17 easy side dishes that add a flavor punch to boring mains

Photo of author

| Published:

Are you tired of the same old mains stealing the spotlight at your dinner table? Well, get ready to shake things up with our Easy Side Dishes that are sure to steal the show! From crispy air fryer favorites to comforting slow cooker classics, these dishes are designed to add a burst of flavor and excitement to any meal without the hassle. So, whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just looking to spruce up your weeknight routine, these side dishes are here to make every bite memorable.

Vegetable curry served in a pan with a side of naan bread.
Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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.

A refreshing salad combining crisp green beans and juicy tomatoes, offering a burst of flavor and color to any meal. Quick to prepare and vibrant in taste, it complements mains effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

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.

Creamy potatoes smashed and air-fried until golden and crispy, topped with melted cheese for a comforting side dish. With a short prep time and crispy texture, it adds a satisfying contrast to any main course.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

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.

Brussels sprouts crisped to perfection in the air fryer, showcasing their natural sweetness and nutty flavor. Quick and hassle-free to prepare, they provide a flavorful twist to any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Vegan Mexican Rice

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

A vibrant and spicy rice dish infused with Mexican flavors, providing a hearty and flavorful accompaniment to any meal. Simple to prepare and bursting with taste, it adds a delicious kick to mundane main courses.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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

Tender green beans sautéed in garlic-infused butter, offering a savory and aromatic side dish. Quick to whip up and bursting with flavor, it adds a touch of sophistication to any dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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.

Creamy and indulgent scalloped potatoes baked to perfection, providing a comforting and hearty side dish. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they elevate any meal with their creamy texture and cheesy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

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.

Fresh zucchini slices topped with a flavorful tomato mixture, offering a light and refreshing side dish. Quick to assemble and bursting with summer flavors, it adds a delightful touch to any dinner menu.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

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.

Thick slices of cabbage roasted until tender and caramelized, providing a simple yet satisfying side dish. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, they offer a hearty addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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

Baked potatoes scooped, mashed, and loaded with cheese and savory toppings, offering a decadent side dish. With a creamy texture and cheesy goodness, they add a comforting element to any dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Cabbage and bacon cooked together until caramelized and flavorful, providing a hearty and savory side dish. With a Southern flair and rich taste, it adds a comforting touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Crab Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with vegetables and crab meat.
Crab Fried Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Fragrant rice stir-fried with succulent crab meat and vegetables, offering a flavorful and satisfying side dish. Quick to prepare and packed with seafood goodness, it adds a luxurious twist to any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

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.

Juicy Roma tomatoes roasted until caramelized and bursting with flavor, providing a simple yet elegant side dish. Quick and easy to prepare, they add a burst of freshness to any dinner plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

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.

Classic green bean casserole featuring tender beans in a creamy sauce topped with crispy onions, offering a comforting and flavorful side dish. With nostalgic appeal and rich flavors, it complements any main course.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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.

Creamy and indulgent macaroni and cheese cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, offering a convenient and comforting side dish. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it adds a satisfying element to any dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

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.

A colorful medley of vegetables cooked in a savory tomato sauce, offering a flavorful and nutritious side dish. With a rich blend of flavors and vibrant presentation, it adds a sophisticated touch to any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

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.

Sweet carrots glazed with maple syrup and air-fried until tender and caramelized, offering a delightful and easy side dish. With a perfect balance of sweetness and earthiness, they complement any main course beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Aloo Gobi Masala

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

Aromatic potatoes and cauliflower cooked in a rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce, offering a hearty and comforting side dish. With a blend of Indian spices and comforting textures, it adds a satisfying element to any dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.