15 sides so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them before

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Ready to whip up some sides so simple you’ll be kicking yourself for not making them sooner? These 15 straightforward recipes are perfect for any meal and a breeze to make. They’re great for impressing guests or just when you want something quick and good without the extra hassle.

A plate of parmesan crusted potatoes with a sauce on top.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked sliced zucchini with parmesan on a white plate.
Baked Sliced Zucchini. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Sliced Zucchini is a side that’s easy and quick, needing just zucchini, Parmesan, and a touch of seasoning. Slice the zucchini, toss it in Parmesan, and bake for 20 minutes until you get that perfect crispy outside and tender inside. It’s a no-stress addition to any meal, making your dinner prep a breeze even on the busiest of nights.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked tomatoes with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese garnished with parsley.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Add a splash of color and flavor to your meals with Baked Tomatoes topped with Parmesan and mozzarella. Simply slice Roma tomatoes, top with cheese, herbs, and a bit of oil, then bake until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. This 25-minute recipe is not only easy to prepare but also brings a bright and cheesy side to any table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad only requires just a handful of ingredients including cucumbers, onions, sour cream, and mayo. Mix them up and let the flavors blend for a bit. In 30 minutes, you have a refreshing side ready to go. This salad is a great choice for those times when you want something light and fresh to balance out your meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Golden baked jicama fries garnished with parsley on a plate.
Golden Baked Jicama Fries. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Upgrade your dinner with a side of Golden Baked Jicama Fries. Start by peeling and slicing the jicama into fries, giving them a quick boil, seasoning them, and then baking them until they reach that irresistible golden crispiness. It’s a bit different and takes just over an hour, but it’s a great way to introduce a new veggie to your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Buttery whole roasted cauliflower on a baking sheet.
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower pairs perfectly with our favorite recipes, a simple yet impressive side. Begin by simmering the cauliflower in chicken stock, then roast it in the oven to achieve a tender yet crisp finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a cost-effective and interesting choice for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a lighter take on traditional risotto. With cauliflower and mushrooms, it brings the creamy texture of risotto but with added health benefits. This dish is ready in 30 minutes and serves as a simple, one-pot meal that fits both everyday dinners and special occasions perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Halloumi Fries

Halloumi fries with dill dip on a plate.
Halloumi Fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Complement your main dishes with crispy Halloumi Fries, ready in just 25 minutes. Made from a special cheese that holds its shape when cooked, these fries are perfect for baking, grilling, or frying. The result is a crispy exterior that’s hard to resist. They make a flavorful addition to any meal, especially when paired with your favorite dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

A baking sheet with garnished parmesan crusted potatoes on it.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Pair these Parmesan Crusted Potatoes with your favorites for a truly filling meal. Taking less than an hour to prepare with common kitchen ingredients, these potatoes bake to a golden crisp outside while staying soft and fluffy inside. They’re the perfect side to complement a protein-rich main, bringing comfort and flavor to your table effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For a quick and easy side, try Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Combining cabbage, bacon, and onion, this one-skillet dish is hearty, flavorful, and ready in 25 minutes. It’s the perfect pick for nights when you’re short on time but still want something delicious to accompany your meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

A bowl of cilantro lime cauliflower rice.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is a flavorful and easy side dish that’s ready quickly, making it a great companion to your favorite recipes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can serve this alongside any protein for a complete and filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms on a serving tray.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are a creative and delicious side that pairs well with most mains. Fill mushroom caps with a seasoned sausage mix, bake until golden, and enjoy a side that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a great choice for adding a bit of creativity to your kitchen without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For cozy nights, add Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon to your dinner. It’s easy to prepare—just chop, season, and roast. This sweet and savory combination is ready to enhance your meal, perfect for when you want a nutritious and filling side without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole, with its rich mix of bacon, sour cream, and cheddar, brings all the comfort of twice-baked potatoes but easier. Perfect for both casual family dinners and larger gatherings, it can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient and delicious side to accompany your favorite recipes.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Three loaded zucchini boats on a plate.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Lighten up with Loaded Zucchini Boats, a creative take on classic sides. Stuffed with cheese and bacon, they’re ready in about 50 minutes. These boats serve a flavorful yet lighter alternative that pairs excellently with chicken dishes.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In FDL library.
Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you need a quick side, Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a great choice. It’s ready in 25 minutes, combining sun-dried tomatoes and broccoli in a creamy Parmesan sauce. This dish adds a burst of flavor and nutrition to your meal. Perfect for when time is tight, but you still want something delicious on the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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