By the time dinner rolls around, you want something on the table that feels comforting without creating chaos in the kitchen. I’ve learned that when the sides are simple and familiar, the whole meal runs smoother and everyone relaxes. These 17 recipes give you dependable favorites that work on busy nights, slow weekends, and everything in between. They’re the dishes you make once and suddenly you’re getting texts asking when you’re making them again.
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Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots
Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots are air fried until lightly crisp on the outside and soft inside for a quick homemade side. This is a family favorite on busy weeknights when the oven is already full. Cut the vegetables close in size so they cook evenly and finish together.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots
Air Fryer Potatoes: Crispy, Tender and Perfectly Seasoned
Air Fryer Potatoes: Crispy, Tender and Perfectly Seasoned cook up air fried with crisp edges and soft centers in under 30 minutes. This quick side works with almost any main dish on busy nights. Shake the basket halfway through for even browning.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potatoes: Crispy, Tender and Perfectly Seasoned
Company Mashed Potatoes – Prep Ahead Recipe
Company Mashed Potatoes – Prep Ahead Recipe is a baked casserole that turns make-ahead prep into an easy win. I use this whenever the holiday schedule gets packed and oven space is tight. Store it covered in the fridge so it’s ready when you need it.
Get the Recipe: Company Mashed Potatoes – Prep Ahead Recipe
Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Mashed Potatoes Recipe delivers creamy, fluffy potatoes made on the stovetop for classic comfort food. This is one of those easy sides that works for both holidays and regular family dinners. Warm the milk and butter before mixing so the potatoes stay smooth.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Homemade Corn Casserole
Homemade Corn Casserole bakes into a soft, lightly golden dish that feels like classic comfort food. It’s quick to mix and works for both dinner and casual gatherings. Use a greased dish so the edges lift clean.
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Acorn Squash
Acorn Squash is baked until tender with soft centers and lightly golden edges for classic fall comfort food. It’s simple to prepare and works beautifully for family dinners and holiday meals. Cover loosely with foil if the top browns too fast.
Get the Recipe: Acorn Squash
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans is baked until the beans turn tender and the top becomes lightly crisp. It’s an easy, familiar side for both holidays and everyday meals. Blanch the beans first so they stay soft after baking.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans
Mashed Potato Casserole
Mashed Potato Casserole is baked until lightly golden with a soft, creamy center that always disappears fast. It’s helpful for potlucks and family gatherings because it feeds a crowd with very little effort. Let it rest a few minutes after baking so it scoops clean.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe are air fried until lightly crisp outside with fluffy, rich filling inside. This easy recipe saves time and keeps the kitchen moving on busy evenings. Scoop the centers while the potatoes are still hot for smoother filling.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
Creamy Pasta Salad
Creamy Pasta Salad is mixed and chilled for a soft, flavorful side that holds up well for gatherings. I rely on this one for potlucks because it can be made ahead with no stress. Rinse the pasta in cold water so the dressing stays smooth.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pasta Salad
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped Potatoes are baked in layers until the potatoes turn soft and the top becomes lightly golden. This recipe is helpful when feeding a group and pairs with almost any main dish. Slice the potatoes evenly so everything cooks through together.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Classic Deviled Eggs
Classic Deviled Eggs are boiled, filled, and chilled for a simple side that travels well. They’re a family favorite for picnics, barbecues, and holiday trays. Use an ice bath after boiling so the shells peel clean.
Get the Recipe: Classic Deviled Eggs
Roasted Acorn Squash
Roasted Acorn Squash is baked until golden and tender, turning simple ingredients into comfort food everyone recognizes. I love making this for holiday dinners because the prep is easy and it frees up time for everything else. Slice the squash evenly so it cooks at the same pace and stays soft all the way through.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Acorn Squash
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic are air fried until lightly crisp with tender centers. This quick recipe adds variety to busy family dinners without much prep. Toss the sprouts halfway through cooking for even color.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes are boiled and mashed into a soft, creamy side that shows up well for both weeknights and holidays. I make these often because the prep is simple and the results are reliable. Mash while the potatoes are still hot for the smoothest texture.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Healthy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Healthy Roasted Brussels Sprouts are oven roasted until lightly crisp with tender centers that work with almost any dinner. I keep this recipe on repeat because it uses simple ingredients and minimal cleanup. Spread them in one layer so they brown instead of steaming.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is baked until bubbly with tender vegetables and a lightly crisp top. This easy side works for weeknights or holiday meals when time is short. Let it rest before serving so it holds its shape.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
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