I Kept Dinner Interesting With 29 Sides That Required Almost No Effort
Keeping dinner interesting can be easy with the right sides. Just choose simple dishes that take little time. A mix of vegetables, grains, and quick snacks adds fun to any meal. Try roasted carrots, garlic bread, or a fresh tomato salad. Even with 29 sides, everything stayed easy and full of flavor.

Cowboy Casserole

Whip up this wholesome and hearty dish with minimal effort. Cowboy Casserole is the perfect answer to a cozy dinner, bringing together all the textures you love. Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. The combination will leave everyone at the table happy and full.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole
Sweet Potato Fries

Crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, these are a treat for any meal. Sweet Potato Fries can be effortlessly baked while you prepare the main dish. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. They make a great side for any protein you have on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Mac and Cheese

Indulge in a creamy, cheesy delight that’s perfect for any evening. Mac and Cheese is easy to whip up and pairs excellently with a green salad or roasted veggies. It’s a comforting choice that everyone loves. Plus, it always hits the spot, no matter the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
Corn Casserole

Experience the comfort of a slightly sweet and creamy side dish. Corn Casserole mixes well with a variety of main courses, adding a perfect touch to your dinner plate. It’s simple to prepare and bake. Just serve with your favorite main dish, and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

Enjoy a tantalizing combination of flavors with hardly any prep. Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes bring together tender steak and perfectly cooked potatoes. All you need is a quick green salad on the side. You’ll have a complete, delicious meal before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Recreate a restaurant favorite at home with ease. Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa is bursting with vibrant flavors and makes an excellent topping for tacos or salad. It’s also great as a simple snack with chips. There’s no need for an elaborate side when you have this.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Funeral Potatoes

Treat yourself to a creamy, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for dinner. Funeral Potatoes come together quickly and make a fantastic side dish. Pair with a light main course like grilled chicken. Everyone at the table will appreciate this comforting choice.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Add a simple yet flavorful component to your meal. Copycat Chipotle Black Beans can be prepared with minimal effort and are a versatile addition. Serve them alongside rice and your favorite protein. They’re packed with flavor and nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Delight in a rich and creamy pasta dish that’s easy to make. Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. Its flavors are indulgent and delicious. Ready in no time, it turns any night into a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Scalloped Potatoes

Enjoy layers of thinly sliced potatoes in a creamy sauce. Scalloped Potatoes are a classic side dish that complements any main course. Serve with a simple protein like baked chicken or fish. It’s a dish that provides comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Garlic Bread

Add a touch of crunch and flavor to your meal. Garlic Bread is a perfect side that requires little effort. Just pop it in the oven while you finish your main course. It’s a fan favorite that goes well with pasta, soup, or salad. Effortless and perfect for quiet dinner nights.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread
Southern Mash

Indulge in a creamy and buttery side that’s sure to please. Southern Mash is easy to prepare and pairs incredibly well with any hearty main dish. Serve with a simple veggie side for a balanced meal. It’s comfort food at its finest, ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Best Zucchini Bread

Enjoy the slightly sweet, moist bread that makes a perfect side or dessert. Best Zucchini Bread can be baked ahead and enjoyed with any meal. It’s a delicious way to sneak in some veggies. Pair with a light soup or salad for a simple and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread
Cilantro Lime Rice

Upgrade your meal with a fresh and tangy side. Cilantro Lime Rice is quick to prepare and pairs perfectly with any Mexican inspired dish. Serve it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Its flavors are bright and refreshing, making dinner prep a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Easy Chicken Casserole

Prepare a hassle-free, comforting dinner main course. Easy Chicken Casserole is rich and creamy, requiring minimal effort to assemble. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. It’s a go to dish for busy nights when you need something filling and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Crunchy cucumbers meet bold flavors in a side that’s all about simplicity. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is quick to whip up and pairs well with grilled meat or rice dishes. It brings a bit of heat, without overshadowing your main meal. Perfect for adding a little kick without spending much time prepping.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Easy Walking Taco Casserole

Layers of comfort in one dish, perfect for feeding a crowd. Easy Walking Taco Casserole combines everything good about tacos but served in a hassle-free way. Pair with a quick side like premade guacamole or a handful of tortilla chips. Dinner becomes a breeze without compromising on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Walking Taco Casserole
Pizza Salad

Take your favorite pizza ingredients and toss them into a simple salad twist. Pizza Salad is light yet full of bold flavors, making it ideal for a no-fuss dinner. It works wonderfully alongside easy garlic bread or store-bought breadsticks. A quicker way to satisfy that pizza craving without ordering takeout.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Comfort food takes center stage with hearty layers in The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole. This dish turns classic burger flavors into easy to serve portions. Pair it with pickles or a simple green salad, and you’re good to go. It’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing option for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole
Hasselback Potatoes

Crispy on the outside, tender inside, these slices of potato are practically effortless. Hasselback Potatoes feel fancy but require little work to prepare. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream or any quick dip for a perfect side. They’re comfort food without the hassle, adding a nice touch to any main course.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Best Tuna Casserole

Creamy layers packed with nostalgic goodness are what Best Tuna Casserole is all about. It’s filling and easy to make, making it an ideal option for nights when you just want something hearty. Pair it with a quick side of steamed veggies for balance. No frills, just straightforward comfort on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Best Tuna Casserole
Dauphinoise Potatoes

Luxuriously creamy potato slices come together in Dauphinoise Potatoes with minimal effort. They’re perfect for pairing with roasted chicken or any protein you prefer. This dish feels indulgent without much hassle in the kitchen. It’s the kind of side that makes dinner feel a little extra special.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Chicken and Rice Casserole

A warm, filling dish that combines tender chicken with fluffy rice in Chicken and Rice Casserole. Everything comes together in one easy bake, making it stress-free cooking. Pair it with a handful of baby carrots or a simple cucumber salad for a balanced plate. Dinner doesn’t get simpler than this.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole
Hashbrown Casserole

Bringing crispy, golden hashbrowns to life in a creamy blend is what Hashbrown Casserole does best. It’s easy to serve and pairs well with virtually any main dish. Add a quick salad or a bowl of fresh fruit on the side for contrast. A comforting option that requires very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Fresh broccoli mixed with subtle creaminess makes Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing a fantastic choice. It’s quick to prepare and works seamlessly with cooked chicken or grilled fish. No elaborate processes, yet it adds a refreshing touch to your meal. Perfect for when you want something simple and healthy.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Tuna Noodle Casserole

Classic flavors of creamy noodles with tuna take center stage in Tuna Noodle Casserole. This dish is both delicious and easy to cook on busy nights. Pair it with a quick side like crackers or prepped veggies. It’s all about keeping things simple and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole
French Bread

Soft yet chewy, French Bread upgrades any dinner table effortlessly. It’s versatile and pairs well with casseroles, soups, or pasta dishes. Serve it sliced with butter or olive oil dip for even simpler prep. No fuss and always a hit with everyone.
Get the Recipe: French Bread
Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Crunchy tots mixed with a flavorful base make Easy Tater Tot Casserole a fun dinner idea. It’s easy to throw together, leaving you more time to unwind after cooking. Pair it with store-bought coleslaw or a quick veggie side for balance.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Baked Potato

Fluffy on the inside with a crisp skin, Baked Potato is a go-to side dish. It pairs seamlessly with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or just a sprinkle of salt. Low effort, high reward, it works wonderfully alongside hearty mains. Great for keeping dinner simplistic while still filling.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
