17 Ultimate Easy Side Dishes for Lazy Cooks Like You

Tired of wondering what to serve with your main meal? These ultimate easy sides are perfect for lazy cooks who want something that tastes great without a lot of effort. With these foolproof recipes, you can round out any dish without the stress or second guessing.

Broccoli Casserole

This broccoli casserole is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Toss some broccoli in a cheesy sauce, top it with buttery crackers, and bake for a side dish that feels cozy and effortless. It’s creamy, delicious, and ideal for those days when you just want something warm and satisfying without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes without the last-minute scramble? Yes, it’s a thing, and perfect for anyone who likes to plan ahead without going overboard. These are rich, fluffy, and loaded with buttery flavor and you can prep them days in advance and reheat when ready.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

Got a bag of frozen green beans? You’re already halfway to one of the easiest sides you’ll ever make. Just toss them with oil and seasoning, roast until crispy, and finish with parmesan. It looks impressive, tastes amazing, and takes almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

Popeyes Coleslaw

If you’ve ever craved that iconic Popeyes coleslaw but didn’t want to leave the house, now you don’t have to. This copycat version is crisp, creamy, and comes together in minutes. Just shred, mix, chill, and enjoy—ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a quick, refreshing side next to anything grilled.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw

Broccoli Rice Casserole

This broccoli rice casserole is the kind of comfort side dish that’s big on flavor but low on effort. With tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and melted cheese all in one dish, it’s the definition of easy and satisfying. No weird ingredients and complicated steps, just straight-up goodness in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole

Potato Fritters

Who knew you could turn a potato into something this crispy and delicious side dish? These fritters are golden on the outside, tender inside, and come together with stuff you probably already have. Just shred, season, fry, and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Potato Fritters

Honey Glazed Carrots

When you want a colorful and flavorful side without thinking too hard, honey-glazed carrots are a total win. They roast fast, taste sweet and buttery, and go with just about everything. You’ll look like you went the extra mile, even if it took barely any time at all.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

These air fryer zucchini fries are ridiculously easy and seriously good. Just slice, season, coat with parmesan, and let the air fryer do its thing. You get all the crispy, savory flavor of fries without any of the usual hassle—great as a side or snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

This cauliflower mac and cheese checks every comfort food box without needing to boil pasta or dirty a pile of dishes. It’s creamy, cheesy, and takes just a few simple steps. Steam, mix, and serve. It’s that easy, and yes, it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Parmesan Potatoes

These roasted parmesan potatoes are pure gold side dish: crispy outside, buttery inside, and packed with cheesy flavor. A handful of ingredients and a hot oven are all you need. They’re easy to prep, taste amazing, and feel fancy without trying.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes

Parmesan and Garlic Wings

Wings might not be your typical side, but once you try these parmesan and garlic ones, you’ll be making them every chance you get. They’re crispy, buttery, and full of bold flavor with none of the complicated prep. Think of them as your secret weapon for an easy, crowd-pleasing bite.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan and Garlic Wings

Carrot Raisin Salad

Carrot raisin salad is one of those sides that feels like it took planning—but really didn’t. It’s cool, creamy, just a little sweet, and comes together in under 10 minutes. When you need something refreshing and effortless, this one’s a go-to.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad

Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

These bacon and cheddar biscuits make any meal feel complete, no fancy baking skills required. Made with coconut flour and packed with smoky, cheesy flavor, they’re incredibly easy to whip up. You don’t need to be a baker to pull these off, they’re practically foolproof.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

Cilantro Lime Rice

If plain rice feels boring, this cilantro lime version is here to shake things up, and lazy cooks like us will love how simple it is. With just cooked rice, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro, you’ll get a bright, zippy side that tastes way fancier than it actually is. It works with everything, tacos, burrito bowls, grilled meats, and comes together in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Homemade Asparagus

Asparagus doesn’t always get much love, but this simple side is a total game-changer. It’s cooked just right, never soggy, and comes out crisp-tender with almost no effort. Once you try it like this, you’ll never go back to mushy spears again.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Asparagus

Homemade Sauerkraut

This homemade sauerkraut is a surprisingly simple way to feel like a kitchen genius. Just cabbage, salt, and a little time gives you a tangy, crunchy side that’s great on everything from sausages to sandwiches. It’s low effort, big payoff, and definitely worth keeping in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sauerkraut

Quick Pickled Fruits and Vegetables

Want to add flavor to any plate without cooking a thing? Quick pickling is the answer. With just vinegar, a little sugar, and whatever produce you have, you can make bright, punchy sides that steal the spotlight—easy, fast, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Fruits and Vegetables