21 Simple Side Dishes to Make Cooking Dinner Easier

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21 Simple Side Dishes to Make Cooking Dinner Easier

We’re diving into the world of Simple Side Dishes designed to effortlessly up your dinner experience. Picture you come home after a long day, and the last thing you want is a complicated cooking routine. That’s where these side dishes come to the rescue, turning your everyday meals into something extraordinary without breaking a sweat. We’ve put together a collection that not only embraces ease but also promises a burst of delightful tastes, making the process of cooking dinner a joy rather than a chore. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these dishes are crafted with you in mind, ensuring that each side complements your main course with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.

In our fast-paced lives, finding the balance between deliciousness and convenience is key. That’s precisely what these simple side dishes bring to the table, an effortless solution to make your dinner routine more manageable. From quick-prep salads to comforting roasted vegetables, each dish is a testament to the idea that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. So, join me on this cooking adventure as we explore these Simple Side Dishes, unraveling the secrets to a stress-free yet flavorsome dining experience. Let’s make cooking dinner a breeze together!

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

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Simplify your dinner prep with Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes, a hassle-free side dish that adds comfort to any meal. These potatoes, baked to perfection, are loaded with cheesy goodness and a hint of indulgence. A go-to choice for simplicity and flavor, they make cooking dinner easier, providing a satisfying accompaniment without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Ratatouille

Make cooking dinner a breeze with Ratatouille, a flavorful medley of fresh vegetables that adds a touch of sophistication to your table. This classic French dish, bursting with vibrant colors and textures, is not only visually appealing but also easy to prepare. Its simplicity and versatility make it an ideal choice for those seeking a side dish that effortlessly enhances any meal, making dinnertime a more enjoyable experience.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Enhance your dinner routine with Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes, a quick and easy side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of these juicy tomatoes. With a short cooking time and minimal effort, these roasted tomatoes offer a burst of flavor to complement any main course. A practical addition to your repertoire, these tomatoes make cooking dinner easier, ensuring a delightful and fuss-free dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

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

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Simplify your meal preparation with Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, a no-fuss side dish that delivers crispy perfection in every bite. Quick to cook and requiring minimal attention, these Brussels sprouts are a practical choice for making cooking dinner easier. With their delightful crunch and rich flavor, they add a nutritious and satisfying element to your table, turning any meal into a hassle-free and enjoyable dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Green Bean Casserole

Make dinner prep a breeze with Green Bean Casserole, a classic dish that marries the simplicity of green beans with the comforting goodness of a creamy mushroom sauce. This timeless favorite, with its straightforward preparation, is a reliable choice for those looking to make cooking dinner easier. The combination of crisp green beans and savory sauce creates a side dish that adds warmth and familiarity to your table, making it a practical and tasty addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Aloo Gobi Masala

Add ease to your dinner routine with Aloo Gobi Masala, a flavorful blend of potatoes and cauliflower in a rich masala sauce. This dish, with its straightforward cooking process, is a practical choice for making cooking dinner easier while indulging in the comforting flavors of Indian cuisine. The hearty combination of potatoes and cauliflower ensures a satisfying side that effortlessly complements your main course, creating a delightful dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

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

Air Fryer Home Fries

Make dinner easier with Air Fryer Home Fries, a quick and crispy side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course. These home fries, cooked to golden perfection, are a practical addition to your repertoire, offering a deliciously simple solution for dinner prep. With their short cooking time and satisfying texture, they bring a touch of comfort to your table, making them a reliable choice for those seeking a hassle-free and enjoyable dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Slow Cooker Rice

Streamline your dinner routine with Slow Cooker Rice, a convenient and time-saving option for perfectly cooked rice. This straightforward side dish, prepared with minimal effort, is a practical choice for making cooking dinner easier. Whether paired with savory mains or flavorful sauces, the consistent and fluffy texture of slow-cooked rice ensures a reliable addition to your table, enhancing the overall dining experience with its simplicity and versatility.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Make dinner a breeze with Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese, a simple yet indulgent side dish that offers a delightful contrast of textures. These smashed potatoes, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, are a practical choice for making cooking dinner easier. With the added touch of melted cheese, they bring a comforting and flavorful element to your table, ensuring a satisfying and fuss-free dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

