51 Fall Side Dishes Everyone In My Family Agrees On
Every fall get-together needs snacks that make people think you spent all day in the kitchen. The kind that looks like a five-star effort but secretly takes half the fuss. These 49 side dishes pull off that magic trick perfectly, impressive on the outside, easy behind the scenes.

Crack Chicken Casserole

When cheesy layers show up at dinner, plates get cleaned out fast. Crack Chicken Casserole mixes creamy bites and simple crunch that everyone wants more of. Good on its own or paired with grilled meats. People ask for seconds before it’s gone. Always gets voted back on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole
Egg Fried Rice

Quick rice sides make busy nights smoother. Egg Fried Rice is crispy, filling, and doesn’t weigh you down. Serves well with bold main dishes or grilled proteins. Handy for leftovers and even cold lunches. The pan is usually empty after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Egg Fried Rice
Asian Slaw

Crunchy salads add balance next to all the heavier mains. Asian Slaw keeps things fresh, light, and colorful at the table. Eat it solo or pile it on sliders and tacos. It’s one of those sides that gets repeat requests. Works every time for picky eaters too.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw
Beet Salad

Bright colors pop out in a bowl and grab everyone’s attention. Beet Salad brings subtle sweetness and crunch with every bite. Pairs well with other veggies or lean proteins. Easy to prep in advance. Plates are always empty by the end of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad
Cabbage Casserole

Soft layered sides add comfort to every meal. Cabbage Casserole shows up with a creamy finish and never lasts long. No matter what main dish you serve, this pairs up without hassle. Handy for potlucks or regular dinners. Family always asks for it again.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole
Southern Cornbread

Warm bread on the table is a sure win with any crowd. Southern Cornbread comes out fluffy and firm for easy slicing. Perfect for dipping or eating plain. Pairs up with chili or BBQ dinners. You’ll see people grab extras for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread
Mexican Rice

Hearty rice bowls make dinner feel complete. Mexican Rice brings color, flavor, and a soft texture you’ll want every week. Mixes well with spicy mains or wraps. Family likes it with lunch leftovers too. Fast to make and gone at meals.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Muffins with a kick always get curious looks at dinner. Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins balance sweet with mild heat for every bite. Works well with soups or BBQ. Good for snacks the next day. Bowls empty quickly with these on the side.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins
Butternut Squash Risotto

Creamy rice sides stack the plate with comfort. Butternut Squash Risotto fills you up with soft bites and a hint of sweet flavor. Nice with roasted meats or simple veggies. Perfect for second helpings. Requested over and over for dinner parties.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto
Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Colorful trays look great with every meal. Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables give crunch and flavor so everyone gets a bit of something different. Quick to serve crowds. Works for snacking after dinner too. No leftovers with these veggies.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
French Onion Casserole

Cheesy layers and crispy tops set this side apart. French Onion Casserole works with steak dinners and comfort food nights. The dish is a favorite at big family tables. Always leads to people hunting for seconds. Family asks for it every time.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole
Grilled Corn on the Cobb

Hands-on sides break up the main meal in a fun way. Grilled Corn on the Cobb brings smokiness and fresh crunch in each bite. You’ll see everyone reaching for a second round. Pairs with nearly every main. Always gets finished before dessert rolls out.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cobb
Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Bites with a kick keep meals interesting. Hot Honey Chicken Salad pops with flavor and fills you up without weighing you down. Good for topping sandwiches or serving as a side bowl. Gets talked about after dinner. Loves being part of any spread.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad
Hashbrown Casserole

Crispy layers mixed with creamy filling make dinner better. Hashbrown Casserole is easy to scoop and holds up the next day for leftovers. Perfect partner for big breakfasts or grilled meats. Usually, the dish is gone before anyone notices.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Garlic Bread

Plates get filled quickly when fluffy slices are ready. Garlic Bread smells amazing before dinner starts and works for dipping or eating plain. Family grabs extra pieces with every meal. Matches up with pasta or soup. Always wanted to attend weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread
Corn Casserole

Classic sides that never get old bring everyone to the table. Corn Casserole comes out creamy and soft, perfect for pairing with anything. Makes big servings for group meals. Scoops are gone before the drinks are finished. Good with lunch leftovers too.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Sautéed Kale

