Sides often steal the show, proving that main dishes are totally overrated. Why spend hours on a complicated entrée when these 15 side dishes are just as great and way easier to make? Forget the stress of perfecting a roast or a fancy casserole; these sides are here to save the day. They’re quick, they’re simple, and they might just be the real stars of your meal.

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is the refreshing side that stands out. Fresh cucumbers and red onions are tossed in a light, creamy dill dressing. It’s crisp and ready in 30 minutes, making it great for hot days or when you need something light to balance a rich meal. This salad is perfect for meal prep, staying fresh and delicious for days. It’s light yet filling enough to make you forget about the main course. The fresh flavors and easy preparation make it a great choice for any meal. It’s a breeze to make and always impresses.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

These Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella will steal the show. Start with ripe tomatoes, top with Parmesan and Mozzarella, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It takes just 25 minutes for a quick and flavorful side. Italian seasoning and fresh basil add bold flavors, making it perfect for any meal and filling enough to stand alone. This dish is colorful and full of flavor. You won’t miss the main course with these on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked Sliced Zucchini will make you forget about fries. These zucchini slices are seasoned with Parmesan and Italian spices, baked until crispy outside and tender inside, and finished with more cheese. Ready in 20 minutes, they are great for weeknight dinners or dinner parties. This side dish is light yet filling enough to skip the main course and is an easy way to enjoy flavorful veggies. The quick cooking time and simple prep make it a go-to for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini

Halloumi Fries

Halloumi Fries are the side dish you didn’t know you needed. Slice the halloumi, coat, and bake until golden. The fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, giving a rich, delicious flavor that pairs well with various dipping sauces. They are great for any occasion and a fun way to change up usual side dishes. Filling and flavorful, you might skip the main meal and just enjoy these fries. They are ready quickly, perfect for a quick snack or party dish.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is a fresh, light side that will make your main dish jealous. Blitz cauliflower in a food processor, cook with onions and jalapeño for a kick and finish with lime. It’s great for anyone wanting something different from the usual sides. This dish is light yet filling enough to be a meal on its own, perfect for stuffing in tacos or serving with any meal. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s an easy way to add more veggies to your diet. Its refreshing flavor and quick prep make it a great addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

This Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower is a side that steals the spotlight. Start by simmering the cauliflower until tender, then roast it with butter, Parmesan, and thyme. Finish it with a quick broil to get that perfect crispiness everyone loves. Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal effort, it’s great when you have a fancy main dish but don’t want to cook all day. The rich flavors and crispy texture will make you forget about the main course. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something impressive without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is the side everyone loves. It’s packed with potatoes, bacon, and cheese. You bake the potatoes, mash them, mix in bacon and cheese, and bake again until everything is golden and bubbly. This dish has rich flavors and a hearty texture that can fill you up enough to skip the main course. It’s perfect for those who love a creamy and cheesy side. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time and perfect for any occasion. The simplicity and great taste make it a favorite that’s hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

These Parmesan Crusted Potatoes will outshine any main dish. They have a golden crust and fluffy inside. Coated with garlic powder, bread crumbs, and Parmesan, they are crispy outside and tender inside. Add lemon zest or red pepper for extra flavor. They’re perfect for pairing with proteins like chicken or steak for a weeknight dinner or as part of your holiday spread. They are filling enough to skip the main course and are ready in under an hour, making them great for busy nights. This dish’s simplicity and great flavor will make it a favorite in no time.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Golden Baked Jicama Fries

These Golden Baked Jicama Fries are a new favorite side. These fries take over an hour, with mostly hands-off baking time. Peel, slice, boil to soften, season with avocado oil, turmeric, and garlic powder, and bake until crispy. They are perfect for a healthier option that still feels rich. These fries are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re filling and flavorful, making you forget about dinner entirely. The combination of healthiness and taste makes them perfect for any meal. They’re easy to prepare and always hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is the side dish everyone will ask for seconds. It’s simple to make with just cabbage and bacon cooked together until they’re perfectly done. You can add a bit of apple cider vinegar or your favorite spices to give it an extra kick. Ready in only 25 minutes, it’s great when you need something fast but still want great flavor. This side is hearty and flavorful enough to fill you up so much you might skip the main course. The quick cooking time and rich taste make it a perfect choice for any meal. It’s always a hit and easy to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Loaded Zucchini Boats are great because they make you forget about the main dish. Take zucchini, load them with bacon and cheese, and bake until cooked. Top with a dollop of sour cream for a fresh touch. This side dish is an easy way to get more veggies on your plate without losing flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, these boats can easily stand alone, making them perfect for adding variety to any meal. They are so filling and good that you won’t miss the main course, making dinner prep quick and easy.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are perfect for making your meal feel complete. Fill mushroom caps with sausage, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, and garlic, then bake them. In under an hour, you get a flavorful side that looks impressive but is easy to make. These mushrooms add a touch of fancy to your meal without much effort and are hearty enough to make you skip dinner entirely. This side dish will steal the spotlight and get people talking. It’s a great way to add a little elegance to your meal without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon is perfect for outshining any main dish. Roast these veggies until tender and caramelized, then add bacon for an extra kick. It’s simple to prepare on a baking sheet and let the oven do the work. This hearty side pairs well with almost any main dish and grabs attention at your table. It’s filling enough to make dinner optional and will make your meal memorable. You’ll love the flavor of this dish, making it a great addition to any meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms will grab all the attention at your dinner table. Made with cauliflower rice and mushrooms, this lighter version of the classic is creamy and full of flavor with Parmesan and a splash of cream. Ready in just half an hour, it’s perfect for a busy night when you want something fancy without the carbs. This dish is hearty enough to fill you up, so you might skip the main course. It’s a side dish as good as the main dish and perfect for those looking to cut down on carbs.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes makes you look like a pro and can outshine the main course. Broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes come together in a creamy sauce that’s ready in no time. In about 25 minutes, you have a great side to look at and eat, and it tastes like you spent all day making it. It’s so filling and flavorful that you might not need a main dish. This side is perfect for those who want a quick and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes