Sometimes the hardest part of dinnertime isn’t the main dish, it’s figuring out what to put next to it. That’s where these 25 side dish ideas come in because they’re flexible, simple, and work with whatever leftovers or ingredients you might have. Oven full? No problem. They’re designed to make mealtime easier without sacrificing flavor or variety.

A white bowl of Mediterranean Quinoa Salad on a light blue tablecloth. — Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

A white bowl filled with seasoned roasted sweet potato cubes, garnished with chopped herbs, with a metal serving spoon on the side and a printed napkin partially visible. — Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Lightly seasoned and cooked in an air fryer, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are a quick option to pair with almost any main course. The air fryer ensures evenly crisp edges and soft, fluffy centers for each cube. You can make these with simple seasonings or customize them based on your preferences. With minimal effort, they’re ready to go as a versatile addition to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Cucumber and Onion Salad

A bowl of cucumber salad with red onions and fresh dill, placed on a wooden plate with a fork, surrounded by ingredients on a marble surface. — Cucumber and Onion Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Fresh ingredients like cucumbers and onions are tossed together in Cucumber and Onion Salad, perfect for a refreshing side option. A light dressing ties the two together while letting their natural crunch stand out. It’s easy to prepare with ingredients that might already be in your refrigerator. This dish shines with its simplicity and delivers balance alongside rich or heavy main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber and Onion Salad

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Pan-cooked and flavored with nutty brown butter, Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds are boosted further by the crunch of almonds. The butter adds depth to the vibrant sprouts, creating a rich yet balanced side dish. The almonds provide texture, complementing the softness of the sprouts for a lovely bite. It’s versatile, making it an excellent pairing with various proteins.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Summery Caponata

A bowl of Caponata with diced eggplant, red bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and a basil garnish. A blue and white striped cloth is beside the bowl. — Summery Caponata. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

A mix of eggplant, tomatoes, and a tangy blend of olives, Summery Caponata is brimming with bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Cooked together, the combination of ingredients forms a flavorful, almost silky medley. It works well as a side dish but can also double as a topping for bread or grains. Packed with depth and texture, though incredibly straightforward to prepare, it complements many meals easily.
Get the Recipe: Summery Caponata

Texas Corn Succotash

Celebrating simple yet hearty flavors, Texas Corn Succotash blends corn with vegetables and optional bacon to create a dish full of personality. The ingredients meld together in one skillet and bring tasty bursts of flavor. Perfect for using what you already have on hand, it’s adaptable yet remains well-loved with its vibrant combination. Great for pairing with barbecue or roasted meats.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Farmhouse Veggie Salad with Feta

With fresh vegetables and crumbled cheese, Farmhouse Veggie Salad with Feta brings both texture and flavor to your plate. The feta’s salty bite balances the crispness of the vegetables, creating harmony in every forkful. It’s customizable to what vegetables you have available, making it a practical yet vibrant option. No matter the entrée, this salad fits the table perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Farmhouse Veggie Salad with Feta

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

A baking sheet with several smashed roasted potatoes, garnished with herbs and grated cheese, arranged in rows. — Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Made by lightly smashing boiled potatoes and roasting them until golden, Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes offer crispy edges and flavorful seasoning in every piece. Topped with garlic and parmesan for extra flair, they are easy to make yet fulfilling. Adjust the flavors or toppings based on what’s available to you. This recipe works well with roasted chicken, steak, or even fish.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A white bowl filled with fried cabbage with pieces of bacon sits on a white surface with a blue cloth nearby. — Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Shredded cabbage mixes with bacon in Fried Cabbage with Bacon, combining smoky richness with a tasty crunch. The cabbage softens as it cooks, blending into the flavorful bacon while still holding some texture. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that manages to feel comforting and substantial. Excellent for pairing with roasted meats or hearty baked dishes.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Honey Roasted Baby Carrots

Assorted roasted baby carrots in orange, yellow, and purple colors on a baking sheet, garnished with chopped herbs. — Honey Roasted Baby Carrots. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Tossed in honey before roasting, Honey Roasted Baby Carrots feature a natural sweetness that gets enhanced while caramelizing in the oven. The honey creates a glaze while the carrots soften slightly during cooking. This recipe is quick to prepare and works effortlessly alongside any meal you might be serving. A simple ingredient list makes this dish accessible for daily cooking.
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Baby Carrots

Skillet Fried Potatoes

Adding a hint of crispness to sliced potatoes, Skillet Fried Potatoes are cooked in a pan until golden with soft centers. Seasonings can easily be adjusted based on preference or what’s available in your pantry. They pair exceptionally well with roasted or grilled mains, adding contrast in both texture and flavor. This versatile recipe is simple enough for a casual meal yet fulfilling to everyone nearby.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Fried Potatoes

Corn Fritters

Batter-coated kernels in Corn Fritters showcase both the sweetness of corn and a crispy outer layer after frying. This side dish has a balance of texture with its crunchy exterior and tender filling. You can mix additional spices or ingredients into the batter for variety if desired. Simple to assemble, they pair effortlessly with meats or vegetarian options you might be serving.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Quick Marinated Cucumbers

Soaked in a subtle vinaigrette, Quick Marinated Cucumbers bring tangy freshness to the table without overwhelming flavors. Thinly sliced cucumbers absorb the marinade quickly, making them a fast and convenient option to prepare. They’re perfect for pairing with heavier dishes as their bright note helps provide balance. A fantastic side for meals that need something light and vibrant.
Get the Recipe: Quick Marinated Cucumbers

