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.

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.

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.

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

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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 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.

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

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

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

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.

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

A white bowl filled with sautéed kale and sliced garlic, with a fork lifting a portion from the bowl.
Sautéed Kale. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

A baking dish filled with golden-brown baked tuna noodle casserole, topped with breadcrumbs and garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuna Noodle Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

A plate of antipasto skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, artichoke hearts, cured meats, and a drizzle of green pesto.
Antipasto Skewers. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

A bowl of creamy spinach topped with grated cheese, being stirred with a spoon.
Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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 plate of golden-brown gnocchi garnished with rosemary, served with a black fork.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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

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

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

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

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

Breakfast potatoes with parsley on a wooden cutting board.
Breakfast Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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
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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