Dinner’s Little Helpers: 41 Side Dish Stars

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Do you ever feel like dinner is missing something? These side dish stars take your meals from ordinary to extraordinary! So why settle for a boring dinner when you can add some sparkle with these delicious dishes? Give them a try, and watch your dinner game soar!

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

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

Creamy and rich, these scalloped potatoes are the perfect side dish to complement any meal. With their tender slices of potato smothered in a savory cheese sauce, they add a touch of comfort to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

This Southern classic combines cabbage, onions, and crispy bacon for a flavorful and satisfying side. The smoky, savory notes from the bacon perfectly balance the tender cabbage, making it an ideal companion to your favorite main courses.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

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

Crispy and golden, these sweet potato fries are a healthier twist on a classic side. Using the air fryer ensures they’re perfectly cooked and ready in no time. Their delightful sweetness and crunchy texture make them an excellent addition to any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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

Cabbage takes on a whole new identity when roasted. These cabbage steaks are seasoned and roasted to perfection, offering a delightful combination of tender and crispy textures. They’re a simple yet impressive side dish that pairs wonderfully with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Ratatouille

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

This classic French dish brings together an array of colorful vegetables into a harmonious side dish. With flavors that burst in every bite, ratatouille is a delightful way to incorporate more veggies into your dinner. It’s as delicious as it is visually appealing.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Aloo Gobi Masala

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

Aloo Gobi Masala is an Indian favorite known for its aromatic spices and comforting blend of potatoes and cauliflower. It’s a flavorful side dish that adds a touch of exotic flair to your dinner, making every bite a delightful adventure for your taste buds.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Green Bean Tomato Salad

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

This fresh and vibrant salad combines crisp green beans with juicy tomatoes for a burst of garden-fresh flavors. Drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette, it’s a side dish that adds brightness and crunch to your dinner, making it a refreshing and healthy choice.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Vegan Mexican Rice

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

Elevate your meal with this colorful and flavorful Mexican rice. Packed with spices, tomatoes, and vegetables, it’s a satisfying side that complements tacos, burritos, or any Mexican-inspired dish. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly, making it perfect for various dietary preferences.
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.

These crispy potato wedges are a favorite for a reason. With the help of the air fryer, they turn out perfectly golden and seasoned just right. Whether served with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce, they’re a mouthwatering side dish that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Air Fryer Home Fries

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

Home fries made in the air fryer are the epitome of crispy perfection. Seasoned with your favorite herbs and spices, they’re a delectable side dish that pairs wonderfully with breakfast, brunch, or any meal. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—pure comfort in every bite.
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 the ultimate side dish indulgence. Stuffed with creamy mashed potatoes, cheese, and your favorite toppings, they’re a flavorful delight that turns any meal into a feast. The crispy cheese topping adds an irresistible crunch to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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

Cabbage gets an upgrade in this delicious side dish featuring crispy bacon. Wrapping cabbage wedges in bacon adds a smoky, savory layer of flavor. It’s a side that marries the tender earthiness of cabbage with the irresistible allure of bacon—a match made in culinary heaven.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Garlic Butter Fried Corn

A spoon serving garlic butter fried corn from a bowl.
Garlic Butter Fried Corn. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Elevate your corn game with this garlic butter fried corn. The combination of sweet corn kernels with fragrant garlic and rich butter is an explosion of flavors. It’s a side dish that effortlessly complements any meal, providing a comforting and buttery essence to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Fried Corn

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob in a green corn dish in front of an air fryer.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Corn on the cob, air-fried to perfection, is a delightful addition to your dinner table. Its sweet and juicy kernels are complemented by the air fryer’s ability to achieve that perfect roasted texture. Seasoned with butter and spices, it’s an easy and tasty side for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Broccoli Casserole

Someone serving broccoli casserole.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender broccoli florets, this casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a side dish that adds warmth and flavor to your dinner. The crispy breadcrumb topping provides a satisfying contrast to the velvety cheese sauce.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Greek Green Salad

Closeup side view shot of Prasini salad in a white dish.
Greek Green Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This Greek-inspired green salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Packed with crisp greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, it’s a Mediterranean flavor explosion that pairs perfectly with various main courses.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Salad

