I Know Dinner’s Over When 49 Fall Sides Are Gone

It’s not the main course that ends the meal; it’s when 49 fall sides officially run out. That’s the instant someone looks around like, “Wait, who ate the last one?” and another person pretends innocence. Plates stack up, crumbs scatter, and the serving spoons clink on empty dishes.

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.

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.

Plates get passed around in a hurry every time French Onion Casserole makes the spread. That cheesy baked top disappears first at every meal. Even picky eaters want to pile it on next to the main dish. Seconds are a given when the leftovers show up next day. It’s one of those sides always talked about later.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Baked Zucchini

Roasted zucchini halves garnished with chopped parsley on a white plate.
Baked Zucchini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Trays come back empty after crispy Baked Zucchini lands on the table. Munching on these rounds feels like eating snack food but you don’t stop at just one. They make the plate look good next to anything. These even double up as midnight snacks if you’re lucky. Always feels like they should have made more.
Get the Recipe: Baked Zucchini

Southern Cornbread

Close-up of two stacked pieces of cornbread with melted butter on top, showcasing a golden-brown crust and moist, crumbly texture.
Southern Cornbread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Plates fill up quick when golden Southern Cornbread pops out of the oven. Crumbs end up on every napkin and people keep reaching for more. Some fight over the corner pieces just for a bit of extra crunch. It handles butter well and can hold its own next to spicy dishes. More than one slice always gets taken.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread

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.

Bowls get wiped clean when fresh Beet Salad is on the table. The color always stands out before the meal even starts. Pairs well with meat but could honestly steal the show on its own. Leftovers go quick for cold lunches. This salad always gets some attention.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Funeral Potatoes

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.
Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

People pile spoons high with cheesy Funeral Potatoes at get-togethers. They’re always the first thing gone at a potluck. You know you hit the right note when everyone wants seconds. These work great hot or cold the next day. Serving a crowd just means doubling the batch.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Egg Fried Rice

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

Bowls are empty fast with fluffy Egg Fried Rice in the mix. The dish pairs up with almost any main to keep people happy. It’s good as a leftover too which is rare for rice. Makes plates feel full and cozy. Even picky eaters ask for more.
Get the Recipe: Egg Fried Rice

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.

Hands fly for sweet and spicy Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins as soon as they’re in sight. They go with chili or just stand alone with a pat of butter. The tiny bit of heat keeps people reaching for that next muffin. People talk about these long after dinner’s over. It’s always smart to make a double batch.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Sweet Potato Wedges

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

Somehow trays of Sweet Potato Wedges always clear out way before the meal ends. Crispy edges and soft centers keep people coming back for another handful. Good for dipping or just stacking high beside the protein. They make any plate look put together. The serving bowl usually ends up empty.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

A white dish with roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, red onions, and sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh dill and thyme.
Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables turn quiet meals into something special. Nobody picks out their least favorite in this mix. The color adds a pop to the whole table. Leftovers get scooped up for next day lunches. Friends mention these for weeks after.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

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.

Bowls get passed around twice with baked Cabbage Casserole in the lineup. It’s perfect for stretching a meal to feed extra folks. No one turns it down when the main runs out. Hearty enough to stand in as comfort food all on its own. The pan is always scraped clean.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Close-up of a delightful broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Mixed ingredients are visible in detail, showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of this fresh broccoli salad.
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bowls of crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing show up at every party for a reason. The crumble on top seals the deal for everyone grabbing seconds. Nobody passes up a good helping. It goes well with heavy or light mains. You know it’s a home run when leftovers disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

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.

Garlic Knots never make it past the first round of sharing. Soft centers keep people pulling for just one more. They work as a snack before the meal or sopped up with sauce at the end. Doubles as a kid-pleaser and a carb lover’s dream. Every knot finds a new fan every time.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Yellow Squash Casserole

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

There’s always someone who tries Yellow Squash Casserole for the first time, then asks for seconds. The golden crust gets nibbled away first. Works with hearty mains or just a green salad. It’s a way to get a veggie side and a comfort food hit in one. The casserole dish comes back empty nearly every night.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole

Stuffing Balls

Close-up of several stuffing balls containing herbs and dried cranberries, garnished with fresh parsley.
Stuffing Balls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Hands grab for crunchy Stuffing Balls before anything else on the table even gets touched. They’re easy to eat and all about fun at dinnertime. Folks like dipping them or stacking them on plates. These deliver that big stuffing flavor in a single bite. Don’t expect leftovers with these around.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing Balls

Fluffy Naan Bread

A stack of flatbreads garnished with chopped parsley sits on a cloth, with a white pepper grinder, fresh herbs, a lemon wedge, and a bowl of yellow sauce nearby.
Fluffy Naan Bread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Plates need extra space when stacks of Fluffy Naan Bread hit the spread. People rip off pieces for scooping or just eat it plain. It’s so good half is gone before the meal even starts. Friends always want a little extra wrapped up for home. Someone always asks for the secret to keeping it so soft.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Naan Bread

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.

