My Family Waits All Season For 51 Fall Side Dishes

Autumn has its holidays, but in some homes, the real event is the spread of 51 side dishes. Each one carries its own fan club, and loyalties run deep. There’s laughter, minor chaos, and that familiar question: “Is there more of that one left?” The meal might end, but the debates over the best side carry right into dessert, and sometimes into next week.

Crack Chicken Casserole

Every family gathering feels complete once Crack Chicken Casserole hits the table with that creamy baked goodness. People scoop up seconds and rave about how filling it is. Even leftovers get fought over for next-day lunches. It’s one of those must-haves that doesn’t stick around long.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole

Garlic Bread

Baskets stacked with Garlic Bread are the first things to empty as soon as dinner starts. Buttery slices go with everything from pasta to soup so everyone grabs at least two pieces. No special plate needed, just grab and enjoy while chatting. A classic that’s always a solid side option.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Friends get excited when someone drops off Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins for any meal. They bring a little sweetness and heat that goes with barbecue or roasted meats. Fluffy texture makes them easy to grab as a snack too. Extra muffins fit right into breakfast the next day.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Sandwiches just get better when a tub of Hot Honey Chicken Salad is ready to serve. It adds a sweet but spicy twist that stands out from some boring salads. Loads up well on crackers or bread for a light side. Everybody asks for a second scoop or a take-home box.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Grilled Corn on the Cobb

Serving up Grilled Corn on the Cobb always draws a crowd during family dinners. It’s all about those smoky charred bits that everyone snaps up. Great on its own or stacked next to heavier plates. You’ll see empty cobs piling up fast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cobb

Beet Salad

Nothing perks up a table like a bright bowl of Beet Salad for an easy side. Color draws the eye while the mix is cool and crisp every time. Stands out with roasted meats or as a lunch on its own. There’s nothing left once you pass it around.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Mexican Rice

Skillet meals work best with a heap of Mexican Rice on the side for scooping. It’s got just enough flavor to hold its own but pairs so well with tacos or beans. Seconds are a given whenever it’s on the menu. Makes leftovers taste good even days later.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

French Onion Casserole

Cheesy goodness lands on every plate with scoops of French Onion Casserole at dinner. Guests like to dig in before the main dish even finishes cooking. It disappears fast so doubles as a snack while people wait. Always gets more praise than you’d expect from a side.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Asian Slaw

Bowls of Asian Slaw get passed around fast since this side balances out anything fried or saucy. Crunchy forkfuls freshen up heavy meals while staying simple. It’s the kind of thing people keep reaching for between bites of chicken or pork. Keeps the mood light around the table.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw

Sweet Potato Wedges

Platters pile high with Sweet Potato Wedges and disappear twice as quick as you’d think. Everybody gets that perfect combo of outside crunch with soft centers. Matches nicely with meat or stands solo as a snack. You’ll hear folks ask how they’re made after every meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Cabbage Casserole

Comfort food shows up right when you need it with pans of Cabbage Casserole at dinner. Layers keep things rich and hearty, so there’s no need for extra fuss. Goes great with pork or chicken but stands up alone too. Seconds are a standard move with this one.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole

Butternut Squash Risotto

Serving up bowls of Butternut Squash Risotto keeps everyone going back for another spoonful. Smooth and a little sweet it pairs up with grilled meats or fish. Feels a bit fancier but fits on a weeknight table. Always gone before anyone thinks about dessert.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Family-style dining feels complete with stacks of Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables across the table. Every bite brings out natural flavors that round out heavier mains. Great way to add color and crunch to a plain meal. Everyone wants first pick from the tray.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Hashbrown Casserole

Pans of Hashbrown Casserole disappear before mains ever hit the table at family gatherings. That crispy top keeps folks coming back for forkful after forkful. Makes breakfast for dinner extra special. Often resurrected for brunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Sautéed Kale

Fresh greens get respect when there’s a warm bowl of Sautéed Kale next to the chicken. Not too heavy but it makes the meal feel more complete. Works for big feasts or light lunches. Most plates come back empty thanks to this easy side.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Kale

