47 Fall Dinner Sides Ideas I Use For Friendsgiving

Hosting a big dinner always sounds fun until everyone shows up hungry at the same time. That’s when having 47 side ideas ready becomes the secret weapon, because nobody argues with a plate that keeps getting refilled. Friendsgiving isn’t about stress, it’s about piling the table with enough options so even the picky cousin finds something.

Close-up of loaded potato skins topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and sliced green onions on a white background.
Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Easy Cornbread Casserole

A portion of a cheesy, golden-brown savory cornbread casserole is being lifted from the dish, showing its flaky crust and gooey cheese filling.
Easy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Friendsgiving is all about finding dishes that everyone loves, and this Easy Cornbread Casserole fits perfectly. It’s the kind of side that feels right at home next to anything on the table. The way it combines soft and hearty textures keeps people going back for seconds. Everyone always says it disappears fast for a reason.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Beet Salad

A close-up of a salad featuring chopped beets, cucumber, feta cheese, walnuts, and fresh herbs on a white plate.
Beet Salad. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Bringing color to the Friendsgiving table is simple with Beet Salad. Its mix of flavors adds a fresh note to a rich dinner lineup. You’ll find it’s a nice way to balance heavier sides. It’s light, but it holds its own among the other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy and garnished with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

No Friendsgiving dinner feels complete without Mashed Potatoes. The creamy and smooth texture pairs so well with almost any main dish. It’s a side that everyone expects and always enjoys. No matter how packed the table is, you can bet this dish will have its place.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Cornbread muffins topped with sliced jalapeños in white paper liners, arranged on a wooden surface.
Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

A little sweet with a bit of heat makes Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins a fun choice for the menu. They’re small, quick to grab, and perfect for sharing. The kick from the spice is balanced out by the sweetness, making them memorable. People love unique additions like this for Friendsgiving.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.
Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes it’s nice to bring something unexpected like Antipasto Salad to a Friendsgiving gathering. It brings a mix of fresh and familiar flavors that stand out on the table. Having a side that’s easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing is a win-win. Guests appreciate salad options between heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Cabbage Casserole

A close-up of a baked casserole dish filled with creamy cabbage gratin, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, with a serving spoon partially visible.
Cabbage Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

If you want to surprise folks, Cabbage Casserole offers a rich and comforting addition. It’s one of those dishes that feels simple but delivers a warm and lovely flavor. Sharing hearty meals like this is what makes Friendsgiving special. It’s filling and pairs effortlessly with the main courses.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy macaroni and cheese dish with visible black pepper seasoning.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Combining something nostalgic with something seasonal is what Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese does best. The creamy texture is familiar, but the unique flavor twist makes it stand out. It’s a nice way to keep classic comfort food fresh. Everyone loves mac and cheese, but this brings a little something extra to the table.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs.
French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Add something bold and comforting to your Friendsgiving table with French Onion Casserole. The rich, layered flavors are a crowd favorite and feel so satisfying alongside other dishes. It’s the kind of side that makes you want seconds or even thirds. You’ll find it pairs really well with hearty mains.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A no-fail addition to any Friendsgiving meal is Garlic Knots. They’re simple, shareable, and everyone always reaches for them. These little rolls blend well with any dish, whether it’s pasta, casseroles, or salads. With their unmistakable flavor, they practically disappear from the table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Big Mac Sliders

Two sloppy joe sliders with melted cheese and ground beef filling stacked on a plate, with lettuce and a bowl in the background.
Big Mac Sliders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For something unexpected and fun, Big Mac Sliders are an unforgettable choice. They’re small, tasty, and add a playful twist to traditional sides. These sliders work well as a conversation starter and a go-to crowd pleaser. Once they’re on the table, they’re gone before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Sliders

Corn Casserole

Corn casserole in a casserole dish with a portion removed.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Among the many Friendsgiving sides, Corn Casserole always feels like a classic choice. It hits the perfect balance between sweet and savory, making it a favorite for all ages. Whether served as a main side or extra plate filler, people love how light yet comforting it is. You can’t go wrong with it here.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Egg Roll

A wooden tray with spring rolls and lime wedges lined with parchment paper sits next to a small bowl of dipping sauce on a light surface.
Egg Roll. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Adding crunch to the mix is simple with Egg Roll at the table. It’s a fun dish to bring, giving everyone something a bit different between richer options. The crispy texture makes it a highlight, especially paired with a dipping sauce. It’s a unique choice that still fits easily among the other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll

Sweet Potato Wedges

Roasted sweet potato wedges sprinkled with herbs on parchment paper.
Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet Potato Wedges are one of the easiest sides to include in a Friendsgiving spread. They feel a bit lighter but still bring a heartiness that works well with other dishes. Everyone appreciates how the flavors balance everything else on the table. They’re simple to pass around and always appreciated.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Million Dollar Casserole

A serving spoon lifts a portion of creamy, baked casserole with a crunchy topping, revealing melted cheese.
Million Dollar Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you’re looking for something indulgent, Million Dollar Casserole is the way to go. It’s incredibly rich and feels like a crowd-favorite comfort food. This is one of those sides that fills people up in the best way. It’s a real standout, even among other show-stopping casseroles.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole

Cucumber Salad Jar (Asian Style)

A glass jar filled with sliced cucumbers, red onions, and herbs in pickling liquid, with two metal forks placed inside.
Cucumber Salad Jar (Asian Style). Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Breaking up heavier dishes with something light can be as simple as Cucumber Salad Jar (Asian Style). This side feels fresh and adds a nice variety to the table. Plus, the jar presentation makes it fun and easy to share. It’s an option that always stands out when people are filling their plates.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad Jar (Asian Style)

Hamburger Casserole

A close-up of a spoon lifting a portion of hamburger casserole, showcasing baked macaroni and cheese layered with ground meat and topped with lettuce and creamy sauce.
Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Comfort food takes the spotlight with Hamburger Casserole on your Friendsgiving list. This dish brings a hearty and filling option that guests love. It doesn’t try to be fancy, but it delivers flavor people always talk about. There’s something about having a homey, filling option on the table for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Egg Fried Rice

Oval dish filled with fried rice garnished with chopped green onions.
Egg Fried Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Including Egg Fried Rice on your Friendsgiving menu adds a side that’s crowd-pleasing and a little unexpected. It’s versatile enough to work with just about any dish nearby. Guests appreciate how easy it is to add to a plate and how filling it feels without being heavy. It’s a great companion to casseroles or meats.
Get the Recipe: Egg Fried Rice

Pumpkin Soup

A mouthwatering close-up of pumpkin soup garnished with a swirl of cream, crunchy pumpkin seeds, a crispy slice, and aromatic sage leaves.
Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Pumpkin Soup is one way to combine comfort and tradition in a flavorful bowl. It’s smooth, warm, and pairs nicely before diving into heavier dishes. People often appreciate this as a cozy first course or lighter option. Friendsgiving wouldn’t feel complete without something this welcoming.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Few sides feel as universally loved on Friendsgiving as Mac and Cheese. The creamy, cheesy texture makes it one of the first dishes to disappear off the table. It’s a dish people expect and look forward to every time. Whether for kids or adults, it always finds its place in everyone’s plate lineup.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A baked dish with melted cheese, diced pineapples, browned bacon, and chopped green onions on top.
Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

The hearty and creamy textures make it a rich, filling choice that guests love. Bringing comfort to your Friendsgiving dinner is easier with Mississippi Mud Potatoes. It’s a dish that feels familiar but has just enough to make it stand out. Everyone loves when there’s an option like this to go with the main meal.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Grilled Corn on the Cobb

Four grilled corn cobs topped with crumbled cheese, chopped herbs, and spices are arranged on a white plate.
Grilled Corn on the Cobb. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Grilled Corn on the Cobb gives everyone a fun, easy side to enjoy. It’s a simple dish that brings smokiness and texture to the table. The flavors provide a nice contrast to creamy sides and casseroles. It’s always a hit for bringing a hands-on, lighthearted energy to the lineup.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cobb

Marry Me Chicken Casserole

A casserole dish filled with baked pasta topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Friendsgiving is the perfect time to serve cozy dishes, and Marry Me Chicken Casserole fits the bill. It brings a rich and hearty vibe to the table that feels like a warm hug on a fall evening. The balance of flavors makes it stand out among traditional sides. It’s a dependable dish everyone will go back to for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.
Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