Paprika Potatoes and Mushrooms

Overhead view of plate of potatoes and mushrooms.
Paprika Potatoes and Mushrooms. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Potatoes and mushrooms, seasoned with paprika and roasted to perfection, create a side dish that’s rich in earthy flavors and enticing spices. This combination is hearty and satisfying, making it an excellent accompaniment to your dinner. It’s comfort food at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Paprika Potatoes and Mushrooms

Crispy Ottolenghi’s Air Fryer Asparagus

Air-fried asparagus spears with crispy texture.
Crispy Ottolenghi’s Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Asparagus is taken to new heights in the air fryer. The result? Crispy, flavorful asparagus spears that are simply irresistible. With a dash of Ottolenghi’s magic touch, this side dish adds a gourmet flair to your dinner, proving that simplicity and deliciousness go hand in hand.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Ottolenghi’s Air Fryer Asparagus

Turkey Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Closeup side view shot of turkey bacon wrapped asparagus bundles in a green dish.
Turkey Bacon Wrapped Asparagus. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Wrapped in savory turkey bacon, asparagus becomes a side dish sensation that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday dinners. The combination of smoky bacon and tender asparagus is a delightful contrast in flavors and textures. It’s a side that never fails to impress.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This Korean-inspired cucumber salad brings a kick of spicy flavor to your meal. With crunchy cucumbers and a fiery dressing, it’s a zesty side dish that wakes up your taste buds. It’s an excellent choice when you’re looking to add a little heat to your dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Air Fryer Artichokes

Air fried artichokes ready to eat.
Air Fryer Artichokes. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Artichokes, air-fried to perfection, are a unique and delightful side dish. Their crispy outer leaves and tender hearts make for a textural wonderland. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you have a side that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Artichokes

Sautéed Sweet Potatoes

Sautéed sweet potatoes are shown on a black plate with the tines of a fork and a cream-colored linen.
Sautéed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sautéed sweet potatoes are the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Cooked to caramelized perfection, they’re a side dish that’s both comforting and wholesome. With a touch of seasoning, they add warmth and flavor to your dinner, making each bite a delightful experience.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Sweet Potatoes

Grilled Potato Wedges

Grilled potato wedges on grates of charcoal grill.
Grilled Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Grilled potato wedges are a simple yet satisfying side dish. Their smoky, charred flavor enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes. These wedges are perfect for outdoor gatherings and barbecues, but they’re just as fantastic for any dinner that craves a touch of grill magic.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Potato Wedges

Stewed Okra & Tomatoes

Stewed okra and tomatoes on a plate with parsley garnish.
Stewed Okra & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Stewed okra and tomatoes combine Southern charm with savory goodness. This side dish brings the hearty flavors of tomatoes and okra together in a comforting blend. It’s a soulful side that adds a touch of Southern hospitality to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Stewed Okra & Tomatoes

Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus on a Baking Tray.
Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Brussels sprouts and asparagus unite to create a harmonious side dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. Roasted to perfection, they offer a delightful combination of crispy edges and tender centers. With a hint of seasoning, it’s a veggie duo that enhances any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus

Salt Potatoes

Salt Potatoes drizzled with melted butter.
Salt Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Salt potatoes are a regional delight that’s both simple and satisfying. Boiled in heavily salted water, they develop a unique and irresistible crust. It’s a side dish that adds a touch of nostalgia to your dinner, harkening back to the comforting flavors of home-cooked meals.
Get the Recipe: Salt Potatoes

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air fryer butternut squash on a plate with a fork.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Butternut squash, air-fried to perfection, is a side dish that’s both sweet and savory. Its caramelized edges and tender interior make it a delightful addition to your dinner table. With a dash of seasoning, it’s a comforting side that embodies the flavors of fall.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Frozen broccoli florets roasted on an air fryer tray.
Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Frozen broccoli, transformed in the air fryer, becomes a quick and convenient side dish. It’s a time-saving option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With its crispy texture and vibrant color, it adds a nutritious and delightful element to your dinner plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Crispy Tater Delights

Extra Crispy Keto Tater Tots Croquettes inside white bowl.
Crispy Tater Delights. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Crispy tater delights are the ultimate side dish indulgence. These bite-sized morsels are loaded with crispy goodness, offering a delightful contrast of textures. Whether served with ketchup, aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce, they’re the perfect snack to share or savor solo.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Tater Delights

