15 Simple Side Dishes That Go with Everything You Already Want to Make

Side dishes don’t have to be complicated to be amazing, and these simple recipes prove it. Whether you’re planning weeknight meals or hosting a dinner, these sides are versatile enough to pair with anything you’re already making. With minimal prep and delicious results, they’re the no-stress solution for making every meal feel complete.

Baked Potato Soup Chilis

This baked potato soup from Chilis is a creamy, comforting classic that you’ll want on your table this week. Packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon bits, melty cheddar cheese, and fresh chives, it’s a hearty side dish or main meal. Simple to prepare and so good, this soup will become a family favorite in no time.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato Soup Chilis

Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice

Recreate Longhorn Steakhouse rice with this easy and flavorful recipe. Simmered with onions, bell peppers, and chicken broth, this dish brings a balance of savory and subtly sweet flavors to your table for the coming weeks. Whether you’re pairing it with chicken, steak, or fish, this rice is a versatile side that’s ready to complement anything.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice

Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

Parmesan roasted green beans are a simple side dish that transforms frozen green beans into something special. Roasted to perfection with a touch of garlic and parmesan, they’re crispy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful. This easy recipe pairs perfectly with whatever you’re already planning for dinner this week.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

Potato Skins

Potato skins are a crowd-pleasing side dish that works with just about any meal. Crispy potato shells are topped with melted cheese, crumbled bacon, and fresh green onions for a deliciously indulgent bite. Serve them as a fun appetizer or alongside your main dish for extra comfort on your plate all week round.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Warm, creamy broccoli cheddar soup is the ultimate comfort food side. Made with tender broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a rich broth, it’s the perfect pairing for sandwiches, bread, or roasted proteins on your week’s meal plan. Let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy a bowl of pure coziness with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

This cauliflower mac and cheese delivers all the creamy, cheesy comfort of the original without the carbs. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a side dish that pairs beautifully with chicken, beef, or seafood. The rich flavors and simple prep time make it a must-try for any busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Beer Cheese Soup

Beer cheese soup is a creamy, savory side dish that’s perfect for adding bold flavors to your week’s menu. Rich with cheddar, beer, and aromatics, it’s good on its own or as a dip for crusty bread. This one-pot recipe is ready in 30 minutes and complements almost any main course.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Make-ahead mashed potatoes are the key to stress-free holiday dinners or busy weeknight meals. Creamy, buttery, and perfectly fluffy, they can be prepped in advance and reheated when needed. These simple mashed potato side dish pair seamlessly with roasts, chicken, or even meatloaf.
Get the Recipe: Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Cabbage Fritters

Plan your week’s meals ahead with these cabbage fritters, a crispy, savory way to add more veggies to your plate. Packed with curry flavors and served with a tangy garam masala yogurt sauce, they bring a delicious twist to your side dish lineup. Easy to make and versatile, these fritters pair perfectly with a variety of main dishes, making them a great addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Fritters

Parmesan Potatoes

These parmesan potatoes are crispy on the outside, buttery on the inside, and coated in a cheesy crust. Perfect for pairing with grilled steak, chicken, or salmon, they’re a versatile side dish you’ll want to make on repeat. Plus, they’re easy enough for weeknights and fancy enough for dinner parties.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes

Chicken Miso Soup

Chicken miso soup is a light and nourishing dish that pairs wonderfully with sushi, rice bowls, or any Asian-inspired meals. The miso broth is rich and packed with umami flavor, while the tender chicken provides an added boost of protein. This simple and comforting side dish is simple to prepare, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Miso Soup

Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice is a healthy, grain-free side that pairs perfectly with almost any main dish. Light, fluffy, and easy to make, it’s a great base for stir-fries, curries, or grilled proteins. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself adding it to your weekly rotation of go-to healthy and versatile meals.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Rice

Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey-glazed carrots are a vibrant, sweet side dish that brings both color and flavor to any meal. Coated in a buttery honey glaze, they become tender and slightly caramelized, offering a rich, satisfying taste. Perfect alongside roasted meats, poultry, or fish, these carrots make for a simple yet well-rounded addition to your plate all week long.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots

Outback Potato Soup

Outback potato soup brings the flavors of your favorite steakhouse straight to your kitchen. Creamy, rich, and packed with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Plan your week’s menu ahead and serve this satisfying soup alongside a fresh salad or a hearty sandwich for an easy, delicious dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Outback Potato Soup

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that never goes out of style. Creamy, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned, they’re simple and the perfect complement to roasted meats, poultry, or even seafood. Easy to whip up and always delicious, these are a must-have for your weekly menu.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes