13 Minimal Ingredient Side Dishes for Stress-Free Cooking
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Side dishes don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. These minimal-ingredient recipes prove that with just a few simple staples, you can whip up flavorful sides without the stress. Whether you need a quick veggie or a last-minute addition to your meal, these easy recipes will save you time and energy while still delivering big on taste.
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
With just a handful of ingredients, these parmesan roasted green beans prove that simple sides can still steal the show. Tossed in olive oil, garlic, and parmesan, then roasted to crispy perfection, they’re a no-fuss way to add a burst of flavor to your dinner. When you need an easy, veggie-packed side that delivers big taste without the effort, this one’s a keeper.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Chicken Miso Soup
This chicken miso soup proves that nourishing sides don’t have to be complicated. A rich, umami-packed broth with miso paste, seaweed, and tender chicken creates a simple yet flavorful dish. Perfect for when you need something warm and cozy that comes together in minutes, this stress-free soup is the ultimate comfort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Miso Soup
Honey Glazed Carrots
When you want a side that’s equal parts easy and impressive, honey-glazed carrots have you covered. In just a few minutes, tender carrots get coated in a buttery honey-garlic glaze that makes them impossible to resist. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this dish makes dinner prep a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots
Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is a must-have when you need a simple and easy side that works with any meal. It’s light, versatile, and comes together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re serving it under stir-fries or pairing it with grilled meats, this no-fuss recipe is always a great choice.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Rice
Homemade Asparagus
If mushy, flavorless asparagus has let you down in the past, it’s time for a simple fix. With the right technique and just a few basic seasonings, you can have crisp, perfectly cooked asparagus on your plate in no time. No more limp stalks and hello to a side dish that’s fresh, vibrant, and incredibly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Asparagus
Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
No rolling, no kneading, no stress, these buttermilk drop biscuits come together in one bowl with just a few pantry staples. They bake up golden and fluffy, making them the easiest way to add homemade bread to any meal. Whether you’re serving them with butter, jam, or a side of soup, these biscuits are a simple, delicious addition to your table.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
Mashed Potato Waffles
Got leftover mashed potatoes? Turn them into crispy, golden mashed potato waffles in just 25 minutes. These easy-to-make waffles are buttery on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and go with everything from eggs to grilled meats. A no-fuss way to repurpose leftovers into a delicious new dish.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Waffles
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Holiday cooking just got easier with these make-ahead mashed potatoes. Creamy, buttery, and full of flavor, they’re prepped in advance so you can skip the last-minute kitchen chaos. Simply bake when you’re ready and enjoy a stress-free side that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Braised Cabbage
Braised cabbage is proof that simple ingredients can create the most comforting dishes. Slowly cooked until tender and infused with savory goodness, this easy side dish pairs beautifully with any main course. When you want a veggie dish that practically cooks itself, this is the one to make.
Get the Recipe: Braised Cabbage
Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs
With just three ingredients, these mozzarella-stuffed meatballs are a ridiculously easy side that everyone will love. Juicy ground beef wrapped around melty cheese creates a bite-sized burst of flavor, perfect for pairing with pasta, salads, or enjoying on their own. Simple, stress-free, and packed with cheesy goodness so what’s not to love?
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs
Homemade Sauerkraut
You won’t believe how easy it is to make homemade sauerkraut with just two ingredients. This tangy, probiotic-rich side is the perfect way to add crunch and flavor to any meal. Whether you serve it with sausages, sandwiches, or straight from the jar, this no-fuss recipe is a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sauerkraut
Cauliflower Tortillas with Garlic and Oregano
These cauliflower tortillas are the perfect low-effort, high-reward side that goes with everything. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they’re soft, flexible, and hold up beautifully in tacos, wraps, or alongside any meal. If you’re looking for a stress-free way to swap out traditional tortillas, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Tortillas with Garlic and Oregano
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
For a side that’s crispy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy, these air fryer sweet potato wedges are the way to go. Just slice, season, and let the air fryer do the work, no flipping, stirring, or babysitting required. With a lightly crisp outside and tender inside, they’re the stress-free side you’ll want on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