No Friendsgiving table feels complete without Scalloped Potatoes. They bring that creamy, layered goodness we all associate with fall gatherings. The texture and flavors pair well with almost any main dish you’re planning. It’s a simple yet crowd-pleasing option for sharing with friends.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Spaghetti Casserole

A serving of cheesy baked spaghetti is being lifted with a utensil. The dish is topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs.
Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For something that feels comforting yet unexpected, Spaghetti Casserole is a must for your Friendsgiving lineup. It combines familiar ingredients in a way that’s easy for a big group. The casserole form makes it perfect for serving and reheating if needed. It’s a dish that stands out without overpowering everything else.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Three baked sweet potatoes topped with minced meat, melted cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions on a white plate.
Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Fall calls for hearty yet fun dishes like Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes. This spin on a classic combines a bit of nostalgia with seasonal ingredients. It’s great as a side idea or even a stand-alone dish in a more casual Friendsgiving setup. Everyone will want to grab one at least once during the meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Wild Rice Casserole

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You’ll love how Wild Rice Casserole brings a bit of texture and uniqueness to your Friendsgiving sides. It adds a fall-inspired element that feels both earthy and wholesome. This dish is a great option to balance heavier casseroles or potato-based sides. It’s something different, yet not too far from tradition.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Finger food lovers will appreciate having Sweet Potato Fries on your Friendsgiving menu. They offer that balance of simple and seasonal flavors that suit any fall gathering. Their versatility lets them fit in whether the table is casual or a little fancier. They’re easy to prepare but still deliver on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Yellow Squash Casserole

Squash casserole being served with a wooden serving spoon.
Yellow Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Adding Yellow Squash Casserole to your Friendsgiving table is a great way to include some veggie-forward comfort food. It feels fitting for fall, offering a satisfying mix of texture and taste. This side feels traditional enough for the season without being boring. It pairs wonderfully with most other dishes on the table.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole

Baked Rice

A close-up of a bowl of oven-baked fried rice mixed with colorful vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, and scallions, with a spoon resting inside.
Baked Rice. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

While rice isn’t always a go-to for Friendsgiving, Baked Rice proves it deserves a spot this time of year. It’s simple yet hearty enough for the season and works perfectly alongside casseroles. The addition of baking gives it a texture that makes it more special than basic cooked rice. Include it if you’re looking for an easy yet underrated side idea.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Potato Casserole

Potato Casserole being served.
Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Your Friendsgiving table benefits from classic options, and Potato Casserole is a must. It’s rich enough to deliver that fall comfort food vibe everyone wants. The dish is easy to share, which makes it perfect for gatherings. This one will disappear fast once the serving spoon comes out.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Dinner Rolls

Close-up of freshly baked golden-brown dinner rolls, with one roll partially torn to show its soft, fluffy interior.
Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A Friendsgiving table isn’t complete without Dinner Rolls as a side staple. Their soft and comforting texture makes them perfect for soaking up gravies and sauces. They bring a kind of familiarity that everyone expects in a fall meal. This timeless classic also balances the more rich and filling sides.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Broccoli Casserole

Someone serving broccoli casserole.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re looking for something green to balance your Friendsgiving table, Broccoli Casserole is a great choice. It keeps the meal feeling cozy without being too heavy. The flavors come together in a way that complements all the other traditional fall dishes. It’s a subtle but essential addition to the spread.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower head cut in half, garnished with chopped parsley, on a white plate.
Roasted Whole Cauliflower. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Serving Roasted Whole Cauliflower during Friendsgiving adds something visually impressive and tasty to the mix. It stands out among the usual casseroles and potato sides. Its roasted texture and flavors make it feel just right for a fall gathering. This dish is a conversation piece as much as it is a side.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Pizza Casserole

A close-up of a baked pasta dish with melted cheese, pepperoni slices, and herbs, showing a serving being lifted, revealing gooey cheese strands.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For a fun, unexpected twist at Friendsgiving, Pizza Casserole brings something a little more playful to the table. It blends flavors that everyone loves but still fits right in with the fall theme. Being easy to share makes it perfect for gatherings like this. Keep it in mind if you want a side that’s both familiar and unique.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Leek and Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy soup garnished with sautéed green onions and herbs.
Leek and Potato Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Fall and soup go hand-in-hand, which is why Leek and Potato Soup is a natural fit for Friendsgiving. It offers a warm, comforting element that ties the whole meal together. Soups like this are easy to serve and keep that fall coziness alive. It’s also a nice starter if you’re doing a full-course meal.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top.
Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bringing Ravioli Casserole to your Friendsgiving table gives a nod to Italian flavors while staying hearty and sharable. It’s a great dish when you want to offer something a little bit different. The layers of flavors fit well with other dishes for fall gatherings. This option works if you’re aiming for crowd-pleasing and filling.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

