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.

French Onion Casserole

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