Broccoli Casserole

Plates come back clean every time trays of Broccoli Casserole show up for Sunday dinner. Cheesy flavor covers every bite for a serious comfort finish. Sneaks veggies onto the table for those who need a boost. You can store leftovers for a quick lunch later on.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Crunchy Onion Rings

You know you picked the right side when plates of Crunchy Onion Rings move down the table first. Fried and crisp with every mouthful, they hit the spot every single time. Stack them high for game day or as an easy burger side. Every bite pulls people in for another round.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Corn Casserole

Scoops of Corn Casserole go right alongside just about anything with no complaints from picky eaters. It feels rich enough to stand out but pairs nicely with steak or pot roast. Second helpings just happen so make extra. This is one of those dishes everyone expects now.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Family dinners save the best for last when pans of Tuna Noodle Casserole make an entrance at the table. Creamy layers fill up empty stomachs fast so no one leaves hungry. Travels well to potlucks or picnics too. Gets huge love from old and young guests alike.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole

Asian Cucumber Salad Jar

Crunchy bites of Asian Cucumber Salad Jar help keep plates fresh on busy nights. It travels easy so it’s always handy at potlucks or big backyard feasts. Light but packs just enough bite to cut through heavier dishes. People love the mason jar look for presentation too.
Get the Recipe: Asian Cucumber Salad Jar

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Cheesy casseroles win people over with big scoops of Mississippi Mud Potatoes sitting hot and ready to go. It’s hearty and great for soaking up extra gravy on your plate. Nobody gets bored of this side with all its flavor. Make a double batch if you want leftovers at all.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Cauliflower Steaks

Plating up Cauliflower Steaks gets bonus points when people want something light. Works for both plant lovers and carnivores looking to branch out. Grilled edges add a nice char for depth. Fits any meal that needs an extra star on the side.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Taco Pasta Salad

Bring fun to the dinner table with scoops of Taco Pasta Salad mixing familiar flavors in a cool, easy bite. Packs up easy for lunchboxes or a meal on the deck. Colorful bowls tempt people to try it first. No leftovers mean you picked a winner.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Baked Potato

It’s never wrong to set out Baked Potato loaded up with extras for dinner. Simple but hearty side keeps crowds happy without much planning. Top as you please for every taste. Best eaten fresh but store well if needed.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Pumpkin Soup

You’ll see smiles when people start passing bowls of Pumpkin Soup around for dinner. It brings a smooth start to the meal and goes easy with fresh bread or rolls. People ask when you’ll make it again. Cold leftovers are just as good the next day.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

Dinner Rolls

Piles of Dinner Rolls make rounds at every meal because nothing beats warm, soft bread. It’s easy to fill baskets for big groups without fuss. Spread with butter or dunk into soup for extra comfort. Gone long before anything else on the table.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Side dishes take on a bold new flavor when someone serves up Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes along with main courses. It’s a sweet touch that stands out in a big crowd. Hearty filling keeps everyone going back for more. Makes a fun idea for mixing up the usual menu.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Dauphinoise Potatoes

Plates feel a little fancier when slices of Dauphinoise Potatoes are set down at family gatherings. Cheesy and creamy this is one casserole that’s always gone fast. Matches well with steak or roast. Never any complaints about repeats.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Food gets taken up a notch with Marry Me Chicken Casserole passed around the dinner table. Creamy, rich and filling this one is great for seconds. Pairs well with green veggies or simple bread. Everyone raves and corners the leftovers for tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Funeral Potatoes

Side dish drama starts when trays of Funeral Potatoes are hot and bubbling on the table. The crispy top is always picked at first. Rich and comforting from the first bite to the last. Classic for gatherings where you expect a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Egg Casserole

Brunch feels complete with squares of Egg Casserole served up hot and easy. Holds up on its own or next to ham or sausage. Travels to potlucks without any trouble. Any leftovers make a solid, quick lunch all week.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole

Honeycrisp Salad

Bowls filled with fresh Honeycrisp Salad always get attention for both crunch and flavor. Balances heavier plates with a light pop in every serving. Great start before things get too rich. Good for clearing the palate and making room for dessert.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Spaghetti Casserole

Family-style nights go smoother with pans of Spaghetti Casserole ready for easy serving. It’s loaded and good for stretching a meal across leftovers too. Makes you feel right at home among people you love. Never any food waste with this one.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Fingerling Potatoes