Creamed Corn

Blending corn with a creamy sauce, Creamed Corn is a rich yet uncomplicated dish that pairs wonderfully with most meals. The natural sweetness of the corn complements the cream to create a side that feels comforting. With ingredients many may already have in the kitchen, preparation is straightforward and low-effort. It’s equally suited for casual dinners or more formal meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger Dressing

A bowl of Asian-inspired noodle salad with vegetables, garnished with cilantro, chopsticks on top, and ingredients like lime, peanuts, and fresh herbs nearby. — Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger Dressing. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Thin noodles tossed with a light, tangy sauce make Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger Dressing a versatile choice. Crunchy vegetables add texture, combining beautifully with the ginger’s warm undertones. The dressing is simple to put together, and the salad can adapt to the ingredients you have on hand. This works perfectly alongside stir-fries, grilled proteins, or even as a standalone option.
Get the Recipe: Asian Noodle Salad with Ginger Dressing

Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Cooking with low heat and smoke lends a unique flavor to Smoked Brussels Sprouts, transforming these vegetables into a side dish worth highlighting. The smoky depth pairs with the natural earthiness of the sprouts, boosting their appeal. Add minimal seasoning or experiment with herbs, depending on what complements your mains. They pair brilliantly with anything roasted or grilled.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Corn on The Cob

A quick twist on the classic vegetable, Air Fryer Corn on the Cob makes preparation simple while keeping the corn juicy and flavorful. The air fryer ensures even cooking with slight crispness for added appeal. Any seasoning can be used to personalize it to your meal. Perfect as a side for both hearty dishes and lighter entrees, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on The Cob

Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Smoked Double Stuffed Potatoes on a square plate. — Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Twice-baked for an extra layer of texture, Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes feature creamy fillings complemented by a smoky finish. The stuffing can be adjusted based on what’s available, combining cheese, bacon, and vegetables beautifully. A moderate smoky flavor enhances their appeal while keeping the preparation approachable. These potatoes pair effortlessly with a variety of meals, from grilled mains to slow-cooked options.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Creamed Peas

Combining peas with a smooth, creamy sauce, Creamed Peas bring an easy elegance to the table without heavy preparation efforts. The gentle sweetness of the peas contrasts wonderfully with the richness of the cream. It’s a simple recipe that remains appealing thanks to its light yet enjoyable finish. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or veggie-heavy plates for balance.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Peas

Smoked Spaghetti Squash

A baked spaghetti squash half filled with cooked strands, garnished with chopped parsley, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. — Smoked Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bringing a subtle smoky twist to spaghetti squash, Smoked Spaghetti Squash highlights the vegetable’s tender strands with minimal seasoning. The smoky essence builds depth, balancing its natural mild sweetness. Preparation involves just a few steps, making it a low-effort but rewarding option. Pair it with meats or sauces for a robust side or enjoy it as a lighter complement to heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Spaghetti Squash

Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce

A plate with grilled radishes, a bowl of creamy dipping sauce, lime halves, jalapeño, and a striped cloth on a white surface. — Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Crisp radishes grill beautifully in Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce, creating a smoky exterior with softened centers. The jalapeño sauce adds spice, creating balance and contrast for each bite. Simple to prepare, the radishes can adapt to different seasonings or cooking methods depending on the equipment at hand. They pair excellently with grilled seafood, meats, or vegetarian options.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce

Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad

A plate of bowtie pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, yellow bell peppers, zucchini, black olives, and herbs, set on a blue plate with a bowl of tomatoes and utensils nearby. — Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Tender pasta meets crunchy vegetables and tangy dressing in Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad for an easy, blendable side dish. The bow tie design adds visual appeal without compromising function, holding sauce evenly. You can adjust the mix-ins based on ingredients or preferences while keeping the preparation quick. Serve it with anything from casseroles to grilled proteins for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Syrup

Two halves of Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Sryup on a white plate. — Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Syrup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet and subtly earthy, Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Syrup combines the squash’s natural flavor with the light caramelization of maple syrup. Baking the squash adds a soft texture while enhancing its sweetness for a comforting dish. It doesn’t require many ingredients, making preparation simple yet fulfilling. This recipe complements roasted meats, vegetable mains, or grain dishes effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Syrup

Smoked Asparagus

Lightly smoked for added flavor, Smoked Asparagus balances its fresh flavor with a warm, earthy undertone. The preparation is simple, but the result feels fulfilling, making it a great addition to any plate. This method of cooking keeps the vegetables tender while imparting a subtle smoky note. Pair it with grilled proteins or lighter dishes for a thoughtful combination.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Asparagus

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Thinly sliced potatoes cook to golden perfection in Au Gratin Potato Stacks, layered with a creamy, cheesy sauce. The stack technique ensures every piece has a perfect balance of crispy edges and soft interiors. Preparation is simple enough for everyday meals yet refined enough for larger dinners. Serve along hearty meats or steamed greens for a well-rounded plate.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sauerkraut in a serving dish with a spoon. — Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combining tangy notes with both sweetness and smoky richness, Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon is a distinctive yet practical side dish. The apples mellow the sharpness of sauerkraut while adding depth, complemented perfectly by bacon. Cooking brings all the flavors together without extensive preparation. Pair this dish with pork, roasted veggies, or regional meals looking for a bold contrast.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon