Weeknight Side Dish Recipes

When dinner rolls around, the main dish often gets all the attention, but the right side dish can turn a simple weeknight meal into something so tasty.

Whether you’re looking for quick veggie options or something a little more indulgent, these recipes are easy enough for busy nights yet delicious enough to keep on repeat.

From air fryer favorites to cheesy breads and colorful veggie sides, here are the best weeknight side dish recipes to round out your table.

Cheesy Pull Apart Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery, and loaded with gooey cheese, this pull-apart bread is the kind of side that disappears fast. Tear off a piece, dip it into your favorite sauce, and watch everyone fight for the last bite.

Slow Cooker Vegan Butternut Squash Soup

Creamy, comforting, this slow-cooked butternut squash soup cooks itself in the slow cooker while you get on with your busy evening. It’s rich, cozy, and perfect for fall nights when you need something warm and hands-off.

Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls

These colorful veggie rolls are filled with crisp veggies and fresh herbs, making them a light, no-cook option that looks as good as it tastes. Pair with a tangy dipping sauce for the ultimate refreshingly simple side.

Crispy Cauliflower Bites

Golden and crunchy on the outside while tender inside, these cauliflower bites are a crunchy snack-style side that feels indulgent without the guilt. Add your favorite dipping sauce and they’re gone in seconds.

Bacon and Cheese Potatoes

Loaded with crispy bacon and melty cheese, these hearty potatoes are comfort food at its best. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners feel like comfort food heaven.

Easy Potato Salad

Cool, creamy, and full of flavor, this potato salad is a classic side that pairs with almost anything. It’s easy to make ahead and even better the next day, so leftovers are a bonus.

Street Corn

Grilled corn coated with mayo, cheese, lime, and spices makes this Mexican side dish bold, zesty, and addictive. Sprinkled with cheese, and finished with a squeeze of lime, this Mexican street corn is bold, zesty, and totally irresistible. It’s messy in the best way.

Air Fryer Teriyaki Cauliflower Bites

Sticky, savory-sweet, and lightly crispy, these teriyaki cauliflower bites bring big flavor with hardly any effort. The air fryer makes them perfectly crisp, so they’re ready in no time.

Pomme Duchess Potatoes

Fancy without the fuss, these elegant swirls of mashed potatoes are creamy inside with golden edges. They instantly make any weeknight dinner feel restaurant-worthy.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy and perfectly seasoned, sweet potato fries are a healthier twist on the classic fry. They cook up quick in the air fryer and are so good with a sprinkle of salt or a creamy dip.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Tender asparagus spears wrapped in smoky bacon make for a side dish that’s both easy and impressive. It’s a simple way to sneak in veggies while still keeping things delicious.

Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

These accordion-style potatoes are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and totally fun to eat. The unique cut gives them loads of texture that’s perfect for dipping.

Parmesan Herb Potato Bites

Small but mighty, these potato bites are roasted with parmesan and herbs until golden and crispy. They’re the kind of side you can snack on straight from the pan.

Air Fryer Roasted Carrots

Naturally sweet and caramelized, air fryer carrots make a simple veggie side that’s both healthy and flavorful. They pair well with just about any main dish.

Easy Potato Fritters

Crispy edges, soft centers, and loads of flavor, these potato fritters are pan-fried perfection. They’re quick to whip up and always a hit at the table

Air Fryer Broccolini

Lightly charred and crisp-tender, air fryer broccolini is proof that simple sides can still be full of flavor. It’s quick, healthy, and pairs with almost anything you’re serving.

Side dishes don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. From light and healthy veggies to cheesy comfort food classics, these dishes are perfect for busy evenings when you still want a meal that feels complete.