Green sides don’t have to be ignored at dinner. Sautéed Kale is light and packs a crunch that’s simple to prep. Matches up with rice, potatoes, or meats. Stays fresh for lunch the next day. Even skeptical eaters come back for more.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Kale
Wild Rice Casserole

Hearty grains break up the plate and leave everyone satisfied. Wild Rice Casserole matches big flavor and pleasing crunch for easy serving. Great for lunches or weeknight dinners. The pan is always empty after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole
Crunchy Onion Rings

Everyone smiles when a crispy snack hits the table. Crunchy Onion Rings stack up high and pair with sauces or sandwiches. Easy to eat by hand. Gone fast with crowd dinners. People ask for these for every tailgate or party.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings
Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy bites with a soft finish win over families every time. Scalloped Potatoes fill plates up and stay rich for leftovers. Works with grilled or roasted mains. You always need an extra batch. Never any complaint with this side.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Garlic Knots

Soft knots with a buttery outside make snacking fun at dinner. Garlic Knots pull apart easy and work as a starter or side. Pairs with soups, pastas, or meats. Gone before you know it! There is no slice left in the basket.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots
Honeycrisp Salad

Sweet and fresh salads keep dinners feeling light. Honeycrisp Salad stays crunchy and colorful, great for pairing with heavy mains. The bowl empties before the rest of the meal finishes. People ask about making it again soon.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad
Smashed Potatoes

Potatoes with the edge win out over bland sides every meal. Smashed Potatoes have a crispy top and soft inside for extra comfort. Perfect for any roast or grill night. Quick cleanup after dinner. Gone fast at every table.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes
Spanish Rice

Rice with extra kick changes up dinner without much effort. Spanish Rice brings color and flavor that goes with tacos, grilled meats, or roasted veggies. Good for meal prepping. Always gets finished before the main courses disappear.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice
Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Creamy veggie sides get a spot alongside classics for a reason. Brussels Sprouts Casserole brings crunch and smoothness in every forkful. Plates always get cleared. Handy for any holiday or weeknight meal. Makes leftovers for breakfast too.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Focaccia Bread

Thick slices of bread with herbs always get interest at dinner. Focaccia Bread is soft, flavorful, and works for dipping or snacking. Never sticks around long. Good for packing up the next day. Perfect match for soups or salads.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread
Yellow Squash Casserole

Soft veggie sides add color and comfort to every meal. Yellow Squash Casserole comes out creamy with a little crunch on top. Fits in with grilled chicken or fish. Great for picky eaters. Family puts it on the favorite list quickly.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole
Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Sides with a twist turn regular dinners into something new. Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes are easy to scoop and feel more fun than mashed potatoes. Good as a base next to proteins. Disappears quickly at the table. People ask for this at potlucks too.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes
Macaroni Salad

Creamy and cold pasta salads make eating veggies easy. Macaroni Salad brings crunch, color, and gets everyone to take a scoop. Handy for leftovers or next-day lunches. Shows up on repeat with family meals. Always runs out before dinner is finished.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Hamburger Casserole

Hearty sides fill plates and stomachs without fuss. Hamburger Casserole brings comfort in every bite and pairs up fast with green sides. Good for busy nights or lazy weekends. Everyone at the table keeps asking for it.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole
Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta

Creamy pastas with a trendy twist make side dishes more fun. Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta stacks up flavor and smoothness for every plate. Great for pairing with meats or eating solo. Usually the pan gets licked clean. Popular for sharing with friends.
Get the Recipe: Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta
Baked Zucchini

Veggies with crunchy edges pull people in for seconds. Baked Zucchini is soft inside and works with grilled mains. Easy cleanup makes it a go-to for busy nights. People start grabbing this one before salads even get served.
Get the Recipe: Baked Zucchini
Gnocchi

Soft bites with a chewy finish keep dinner interesting. Gnocchi pairs well with sauces, roasted meats, or veggies. Quick to prep for a busy week. Family comes back for second helpings. No leftovers make it to the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi
Baked Potato

Classic sides can make any dinner complete. Baked Potato offers warm bites with a fluffy center and crispy skin. Piled up with sauces or toppings for extra comfort. Fast to prepare for any night of the week. Plates look empty after it’s on the table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Big Mac Sliders

