19 Side Dish Recipes That Make Every Meal Feel Complete

Side dishes have a way of turning an ordinary meal into something everyone remembers. They add texture, color, and fresh flavors that bring balance to your plate. These 19 side dish recipes give you a wide mix of comforting classics, bright veggie favorites, and quick options that fit any menu. Each dish is simple to prepare and packed with flavors that pair beautifully with everyday dinners or special gatherings. If you are looking to elevate your table with ease, this list has you covered.

Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts

Brussel Sprouts in a white bowl with a spoon. — Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Making frozen Brussel sprouts in the air fryer is so easy you won’t even believe it! In about 15 minutes from freezer to air fryer, you'll have perfectly cooked Brussel sprouts!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts

Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle

Blackstone Asparagus on white plate. — Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Making asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle is insanely easy to do! Crunchy delicious grilled asparagus is a healthy side dish. Minimal ingredients of garlic, salt, pepper and oil, this dish is done in no time at all!
Get the Recipe: Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle

Air Fryer Radishes

These Air Fryer Radishes are incredibly easy to make and require only a few ingredients. They're a great low carb and low calorie side dish. They also spruce up your plate with color!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Radishes

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions are so sweet and flavorful! They are incredibly easy to make and done in about 10 minutes! Cooking peppers and onions in the Air Fryer is so easy!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Aloo Gobi Masala

Spice things up with this Aloo Gobi Masala! A tasty take on the traditional Indian dish, it combines potatoes, cauliflower, and bold spices in a savory curry sauce for a side dish that packs a punch.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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

These cheesy, loaded twice-baked potatoes are a perfect weeknight side dish! With just a few simple ingredients, they’re easy to make and packed with flavor everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Mexican Corn Salad

This Mexican Corn Salad is a fiesta in a bowl! Sweet corn, creamy butter, tangy lime, a kick of jalapeños, chili flakes, and cheese create a mouthwatering, flavorful side that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

A delightful plate of breaded fried zucchini slices, perfectly arranged in a tempting pile, making it a side dish you won't forget. — Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

These Crispy Baked Zucchini are the ultimate low-carb snack or BBQ side! Made with your own breadcrumbs, they’re golden, crunchy, and completely gluten-free, grain-free, and diabetic-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

Rutabaga Fries

Golden-brown seasoned fries wrapped in parchment paper, garnished with fresh herbs, are a perfect addition to your side dishes. You won't forget how they effortlessly complement any main course. — Rutabaga Fries. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

These crispy Rutabaga Fries are the perfect low-carb substitute for regular fries! With minimal net carbs, they’re a keto-friendly choice that adds a new twist to your favorite snack.
Get the Recipe: Rutabaga Fries

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker. — Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This slow cooker mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food made easy! Skip the stovetop and let the slow cooker do the work for a rich, cheesy dish everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes bring the perfect balance of crispy, buttery goodness. With a simple seasoning of garlic, salt, pepper, and chives, they’re the easiest and most delicious side dish you’ll ever make!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant

Crispy cubed eggplant roasted in the air fryer on a plate with a serving spoon. — Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This air fryer eggplant is crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make! Simply seasoned, it’s the perfect side dish that complements almost any main course and is sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant

Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes

These roasted Stokes purple sweet potatoes are smashed, drizzled with melted butter and herbs, then roasted to crispy perfection. A beautiful and delicious side dish that’s sure to impress!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes

Sage and Bacon Stuffing

A closeup is shown of a baking dish full of bacon and sage stuffing. — Sage and Bacon Stuffing. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This stuffing recipe takes the classic combo of sage, onion, celery, and parsley, and elevates it with crispy, savory bacon. The result? The perfect side dish everyone will crave!
Get the Recipe: Sage and Bacon Stuffing

Oven Baked Potato Wedges

These crispy Oven Baked Potato Wedges are the perfect go-to! With a homemade, gluten-free seasoning mix, they serve as a tasty side dish or a game day appetizer everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Potato Wedges

Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Breadsticks

A wooden cutting board with pepperoni breadsticks and dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Breadsticks. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Snack time just got better with these Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Stuffed Breadsticks! Quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a party, game day, or movie night.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheesy Pepperoni Breadsticks

Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Gnocchi in Lemon-Parmesan Sauce on a black plate. — Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This side dish is so good, it might just steal the spotlight! Creamy, Parmesan-infused goodness that's silky, rich, and ready in no time—perfect for any dinner!
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

These Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions are a fresh, flavorful twist on the classic green bean casserole. Simple to make, yet elegant enough for any holiday feast!
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Honey Garlic Carrots

These Honey Garlic Carrots are a quick 25-minute side dish that’s as sweet as it is savory. The honey and garlic glaze gives them a sticky, glossy finish that's sure to make everyone’s taste buds happy.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots