15 Quick and Flavorful Sides You Need for Busy Weeknights (I swear by #7)
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Busy weeknights don’t leave much room for fussing over side dishes, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for bland or boring. These quick and flavorful sides are game-changers that pair perfectly with any main dish. Get ready to make dinnertime easier without sacrificing taste.
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
These Parmesan roasted green beans are a game-changer when you need a quick and flavorful side on a busy weeknight. Toss frozen green beans in a vibrant seasoning mix, roast them to golden perfection, and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan. They come out perfectly crisp, cheesy, and garlicky, making them a delicious addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, dreamy, and loaded with garlicky goodness, these garlic mashed potatoes are the ultimate weeknight comfort food. With fluffy potatoes mashed with rich butter, creamy milk, and plenty of aromatic garlic, they’re quick to whip up and always a hit. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this simple side never fails to impress.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
When craving something crispy without the guilt, air fryer zucchini fries are the perfect choice. Fresh zucchini is coated in a light parmesan crust and air-fried to golden perfection, offering all the deliciousness of fries without the guilt. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re ideal side for busy weeknights when a tasty, quick snack is a must.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
This baked cauliflower mac and cheese is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for hectic weeknights. It’s quick to make and has all the creamy goodness of classic mac and cheese but swaps the pasta for tender cauliflower, making it lighter yet just as delicious. The rich cheese sauce gets baked to bubbly perfection, creating a side dish that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits
When you need a quick, savory side that tastes indulgent, these bacon and cheddar biscuits hit the spot. Made with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar, they’re soft, fluffy, and packed with flavor, the simple dough comes together quickly, so they’re perfect for busy week schedules and last-minute meals. They’re the kind of biscuit you’ll want to serve with soups, stews, or just a slab of butter.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits
Mashed Potato Waffles
Mashed potato waffles are a genius way to turn leftover mashed potatoes into something new and exciting. Crisp and golden on the outside with a tender, fluffy center, these savory waffles make a versatile side that’s quick to whip up. Once tasted, they become a favorite for busy weeknights when a creative, flavorful side is needed.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Waffles
Cabbage Fritters
Cabbage fritters are a unique and flavorful side that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with aromatic spices and topped with a garam masala yogurt sauce, they’re a delicious twist on traditional fritters. Ready in just 30 minutes, these crispy, golden patties add a pop of bold flavor to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Fritters
Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
Buttermilk drop biscuits are the cozy, homemade side that’s surprisingly quick and easy to make. No kneading or rolling needed, just mix, drop, and bake to enjoy warm, fluffy biscuits with a slight tang from the buttermilk. They come together quickly, making them a perfect addition to busy weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is a light, fluffy, and flavorful side that brings freshness to any weeknight meal. The bright citrus of lime combined with fragrant cilantro makes it a great match for grilled meats, tacos, or burrito bowls. Quick to make and ready in no time, it’s a versatile dish and an effortless way to add a pop of flavor to a busy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Beer Cheese Soup
Beer cheese soup is a warm, creamy, and indulgent side that’s surprisingly quick to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, it delivers rich, cheesy goodness that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s the kind of one-pot recipe that saves time while delivering big flavors even on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup
Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes
Mashed cauliflower potatoes are a twist on the classic comfort side. Creamy, fluffy, and full of flavor, they deliver the same delicious texture as traditional mashed potatoes but with a lighter feel. Ideal for those looking to add more veggies to their plate, these mashed cauliflower potatoes are ready in no time, making them a quick choice for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes
Savory Pancakes
When you need a quick bread alternative, these Greek-inspired savory pancakes always save the day. Light, fluffy, and full of Mediterranean flavor, they pair beautifully with grilled chicken or roasted veggies. They come together in no time and add a nice twist to the usual side dishes, quick and delicious perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Savory Pancakes
Sweet Potato Fries
Air fryer sweet potato fries are the answer to busy weeknight cravings without the guilt. Lightly seasoned with olive oil, garlic powder, dill, and paprika, they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a golden batch of fries ready to serve with your favorite dipping sauce, simple, quick, and absolutely delicious.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Braised Cabbage
Take humble cabbage to the next level with this braised version that’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly tender. Slow-cooked with savory seasonings, it transforms into a hearty, comforting side dish that complements just about any main course. This quick-to-prep recipe is a pleasant surprise, delivering incredible flavor with minimal effort perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Braised Cabbage
Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice is a staple when you want a light, versatile side without much fuss. It cooks up quickly, absorbs flavors beautifully, and pairs with everything from stir-fry to grilled chicken, plus, it’s a great way to sneak more veggies into your meals. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up and how well it fits into any busy weeknight menu.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Rice
