Let’s face it, sometimes that chicken breast or steak is just a vehicle to get to the good stuff. You know, the dishes that actually make you want to come back for seconds. So, if you’re tired of pretending to be excited about your entrée, these 15 sides are exactly what you need to bring some excitement back to your plate.

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

This Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is the perfect solution for those seeking a light, refreshing meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Made with crisp cucumbers, sharp red onions, and a creamy dressing that combines fresh dill, mayonnaise, and vinegar for a bit of tang, this salad is simple to prepare. Just mix the ingredients and chill for 30 minutes. It’s especially good when cooking feels like too much work on hot days. Serve it alongside grilled meats or as a standalone dish for a light lunch that keeps you cool and satisfied without weighing you down.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice transforms cauliflower into fine pieces, sautéed with onions and jalapeño, then enhanced with a fresh splash of lime. This dish is perfect for those who prefer light meals. It pairs well with various dishes and is ready in about 20 minutes. This side dish is quick to prepare and adds a fresh, flavorful kick to your dinner lineup. It’s especially great for those evenings when you want to introduce something new without spending too much time or effort.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese are stacked with layers of cheese and herbs, drizzled with oil, and baked until golden in about 25 minutes. The preparation process is simple, resulting in a dish bursting with flavor. These tomatoes are a great side or can even stand alone for a colorful and delicious addition to any table. They are particularly good for busy cooks looking for quick, impressive options that are easy to prepare. This recipe can easily become a favorite for those who enjoy hearty but simple meals.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are your go-to when you want to impress without the hassle of a complex dish. These potatoes feature a crispy outer layer with a soft, fluffy inside, thanks to a coating of garlic, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Add a dash of red pepper for a little heat if you like. They take minimal prep and are baked until golden and crispy. Ready in about 45 minutes, these potatoes are perfect for busy nights. They pair well with any protein or can be enjoyed on their own, making them a flexible and easy choice for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Halloumi Fries

Halloumi Fries are the answer when looking for something quick and exciting to eat. These fries are made with halloumi cheese seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder and then fried until golden and crispy. Ready in just 15 minutes, they are great for a quick snack or a side dish that adds a crunch to your meal. Serve them with tangy tzatziki or just a squeeze of lemon to enhance the flavor. Perfect for sharing, these fries can turn any gathering into a memorable event with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Golden-baked jicama Fries are a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional fries without skimping on taste. They are made by slicing jicama into sticks, boiling to soften, and baking with avocado oil, turmeric, and garlic until they achieve a perfect crispness. They take about an hour to prepare but are well worth the wait. Great as a side for burgers or a standalone snack, these fries are a great way to change up your usual menu and add something new and exciting to your meals without extra calories.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice Baked Potato Casserole combines soft potatoes with crispy bacon, sour cream, milk, butter, and cheese into a comforting dish baked twice to achieve a golden and bubbly texture. It cooks in two stages, initially baking the potatoes until soft, mixing them with the other ingredients, and baking again. This method ensures each bite is infused with rich flavors. Preparing this dish is straightforward and takes about an hour from start to finish. It’s perfect for those who need a delicious meal but want to minimize kitchen time.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked Sliced Zucchini is a quick and straightforward dish that turns a simple vegetable into a star. In just 20 minutes, these zucchini slices become crispy on the edges while staying soft in the middle. Seasoned with Parmesan and Italian spices, they’re a flavorful addition to any meal. They’re perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want something that feels special. These zucchini slices can serve as a healthy side dish or a light main course, making your dinner routine easier and less time-consuming.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower is perfectly roasted after being simmered in chicken stock and basted with butter. Seasoned with Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper, it serves a rich flavor profile in a single dish. The cooking process takes about 30 minutes, making it a practical choice for a busy weeknight. This dish stands out for its easy preparation and filling nature, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to reduce their cooking stress. This side tastes like a main course.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried Cabbage with Bacon combines the deep flavors of bacon with the crisp texture of cabbage. A splash of apple cider vinegar enhances the dish with acidity, creating a balanced flavor. This side is ready in 25 minutes, perfect for quick, delicious meals. It’s great for those busy nights when you need something hearty but lack time. This cabbage dish is a great option for adding a robust flavor to your meal without requiring extensive preparation or cooking time. It may become your go-to for a fast, flavorful dinner solution.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed with a hearty mix of sausage, cream cheese, bread crumbs, Parmesan, and garlic, Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are baked until golden. Ready in about 45 minutes, they are so rich and filling that you can skip the main dish completely. They’re perfect for those days when you want a flavorful meal without too much effort or cleanup. Impress your guests or treat yourself to a gourmet meal experience at home with minimal effort. These mushrooms also make great leftovers for a quick next-day lunch.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Loaded Zucchini Boats

These zucchini boats are loaded with crispy bacon and melted cheese, making them a delicious meal ready in 30 minutes. Topped with sour cream and green onions, they serve a burst of flavor in every bite. Loaded Zucchini Boats are perfect for those looking to increase their vegetable intake without compromising taste. They’re also perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick dish that everyone will love. Plus, they leave you with fewer dishes to wash, giving you more time to relax in the evening.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

This Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon recipe combines butternut squash, cauliflower, and crispy bacon, all roasted together to create a hearty side ready in 40 minutes. It’s simple enough for any weeknight dinner and impressive enough to serve at gatherings. If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to prepare and still feels special, this is it. Plus, it’s a great way to get more veggies into your diet without feeling like you’re missing out on flavor. Enjoy a cozy meal that simplifies your dinner plans and maximizes satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Swap traditional rice for cauliflower with this Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms, loaded with mushrooms for a deep flavor. In 30 minutes, you get a comforting dish fast, perfect for a chilly evening. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, so you can skip the entrée and still feel satisfied. This dish also makes for a lighter meal that won’t leave you feeling sluggish, great for maintaining energy levels throughout the evening. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a creamy dish without the heaviness.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes features broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes enveloped in a creamy sauce, ready in about 25 minutes. It’s quick to prepare and packs a lot of flavors, making it the perfect addition to your dinner routine when time is tight. This dish is so rich and filling, it easily stands as the main event of your meal. It’s also a smart way to add more vegetables to your diet while keeping meal prep simple and stress-free. Perfect for busy nights when you need a delicious meal without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes