21 easy side dishes for unforgettable meals

Photo of author

| Published:

Are you tired of the same old meals and looking to jazz up your dining experience? Well, good news! There are plenty of easy and delicious side dishes that can turn any meal into a memorable feast. Here are carefully handpicked 21 easy and unforgettable options that you can indulge in. Whether you’re a fan of simplicity or bold flavors, there’s something for everyone. So, are you ready to take your meals to the next level? These side dishes are not only easy to make but also guaranteed to make your experience more exciting and memorable!

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

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

These scalloped potatoes are a classic side dish that’s both comforting and straightforward. With layers of thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a creamy sauce, they bring a hearty touch to any meal. It’s the kind of simplicity that makes you appreciate the goodness of straightforward flavors.
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.

Picture cabbage cooked to a golden crisp, mingling with savory bits of bacon. This Southern-inspired dish is a flavor-packed side that adds a crunch to your plate. The combination of the slightly sweet cabbage and the smoky bacon creates a down-to-earth yet tasty experience.
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.

These sweet potato fries, cooked to perfection in an air fryer, are a hassle-free way to add a touch of sweetness to your meals. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they offer a pleasing bite without the need for deep frying. It’s a convenient and delicious twist to the traditional fry experience.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato 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 like a cheesy indulgence that enriches any meal. Imagine creamy mashed potatoes mixed with gooey cheese and topped with crispy bits of goodness. It’s a comforting and rich side dish that adds a touch of decadence without going overboard. Cheesy, hearty, and a surefire way to satisfy your potato cravings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

A bowl of rice and chicken in front of a crockpot.
Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This crockpot chicken is a tropical escape for your palate. Imagine tender chicken soaked in a sweet and tangy Hawaiian-inspired sauce. It’s a dish that brings a hint of the islands to your dinner table without the need for complex cooking. Easy, flavorful, and a guaranteed hit with those who appreciate a sweet and savory combo.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken

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 the crispy companions your breakfast or dinner needs. With a golden exterior and a tender interior, they bring a simple yet lovely crunch to your plate. Say goodbye to the hassle of pan-frying – these home fries are quick, easy, and a perfect addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Aloo Gobi Masala

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

Aloo Gobi Masala is a vegetarian dish with potatoes and cauliflower in a spiced tomato-based gravy. This Indian-inspired dish brings together the earthy flavors of potatoes and cauliflower, balanced with aromatic spices. It’s a flavorful side that adds depth to your meals, showcasing the beauty of simple ingredients and bold spices.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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

Roasted cabbage steaks are a revelation for cabbage enthusiasts. Picture thick slices of cabbage roasted to perfection, offering a slightly caramelized exterior with a tender, flavorful core. It’s a straightforward yet elegant way to enjoy this humble vegetable, bringing out its natural sweetness and a hearty texture.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

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

Bacon-wrapped cabbage in the air fryer combines the smokiness of bacon with the crispiness of cabbage. This dish is a savory delight that takes simplicity to new heights. The bacon adds a rich, salty flavor that complements the cabbage’s subtle sweetness, creating a harmonious blend of tastes in every bite. Easy, tasty, and a sure crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Green Bean Tomato Salad

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

This green bean tomato salad is a refreshing and vibrant addition to your meal. Crisp green beans meet juicy tomatoes in a simple yet flavorful medley. It’s a fuss-free salad that showcases the natural goodness of the ingredients, offering a burst of freshness that perfectly complements heartier main dishes. Simple, colorful, and a palate cleanser in every sense.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Ratatouille

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

Ratatouille is a vegetable medley that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Imagine a colorful array of zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and bell peppers cooked to perfection. It’s a rustic yet elegant side dish that celebrates the beauty of fresh produce, creating a harmony of flavors that will make your meal truly unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

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.

Crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside – these air-fried smashed potatoes with a generous layer of melted cheese are a lovely twist on a classic. Each bite offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making them a crowd-pleasing side dish for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Green Bean Casserole

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

A timeless favorite, the green bean casserole boasts a comforting combination of tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions. Simple yet delicious, this dish brings a nostalgic touch to the table, making it a reliable choice for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Vegan Mexican Rice

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

Spice up your meal with the goodness of vegan Mexican rice. Packed with vibrant flavors and spices, this dish brings a fiesta to your plate. The absence of animal products doesn’t compromise the taste, making it a flavorful and delicious addition to any dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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

Crispy and perfectly seasoned, air-fried Brussels sprouts offer a pleasing crunch with every bite. This fuss-free side dish is a testament to the wonders of air frying – a quick and easy way to transform Brussels sprouts into a delicious treat that even non-vegetable lovers will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Zucchini Bruschetta

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

Combine the freshness of zucchini with the classic appeal of bruschetta, and you get a light and tasty side dish. The juicy zucchini provides a refreshing contrast to the tangy tomato topping, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that complements a variety of main courses.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

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.

Indulge in the creamy goodness of crock pot mac and cheese – a comfort food classic that practically cooks itself. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a rich and velvety dish, ensuring that every spoonful is a pleasing blend of cheesy perfection, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

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.

Spice up the humble carrot to a sweet and savory delight with these air-fried maple-glazed carrots. The air fryer achieves the perfect caramelization, giving the carrots a delicious crunch and a hint of sweetness. It’s a straightforward yet impressive side dish that adds a touch of sophistication to any meal.
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.

Indulge in the comforting sweetness of a classic sweet potato casserole made with canned yams. The dish strikes the right balance between the velvety smoothness of mashed sweet potatoes and the pleasing crunch of a pecan topping, creating a side dish that feels like a warm, nostalgic hug on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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

Transform ordinary green beans into a flavorful delight with the addition of garlic butter. This uncomplicated yet delicious side dish brings out the natural freshness of the beans, while the garlic butter adds a rich and savory touch. It’s a quick and easy way to enhance the appeal of a simple vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

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

Enjoy the simplicity of perfectly air-fried sweet potatoes. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air-fried sweet potatoes are a hassle-free side dish that complements a variety of main courses. With minimal effort, you can add a nutritious and delicious element to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Leave a Comment

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