11 spectacular side dishes to upgrade dinner

Photo of author

| Published:

11 spectacular side dishes to upgrade dinner

Looking to switch up your dinner routine? Consider adding a few new side dishes to the mix. Think about tossing together a simple green salad with a homemade dressing — it’s fresh, easy, and goes with just about everything. They’re a hassle-free addition to your meal, and you can top them with just about anything you like.

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

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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

You know what’s spectacular? Giving your dinner a down-home twist with some Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. It’s the kind of side that makes you feel like you’re at a family BBQ, even on a weeknight. Crispy bacon gives it a bite of savoriness, while the cabbage keeps it grounded. It’s the kind of dish that’s ready in a snap, making your dinner plate more exciting without any extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

A casserole dish filled with mashed potatoes and parsley.
Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Let’s talk about upgrading dinner with something spectacular. These Easy Scalloped Potatoes are your ticket. They’re that perfect blend of creamy and cheesy, with just a hint of a crusty top that everyone’s after. It’s a classic, no-stress side that’s all about comfort – the kind of dish that has everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Three roasted tomatoes on a white plate with parsley.
Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

If you’re looking to bring something spectacular to the table, these Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes are the answer. They’re roasted until they’re just bursting with flavor – sweet, tangy, and a perfect companion to lighter mains. Think of them as the side dish that brings a summer vibe to dinner, no matter the season. And they’re so easy, you’ll have them on rotation.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Aloo Gobi Masala

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

Now, for a spectacular twist, let’s go global. Aloo Gobi Masala is a colorful, spiced dish that’s a staple in Indian cuisine and a total game-changer for your dinner spread. The potatoes are hearty, the cauliflower is tender, and the spices are just right – it’s a side that’s unassumingly the star of the show. It’s the perfect way to shake up your side dish routine.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Green Bean Tomato Salad

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

Freshen up your dinner with a spectacular side like this Green Bean Tomato Salad. It’s as simple as it gets, but boy, does it deliver on freshness. The green beans are snappy, the tomatoes are ripe and ready – it’s a side that’s all about balance. It’s perfect for those nights when you want to add a touch of lightness to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Ratatouille

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

Who says you can’t make dinner spectacular with just veggies? Ratatouille is a French classic that turns zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes into something magical. It’s rustic, it’s rich, and it’s got that comforting stewed vegetable vibe that just feels right. Serve it up with your favorite main, and watch it disappear – it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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

Cabbage might not scream ‘spectacular,’ but hear me out. Slice it into steaks, roast it up, and it’s a side dish revelation. Roasted Cabbage Steaks are a spectacular way to upgrade your dinner with something different. They’re charred on the outside, tender on the inside, and they soak up flavor like nobody’s business.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Vegan Mexican Rice

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

Bring some fiesta to your dinner with Vegan Mexican Rice. It’s spectacular in its own right – fluffy, a little spicy, and dotted with veggies. This side dish complements just about anything, especially if you’re going for a Tex-Mex night. It’s one of those sides that’s low-key enough not to overpower, but tasty enough to get noticed.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

A skillet with a piece of pumpkin pie in it.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams is that sweet spot between a side dish and a dessert. It’s spectacularly simple to whip up and brings a hint of sweetness to your dinner table that pairs well with just about anything. It’s particularly perfect when you’re looking to impress with minimal effort. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
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.

Here’s a spectacular idea – dress up those green beans with a little garlic butter for a side dish that’s simple yet sublime. They’re sautéed to perfection, bringing a bit of elegance to even the most casual dinners. It’s a side that’s got a gourmet feel with none of the fuss, and it goes with practically everything.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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

Want to really upgrade dinner? Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes are like the deluxe model of the potato world. We’re talking about soft potatoes packed with cheese, maybe some chives, and all the fixings. They’re a spectacular side that’s hearty enough to be a main if you’re feeling indulgent. Plus, they’re just plain fun to eat.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Leave a Comment

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