Ever thrown together a side dish and found yourself asking, “Did I really just do that?” With these choices, that might become your new favorite line. These 17 sides are basically the cheat codes of the kitchen—they look impressive, taste incredible, and yet, they require about as much effort as making toast. If you’ve got a spoon, a bowl, and maybe a pan, you’re already halfway there. And trust me, your guests will never guess how ridiculously easy it all was.

Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes

When you think about making something crunchy without using a fryer, you’d probably doubt it’s possible. But Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes prove it can be done with minimal effort. They have that perfect crunch on the outside and a soft, comforting inside, making them a great fit for fall nights when you crave something crispy and easy. The best part? They’ll be gone before you know it, leaving everyone wondering how you made something so simple.
Get the Recipe: Extra Crispy Tater Tots Croquettes

Best Salsa

Salsa doesn’t have to be complicated, and making it at home is easier than you’d expect. Best Salsa is so quick and fresh, you might find yourself wondering why you ever bothered with store-bought jars. It’s a side that pairs with just about anything, especially during those fall gatherings when chips and dips are a must. Once you serve this up, you’ll have everyone convinced you got it from a fancy restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Best Salsa

Faux Potato Salad

Sometimes you want the comfort of a potato salad without going through all the steps. That’s where Faux Potato Salad comes in, giving you all the familiar flavors but with way less effort. It’s perfect for fall potlucks or casual dinners when you need a quick, hearty side that feels like you spent more time on it than you actually did. And let’s face it, anything that cuts down prep time while still delivering flavor is a win.
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad

Best Low Carb Oven Roasted Beet Spread

It’s surprising how roasting something like a beet can turn into such a flavorful, simple spread. Best Low Carb Oven Roasted Beet Spread brings vibrant color and deep flavor to your fall table, with almost no effort involved. Perfect for dipping or spreading on crackers, it’s the kind of side that makes everyone think you’ve spent hours prepping. Spoiler alert: it’s one of the easiest dishes you’ll ever make.
Get the Recipe: Best Low Carb Oven Roasted Beet Spread

Almond Flour Taco Shells

You don’t have to settle for regular taco shells when Almond Flour Taco Shells are so simple to make and perfect for low-carb taco nights. These shells come together so quickly, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought ones. They’re sturdy, crisp, and work perfectly for a fall taco feast. Once you try making them, you’ll never want to go back to the packaged versions again.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Taco Shells

Homemade Curd Cheese

If making cheese sounds intimidating, you’ll be amazed at how easy Homemade Curd Cheese is. This cheese is a must-have for fall charcuterie boards or as a creamy side to go with almost any dish. It’s fresh, soft, and makes you feel like a kitchen pro, even if you’ve never made cheese before. The best part is, it’s easier than it looks and makes your meal feel a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Curd Cheese

Crispy Low Carb Tortilla Chips Gluten-Free

Once you realize how easy it is to make Crispy Low Carb Tortilla Chips Gluten-Free, you’ll never reach for the bagged chips again. These chips are perfect for dipping into your favorite fall snacks and have that rewarding crunch that’s hard to resist. They’re ridiculously simple to make and are guaranteed to impress at your next gathering. You’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Low Carb Tortilla Chips Gluten-Free

Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish

If you’re looking for a side that adds a little brightness and crunch, Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish is your go-to. This pickled radish brings a refreshing tang that perfectly balances out heavier fall dishes. It’s quick, easy, and adds a pop of flavor that takes your meal to another level. And let’s be honest, a pickled side always makes you feel like you’ve added something fancy without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Mu Korean Pickled Radish

Easy Guacamole Dip with Sour Cream

Guacamole doesn’t need to be a hassle, and Easy Guacamole Dip with Sour Cream makes it even easier. The addition of sour cream gives it a creamy texture that makes it stand out at any fall gathering. It’s one of those dips that goes with just about anything, whether you’re serving it with chips or spreading it on something more substantial. You’ll be whipping this up for every occasion once you see how simple it is.
Get the Recipe: Easy Guacamole Dip with Sour Cream

Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

If you’re looking for a side that’s light yet filling, Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower fits the bill perfectly. It’s one of those easy dishes that pairs with almost any fall meal, adding a bit of heartiness without being heavy. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, and it makes weeknight dinners so much more convenient. Once you try this, you’ll wonder why it wasn’t part of your routine sooner.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

Homemade Marinara Sauce

Making your own marinara might sound like a big project, but Homemade Marinara Sauce is easier than you think. You can have this flavorful sauce simmering while you focus on other things, and it’s perfect for all those cozy fall dishes. It’s one of those sides that tastes way better than anything you’d buy, and it’s even better because you made it yourself. Plus, it stores well, so you can keep a batch ready for those busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Marinara Sauce

Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice is one of those sides that’s easy to make, but Coconut Cauliflower Rice adds a little twist that takes it up a notch. The subtle coconut flavor pairs beautifully with fall meals and gives this dish a little something extra without any extra hassle. It’s light, simple, and comes together quickly, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners. Once you try it, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Steamed Artichoke

Artichokes might seem fancy, but Steamed Artichoke is as simple as it gets, especially when you want an elegant side for your fall meals. They take minimal effort to prepare and come out tender and delicious every time. Whether you’re serving them with a dipping sauce or just on their own, they’ll add a little something special to your meal. And no one will guess how little effort you put into making them.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Artichoke

Rutabaga Fries

If you’re looking to switch up your fry game, Rutabaga Fries are a lighter, crispy alternative that you won’t regret trying. They’re perfect for pairing with burgers or as a standalone snack during those fall evenings when you want something crunchy and easy. These fries come together quickly and will have everyone thinking you spent more time than you actually did. Once you give them a go, they’ll be a regular in your side dish lineup.
Get the Recipe: Rutabaga Fries

Lecso Vegetable Stew

When the weather cools down, there’s nothing better than a warm, hearty stew, and Lecso Vegetable Stew is just the thing. This dish is packed with hearty vegetables and comes together surprisingly quickly, making it perfect for fall dinners. It’s the kind of side that feels like you’ve been simmering it all day, even though it takes hardly any time. And you’ll love how well it pairs with any main course.
Get the Recipe: Lecso Vegetable Stew

Crispy Low Carb French Fries

Craving fries but don’t want the guilt? Crispy Low Carb French Fries are a great alternative that lets you enjoy that crispy, rewarding crunch without the extra carbs. These fries are perfect for fall dinners, whether you’re serving them with burgers or enjoying them as a snack. They’re so easy to make, you’ll forget all about the frozen kind, and they taste even better.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Low Carb French Fries

Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat

Taco night just got even easier with Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat. It’s a quick and flavorful option that works perfectly for fall evenings when you don’t have much time but still want a hearty meal. This meat is seasoned just right and pairs well with any taco toppings you have on hand. After making it once, you’ll wonder why you ever used anything pre-made.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat