20 Simple, Savory Sides for Little Appetites

Finding side dishes that kids will actually eat can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re looking for healthy veggie options, fun finger foods, or creative twists on classics, these 20 kid-friendly side dish recipes are guaranteed to make mealtime easier and more enjoyable. From cheesy potatoes to colorful roasted veggies, there’s something here to please even the pickiest eaters.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

A bowl of Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots in a bowl.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

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Sweet, buttery, and tender, these carrots taste just like the ones at your favorite country restaurant. Proof that simple can be oh-so-delicious.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower

air fryer broccoli and cauliflower on a white plate with a pink linen and thyme.
Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

When your veggies come out crispy and golden, it’s hard to resist! This combo of broccoli and cauliflower is wonderfully seasoned for a perfectly balanced crunch.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Golden roasted air fryer baby potatoes on a serving plate with a wooden and metal spoon.
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Golden and crispy outside, soft and fluffy inside. These baby potatoes are bite-sized bursts of flavor that pair well with just about anything on the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Air fryer Brussel Sprouts in a white bowl with a spoon.
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

These brussel sprouts have a crispy exterior with a soft, caramelized center. Add a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for an extra tasty kick!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

Pineapple Rice

Pineapple Rice. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Light, fluffy rice with a hint of sweet pineapple flavor. It’s the perfect tropical twist to keep the meal interesting and fun!
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Rice

BBQ Green Beans

A white bowl with barbecued green beans and chuncks of ham.
BBQ Green Beans. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Green beans with a smoky BBQ twist! These beans are cooked to a perfect tenderness while soaking up all that bold flavor.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Green Beans

Grilled Vegetables

A variety of grilled vegetables on a platter.
Grilled Vegetables. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

A medley of vegetables perfectly grilled to bring out their natural sweetness and crispness! A must-try for any veggie lover.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Air Fryer Asparagus

A plate of cooked asparagus spears garnished with sea salt and a lemon wedge.
Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Crispy and flavorful asparagus spears cooked in no time! Toss with your favorite seasonings, and you’ve got a quick side that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

Buttery Crescent Rolls

Image shows an overhead view of homemade Crescent Rolls on a baking sheet.
Buttery Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Soft, flaky, and wonderfully buttery. These rolls are everything you want as a side and more. Serve them warm for maximum melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls

Popeyes Coleslaw

A picture of Popeyes coleslaw copycat recipe in glass bowl.
Popeyes Coleslaw. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweetness, this coleslaw is a crowd-pleaser that works with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Peppers and Onions. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Sweet bell peppers and sharp onions roasted to perfection in an air fryer! This colorful duo is as tasty as it is vibrant.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Blackstone Green Beans

Blackstone Green Beans with pepper and salt in a white bowl with a spoon.
Blackstone Green Beans. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Grilled green beans right off the griddle, charred and full of flavor! They’re a simple yet totally satisfying side dish.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Green Beans

Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Bowl of mashed potatoes with a pat of butter on top, garnished with parsley. A spoon and a sprig of parsley are next to the bowl.
Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Creamy mashed potatoes with a protein-packed twist! Cottage cheese adds a silky texture while keeping it wholesome and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Baked Potato

Three baked potatoes with seasoned skin in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Baked Potato. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

A flaky potato with a crispy, salty skin made perfectly in the air fryer. Just add butter, cheese, or your favorite toppings to take it to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Potato

Air Fryer Radishes

Air Fryer Radishes with parsley, salt, and pepper in a white bowl with a spoon.
Air Fryer Radishes. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Cooked radishes have a subtle sweetness and a softer texture compared to their raw counterpart. Toss them in your favorite herbs and roast them to crispy goodness!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Radishes

Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad

A bowl of cucumber salad with red onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs, served with a spoon.
Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Sweet bell peppers, crunchy cucumbers, and a light, zesty dressing make this a fresh and bright side dish. A perfect refreshing complement to heavier mains.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad

Creamed Corn

Smoked Creamed Corn in a black skillet.
Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Rich, creamy, and loaded with sweet corn goodness! This dish is a classic for a reason, and it’s perfect for adding comfort to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

Air Fryer Acorn Squash

Acorn squash after air frying with some of the insides scooped up on a fork.
Air Fryer Acorn Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Sweet, tender, and caramelized to perfection in the air fryer, this acorn squash is a simple way to add a touch of fall flavor to any meal. Each slice has that nice crispy edge that makes veggies so much more appealing to picky eaters!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Acorn Squash

Air Fryer Broccoli

Broccoli florets with seasoning in an air fryer basket, some lemon slices and a striped cloth nearby.
Air Fryer Broccoli. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Tender yet crisp with perfectly roasted edges, this broccoli is so good your kids might just ask for seconds! A sprinkle of Parmesan never hurts either.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Fresh green beans, a hit of garlic, and crispy fried onions come together for a dish that’s full of bold flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

A plate with breaded chicken cutlet, roasted green beans with seasoning, and lemon wedges.
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Crispy, cheesy, and completely irresistible! These green beans are coated with just the right amount of Parmesan for a flavorful crunch in every bite. Serve them hot and watch them disappear!
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

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