Nobody skips Baked Rice at dinner. It goes well with sauce or just some greens on the side. Perfect for soaking up the last drops of anything on your plate. Warm leftovers are just as good for lunch. Simple but always needed.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

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.

Salad bowls stay empty when spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad is on the side. The mix of warmth and a bit of sweet keeps it interesting. It holds up for lunch the next day without falling apart. Garden flavors get a welcome boost here. This salad always wins new fans.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

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.

Small stacks like Big Mac Sliders always go first when sides are up for grabs. Kids and adults both grab two or three at once. Cheesy layers make these sliders a crowd favorite every time. They vanish from the platter before anyone moves on to main dishes. Others try to imitate but never with the same result.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Sliders

Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes on parchment paper, with dollops of sauce and sprigs of dill.
Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Plates line up for crispy Smashed Potatoes right from the tray. The rough edges are what get everyone hooked. Dips or pour-over sauces stretch things out for more fun. Mashes don’t cut it when these are around. Leftovers never see daylight.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes

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.

Appetites kick up when Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes show up on the dinner table. It’s a snack and side rolled into one. The flavor keeps guests talking without needing extra toppings. This mash-up makes big meals easier and more fun. The dish goes quickly every time.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

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.

Bowls of thick Pumpkin Soup show up and conversation just starts flowing. It’s smooth and filling enough to hold its own on a packed table. Works solo or with a little warm bread on the side. Some people even finish the pot before dessert. Cozy meals often end here with everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Close-up of a dish featuring glazed carrots garnished with chopped herbs, served in a white bowl.
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Trays wipe out faster once sweet Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe pop up. Colorful sides always bring extra smiles. They fit with strong meats or lighter dishes without clashing. Bites are soft but never bland. The pan goes back empty every time.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Baked Potato

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

Slow meals always seem better when a hot Baked Potato shows up next to everything else. Stuff it any way you want; it’s the best blank canvas for sides. Crispy skin gets just as much love as the fluff inside. No one walks past this classic. The last forkful is always claimed.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Focaccia Bread

Slices of focaccia bread topped with rosemary and flaky salt, arranged on brown parchment paper.
Focaccia Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crunchy outside but fluffy inside, Focaccia Bread wins friends at every dinner. Those who sit close scoop up bigger pieces for dipping. It flavors up plain meals in one bite. Slices stack up quick on hungry plates. Breads like this just go first.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice-baked potatoes topped with melted cheese and chopped green onions on a baking sheet.
Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Big trays of stuffed Twice Baked Potatoes vanish with every round at the table. Creamy middles with crispy tops are the secret. Works as both a side and a main for some. Even picky eaters want just one more. These never survive past day one.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Gnocchi

A bowl of gnocchi topped with grated cheese, fresh basil, and black pepper.
Gnocchi. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bowls get filled in a hurry when pillowy Gnocchi is offered on the side. Each bite is soft with just enough chew to keep things interesting. Even plain sauce works well here. Sits heavy so the meal feels big. Others try to copy, but it never hits the same.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

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.

Plates fill up with colorful Antipasto Salad on nights that need something a little extra. The mix changes every time but it always cleans up fast. Pairs well with pizza, pasta, or a roast. Leftovers kick up brown-bag lunches. There’s usually nothing left to take home.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto 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.

Comfort means scooping out a piece of Eggplant Casserole and watching it disappear. Saucy layers keep people happy and chatty. It heats up again nice for late snackers. Some people find a new veggie fave with this mix. A true “gone too fast” dish.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potato cubes on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Scatter some Sweet Potato Cubes on a side tray and see what happens, gone in no time. Small bites make seconds automatic. The crispy bits win people over fast. Easy to eat with everything. Extra for tomorrow? Fat chance.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes

Green Bean Casserole

A casserole dish filled with green bean casserole with a spoon in it.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

No party feels finished until Green Bean Casserole has been completely polished off. Crunchy toppings bring extra fans every time. Pairs well with turkey, chicken, or a quick ham. This is a classic for a reason. Bowls come back for refills often.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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.

