17 lazy side dishes that will change your cooking game

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You’re in for a treat if you appreciate delicious meals without the exhaustive kitchen drama. We’re diving into a collection of lazy side dishes that will change your cooking game forever. Imagine whipping up mouthwatering dishes with minimal effort. These recipes redefine simplicity, making them perfect for busy days or when you just want to enjoy fantastic food without the fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking newbie, these lazy side dishes promise to add a burst of flavor and ease to your cooking journey. Get ready to up your cooking game effortlessly!

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish.
Loaded twice-baked potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes

Ratatouille

A blue Bowl of Vegan Ratatouille.
Ratatouille. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Dive into the world of vibrant vegetables with this Ratatouille, a standout choice among Lazy Side Dishes that transform your cooking game. Featuring a colorful medley of vegetables, it’s a fuss-free way to add a touch of elegance to your table. With straightforward preparation and a relatively short cooking time, this dish is perfect for those seeking a flavorful yet uncomplicated side to accompany any meal.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille

Slow Cooker Rice

A bowl of rice with a fork and spoon in front of a slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Make cooking rice a breeze with this Slow Cooker Rice, a practical addition to Lazy Side Dishes that can truly revolutionize your kitchen routine. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, ensuring perfectly cooked rice without constant monitoring. Whether you’re busy with work or managing a household, this recipe offers a time-saving solution for a staple side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Rice

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Fried potato wedges with ketchup and parsley.
Air Fryer Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Craving crispy potato goodness? These Air Fryer Potato Wedges are a game-changer among Lazy Side Dishes, offering a quick and easy solution for satisfying that crispy potato craving. With a fraction of the cooking time compared to traditional methods, these wedges are perfect for busy days or whenever you desire a straightforward and comforting side dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Small baking dish with scalloped potatoes.
Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Craving comfort without the hassle? Easy Scalloped Potatoes is your answer – a Lazy Side Dish that delivers creamy goodness without the fuss. With minimal ingredients and a hands-off baking process, these potatoes are a reliable choice for those seeking a comforting and satisfying side dish. Whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering, these scalloped potatoes add a touch of home-cooked warmth to your table with ease.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Air fried glazed carrots in a white bowl next to a checkered tablecloth.
Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Upgrade the humble carrot with Maple Glazed Carrots in the Air Fryer, a Lazy Side Dish that effortlessly balances sweetness and savory appeal. The air fryer’s magic caramelizes the carrots with a delectable maple glaze, making this dish a visually appealing and flavorful addition to any meal. Quick, easy, and offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory, these glazed carrots redefine what you can achieve with minimal effort in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Green Bean Tomato Salad

Green beans and tomatoes on a white plate.
Green Bean Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Fresh, crisp, and bursting with flavor – Green Bean Tomato Salad is a no-fuss addition to Lazy Side Dishes that promise simplicity and freshness. Combining the crunch of green beans with the juiciness of tomatoes, this salad is a quick and refreshing accompaniment to any meal. With a speedy assembly and a minimal ingredient list, it’s a reliable choice for busy days or when you want to add a touch of health to your plate without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted cabbage steaks on a platter.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Experience the robust and savory goodness of Roasted Cabbage Steaks – a Lazy Side Dish that combines ease of preparation with remarkable flavor. With a straightforward approach to roasting, these cabbage steaks secure their place among side dishes that are both simple and satisfying. Whether served as a standalone dish or alongside your favorite protein, these roasted cabbage steaks offer a delicious alternative to traditional sides.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo gobi masala in skillet with naan bread.
Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Spice up your side dish collection with the aromatic and flavorful Aloo Gobi Masala, a Lazy Side Dish that stands out for its ease of preparation and rich, savory taste. Featuring the classic combination of potatoes and cauliflower, this dish offers a quick and satisfying addition to your meals. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or simply looking to diversify your plate, Aloo Gobi Masala is a go-to choice for a flavorful side that pairs well with rice, bread, or as a standalone dish.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese in front of a slow cooker.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Sit down to the comfort of creamy and cheesy goodness with Crock Pot Mac and Cheese, a Lazy Side Dish that takes the stress out of preparing this classic favorite. With the slow cooker doing the work, you can enjoy perfectly cooked mac and cheese without constant supervision. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe offers a time-saving solution for a beloved comfort dish that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cabbage and bacon in white serving bowl.
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Craving the comfort of Southern flavors? Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a Lazy Side Dish that brings that homely goodness to your table with minimal effort. The combination of tender cabbage and savory bacon is a classic Southern favorite, and this recipe simplifies the process for a quick and satisfying side. Whether paired with a main course or enjoyed on its own, this Southern fried cabbage adds a touch of soulful comfort to your meals without the need for difficult cooking methods.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Green Bean Casserole

