51 Fall Sides That Bring the Family Together at the Table
There’s a special kind of magic in the way fall side dishes pull everyone in without trying. With 51 different ones to mix and match, no one can complain there’s nothing they like. It’s the kind of spread that makes even picky eaters rethink their choices. After all, nothing says family unity quite like arguing over who gets the last spoonful.

French Onion Casserole

Something special lands on any table when classic flavors meet in a baked form. French Onion Casserole bubbles with rich flavor and keeps everyone reaching for seconds, making gatherings lively. The aroma alone gets everyone asking when dinner is ready, while leftovers get claimed quickly for lunch. Your family will be asking for repeats on a regular basis.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole
Garlic Bread

There’s never a wrong time to add a little bread with bold flavor to dinner. Garlic Bread slices up easily, goes with any meal, and gets eaten up faster than you’d think. It doubles as a great snack or sandwich bread later. Families never get tired of this at the table.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread
Beet Salad

It’s fun to add a little color to the table with a dish that gets folks talking. Beet Salad gives each bite both crunch and earthiness, encouraging people to come back for second helpings. This salad holds up for the next day, making meal prep easier. Your fridge might run out of leftovers quicker than expected.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad
Mexican Rice

Serving something with extra flavor keeps everyone excited about what’s next at dinner. Mexican Rice fills plates and pairs with all sorts of main dishes or leftovers. Boxes of this rice go fast when packed for school or work lunch. Even picky eaters want another helping.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Muffins don’t always have to be sweet, sometimes, a touch of heat wins everyone over. Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins balance spice and sweetness in a way that keeps people curious. These muffins fit well as a side, in lunchboxes, or as little snacks for the day. Leftovers never last for long.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins
Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Changing up salad night brings fresh energy to busy weeks for everyone at the table. Hot Honey Chicken Salad combines heat and sweetness with a crisp bite, which perks up plates fast. It works well for lunches or quick dinners, drawing folks back for more. Share this salad once, and it’s bound to show up on your menu again soon.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad
Crunchy Onion Rings

It’s hard not to smile when a big platter of crispy snacks shows up at meals. Crunchy Onion Rings pile up fast but disappear in a flash, thanks to their texture. Everyone enjoys them dipped, stacked, or just by the handful. Plates are empty in record time when these are served.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings
Cabbage Casserole

Extra veggies sneak their way onto the table in this comfort-packed meal. Cabbage Casserole is easy to portion, making weeknights simpler and leftovers more exciting. It works alongside just about any main or as a lunch by itself the next day. Plates will clear without much effort after a big scoop.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole
Sweet Potato Wedges

Adding some orange to the plate keeps things looking bright and modern. Sweet Potato Wedges show up next to almost every meal and are easy for kids to pick up with their hands. They are good hot or packed for later as a snack. These wedges always make sides more interesting.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges
Creamed Spinach

Creamy sides sneak veggies onto plates, especially for kids who might pass on greens. Creamed Spinach makes it easy to mix flavor into any dinner lineup since it pairs with almost anything. Extra servings often go missing before the meal is over. Adults and kids both ask for more.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach
Garlic Knots

It only takes one whiff to get everyone excited when knots hit the table, each one packed with flavor. Garlic Knots are easy to pull apart and dip, making them perfect for sharing or devouring solo during dinner. They also double as the best leftover snack for lunch tomorrow. No one ever skips seconds.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots
Taco Pasta Salad

Fun sides make family meals something to look forward to, especially when new ideas hit the table. Taco Pasta Salad mixes things up with bold flavors and textures, which are easy to scoop and share. Lunchboxes fill up quickly with leftovers from this bowl. Crowd-pleasing is guaranteed every time.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad
Grilled Corn on the Cobb

Sometimes, old classics really hit the spot, especially for big meals. Grilled Corn on the Cobb doesn’t last long once everyone gets their first taste, and hands reach in for more before the meal even starts. It works well for gatherings, packed lunches, or as a fun side. Even cold, the leftovers disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cobb
Tuna Noodle Casserole

Bringing out a hearty side dish like this means less worry about what’s for dinner tomorrow. Tuna Noodle Casserole adds comfort for both kids and adults, sneaking its way into lunchboxes as leftovers. Portions are easy to serve, and clean plates speak for themselves. Everyone asks for this casserole again.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole
Southern Cornbread

Meals get an upgrade with a little something extra on the table to soak up sauces. Southern Cornbread is easy to slice and serve with any kind of dish and is known for being finished off quickly. Crumbs don’t stick around long, either. Extra pieces reheat nicely for snacks later in the week.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread
Scalloped Potatoes

