I Repeat 47 Fall Sides Because They’re Family-Approved
Every family has that short list of sides that must appear on the table or there will be complaints. These 47 fall favorites earned that status after disappearing too many times to count. They’re easy, reliable, and somehow always get scraped clean before the main dish is done. When the family starts asking for repeats, you know it’s a keeper.

Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Nothing brings everyone to the table faster than something warm from the oven. Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins strike that perfect balance of sweet and kick that keeps people grabbing more than one. They’re simple, familiar, and never fail to disappear first. It’s one of those sides that earns applause without trying.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins
Hashbrown Casserole

Some recipes just make family meals easier. Hashbrown Casserole turns a basic side into something everyone wants seconds of without asking. It’s hearty, golden, and always gets comments before the first bite’s even done. That empty dish at the end always says enough.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Beet Salad

A good side should surprise people in the best way. Beet Salad adds color and freshness to the table while keeping things light but memorable. It’s the kind that makes people feel like you put in extra effort without any fuss. Even those who claim not to like salad usually change their mind.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad
Egg Fried Rice

When dinner feels too serious, add something fun. Egg Fried Rice lightens the mood while tying the whole meal together in the easiest way. It’s quick, satisfying, and works with anything else on the table. Everyone ends up asking for it again next week.
Get the Recipe: Egg Fried Rice
French Onion Casserole

Comfort food just hits differently when it smells this good. French Onion Casserole fills the room with warmth before anyone even sees it. It’s rich, cozy, and practically begs for a second helping. The compliments usually start before dinner’s even over.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole
Sautéed Kale

Every table needs something that makes you feel balanced. Sautéed Kale brings that earthy note that pairs well with almost anything you serve beside it. It’s simple but feels fresh every time you make it. Even the “I don’t eat greens” crowd gives in eventually.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Kale
Cabbage Casserole

Some sides sneak up on you with how comforting they are. Cabbage Casserole keeps things hearty and homey without trying too hard. It’s the one that gets quiet nods around the table mid-bite. Leftovers? Never happens with this one.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole
Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Sometimes you need a side that wakes everyone up a bit. Hot Honey Chicken Salad brings that perfect mix of sweet heat and crunch that keeps people talking. It’s light enough to balance a heavy meal but still bold enough to stand out. This is the dish that quietly becomes a regular request.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad
Crunchy Onion Rings

There’s always one side that disappears faster than you can blink. Crunchy Onion Rings bring that perfect bite that makes every main dish feel complete. They’re fun to stack, share, and swipe when no one’s looking. Someone always ends up guarding the last piece like treasure.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings
Southern Cornbread

Family meals feel incomplete without something classic like this. Southern Cornbread hits that old-fashioned comfort every single time. It’s crumbly, warm, and perfect with just about anything on the plate. No one ever leaves a single crumb behind.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread
Tuna Noodle Casserole

Nostalgic dishes always find their way back to the menu. Tuna Noodle Casserole delivers that creamy, cozy feeling that makes family dinners slower and happier. It’s the kind of food that gets passed around twice before mains even arrive. Everyone ends up sharing stories while eating it.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole
Sweet Potato Wedges

There’s always one dish that pleases everyone without fail. Sweet Potato Wedges bring just the right mix of crisp and comfort that keeps plates coming back empty. They work with anything you serve and still manage to steal the spotlight. Even picky eaters turn into fans after the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges
Crack Chicken Casserole

Some dishes are so comforting, they don’t even make it to leftovers. Crack Chicken Casserole has that creamy, baked perfection that keeps everyone hovering near the oven. It’s rich without feeling overdone and fits with almost any meal. The silence that follows the first bite says it all.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole
Scalloped Potatoes

Family dinners wouldn’t feel right without this classic. Scalloped Potatoes bring that layered warmth everyone looks forward to before the meal even starts. They’re smooth, tender, and always worth the extra scoop. Nobody ever complains when these show up again next week.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Asian Cucumber Salad Jar

Sometimes you just need a side that feels crisp and light. Asian Cucumber Salad Jar does that perfectly while adding a fun twist to the table. It’s quick to grab, easy to serve, and never overstays its welcome. Even the kids sneak a few bites without being told.
Get the Recipe: Asian Cucumber Salad Jar
Potato Casserole

There’s something about a baked potato dish that makes everyone smile. Potato Casserole keeps that homey charm alive with its soft center and golden edges. It works beside any main, from roasts to grilled dishes. It’s one of those sides no one argues about making again.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole
Grilled Corn on the Cobb

A meal feels instantly friendlier when this hits the plate. Grilled Corn on the Cobb adds that touch of smoky sweetness that keeps the conversation going. It’s messy, fun, and made for family-style eating. Someone always ends up asking for seconds mid-laughter.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cobb
Baked Rice

Sometimes it’s the simple sides that win hearts. Baked Rice is soft, warm, and feels like the missing piece every dinner needs. It’s never the flashiest thing on the table, but it never disappoints either. Every spoonful just feels like comfort done right.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice
Million Dollar Casserole

There’s a reason this one keeps coming back on the menu. Million Dollar Casserole has that rich, creamy feel that turns a simple dinner into something memorable. It’s indulgent in all the right ways and always gets requests for seconds. It earns its name every single time.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole
Honeycrisp Salad

Light sides have a way of balancing heavier plates. Honeycrisp Salad adds a refreshing crunch that brightens up everything else on the table. It’s crisp, clean, and always leaves people wanting just a bit more. Even the main dish starts to feel jealous.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad
Sweet Potato Fries

No one ever skips these when they’re around. Sweet Potato Fries bring that soft-inside, crispy-outside magic that makes every meal feel complete. They’re easy to grab, hard to share, and perfect with just about anything. People always say they could make a meal out of them alone.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Pizza Casserole

A good side doesn’t need to play by the rules. Pizza Casserole brings fun energy to the table while keeping everyone’s hands busy reaching for more. It’s familiar, playful, and somehow tastes even better reheated the next day. Every bite feels like a tiny celebration.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole
Antipasto Skewers

Snacks on sticks always make things more fun. Antipasto Skewers look impressive without trying too hard and keep everyone nibbling before dinner’s ready. They’re light, colorful, and never go unnoticed. Guests always ask how you managed to make them look that good.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers
Easy Cornbread Casserole

Some recipes never lose their charm no matter how many times you make them. Easy Cornbread Casserole brings warmth and texture that makes everyone linger around the table. It’s homey, simple, and perfect for feeding a crowd. There’s always someone asking if they can take some home.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole
Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta

Social media trends come and go, but this one stuck for a reason. Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta feels fancy without actually being complicated. It’s rich, smooth, and surprisingly easy to pair with everything. Even the non-pasta fans go quiet while eating it.
Get the Recipe: Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta
Leek and Potato Soup

Every good meal needs a bowl that feels like a hug. Leek and Potato Soup does exactly that with its creamy comfort and mild depth. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet cozy enough for guests. Everyone leans back smiling after this one.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup
Creamed Spinach

There’s always one green dish everyone suddenly loves. Creamed Spinach brings that soft, velvety comfort that turns skeptics into fans. It balances heavy mains without losing its richness. Plates come back clean, every single time.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach
Hamburger Casserole

Family favorites are favorites for a reason. Hamburger Casserole gives off that nostalgic energy of something you grew up loving. It’s hearty, filling, and always the first thing people compliment. Leftovers are gone before anyone even gets to pack them.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole
Baked Potato

Simple sides often have the strongest fan club. Baked Potato keeps everyone happy no matter what else is being served. It’s cozy, reliable, and fits any kind of dinner. There’s always someone trying to grab an extra one at the end.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Spaghetti Casserole

