10 Sides with Big Flavor at a Low Cost

Great side dishes don’t have to break the bank. With the right recipes, you can create flavorful sides that complement any meal without spending too much. These budget-friendly side recipes pack a punch, giving you all the taste you want at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking to add something extra to a weeknight dinner, these sides will hit the mark. You don’t have to sacrifice flavor to stay within budget—these dishes prove it’s possible to have both.

Roasted Carrots

Roasted carrots are a simple yet flavorful side dish. With their caramelized edges and tender centers, they bring a perfect balance of sweetness and savory warmth. These carrots are great alongside almost any meal. Get the recipe: Roasted Carrots

Crusty Walnut Loaves

Crusty walnut loaves add a hearty, nutty twist to homemade bread. With a crispy crust and a soft, nut-filled center, they’re perfect for any meal. These loaves also make for a satisfying snack on their own. Get the recipe: Crusty Walnut Loaves

Loaded Sweet Potatoes

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes on a white plate. — Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Stuffed sweet potatoes are a tasty side that blends sweet and savory flavors. The filling is rich and buttery, while the toasted marshmallows and pecans add a crunchy touch. It’s a dish that’s sure to stand out. Get the recipe: Loaded Sweet Potatoes

Homemade Croissants

A plate of golden, freshly-baked croissants on a decorative dish. Surrounding the plate are small bowls containing butter, powdered sugar, and strawberry jam, all set on a light pink surface with a folded beige napkin nearby. — Homemade Croissants. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

These homemade croissants are the perfect combination of crispy, buttery layers. Fresh out of the oven, they’re a great addition to breakfast or brunch. They can also stand alone as a fancy side to any meal. Get the recipe: Homemade Croissants

Garlic Swirl Bread

A loaf of homemade herb bread on a wooden cutting board, partially sliced. Fresh basil leaves are nearby, along with garlic cloves. A yellow cloth and a dark blue cloth are in the background. The marble surface adds a vibrant touch. — Garlic Swirl Bread. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Garlic swirl bread combines soft, buttery dough with rich garlic and parsley layers. This savory bread is a great side dish for any meal. It’s especially perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings. Get the recipe: Garlic Swirl Bread

Baked Fried Rice

A bowl of fried rice with vegetables, including corn, peas, and carrots, on a green placemat. Wooden chopsticks rest on the bowl’s edge. A smaller bowl with more rice is partially visible in the background. — Baked Fried Rice. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Baked fried rice takes the classic dish and turns it into a hands-off oven recipe. You get all the flavor of fried rice without the hassle of stirring over the stove. It’s a simple and easy side dish. Get the recipe: Baked Fried Rice

Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup is a smooth and creamy side that’s full of rich flavors. This comforting soup blends sweet, savory, and spicy notes, making it a perfect option for fall meals. It’s simple to prepare and great for cozy dinners. Get the recipe: Butternut Squash Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A spoonful of broccoli soup is being served from a bread bowl. The soup contains visible broccoli florets and shredded carrots. In the background, a fresh broccoli head is partially visible on a marble surface. — Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Easy Everyday Food.

Broccoli cheddar soup is a creamy and hearty side dish with the rich flavor of cheddar. This comforting soup is perfect for busy nights when you need something quick and filling. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for any season. Get the recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Greek Lemon Potatoes

A white oval dish filled with roasted potato wedges garnished with lemon slices and herbs. Fresh parsley, garlic bulbs, and lemon wedges are scattered around the dish on a white marble surface. A fork and knife are placed nearby. — Greek Lemon Potatoes. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project.

Greek lemon potatoes are a fresh and vibrant side to any meal. With their tender texture and a burst of lemon flavor, these potatoes are both comforting and refreshing. They’re perfect with grilled meats or as a stand-alone side. Get the recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes

Parmesan Truffle Fries

A heap of golden-brown fries topped with grated cheese and herbs sits on a newspaper-lined surface. A small bowl of ketchup is placed beside the fries, with parsley and cheese blocks nearby for garnish. — Truffle Fries. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project.

Parmesan truffle fries give regular fries a rich upgrade. Crispy fries are topped with a savory blend of truffle flavor and Parmesan cheese. They’re a simple yet indulgent side that pairs well with just about anything. Get the recipe: Parmesan Truffle Fries