Stackable snacks show up at dinner and steal the spotlight from plain sides. Big Mac Sliders come out looking fancy but take little effort. Eats well with fries or salad. Plates are wiped clean every time. Worth repeating for parties and casual meals.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Sliders
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Bright sides catch the eye and taste sweet with any meal. Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe feeds a crowd and pairs well with chicken or pork. Quick to cook and easy to serve. Always gone fast at dinner. Shows up often in family requests.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Fun toppings put classic sides over the edge. Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows brings creamy bites with a gooey crunch. Good for holiday or regular meals. Everyone gets seconds when you serve this. Hard to keep any left for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Mac and Cheese

Cheesy comfort fills bowls every time you serve dinner. Mac and Cheese show up golden, bubbly, and quick to vanish. Works with BBQ or roast mains and packs well for leftovers. You’ll need big pans for big crowds.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
Ravioli Casserole

Pasta bakes always make the table happy. Ravioli Casserole stacks up soft bites with sauce and creamy edges. Plates get cleared before salads make the rounds. Requests for repeat servings start before it’s gone. Good for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole
Dauphinoise Potatoes

Cheese and cream turn potatoes into a favorite on the table. Dauphinoise Potatoes bake up with a rich texture that matches any main course. Always the side people talk about. Scoops disappear before you reach for seconds. Good for holidays and simple nights.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Easy Cornbread Casserole

Warm, soft sides work with all main dishes. Easy Cornbread Casserole offers comfort and easy serving. Slices hold up for second helpings. Never sticks around for leftovers. Families want this one on the weekly menu.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole
Cauliflower Steaks

Veggie slices with roasted edges make dinner more special. Cauliflower Steaks hold up for mains or serve as a base for other flavors. Quick prep and easy plating. Great for helping everyone eat their veggies. Cleans up fast after the meal.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks
Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Crowd-pleasing layers always get finished fast. Marry Me Chicken Casserole keeps dinner quick and filling. Soft bites and creamy finish win over every plate. Handy as leftovers or the next day’s lunch. Requests come in for every gathering.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole
Antipasto Salad

Crisp salads break up heavy plates and clear out fast. Antipasto Salad packs flavor with each forkful. Handy for lunch boxes or busy nights. Works well as a starter or paired with meats. Even picky eaters ask for it again.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad
Egg Casserole

Simple casseroles feed crowds with lots of options. Egg Casserole comes out soft, fluffy, and easy to slice. Fills plates for brunch or dinner. Packs up perfectly for leftovers or snack trays. Almost always gets finished on the spot.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole
Antipasto Skewers

Bites on sticks make dinners fun with zero hassle. Antipasto Skewers pair flavors and colors for easy grabbing. Handy for casual and big gatherings alike. Rarely any left by dessert. Always asked for again next time.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers
Sweet Potato Cubes

Bite-sized veggie pieces feed a crowd with minimal fuss. Sweet Potato Cubes roast up crispy and stay soft inside. Handy for meal prep or snacking. Kids love grabbing handfuls of the tray. You’ll see requests for more right away.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Veggie bakes with a cheesy top make dinner happier for everyone. Cheesy Zucchini Casserole gives soft, creamy layers and blends well with grilled meats. Usually, the first side dish is finished. Simple and quick for any meal. Good for leftovers the next day.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Funeral Potatoes

Any dinner gets better with creamy, crispy sides. Funeral Potatoes stack flavor and texture, perfect with roasted or grilled mains. Plates are cleaned before anything else. Good for brunch, dinner, or even snacks. Always shows up at family tables.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Spaghetti Casserole

Pasta casseroles rarely last long at family tables. Spaghetti Casserole packs in sauce, cheese, and soft noodles for big portions. Perfect for dinner parties or quick weekday meals. Seconds always get served. No one complains about repeats.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole
Breakfast Potatoes

Crispy spuds start off every brunch or dinner right. Breakfast Potatoes work as a side for main courses or stand alone for simple nights. Good hot or cold for next-day snacking. Easy to mix up flavors. Families ask for them weekly.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Potatoes
About the Author

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.