Rich, layered sides always bring everyone running to the serving spoon at meals. Scalloped Potatoes go fast as people spoon up seconds with no hesitation, and they fit in perfectly at family dinners. The best part might be the leftovers warmed up the next day. It’s a comfort food favorite on any menu.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Spaghetti Casserole

Combining classic pasta with a baked twist makes dinnertime more fun for everyone. Spaghetti Casserole brings people together through the simple act of digging in and sharing seconds. Leftovers heat up well for lunches or snacks. Bowls are scraped clean without much encouragement.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole
Egg Roll

Crisp sides are always popular, especially when they come in a fun shape everyone can eat by hand. Egg Roll works for dipping or munching alongside bigger plates, which gets kids and adults interested, too. You’ll often find these gone before the main course arrives. They travel well for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll
Ravioli Casserole

Filling pasta packed into a bake is always a big hit on weeknights for busy families. Ravioli Casserole stacks nicely on a plate, holds its texture well, and is perfect for leftovers. It makes quick lunches easy to plan ahead. Serving it for dinner gets everyone to the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole
Roasted Broccoli

Bright veggies make it easier for everyone to reach for seconds, especially when cooked just right. Roasted Broccoli comes out crisp and dark, pairing nicely with meats, grains, or even more roasted vegetables. The color makes serving fun and fills the plate without too much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli
Focaccia Bread

Fresh bread with a hint of crunch is hard to ignore when it’s made for sharing. Focaccia Bread fits right alongside pastas, soups, or even served solo as a snack. People grab piece after piece, dipping or topping it as they please. No leftovers stick around when it’s part of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread
Hamburger Casserole

Classic flavors in a baked dish make dinner time easier for busy nights. Hamburger Casserole packs well for leftovers and solves next-day lunch in a snap. It fits alongside a variety of simple sides or stands alone. Kids especially like seeing this one on the table.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole
Leek and Potato Soup

It’s never wrong to start a meal with a simple bowl that everyone enjoys. Leek and Potato Soup stands out for being smooth, filling, and perfect for dipping with bread. Extras reheat well for second meals. Family members go back for more with each serving.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup
Pumpkin Soup

Creamy soups really help tie a meal together, especially when something a bit different lands on the menu. Pumpkin Soup offers a thick, warm start or finish for dinner, and leftovers fill lunchboxes easily. It’s something both kids and adults grow to love. These bowls never seem to stay full long.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup
Pizza Casserole

Everyone gathers fast when classic flavors make their way into a new dish. Pizza Casserole is packed with familiar touches, making it quick to serve as a side or main. This one often disappears before anything else on the table. Any leftovers are more popular than you might think.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Sides with a touch of sweetness always attract attention at meals, even for picky eaters. Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe offers up nice color and a soft bite, which makes them easy to share. These carrots pack well for lunch or snacks. Extra servings never last long in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Stuffing Balls

Taking a classic and shaping it by hand gets kids interested in trying something new with dinner. Stuffing Balls are perfect for munching on the side or pairing with any main dish. These are quick to serve, and handling them is a breeze. Guests always grab more than one when they’re around.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing Balls
Crack Chicken Casserole

Sometimes dinner just needs a crowd-pleaser you can count on, and this one is up for the task. Crack Chicken Casserole fits busy schedules, freezes well, and is great for next day meals too. Everyone reaches for seconds before the pan cools off. Planning leftovers will not always work with this dish.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole
Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Giving family favorites a new twist makes meals stand out in the best way. Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes win both kids and adults over from the first bite, offering a sweet finish to a classic side. These are simple enough for weeknights but fun enough for special events too. Leftover mixes are versatile for all kinds of lunch ideas.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes
Million Dollar Casserole

There’s always a buzz around the table when a rich, creamy casserole is served. Million Dollar Casserole serves up easily for big groups and always makes extra plates vanish. Lunches get simpler with leftovers ready to go. It’s one people always remember and ask for again.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole
Cornbread Stuffing

Bread-based sides are always popular and keep dinners feeling complete without much prep. Cornbread Stuffing offers soft bites and pairs well with almost any roasted main or gravy. The texture holds up for leftovers, so lunch is easier the next day. Stuffing sides are a good way to fill up hungry families.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing
Chili Relleno Casserole

Finding new casseroles to add to the table helps keep family dinners exciting. Chili Relleno Casserole comes packed with flavor and is less messy than the original, which makes serving quicker. Lunch and dinner both benefit from easy leftovers. Kids often ask for another helping.
Get the Recipe: Chili Relleno Casserole
Big Mac Sliders

Fun bites boost energy at dinner and always raise the mood at larger gatherings. Big Mac Sliders are silly to prepare, but the flavor gets high praise from adults and kids. Extras always disappear before anyone can pack them up. No table is complete without a tray of these.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Sliders
Baked Zucchini

