Cheap side dishes are a budget-friendly way to round out any meal without sacrificing taste. These simple recipes use affordable ingredients to create flavorful, filling sides.
From roasted vegetables to pasta salads and rice dishes, these sides are versatile and easy to pair with a variety of mains. Many of them are quick to prepare and great for feeding a group.
We selected these cheap side dishes for their low cost, ease of preparation, and ability to complement a wide range of meals.
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a rich and comforting side made with tender broccoli, cream, and cheddar cheese. It's baked in individual ramekins for a cheesy, savory dish that's perfect alongside a main course.
Why it's good: Just three ingredients and a few minutes of prep make this a cheap, satisfying side dish.
Canned Green Beans
This easy green bean recipe uses canned beans sautéed with butter, almonds, onions, and a splash of lemon juice. The browned butter adds depth while the almonds give it a nice crunch.
Why it's good: It turns inexpensive canned vegetables into a flavorful side with just a few pantry staples.
Avocado Cucumber Dill Salad
Avocado Cucumber Dill Salad is a crisp, refreshing mix of sliced cucumbers and creamy avocado tossed in a light dill dressing. The combination of herbs, lemon, and fresh veggies makes this a cool and flavorful addition to any meal.
Why it's good: It's quick to assemble with affordable ingredients and works well for picnics, potlucks, or everyday dinners.
Air Fryer Blooming Onion
This Air Fryer Blooming Onion features a whole sweet onion cut into petals, double-coated in seasoned flour, and air fried until crispy. Served with a creamy, zesty dipping sauce, it's a crunchy and flavorful side with a fun presentation.
Why it's good: It uses pantry staples and costs far less than a restaurant version. The air fryer makes it easier and less messy.
Chipotle Corn Salsa
Chipotle Corn Salsa is a smoky, tangy mix of corn, lime juice, and seasoning with just a hint of heat. It's bright, flavorful, and works as both a side or a topping.
Why it's good: Made with canned or frozen corn and simple spices, it's cheap, quick, and incredibly versatile.
Corn Casserole
Corn Casserole is a creamy, sweet-and-savory baked side dish made with corn, sour cream, and cornbread mix. It bakes up fluffy with a golden crust and soft center.
Why it's good: It's budget-friendly, easy to make in one bowl, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
This cheesy hashbrown casserole combines frozen shredded potatoes, sour cream, and cream soup for a rich and satisfying side. It's creamy in the center with a golden, cheesy topping.
Why it's good: It uses common pantry ingredients and frozen hashbrowns, making it affordable and easy to prepare
Creamed Corn
Creamed Corn is a classic side dish made with sweet corn simmered in cream and butter. It's rich, creamy, and slightly sweet.
Why it's good: It's an inexpensive comfort food that's quick to prepare with frozen or canned corn.
Glazed Carrots
Glazed Carrots are cooked until tender and tossed in a buttery brown sugar glaze. They're slightly sweet and make a colorful, crowd-pleasing side.
Why it's good: They require only a few simple ingredients and work well for everyday meals or holiday dinners.
Orzo Rice Pilaf
Orzo Rice Pilaf blends orzo pasta with white rice, cooked in broth and lightly seasoned. The result is a tender, fluffy side with a mild, savory flavo
Why it's good: It's low cost and made with pantry staples, great for pairing with just about any main dish.
Roasted Carrots
Roasted Carrots are sliced and baked with oil and seasoning until golden and tender. The roasting process brings out their natural sweetness.
Why it's good: Just carrots, oil, and seasoning make this an easy, inexpensive option.
Roasted Zucchini
Roasted Zucchini is a quick and easy side dish featuring sliced zucchini tossed in oil and spices, then baked until tender. It's light, flavorful, and goes with nearly any meal.
Why it's good: It's a great way to use up inexpensive summer produce and requires minimal prep.
Sliced Sweet Potatoes
These oven-roasted Sliced Sweet Potatoes are lightly seasoned and baked until tender with crispy edges. The natural sweetness comes through in every bite.
Why it's good: They're affordable, simple, and don't require any fancy ingredients or techniques.
Slow Cooker Jacket Potatoes
Slow Cooker Jacket Potatoes are whole russet potatoes cooked until fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside. They're versatile and can be topped with butter, cheese, or sour cream.
Why it's good: Using the slow cooker frees up oven space and allows you to make a large batch affordably.
Smashed Potatoes
Smashed Potatoes are boiled, smashed flat, and roasted until golden and crispy. Seasoned with oil, herbs, and garlic, they're crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
Why it's good: They use basic ingredients and are a fun way to change up your standard potato side.
Loaded Baked Potato Dip
This cold loaded baked potato dip is a creamy and flavorful side dish. Filled with cheese, bacon and perfect for dipping.
Why its good: this is super easy to make with only a few ingredients needed.
Broccoli Salad
Broccoli Salad is a crunchy cold dish made with chopped broccoli, bacon, cranberries, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing. It's tangy, savory, and slightly sweet.
Why it's good: It uses budget-friendly ingredients and doesn't require cooking, making it a simple side for any meal.
Macaroni Salad
Macaroni Salad is a classic side made with tender noodles, celery, onions, pickles, and cheese in a creamy, tangy dressing. It's crisp, cold, and packed with flavor.
Why it's good: It's inexpensive to make and easy to prep ahead for gatherings or meal prep.