Belly laughs often start around bubbling Mac and Cheese. It shows up on all ages’ plates with the same results: empty bowls. The creamy sauce keeps friends talking. Scoops get piled high every time. No one acts surprised when this runs out.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

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

Family piles on serving after serving of Cheesy Zucchini Casserole for dinner sides. Some don’t even realize it’s veggie-packed till the last bite. Shows off with just enough cheese for bonus points. This casserole does not stick around. Seconds are the rule here.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Sweet Potato Fries

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

Crispy edges and soft middles mean Sweet Potato Fries barely last until the main is served. Dips bring the crowds. Easy to stack high on every plate. Somehow, someone always asks for more. You know dinner’s over when only crumbs are left.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Egg Casserole

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

Breakfast-for-dinner wins every time Egg Casserole rolls out as a side. Holds its own with big flavors or keeps it simple. This dish tends to vanish before plates settle. Reheats like a dream for next day meals. Hard to beat something so easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole

Hasselback Potatoes

Roasted hasselback potatoes on a baking sheet with parmesan.
Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Oohs and ahhs start once Hasselback Potatoes land on the dish line. Those cuts make every slice pop. Fancy without being too fussy. Any dip tastes better with these too. Pan gets scrapped by the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Taco Pasta Salad

A bowl of fusilli pasta mixed with ground beef, black beans, chopped tomatoes, and herbs, garnished with lime wedges.
Taco Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mashup meals shine with bold Taco Pasta Salad piled on plates. Easy to share and strong enough for hearty mains. It’s a hit with picky eaters who want something different. Side or main, it’s a winner. Bowls come back asking for more every time.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

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.

Pots are licked clean when gooey Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows shows up at dinner. That sweet topping grabs people right away and memories kick in. Seconds fly by without needing extra plates. It’s the one side people keep requesting no matter what else is made. Plates look empty in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Crunchy Onion Rings

A close-up of crispy, golden-brown onion rings sprinkled with chopped parsley and black pepper on a white parchment-lined surface captures perfection in every bite.
Crunchy Onion Rings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Baskets empty fast after serving up crispy, Crunchy Onion Rings. Dips go wild across the table. These rings run out quicker than you think. Adds crunch to any plate with ease. Friends request them on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

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.

Forks work overtime for cheesy Spaghetti Casserole with crispy crust. It’s the main side for big families needing to fill up. Leftovers heat up better than most other pastas. People talk about this stuff long after. Plates always run out before bellies do.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Sweet Potato Fritters

Sweet potato fritters in a stack.
Sweet Potato Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mixed platters empty out when the Sweet Potato Fritters get their turn. Sweet and crunchy is always a solid mix. Fast to disappear because you can eat them with your hands. Dips give them double duty. Even cold, there’s never any left.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters

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.

Warm Dinner Rolls are handshake deals everyone looks for before the meal starts. Soft and fluffy is the way to win hearts. You barely get one before the basket is gone. Works for sopping up extra sauce or eating by themselves. No one says no to a roll.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Crack Chicken Casserole

Close-up of a baked apple crumble dessert in a ceramic dish, featuring a golden-brown crumbly topping.
Crack Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Cheesy layers in Crack Chicken Casserole mean the tray goes fast every time. No need to worry about side or main, it fits both. Mixed plates get refilled quickly. Even the last spoonful is fought over. This one hardly ever gets leftover time.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole

Macaroni Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Colorful bites in creamy Macaroni Salad break up the routine at every meal. Serves well warm or cold, depending on the crowd. Big portions fill plates fast. Picks up the party with an easy mix. Not much gets wrapped up at the end.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

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.

Pizza Casserole is the first thing noticed on most tables. Everyone takes a scoop before anything else. Fills up plates with a fun change of pace. Cold leftovers have their own fans. Dinner ends quickly when this shows up.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Mexican Rice

A close-up of cooked Mexican rice with a wooden spoon, garnished with chopped parsley.
Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bowls clear out in minutes when fluffy Mexican Rice shows up. It’s a side dish that everyone expects now. Works well beside meat or as a full plate with nothing else. The color lights up even plain mains. No one leaves without a scoop or two.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it.
Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy slices of Dauphinoise Potatoes make meals feel complete. Guests stack their plates with as many as they can. Rich enough to share the spotlight with any meat. Finished pans equal happy diners. You know dinner is ending when these are gone.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

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.

Busy tables love when hearty Hamburger Casserole pops up as a last-minute side. Makes any spread feel more filling. The layers last just long enough for everyone to get some. Crowd favorite for leftovers too. Nothing sticks around once dinner ends.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger 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.

Bowls get drained with creamy Leek and Potato Soup offered up. Heats up a meal without the heavy feeling. Makes a good opener before the main dish. Smooth but not boring at all. Even the last drop is scraped from the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

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.

Baskets go empty first whenever crunchy Garlic Bread gets brought out. That buttery flavor gets comments every meal. Rare to see a slice left after dinner ends. Goes with soup or casserole just as well. Some guests secretly wait for it all year.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

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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