Veggie sides that are crisp, not soggy, always stand out at dinner for families. Baked Zucchini has a mild, mellow bite that works as a side or light snack, and kids often grab extra pieces. It works well for meal-prep lunches, too. People regularly request it for potlucks and big meals.
Get the Recipe: Baked Zucchini
Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Unexpected flavors blend together in a casserole that becomes an instant favorite among both children and adults. Marry Me Chicken Casserole gets attention at the table and makes meal rotation more exciting. It’s perfect for special dinners or whenever comfort food is needed. No one ever leaves leftovers behind.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Colorful salads with rich dressings bring everyone closer at dinnertime, making veggie time less of a chore. Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing holds up for second-day lunches and rarely sticks around past the first dinner. Each scoop adds crunch and variety to plates. This one is always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Baked Rice

Sometimes, a classic needs only a small twist to become something new for family meals. Baked Rice comes out of the oven with a fluffy finish and pairs well with both meats and vegetables. Leftovers don’t stick around for long. Even picky eaters will want seconds by the end of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice
Dinner Rolls

There’s nothing like fresh bread being passed around as everyone gathers together. Dinner Rolls are quick to grab during any meal, making it easier to get kids eating. Leftovers get packed up for sandwiches or dipped in dinners the next night. Everyone smiles when rolls are set on the table.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls
Funeral Potatoes

Casserole dishes often become family favorites thanks to offerings like this one. Funeral Potatoes pair creamy, crunchy, and simple all in one serving, and everyone wants more. These sides travel well for events or gatherings, returning home with empty pans. Comfort food has a way of bringing smiles.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Gnocchi

Soft dumplings mix things up when families are tired of rice or noodles for dinner. Gnocchi fits nicely beside meats or roasted veggies, and leftovers find new life mixed with fresh sauces. Even kids quickly learn to love these. Dinner feels a bit more special when they show up.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi
Honeycrisp Salad

Bringing something cool and crunchy to the menu can help balance out heavier meals. Honeycrisp Salad features a mix of textures that draws people in for more bites. It works for big family meals or quick weekday lunches. This salad never gets left behind in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad
Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Mix-ins bring new texture and taste to family-style meals, making everyone interested when it’s time to eat. Sweet Potato Gnocchi serves up soft bites with a hint of sweetness that pairs well with so many sauces or roasted mains. Kids like the size and shape at dinner. Meals with gnocchi add variety.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Egg Casserole

Getting a side dish to double as a lunch or breakfast makes planning easier for busy weeks. Egg Casserole is quick to slice up for serving at dinner, and leftovers are always in demand. You can flavor it up in so many ways with just a quick change. Leftover pieces are always the first to go.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole
Antipasto Salad

Simple mixes with hearty toppings let everyone build a plate they enjoy. Antipasto Salad is good for picking at as a side or as a light main, depending on the mood. Slices and bits are still fresh the next day. Big bowls always look empty by the end of dinner.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad
Baked Potato

A classic on the table that never feels out of place next to big main dishes. Baked Potato is topped in dozens of ways for different family favorites, which helps keep it interesting. Leftovers can easily become hash or breakfast the next morning. No one can resist splitting open their own potato.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Antipasto Skewers

Sticks loaded with bold flavors make meals playful and easy to share with friends. Antipasto Skewers are fast to make and hold up great in lunchboxes or on a buffet. Kids pick out their favorites right from the stick. These are always snatched up first at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Blending vegetables with cheese in a casserole wins over even the pickiest eaters at home. Cheesy Zucchini Casserole comes out bubbly, keeps well, and works magic for leftovers. It packs well for lunch or can stand alone as a quick dinner. Everyone who tries it adds it to their favorite list.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Mashed Potatoes

Creamy sides are a must-have for big family meals, bringing comfort and warmth to the table. Mashed Potatoes fill up plates fast and double as a perfect topping for other dishes. Any leftovers get eaten quickly the next day. Hands reach out for more before you even finish serving.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta

Social media has sparked plenty of dinner ideas, but some keep coming back for a reason. Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta is creamy and exciting, often requested by family members after just one try. Leftovers travel well for lunches or another dinner. It quickly becomes a repeat on meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta
Asian Slaw

Fresh and crisp sides highlight every meal by adding variety and crunch to dinner. Asian Slaw stays bright and keeps its crunch in the fridge, making it perfect for quick lunches after. Even picky eaters try a little with their meals. Colorful bowls like this mean family comes back for more.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw
Mac and Cheese

Comfort food sides bring everyone running to the table before main courses even appear. Mac and Cheese is famous for going quickly as both a side and a main meal for kids. Leftovers are rarely found in the fridge for long. This classic is always welcome on the menu for any family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
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.
