goodness of foolproof air fryer home fries without the excess fat. This healthy alternative to traditional fried potatoes is easy to make, offering a perfect choice for those seeking a delightful addition to their dinner table that combines both ease of preparation and irresistible taste. Suitable for every cooking level, this dish ensures a satisfying and easy-to-make option for a variety of meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Cheesy smashed potatoes on a plate next to Christmas decor.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Indulge in the perfect harmony of crunch and creaminess with foolproof air fryer smashed potatoes topped with melted cheese. This delicious side dish recipe not only offers a delightful texture but also makes for a simple yet impressive addition to any dinner table. Suitable for every cooking level, these smashed potatoes bring life to your dinner table, providing a side you’ve never made but will love, ensuring a successful and accessible culinary experience for all.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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

Delight your taste buds with the delicious combination of sweet and salty flavors in these bacon-wrapped air fryer cabbage wedges. This unique side dish offers a perfect blend of simplicity and taste, making it a standout addition to your dinner table for an exciting and flavorful meal that’s foolproof and suitable for every cooking level. With minimal effort, you can achieve a delightful dish that promises to be a hit, ensuring success in the kitchen regardless of your culinary expertise.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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