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes are the go-to when you want something simple but extra. Crispy skins and soft insides keep folks munching through each plate. Goes with chicken, beef, or even fish. Always the sleeper hit even with picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Fingerling Potatoes

Creamed Spinach

Creamy bowls of Creamed Spinach look fancy but still bring comfort to family tables. Pairs up well with grilled meats or a huge roast. Stays popular with everyone from grandparents to picky friends. Not a single spoonful left at the end of dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Sweet fans rave when a mound of Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows pops up for dinner. Soft and gooey inside with a fun topping nobody can skip. It’s almost a dessert but works right as a side. Gone way before anyone asks for more.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Million Dollar Casserole

Everyone’s plates get an upgrade when Million Dollar Casserole lands near the middle. Feels rich without trying too hard and serves a full crowd. Goes well with anything on the table. Leftovers make top-tier lunches too.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole

Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy batches of Sweet Potato Fries show up and disappear before the rest of dinner gets started. Works as a side or just a quick hand-held snack. Dips make them even more fun. Best paired with burgers or barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Focaccia Bread

Bread baskets stand out once Focaccia Bread arrive warm for the table. Soft center meets crunchy crust for bites that go with chili, salad or just butter. Nobody complains about extra bread with a meal this good. Best eaten warm but fine at room temp if needed.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Green Bean Casserole

Family get-togethers count on pans of Green Bean Casserole as a main side. Rich sauce and crispy top make every plate better. Goes with turkey, chicken or a big beef roast. Guests always ask if it’s on the menu, so skipping it would feel like breaking tradition altogether.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Mashed Potatoes

Bowls of Mashed Potatoes win over family crowds with every creamy serving. Perfect match for gravy or just plain butter. Hard to mess up and even harder to keep on the table. This is what comfort food means for most people.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Plates brighten up with scoops of Jamaican Red Beans and Rice on the side. It’s got flavor that stands out without fighting the main dish. Packs up great for leftovers. Always a good match for grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Leek and Potato Soup

Leek and Potato Soup set a warm mood at the table right from the start. Smooth and filling it fits right alongside sandwiches or heavier mains. Serves up quick for hungry company. Everybody leaves happy after a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

Mac and Cheese

Trays of Mac and Cheese turn boring dinners into smile-filled gatherings. Each gooey and pleasing bite is a crowd-pleaser. Good luck keeping a second pan safe for leftovers. Always the first to vanish off the spread.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Hasselback Potatoes

Fancy slices of Hasselback Potatoes line up for the biggest family suppers. Crispy edges with soft insides still keep things casual. People talk about this one all the way to dessert. Never leftovers when these show up.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Ravioli Casserole

Cheesy layers in Ravioli Casserole make everybody’s plates a little happier. Easy to take to potlucks or feed a hungry home crowd. Best enjoyed hot while the cheese is stretchy. This is a “new classic” for weeknight tables.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Spanish Rice

Bowls of Spanish Rice chill on the table and work with just about any main dish out there. Color brings some extra fun to any meal. Melts into burritos, tacos or scooped by itself. Odds are you’ll want seconds or thirds.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice

Sweet Potato Fritters

Snack plates empty out quickly once Sweet Potato Fritters hit the rounds. People grab them as fast as you put them out. Crunchy and easy to eat with no real cleanup needed. Always a good idea for big groups.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters

Baked Zucchini

Slices of Baked Zucchini trick even veggie haters into grabbing a serving. Goes with pastas, roasts or sits solo on a tray. Rings the bell for easy clean-up and leftovers that reheat well. Surprises folks at every meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Zucchini

Smashed Potatoes

Piled-up plates get better with rustic Smashed Potatoes right at the center. Crisp outsides with soft middle make extra butter almost a promise. They vanish right alongside roasted meats. Great for mopping up sauce or gravy.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes

Garlic Knots

Warm baskets roll through the kitchen with piles of Garlic Knots tied up for hungry guests. Fluffy dough and a garlicky finish put smiles on everyone’s faces. Great dipped in sauce or just eaten plain. Odds are a second batch won’t last long either.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots