10 side dishes that cost less than $2 to make

When you’re trying to keep grocery costs down, sides are one of the easiest places to overspend without realizing it. But you don’t have to load up on overpriced pre-made salads or frozen options. There are plenty of side dishes that are filling, easy to throw together, and cost less than two bucks total.

These are the ones I lean on again and again when I want the meal to feel complete but don’t want to spend more than I need to.

Roasted Potatoes

A couple of russet potatoes, oil, and seasoning go a long way. You can cube them, slice them, or smash them—either way, they crisp up beautifully in the oven. They feel like something more substantial, but still fall under $2 if you buy your potatoes in bulk.

Toss them in garlic powder, paprika, or whatever seasoning you’re using on the main dish. They work next to anything and can be scaled up or down depending on what you’ve got.

Cornbread

One box of Jiffy mix is around $0.60, and you only need an egg and a little milk to finish it. You can serve it with chili, pulled pork, or roasted veggies, and it makes the whole meal feel more satisfying.

If you don’t have Jiffy, homemade is still cheap—cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and sugar are pantry basics. Make it in a cast iron pan for crispy edges or bake it in muffin tins to portion it out.

Rice Pilaf

A basic rice pilaf costs less than $1 and still feels like more effort than plain rice. Saute some onion in butter or oil, stir in white rice, then cook it in chicken broth instead of water. Add a bay leaf or some garlic powder if you want more flavor.

It works with chicken, pork, or anything with gravy. You can also stretch it with frozen peas or carrots if you’ve got them on hand, but it holds up even without add-ins.

Cucumber Salad

When cucumbers go on sale, this is a no-brainer. Slice them thin and toss with vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let it chill for an hour and it turns into a light, refreshing side that balances out heavier meals.

You can add thin-sliced onion or a little dill if you want, but even without extras, it’s quick, crisp, and cheap. One large cucumber can make enough for 3–4 people for under $1.

Buttered Noodles

This one’s a go-to for picky eaters and tight budgets. Half a box of pasta, a pat of butter, and some garlic or Italian seasoning can turn into a legit side. You can also add a sprinkle of parmesan or shredded cheese if you’ve got it.

Buttered noodles work with meatloaf, chicken, or baked fish. It’s fast, filling, and usually hits the table for well under $2—even if you’re feeding a few people.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are cheap, filling, and pack a lot of flavor on their own. Bake them whole or cube and roast them with cinnamon, olive oil, or a little chili powder. They balance savory mains and work especially well with pork or chicken.

One large sweet potato can feed two people as a side, and even organic ones are usually less than $1 each. Roast a few at once and reheat them throughout the week.

Seasoned Canned Green Beans

Canned green beans don’t have to be boring. Drain them, sauté in a little butter or bacon grease, and add onion, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes. They taste like way more effort than they take.

You can make a whole can feel fresh and flavorful for under $1.50, and it’s a great backup when you’re low on produce but still want a vegetable on the plate.

Fried Cabbage

A head of green cabbage costs next to nothing and goes a long way. Slice it thin and sauté with oil, salt, pepper, and a splash of vinegar. If you’ve got bacon grease or garlic, throw that in too.

It cooks down fast and adds a hearty side to sausage, pork chops, or even scrambled eggs. A single head can make enough to feed a crowd, and it keeps well in the fridge.

Mashed Potatoes

If you’ve got potatoes and butter, you’ve got mashed potatoes. Peel and boil, mash them with milk or broth, and season with salt and pepper. Add garlic powder or sour cream if you’ve got it, but you don’t need much to make them taste good.

Even with butter and milk, a batch comes out under $2 for several servings. They’re filling and pair with almost any protein, so they’re easy to work into your rotation.

Sauteed Frozen Corn

A bag of frozen corn costs around $1, and it’s way better sautéed than microwaved. Toss it in a skillet with butter, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar or smoked paprika for a quick, sweet-savory side.

You can also add chopped onion or bell pepper if you’ve got produce to use up. It takes less than 10 minutes and brings more flavor than you’d expect from a freezer bag.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.