Turkey Never Stands a Chance Against 47 Fall Sides

Let’s be honest, nobody’s lining up for seconds of turkey when the sides are this good. These 47 autumn side dishes know exactly how to take over the table without even trying. They’re warm, crowd-pleasing, and the real reason people show up early for dinner. Turkey might get the invite, but the sides run the party.

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.

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.

Some recipes just make a table feel complete, and French Onion Casserole does that easily. It’s rich, homey, and built with layers that bring everyone back for seconds. The smell alone fills the room before it even hits the table. Families keep it close because it never lets them down.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

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.

Every family meal feels a little more grounded with Southern Cornbread beside it. It’s warm, crumbly, and brings back memories of meals that lasted all afternoon. The texture hits that perfect balance between tender and sturdy. One bite feels like something you’ve known forever.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread

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.

Nothing feels as old-school and dependable as Cabbage Casserole. It’s simple but hearty, the kind of dish that stretches a meal and keeps everyone full. The taste brings that cozy kitchen feeling that’s hard to fake. It’s proof that comfort doesn’t need dressing up.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage 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.

Sometimes the easiest sides end up being the most loved, like Antipasto Skewers. They’re colorful, quick to grab, and make the table look ready for company. The mix of textures keeps things interesting without effort. Guests tend to hover nearby for “just one more.”
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers

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.

A touch of heat mixed with comfort makes Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins stand out. They’re soft inside with just enough kick to wake up a meal. The sweetness balances everything without feeling heavy. They leave people asking for the recipe every single time.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Egg Fried Rice

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

When a meal needs something filling yet easy, Egg Fried Rice fits right in. It’s quick, balanced, and ties together whatever else is on the table. The texture makes it filling without stealing attention. Every spoonful feels like the familiar ending to a good meal.
Get the Recipe: Egg Fried Rice

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.

Simple sides can still make a statement, and Beet Salad does exactly that. It’s bright, earthy, and adds color to any meal spread. The flavor is mild enough to mix well with everything else. It brings a freshness that quietly lifts the whole plate.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Potato Croquettes

Breaded and fried patties garnished with chopped parsley are arranged on a plate next to a bowl of creamy dipping sauce with herbs.
Potato Croquettes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s something about Potato Croquettes that always feels homemade. They’re crisp outside, soft inside, and vanish fast once passed around. The bite-sized shape makes them perfect for sharing. They disappear before anyone even realizes they’re gone.
Get the Recipe: Potato Croquettes

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.

Freshness finds its place through Asian Cucumber Salad Jar. It’s crisp, cool, and light enough to balance heavier plates. The texture brings a little relief in between rich casseroles. It’s the quiet refresher that every big meal needs.
Get the Recipe: Asian Cucumber Salad Jar

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.

It’s the simple sides like Sautéed Kale that make meals feel grounded. It’s earthy, warm, and fits naturally next to anything on the plate. The texture holds up well without losing that fresh bite. It feels like the kind of dish that belongs in every kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Kale

Butternut Squash Risotto

A bowl of risotto topped with roasted pumpkin pieces, grated cheese, and fresh parsley, with a checkered napkin and herbs nearby.
Butternut Squash Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Comfort in a bowl best describes Butternut Squash Risotto. It’s creamy, rich, and unhurried, just like meals made with care. The texture feels smooth and filling at the same time. A dish that teaches patience in the best possible way.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy macaroni and cheese dish with visible black pepper seasoning.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Family favorites come in many forms, but Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese holds its own. It’s creamy, hearty, and full of that cozy feeling that brings people together. The balance of flavors makes it fit right in at any meal. It’s remembered long after the table’s cleared.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Sweet Potato Wedges

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

A plate feels more complete once Sweet Potato Wedges hit the table. They’re crisp at the edges, soft in the middle, and always loved by both kids and adults. The natural sweetness plays well next to everything else. Every batch somehow vanishes first.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

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.

Cold sides don’t always get the spotlight, but Antipasto Salad proves they should. It’s colorful, layered, and packed with little surprises in every bite. The balance of texture makes it perfect for large spreads. It keeps the table bright and lively with every serving.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

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.