A bowl of stew with bread and carrots.
Jamaican Red Beans and Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Add a little global flair to your Friendsgiving with Jamaican Red Beans and Rice. Its bold flavors make it stand out among traditional fall sides, yet it fits in perfectly with the season’s hearty vibe. The dish is a comforting option that pairs well with other mains. It’s a way to mix up your table without being overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

A person scooping a sweet potato casserole out of a baking dish.
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re looking for a nostalgic and sweet addition to your Friendsgiving spread, Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows is the answer. This side gives off all the fall vibes you want in a meal with friends. It’s a dessert-like dish that still pairs well with the main course. Definitely a crowd-pleaser during the season.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta

A white dish filled with cooked fusilli pasta, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce, with a silver fork resting inside.
Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For something trendy but comforting, Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta turns heads at Friendsgiving. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for a fall gathering. While it’s a bit different from traditional sides, it offers great variety on the table. This dish effortlessly brings a touch of modern flair to your seasonal lineup.
Get the Recipe: Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta

Baked Potato

Baked potatoes on a serving dish with sour cream and fresh parsley.
Baked Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

One of the easiest sides to prepare for Friendsgiving has to be Baked Potato. It lets everyone personalize their plate, making it perfect for larger gatherings. The simplicity of the dish doesn’t take away from how well it fits with fall. These wholesome sides complement just about everything else on the table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

A casserole dish with zucchini and cheese on it.
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a veggie-packed yet comforting side at Friendsgiving, Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is a fantastic choice. It adds a bit of lightness while still offering that cozy, baked element for fall. The balance of flavors feels just right with heavier mains. Your guests will appreciate how this dish fits in with the seasonal vibe.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.
Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

As a fresh alternative on your Friendsgiving table, Honeycrisp Salad brings a crisp and balanced option. While most sides lean warm and hearty, this adds brightness to the meal. It’s especially perfect in a fall menu with its seasonal ingredients. This salad offers variety without overshadowing anything else.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Egg Casserole

A casserole dish containing egg casserole.
Egg Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Make your Friendsgiving spread unique with Egg Casserole, a simple yet comforting dish for any occasion. It adds a baked warmth that feels right for the fall season. Incorporating this dish keeps the table interesting and versatile. Offering something egg-based gives your guests more choices without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

A honey hot chicken salad with succulent fried chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, cucumber slices, and mixed greens, all topped with a creamy dressing.
Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A little sweet and a little spicy, Hot Honey Chicken Salad is ideal for Friendsgiving. It works as a flavorful side or even part of your main spread. The mix of textures and sweet-spicy kick fits well with rich fall dishes. This salad is easy for guests to serve and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Eggplant Casserole

A slice of cheesy eggplant lasagna with tomato sauce is being lifted from a pan, showing stretchy melted cheese. A bowl is blurred in the background.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Putting Eggplant Casserole on your Friendsgiving table is a great way to offer something veggie-forward yet hearty. It’s perfect for those looking for plant-based options during fall. The texture and flavors make it feel like a warm dish that complements other sides. You’ll have guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Garlic Bread

Slices of garlic bread topped with chopped parsley and sea salt sit enticingly on a wooden board, accompanied by a small bowl of salt and fresh cloves of garlic.
Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

No Friendsgiving spread is complete without Garlic Bread to round it out. It’s versatile enough to pair with casseroles, soups, and more. The warm, soft layers with that familiar garlic kick fit right into the fall theme. Everyone loves to grab an extra slice (or two).
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Loaded Potato Skins

Close-up of loaded potato skins topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and sliced green onions on a white background.
Loaded Potato Skins. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Snacking is a big part of Friendsgiving, and Loaded Potato Skins are perfect for that. They bring a salty, crispy, and comforting feel to the menu. These are great as an appetizer or even part of the main spread during fall. Expect these to vanish quickly once served.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Potato Skins

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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