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

Green Bean Tomato Salad

Enhance your dinner table with Green Bean Tomato Salad, a refreshing side dish that combines the crispness of green beans with the juiciness of ripe tomatoes. With a simple preparation, this salad is a practical choice for making cooking dinner easier. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors of the vegetables create a light and nutritious addition to your meal, offering a delightful and hassle-free dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Add ease to your dinner routine with Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage, a savory side dish that combines the richness of bacon with the wholesome goodness of cabbage. With a quick air fry, this dish becomes a practical choice for making cooking dinner easier. The crispy bacon exterior and tender cabbage inside create a delightful contrast, bringing a touch of comfort to your table and ensuring a simple yet enjoyable dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Vegan Mexican Rice

Simplify your dinner preparations with Vegan Mexican Rice, a flavorful side dish that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine without the fuss. This dish, prepared with simple ingredients, is a practical choice for making cooking dinner easier. The bold flavors of spices and vegetables create a satisfying and plant-based addition to your table, ensuring a delightful dining experience that is both effortless and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

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

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Simplify your meal preparations with Easy Scalloped Potatoes, a classic side dish that adds creamy indulgence to any dinner. With a straightforward assembly, this dish is a practical choice for making cooking dinner easier. The layers of thinly sliced potatoes, enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, create a comforting side that effortlessly complements your main course, ensuring a satisfying and hassle-free dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Make dinner easier with Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon, a comforting side dish that combines the heartiness of cabbage with the savory goodness of bacon. This Southern classic, with its straightforward cooking process, is a practical choice for simplifying your dinner routine. The crisp bacon and tender cabbage create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, bringing a touch of Southern charm to your table and ensuring a satisfying and hassle-free dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Zucchini Bruschetta

Add ease to your dinner routine with Zucchini Bruschetta, a light and flavorful side dish that’s quick to prepare. This dish, with its simple ingredients, is a practical choice for making cooking dinner easier. The combination of fresh zucchini and tangy bruschetta topping creates a delightful addition to your table, offering a burst of freshness and ensuring a satisfying yet straightforward dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Bruschetta

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

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Simplify your dinner preparations with Roasted Cabbage Steaks, a hearty side dish that combines the robustness of cabbage with the simplicity of roasting. This dish, with its minimal ingredients, is a practical choice for making cooking dinner easier. The caramelized edges and tender texture of cabbage steaks create a comforting addition to your table, ensuring a satisfying and fuss-free dining experience that is both straightforward and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Make dinner a breeze with Crock Pot Mac and Cheese, a creamy and comforting side dish that requires minimal effort. This dish, with its slow-cooking simplicity, is a practical choice for making cooking dinner easier. The velvety cheese sauce and perfectly cooked macaroni create a classic and satisfying addition to your table, ensuring a delightful and hassle-free dining experience that brings both comfort and ease to your mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Enhance your dinner table with Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer, a sweet and savory side dish that’s quick and effortless. With a simple air fry, this dish becomes a practical choice for making cooking dinner easier. The maple glaze adds a delightful sweetness to the tender carrots, creating a flavorful addition to your meal and ensuring a satisfying yet straightforward dining experience that effortlessly combines convenience and taste.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

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

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Make dinner easier with Green Beans with Garlic Butter, a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s quick to prepare. This dish, with its uncomplicated ingredients, is a practical choice for making cooking dinner easier. The crisp green beans, coated in a savory garlic butter, create a delightful addition to your table, offering a burst of freshness and ensuring a satisfying yet straightforward dining experience that effortlessly combines simplicity and taste.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Simplify your dinner routine with Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes, a quick and nutritious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This dish, with its straightforward cooking process, is a practical choice for making cooking dinner easier. The sweet potatoes, air-fried to crispy perfection, offer a delightful combination of sweetness and texture, ensuring a satisfying and hassle-free dining experience that adds both simplicity and flavor to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Add ease to your dinner routine with Air Fryer Potato Wedges, a crispy and satisfying side dish that requires minimal effort. This dish, with its quick air fry, is a practical choice for making cooking dinner easier. The golden-brown potato wedges offer a delightful crunch and fluffy interior, creating a comforting addition to your table and ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable dining experience that brings both simplicity and flavor to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

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