Two bowls of green bean casserole on a cutting board.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Classic meets convenience with Green Bean Casserole, a Lazy Side Dish that streamlines the beloved holiday classic. With familiar flavors and an uncomplicated assembly, this casserole is a practical choice for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a festive feast or simply craving a comforting side, the green bean casserole offers a no-fuss approach to a timeless dish that will satisfy both family gatherings and weeknight dinners alike.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Vegan Mexican Rice

Mexican rice in small oval serving dish with spoon.
Vegan Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Spice up your side dish game with Vegan Mexican Rice, a Lazy Side Dish that infuses your meal with bold and savory flavors. With the simplicity of preparation and a quick cooking time, this recipe is a practical choice for those seeking a flavorful side without the need for extensive effort. Whether you’re following a vegan lifestyle or just exploring diverse tastes, this vegan Mexican rice adds a zing to your plate without compromising on simplicity and deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Mexican Rice

Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Three roasted tomatoes on a white plate with parsley.
Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Change up your dishes with the intense flavors of Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes, a Lazy Side Dish that enhances your cooking without the fuss. The air fryer’s efficiency brings out the natural sweetness of Roma tomatoes, creating a versatile addition to various meals. Quick and convenient, these roasted tomatoes are perfect for busy days when you want to add a burst of flavor without spending too much time in the kitchen. A reliable choice for enhancing the taste of salads, pastas, or even as a standalone side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with pine nuts on a plate.
Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

For a simple yet flavorful side, turn to Green Beans with Garlic Butter, a Lazy Side Dish that combines freshness with ease. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward preparation, this dish is perfect for those looking to add a touch of garlic-infused goodness to their meals without complicating the cooking process. Whether served alongside a main course or as a standalone side, these green beans with garlic butter offer a quick and tasty solution for your lazy cooking days.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts on a white plate.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Discover the crispiness of Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, a Lazy Side Dish that reinvents your approach to these nutritious greens. The air fryer’s quick cooking time ensures a delightful crunch without the need for extensive attention. Ideal for those who appreciate simplicity in their cooking routine, these air-fried Brussels sprouts make for a fuss-free and tasty addition to your meals. Whether as a side dish or a healthy snack, these Brussels sprouts bring a satisfying crispiness to your lazy cooking menu.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Home Fries

Air-fried potato cubes with diced green bell peppers on plate.
Air Fryer Home Fries. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy the comfort of home-style potatoes with Air Fryer Home Fries, a Lazy Side Dish that simplifies the process of achieving that perfect crispiness. The air fryer transforms these home fries into a hassle-free option for any meal. With minimal prep and a quick cooking time, these potatoes are a reliable choice for those looking to add a touch of familiarity to their table without spending too much time in the kitchen. Whether as a breakfast side or part of a hearty dinner, these air-fried home fries hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Home Fries

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish.
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Enjoy the cheesy goodness of Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes, a Lazy Side Dish that combines simplicity with irresistible flavor. The convenience of the twice-baked method, paired with cheesy toppings, makes this dish a quick and satisfying choice for any meal. Whether served as a side or a standalone snack, these loaded potatoes are a reliable option for those who appreciate a comforting and cheesy addition to their lazy cooking recipes.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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