How to Make a Delicious Side Dish for $5 or Less

One of the best ways to get big flavor with minimal ingredients is by taking advantage of char, whether it’s on your grill or under the broiler. With just four ingredients (not including salt and pepper), these sweet potatoes get most of their flavor from their charred edges—and you can make them for about $5. The recipe calls for Japanese sweet potatoes, which can be expensive, but you can use four jewel sweet potatoes for about $3.50. The honey and white wine vinegar, which will run you about 85 cents combined, help accentuate and balance the sweetness. Feel free to play with this technique using other vegetables like carrots or leeks, too. Get the recipe: Charred Sweet Potatoes With Honey and Olive Oil ($5.11)

9. Flavorful beans from the Instant Pot

Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Simon Andrews

A big batch of beans doesn’t have to be boring. This creamy, garlicky lima bean recipe uses four ingredients and makes 10 cups for a total of $4.85. The best part? It’s perfect for freezing (broth and all) for later use. Most of the cost comes from—you guessed it—the beans, which will run you about $3.90. The olive oil, garlic, and salt add up to just 86 cents. And the 10-cent sprig of rosemary is completely optional. Get the recipe: Big-Batch Instant Pot White Beans ($4.85)

Or go your own way

A side of rice, any way you want it.

Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Erika Joyce

You certainly don’t need a recipe to make a tasty side dish on the cheap. First things first, choose a single base ingredient (not two or three), that’ll give you the best bang for your buck. It could be hearty and starchy (say, a bag of rice or noodles from your pantry) or whatever vegetable is in your fridge waiting to be used.

While something like plain steamed rice or sautéed vegetables can make a perfect side dish as is, you can always add more flavor and switch things up with seasoning—which can be as simple as salt and pepper (if you have spices or condiments on hand, more power to you!). Layer on richness by bringing in some fat and then, round everything out with something acidic. Butter is sometimes cheaper than olive oil, and vinegar tends to be cheaper than fresh citrus juice.