Golden Baked Jicama Fries

In FDL library.
Golden Baked Jicama Fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Jicama fries, baked to golden perfection, are a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional fries. With a crispy exterior and tender interior, they offer a satisfying crunch in every bite. Seasoned to perfection, they’re a guilt-free side dish that complements any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes

Closeup of fingerling potatoes roasted in air fryer coated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and thyme dressing.
Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Fingerling potatoes, air-fried to crispy perfection, are a gourmet delight that’s easy to achieve at home. Their petite size and irresistible crunch make them a fantastic side dish for your dinner. Seasoned with your favorite herbs and spices, they’re a culinary triumph.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes

Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries

A spoonful of sweet potato slices with apples and cranberries in a white dish.
Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Baked sweet potatoes with apples and cranberries are a festive and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for the holidays or any special dinner. The natural sweetness of the potatoes and apples combines beautifully with the tart cranberries, creating a side that’s both comforting and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries

Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Caprese salad with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese topped with basil.
Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Caprese salad with cherry tomatoes is a fresh and vibrant side dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. With ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, it’s a simple yet elegant addition to your dinner, adding a burst of Mediterranean flavors.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Salad with Cherry Tomatoes

Bacon-Kissed Veggie Medley

Broccoli Salad with Bacon inside wooden bowl.
Bacon-Kissed Veggie Medley. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This veggie medley kissed with crispy bacon is a side dish that’s both savory and satisfying. The combination of assorted vegetables and smoky bacon creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It’s the kind of side that turns every dinner into a hearty and delicious feast.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Kissed Veggie Medley

Savory Pumpkin Strips

Pumpkin Fries on a parchment paper with herbs.
Savory Pumpkin Strips. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Savory pumpkin strips are a unique and delightful side dish that showcases the savory side of this beloved fall ingredient. With the perfect balance of seasoning and roasting, they offer a cozy and comforting addition to your dinner. Each strip is a bite of autumnal goodness.
Get the Recipe: Savory Pumpkin Strips

Coconut Blissful Rice

Coconut Riced Cauliflower with limes and cillantro.
Coconut Blissful Rice. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Coconut blissful rice is a tropical-inspired side dish that adds a touch of paradise to your dinner. With the sweet aroma of coconut and the tender fluffiness of rice, it’s a delightful accompaniment to various main courses. It’s a side that transports your taste buds to an island getaway.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Blissful Rice

Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Eggplant tomato stacks with grilled eggplant slices and tomato layers.
Eggplant Tomato Stacks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Eggplant and tomato stacks are an elegant side dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Layers of roasted eggplant, ripe tomatoes, and savory herbs create a flavorful medley of tastes and textures. It’s a side that brings a touch of gourmet sophistication to your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Air Fryer Broccolini

Air fried broccolini on a plate with lemons in the background.
Air Fryer Broccolini. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Broccolini, cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer, is a side dish that’s both nutritious and flavorful. Its delicate stems and tender florets offer a delightful textural contrast. With a hint of seasoning, it’s a quick and easy way to add green goodness to your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccolini

Garlicky Sautéed Cruciferous Veggies

Sauteed cruciferous crunch in a white bowl.
Garlicky Sautéed Cruciferous Veggies. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sautéed cruciferous veggies with a garlicky twist are a flavorful and wholesome side dish. Packed with cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, this medley brings a nutritional boost to your dinner. The aromatic garlic adds an enticing depth of flavor to each bite.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Sautéed Cruciferous Veggies

Best Cookout Coleslaw

low angled shot of coleslaw in a black bowl.
Best Cookout Coleslaw. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Coleslaw is a quintessential side dish for cookouts and picnics, and this recipe takes it to the next level. With a balance of creaminess and tanginess, it’s a refreshing addition to your dinner spread. Whether paired with burgers or barbecue, it’s the best coleslaw for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Best Cookout Coleslaw

Baked Sliced Zucchini

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

Baked sliced zucchini is a simple yet delightful side dish that highlights the natural flavors of this versatile vegetable. With a touch of seasoning and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it’s a quick and easy addition to your dinner that’s both healthy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini

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