21 sides so easy you’ll wonder why you made anything else

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Want to make sides that are so easy, you’ll wonder why you made anything else? These simple dishes will save you time and hassle, making your mealtime a breeze. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they’re perfect for busy days or when you want something quick and satisfying.

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.

This Green Bean Tomato Salad is a breeze to make and perfect for those times when you need a side dish that’s both fresh and flavorful. The combination of crisp green beans and juicy tomatoes makes it a standout choice for easy meal prep. It’s ideal for adding a healthy touch to your dinner with minimal effort. This dish offers a refreshing change from more traditional sides.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Crab Fried Rice

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

Crab Fried Rice is a quick and satisfying option that combines tender crab meat with savory rice. This recipe is perfect for when you want a side that feels special but requires little time and effort. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and make a meal that’s both comforting and flavorful. This dish adds an elegant twist to your usual rice sides.
Get the Recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Vegan Mexican Rice

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

Vegan Mexican Rice is an easy side that brings bold flavors to your table with minimal prep. This recipe combines savory spices with tender rice, making it a great addition to any meal. It’s ideal for those who want a hearty side that complements a variety of main dishes. This rice is sure to become a go-to for its simplicity and taste.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Seafood Pasta Salad

Close-up of a spoon holding seafood pasta salad garnished with parsley, with more salad in the background.
Seafood Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Seafood Pasta Salad is a light and easy option that mixes seafood with pasta for a delightful side. This recipe is perfect when you need something quick and flavorful to complement your meal. Its refreshing combination of ingredients makes it an appealing choice for any occasion. This dish delivers a burst of taste without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Seafood Pasta Salad

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.

Easy Scalloped Potatoes are a simple yet comforting side that’s always a hit at the dinner table. With straightforward preparation, you’ll have creamy, cheesy potatoes that complement any main course. This dish is perfect for those days when you want a side that’s both hearty and hassle-free. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

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.

Roasted Cabbage Steaks are a fantastic side that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the cabbage, making it a standout option for any meal. This recipe is a great choice for when you want a healthy, satisfying side without spending too much time. It’s an excellent alternative to more traditional side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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

Green Beans with Garlic Butter is an effortless side that adds a punch of flavor to your meal. The combination of crisp green beans and aromatic garlic butter makes it a simple yet impressive dish. This recipe is perfect for those who want a quick side that’s both tasty and easy to make. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic vegetable with minimal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Aloo Gobi Masala

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

Aloo Gobi Masala is a straightforward side that’s full of flavor and easy to make. This Indian-inspired dish combines potatoes and cauliflower with aromatic spices, making it a hearty and satisfying choice. It’s perfect for when you want a side that’s both comforting and simple. This recipe adds a touch of spice to your meals without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

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.

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are an easy and quick side that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This recipe is perfect for when you need a healthy, flavorful side that cooks fast. With the air fryer, you get a delicious vegetable dish with minimal fuss. It’s a great choice for those who want to enjoy Brussels sprouts without a lot of prep work.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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.

Green Bean Casserole is a classic side that’s both easy to make and hard to resist. This dish combines green beans with a creamy sauce and crunchy topping, making it a staple for many meals. It’s perfect for those days when you want a comforting and familiar side without a lot of preparation. This casserole offers a great way to enjoy green beans in a simple, satisfying way.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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.

Ratatouille is a vibrant and easy side that features a mix of roasted vegetables. This dish is perfect for those who want a colorful, flavorful side that requires minimal prep. It’s a great way to use up seasonal vegetables and add a touch of elegance to your meal. Ratatouille is an excellent choice for when you need a vegetable side that’s both tasty and easy to prepare.
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.

Maple Glazed Carrots in the Air Fryer offer a simple and sweet side that’s quick to make. The air fryer brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots with a touch of maple glaze, making them a perfect addition to any meal. This recipe is ideal for when you want a side that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. It’s a great choice for adding a touch of sweetness to your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

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.

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is a convenient side that’s creamy and comforting. With minimal prep time, you get a rich, cheesy dish that’s perfect for busy nights. This recipe is ideal for when you want a side that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic mac and cheese with less effort.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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

Air Fryer Potato Wedges are an easy and crispy side that’s always a crowd-pleaser. The air fryer makes these wedges golden and crunchy without a lot of fuss. This recipe is perfect for when you want a simple and satisfying side that pairs well with many main dishes. It’s a great choice for a quick and tasty addition to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Slow Cooker Rice

A spoonful of slow-cooked white rice held above a bowl, with a fresh green parsley leaf in the background.
Slow Cooker Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow Cooker Rice is a straightforward side that cooks effortlessly while you go about your day. This recipe ensures perfectly cooked rice with minimal effort, making it a great addition to any meal. It’s ideal for when you need a reliable and easy side that’s ready when you are. Slow Cooker Rice is a perfect choice for hassle-free meal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes are a hearty and flavorful side that’s easy to prepare. With cheese and toppings baked into every bite, these potatoes are a comforting addition to your meal. This recipe is perfect for when you want a side that’s both satisfying and simple to make. It’s a great way to enjoy twice-baked potatoes with minimal effort.
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.

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage is an easy side that combines crispy bacon with tender cabbage. The air fryer ensures that the bacon stays crisp while the cabbage cooks perfectly. This recipe is ideal for when you want a flavorful and simple side with minimal preparation. It’s a great way to enjoy cabbage with a touch of indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Air Fryer Home Fries

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

Air Fryer Home Fries are a quick and easy side that’s crispy and golden. With the air fryer doing the work, these home fries are a great addition to any meal. This recipe is perfect for when you need a satisfying side with minimal prep time. Air Fryer Home Fries offer a convenient way to enjoy a classic side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

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.

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese are a fun and easy side that’s loaded with flavor. The air fryer gives these potatoes a crispy texture while the cheese adds richness. This recipe is ideal for when you want a side that’s both quick to prepare and delicious. It’s a great choice for adding a cheesy twist to your potato dishes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Two halves of baked sweet potato topped with butter and garnished with herbs on a white plate, with a red checkered napkin on the side.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes are an easy and tasty side that cooks quickly. The air fryer makes these sweet potatoes crispy on the outside while keeping them tender inside. This recipe is perfect for when you want a simple side that’s full of flavor. Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes are a great way to enjoy sweet potatoes with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a hearty side that’s both flavorful and easy to make. The bacon adds a smoky richness to the cabbage, making it a standout choice. This recipe is perfect for when you want a comforting side that’s simple and satisfying. It’s a great way to enjoy cabbage with a Southern twist.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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