No meal feels complete without bread, especially when it’s Garlic Knots. They’re soft, golden, and full of that comforting aroma everyone loves. The pull-apart texture makes them perfect for sharing. Nothing beats that moment when they’re still warm from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

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.

There’s something beautiful about simplicity done right, like Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. They’re earthy, slightly crisp, and full of depth. The mix of colors brings warmth to any table. Every bite feels like it came straight from home.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

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.

Families love dependable dishes, and Baked Rice fits the role perfectly. It’s warm, filling, and absorbs flavor from whatever it sits beside. The texture stays soft without falling apart. It’s the kind of dish you never stop making.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Egg Roll

A wooden tray with spring rolls and lime wedges lined with parchment paper sits next to a small bowl of dipping sauce on a light surface.
Egg Roll. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Finger foods make meals feel relaxed, especially Egg Roll. It’s crisp, light, and easy to enjoy alongside heavier dishes. Each bite feels balanced and satisfying. People always reach for one more of this without thinking twice.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll

Baked Zucchini

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

Sometimes it’s the easy sides like Baked Zucchini that surprise people most. It’s light, tender, and never overpowers the rest of the meal. The gentle flavor brings balance to richer plates. It fits seamlessly into every spread without trying.
Get the Recipe: Baked Zucchini

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.

A dish like Roasted Whole Cauliflower has a way of stealing attention quietly. It’s hearty, impressive, and simple all at once. The texture keeps it from feeling too heavy while still filling. It shows that vegetables can be the star too.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower

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.

A warm bowl of Leek and Potato Soup has that old-fashioned comfort people look for. It’s creamy without being too rich, and gentle enough to start any meal. The texture feels smooth and soothing with each spoonful. It’s the kind of soup that brings silence to a table.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

Asian Slaw

A bowl of colorful coleslaw with shredded purple and green cabbage, carrots, chopped peanuts, and greens, mixed with dressing.
Asian Slaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Lively sides like Asian Slaw bring energy to a plate. It’s crisp, colorful, and adds just enough crunch to balance a meal. The freshness keeps things from feeling too heavy. It’s always the dish people pile on without thinking.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw

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.

Some sides have fun built right in, and Big Mac Sliders are one of them. They’re small, hearty, and packed with familiar flavor that everyone recognizes. The size makes them easy to grab without slowing down. They keep the mood light and plates full.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Sliders

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

A bowl of stew with bread and carrots.
Jamaican Red Beans and Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Comfort comes in many forms, and Jamaican Red Beans and Rice delivers it with ease. It’s warm, filling, and full of deep flavor. The texture holds up beautifully beside meats or veggies. It’s the kind of dish that quietly ties a meal together.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top.
Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Layers of comfort define Ravioli Casserole. It’s hearty, full-bodied, and made for family gatherings. Each scoop feels generous and familiar. Everyone at the table seems to linger for another bite of this delicious casserole.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Creamed Spinach

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

Old favorites never fade, and Creamed Spinach proves that well. It’s rich, smooth, and perfect for pairing with almost anything. The consistency feels just right—warm but not heavy. It’s a reminder that simple food can still feel special.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

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.

Meals feel incomplete without something like Easy Cornbread Casserole. It’s soft, moist, and comforting in that simple, Southern way. The texture keeps it light enough to enjoy with every bite. It’s usually the first empty dish on the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

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.

Shared meals feel more relaxed when Fluffy Naan Bread is passed around. It’s soft, warm, and perfect for scooping or dipping. The texture stays tender long after it’s served. It has a way of bringing people closer around the table.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Naan Bread

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.

There’s fun in comfort food, and Pizza Casserole delivers both. It’s hearty, cheesy, and always a hit with kids and grown-ups alike. The layers hold just the right mix of texture. It feels like a little celebration baked into dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pizza 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.

Little sides like Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe bring color and warmth to any plate. They’re sweet, tender, and polished enough for special dinners. The texture stays soft but never mushy. They’re the kind of dish that brings balance to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

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.

Some sides feel almost too comforting, like Sweet Potato Gnocchi. It’s soft, pillowy, and carries just the right hint of sweetness. The texture makes it filling but still light on the palate. It’s the dish that feels like a hug on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

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.

