Weeknights can feel like a juggling act. Homework, errands, bedtime routines, and somewhere in there, dinner still needs to happen. When there’s a main dish in the oven or a protein on the grill, the last thing anyone wants is to start peeling, chopping, and sautéing for a side dish. That’s where these 15 insanely easy 5-ingredient sides come in.

These recipes prove that you don’t need a long ingredient list (or a lot of brainpower) to pull together something that looks and tastes special. From Sweet and Smoky Sweet Potatoes that practically caramelize themselves in the oven, to Garlic and Shallot-Topped Smashed Potatoes that feel fancy but take minutes to prep. Each one delivers comfort, flavor, and ease. You’ll find crisp veggies, roasted favorites, and creative twists like Smashed Silan Broccoli and Jicama Fries that make eating your greens fun again.

They’re all perfect for busy nights when you just want dinner to come together without stress yet still feel proud of what’s on the table. Minimal ingredients, maximum reward.

1. Portobello Mushrooms with Barley from the Dining In Cookbook

A very elegant side dish, dairy or pareve.

2. Sweet and Smoky Sweet Potatoes by Erin Grunstein

The cooking method for these potatoes comes from Kim Kushner and it is amazing!!

3. Chinese Fried Rice by Estee Kafra

We made this the other night to accompany grilled chicken. The kids and adults both enjoyed, and the best part is that it was so simple!

4. Asparagus with Orange Vinaigrette by Elizabeth Kurtz

Blanched asparagus coated with an orange citrus vinaigrette. This fresh and light side dish is the perfect complement to a heavy meal.

5. Green Beans Go Gourmet by Faigy Grossman

I tried out this fantastic vegetable side dish when my sister came for Shabbos with her family, and what a hit it was! They all insisted that this one is definitely Family First quality. So here you have it; gourmet tasting and too, too easy — how can you resist?!

6. Smashed Garlic and Silan Broccoli by Sima Kazarnovsky

Smashing food is all the rage these days. From burgers to potatoes, the crispy ridges you attain from the larger surface area is a texture-filled dream. Smashing broccoli accomplishes the same experience. You get that crispy, roasted crunch on more of the floret for a perfect bite. And with this delicious silan glaze, this dish is that little “something different” side dish you've been missing.

7. Roasted Everything Green Beans by Sara Goldstein

Everything seasoning is not just for bagels! Try it on roasted vegetables for a fantastic and easy side dish.

8. Sweet Potato Spiral Sticks by Sima Kazarnovsky

After a few failed tries, my husband suggested wrapping the skewers in silver foil. The wrapper forms a steam basket on the grill, creating charred potato rounds that are completely soft even though they weren’t pre-boiled. And that’s great because one of the many perks of barbecuing is keeping the kitchen free of dirty pots. I will pass along the thanks!

9. Garlic and Shallot-Topped Smashed Potatoes by Miriam (Pascal) Cohen

When you’re looking for a potato dish that’s nicer than the average, this is what you’ll want to turn to. Smashed potatoes really look nice for an elegant presentation, but here’s the secret: They’re incredibly easy to make! My take on smashed potatoes uses simple ingredients — garlic, shallots, and herbs — to create a really exquisite flavor.

10. Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots by Chanie Apfelbaum

I always plan my menus around the seasons, and there’s nothing quite like roasted carrots when spring comes around. I like to buy carrots with the leaves attached and leave some of the stem on, to give them a just-picked feel. If you can get your hands on rainbow carrots, go for it – they’re especially beautiful for serving!

11. Butternut Squash Fries by Rorie Weisberg

Lightly seasoned, oven-roasted butternut squash spears.

12. Honey Roasted Red-Skinned Potatoes by Zehava Krohn

13. Quick String Bean Side by B F

I needed another side dish one night for supper and I looked in my freezer to see if I can come up with anything and I found an almost finished bag of string beans, so I came up with this!

14. Rorie's Jicama Fries by Rorie Weisberg

Get addicted to this healthy alternative to french fries. Rorie's baking up some french jicama fries, and they are super crispy and delicious!

15. Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes by Miriam Fried

These are so easy to make, and so delicious!

These are also perfect to serve for melave malka. You can bake the potatoes with the spices before Shabbos, and on Motzei Shabbos you can add the cheese and finish baking.

Originally published September 2018. Updated and improved October 2025.