Looking for quick and easy side dishes? Discover 11 delicious side recipes with 5 ingredients or less to complement any meal. Perfect for busy cooks and beginners alike!
When you’re planning a meal, side dishes can often feel like an afterthought—yet, they’re what brings everything together!
Whether you’re whipping up a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a casual get-together, a flavorful side dish can make all the difference.
If you’re short on time or pantry ingredients, don’t worry!
Here’s a list of easy, 5-ingredient (or fewer) side dishes that pack tons of flavor without the hassle.
Simple, quick, and delicious, these sides will save you time in the kitchen and add that extra something special to your meal.
1. Carrots Need Butter Thyme
Enjoy these tender, buttery carrots infused with thyme for a flavorful, easy side dish.
Get the recipe
2. Sweet Potato Flatbread
This Sweet Potato Flatbread is soft, chewy, and packed with the earthy flavors of sweet potato.
Get the recipe
3. Air-Fryer Baked Potatoes
These Air-Fryer Baked Potatoes have a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, perfect with your favorite toppings.
Get the recipe
4. Oven Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan
This Oven Roasted Broccoli is topped with Parmesan for a crisp, cheesy finish.
Get the recipe
5. Baked Parsnip Chips
These crispy Baked Parsnip Chips are a nutritious and tasty alternative to regular chips.
Get the recipe
6. Simmered Kabocha
Simmered Kabocha is a comforting Japanese dish with tender, savory squash infused with shio koji.
Get the recipe
7. Fried Cabbage
Fried Cabbage with kielbasa is a savory, satisfying dish that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Get the recipe
8. Bacon Ranch Smashed Potatoes
These Bacon Ranch Smashed Potatoes are crispy and loaded with delicious ranch and bacon flavors.
Get the recipe
9. Pesto Green Beans
Pesto Green Beans are a bright, fresh side dish with vibrant pesto flavor.
Get the recipe
10. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Roasted_Sweet_Potatoes_006-b6d0bf569ee246e8a391bc1f1b940896.jpg)
These Roasted Sweet Potatoes are tender and caramelized, perfect as a versatile side dish.
Get the recipe
11. Microwave Baked Potato
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/How_To_Microwave_Potatoes_024-249ce162bce2453394c15385bc53e5f3.jpg)
This Microwave Baked Potato is a quick, easy way to enjoy a fluffy potato without the oven.
Get the recipe
More Recipes to Try –
- 11 Best 5-ingredient Chicken Salad Recipes
- 31 Simple Easy 3 Ingredient Cookies
- 11 Easy 3 Ingredient Desserts
- 15 Easy 4 Ingredient Chicken Breast Recipes
These simple, 5-ingredient-or-less side dishes are proof that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.
From roasted veggies to creamy and cheesy sides, there’s something here for every palate and every occasion.
Next time you’re pressed for time or looking for a minimal-ingredient option, try one of these recipes to round out your meal effortlessly.
Happy cooking!