No table feels complete without Dinner Rolls. They’re soft, warm, and perfect for soaking up whatever’s left on the plate. The smell alone draws people in from across the room. Every batch of these rolls disappears faster than planned.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

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.

Comfort meets charm with Marry Me Chicken Casserole. It’s hearty, rich, and layered in a way that makes each bite better than the last. The warmth fills the kitchen before it’s even served. No one ever forgets where they first had it.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Spanish Rice

A bowl of seasoned rice garnished with chopped herbs, served in a beige ceramic dish.
Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Simple sides like Spanish Rice have a way of stealing attention quietly. It’s warm, well-balanced, and pairs with almost anything on the menu. The texture makes it a satisfying part of any meal. It brings a subtle rhythm to every plate it joins.
Get the Recipe: Spanish 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.

There’s energy in a dish like Hot Honey Chicken Salad. It’s crisp, bold, and just sweet enough to stand out among heavier sides. The texture keeps things light while still feeling substantial. It adds a little spark to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Casserole dish with Brussels sprouts, crispy onions, cheese, and herbs, mixed with a spoon.
Brussels Sprouts Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Old family recipes get new life through Brussels Sprouts Casserole. It’s creamy, warm, and built for sharing. The texture stays soft while keeping that little bite that makes it memorable. It turns skeptics into loyal fans in one serving.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Focaccia Bread

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

Bread has a way of bringing people together, especially Focaccia Bread. It’s soft on the inside, golden on top, and full of homemade charm. The texture makes it perfect for dipping or pairing with stews. It’s something that never feels out of place at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

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.

Warm, smooth comfort shows up perfectly in Pumpkin Soup. It’s creamy without feeling heavy, with a mellow flavor that pairs with nearly anything. The color alone adds life to the table. One spoonful feels like slowing down for a moment.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy and garnished with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Few sides carry tradition like Mashed Potatoes. They’re soft, buttery, and timeless; always expected, never unwanted. The texture is familiar but somehow never boring. Every forkful feels like home. Thus, this dish is often requested.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Cornbread Stuffing

A metal spatula lifts a serving of baked stuffing topped with chopped parsley from a white casserole dish.
Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Family gatherings don’t feel right without Cornbread Stuffing. It’s hearty, fragrant, and ties every dish on the table together. The texture is soft in all the right ways. Every scoop of this dish tastes like something passed through generations.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing

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.

Cool, creamy sides like Macaroni Salad bring balance to heavier meals. It’s easygoing, nostalgic, and fits just about any table. The mix of texture keeps it interesting every time. It’s a dish that carries comfort in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

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.

Hearty and familiar, Hamburger Casserole makes people pause mid-conversation. It’s filling, flavorful, and layered with simple comfort. Each bite feels like something made from habit and love. It’s one of those recipes that quietly keeps families fed.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

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.

There’s a fun twist hiding in Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes. They’re hearty, slightly sweet, and perfect for serving with a crowd. The texture keeps them from feeling too heavy while still being filling. They remind everyone that dinner can still surprise you.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

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.

A meal feels incomplete without Garlic Bread nearby. It’s crisp, fragrant, and full of warmth from the first slice to the last. The smell alone fills a room before it reaches the table. It has a way of turning simple meals into memories.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A baked dish with melted cheese, diced pineapples, browned bacon, and chopped green onions on top.
Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Comfort runs deep in Mississippi Mud Potatoes. They’re creamy, rich, and packed with the kind of flavor that fills a table with silence for a few bites. The texture makes them stand out among other sides. It’s the kind of dish that never needs an introduction.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A plate of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with pine nuts on parchment paper.
Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

It’s hard to pass up Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze once they hit the table. They’re crisp, glossy, and carry a hint of sweetness that wins people over. The balance of flavor works perfectly with hearty mains. They turn even simple meals into something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

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.

Every potluck or family dinner has that one side everyone waits for, and it’s usually Funeral Potatoes. They’re creamy, crispy, and comforting in every possible way. The texture feels rich without being too much. It’s the dish that keeps families coming back year after year.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

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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