When you want something that feels casual but still special, this one delivers. Spaghetti Casserole has that familiar flavor everyone connects with instantly. It feeds a crowd without stress or mess. Every forkful feels like an old favorite reborn.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Sweet, glossy sides have a charm that’s hard to beat. Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe brightens up the table while adding a little fun to the mix. It’s a small effort with big results every time. Even kids ask for extras, which says everything.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Funeral Potatoes

This one shows up at every big meal for a reason. Funeral Potatoes are creamy, comforting, and hard to stop scooping. It’s nostalgic without feeling heavy, just the way comfort food should be. There’s never any left to put away.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Gnocchi

Tiny, soft bites that feel like they were made to make you happy. Gnocchi brings that smooth texture that makes everything else on the plate better. It’s simple but always earns a few impressed looks. No one ever says no to seconds.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi
Twice Baked Potatoes

Some sides deserve their own spotlight. Twice Baked Potatoes are crispy on top, creamy inside, and just fancy enough to impress guests. They go with everything but somehow outshine it all. There’s always one person claiming the last one before it’s gone.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Salads can surprise people when they’re done right. Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing is fresh, crunchy, and full of little textures that keep it interesting. It works for potlucks or quiet dinners alike. Even the salad skeptics come around for this one.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Egg Casserole

Every family needs a go-to that works for any time of day. Egg Casserole fits that role with ease, feeding a crowd without extra stress. It’s warm, fluffy, and perfect for leftovers too. Everyone ends up calling it “comfort in a dish.”
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole
Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Sometimes it’s nice to serve something that looks dramatic but takes no effort. Roasted Whole Cauliflower does just that; simple, wholesome, and impressive every time. It stands tall on the table, soaking up all the attention. Guests always want to know your trick.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Sweet Potato Gnocchi

A little twist on a classic always keeps things interesting. Sweet Potato Gnocchi adds just enough flavor to feel new while keeping its cozy charm. It’s soft, light, and fun to serve alongside heavier dishes. Everyone quietly agrees it deserves a comeback.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Focaccia Bread

Fresh bread always wins people over. Focaccia Bread brings that soft, chewy comfort that fills the whole room with warmth. It pairs perfectly with everything without trying to compete. Friends always ask if you baked it from scratch.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

It’s always nice when a vegetable dish steals the show. Cheesy Zucchini Casserole brings out that golden, bubbly comfort everyone loves to dig into. It’s both familiar and exciting in its own quiet way. The compliments keep coming even after dinner’s done.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Breakfast Potatoes

Crispy, golden sides always earn attention. Breakfast Potatoes may be meant for mornings, but no one minds them at dinner. They add that satisfying crunch that completes any meal. People grab seconds before realizing they’ve cleaned the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Potatoes
Mac and Cheese

You can never go wrong with something this iconic. Mac and Cheese hits that nostalgic note that makes everyone feel at home instantly. It’s creamy, smooth, and perfect for big family spreads. The silence between bites says it’s doing its job.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Some recipes get their name because they really are that good. Marry Me Chicken Casserole brings everything you love about comfort food in one warm, creamy scoop. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone smile without trying. Family dinners feel special every time it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole
Sweet Potato Fritters

Bites like these never last long once they hit the table. Sweet Potato Fritters are crisp, flavorful, and fun to snack on while chatting. They fit just as well with casual dinners as they do with bigger spreads. Everyone ends up chasing the last one.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters
Macaroni Salad

There’s always that one dish that makes every meal feel complete. Macaroni Salad brings creaminess and comfort in every spoonful. It’s cool, simple, and perfect for any gathering. Somehow, it always tastes better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

It’s not your usual side, but that’s what makes it fun. Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes bring a little surprise to familiar flavors while keeping things down-to-earth. They’re hearty enough to please everyone without stealing the show. Even picky eaters end up finishing theirs first.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes
Dinner Rolls

Every table needs something warm to pull apart and share. Dinner Rolls never fail to bring everyone’s hands reaching at once. They’re soft, buttery, and perfect with absolutely everything. Watching them vanish is part of the tradition now.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls
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.
