49 Fall Sides My Family Asks For Every Year

Everyone knows the main dish gets the spotlight, but the side dishes are the real reason plates end up piled high. With 49 fall sides, there’s something for every picky eater and bold eater alike. These are the ones that disappear fast and have family members guarding the last spoonful.

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

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Something cozy hits the table when family asks for this every year. Layers come together in Tuna Noodle Casserole to make dinnertime easy. It stands out because it’s a hearty mix that’s both mild and filling. This one’s always empty by the end of dinner. Nobody needs extra sides when this is around.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle 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.

Bright colors can change up any meal. Bringing Beet Salad to the spread adds crunch with a touch of sweet and earthy. Everything feels fresh in this bowl. People always scoop seconds without thinking. There’s never a scrap left after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Potato Casserole

Some call it the ultimate comfort food in a pan. A forkful of Potato Casserole always disappears fast when family comes over. It’s rich but also feels familiar and easy. The top always ends up with the perfect crisp every time. Even picky eaters go back for another bite.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

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.

Bringing something green to the table keeps things balanced. A bowl of Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing gets everyone’s attention. Each serving has crunch with a thick bite from the dressing. This dish is simple yet so memorable every meal. It regularly runs out by the end of dinner.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

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.

Some like a little kick with their meal. Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins do just that. They bring out a mix of sweet and a bit of spicy in each bite. Everyone grabs two while no one’s looking. Leftovers will not be happening for these muffins.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

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.

Want something with a light crunch in the middle of a big meal? Asian Slaw is packed into the bowl and brings a fresh bite each time. It always feels cool with a crisp bite in every mouthful. This one is always the first gone at gatherings. Seconds become a must for everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw

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.

A slightly different way to enjoy a classic flavor comes from French Onion Casserole. The top always stays golden with every piece you cut. It smells amazing even after it cools down. Serving this feels just a bit special at every meal. People grin when they see it next to every main dish.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Mashed Potatoes

Every year, the bowl gets bigger because everyone loves Mashed Potatoes. That smooth scoop on every plate finds a home with any main dish. Even if there’s gravy nearby, nobody complains. The family will fight for the last spoonful. You’ll see people scraping the bowl with anything they can grab.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

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.

No one expects a side to steal the show until Cabbage Casserole hits the table. This one turns simple cabbage into a soft dish packed with flavor. Every bite gets better once things blend. New folks always ask what made it so good. Leftovers never stick around.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole

Funeral Potatoes

It’s not a real feast unless Funeral Potatoes make an appearance. There’s always plenty of creamy goodness under a crunchy surface here. It warms up the table in its own way. People will ask for this by name each year. Sometimes fights break out over the last piece.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Garlic Knots

Fresh bread never lasts long, especially when Garlic Knots come warm from the kitchen. That buttery pull-apart action keeps everyone reaching for more. The table gets quieter when folks bite into these. Nothing else seems to matter for a moment. Everyone looks for seconds before dinner’s even served.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Sautéed Kale

Getting something green on the plate can be easy with Sautéed Kale. It comes out wilted but keeps a little crunch that surprises folks. No one believes it’s just kale after they try it. The bowl empties before anyone mentions their veggies. Eating greens never felt so simple.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Kale

Hashbrown Casserole

Folks remember breakfast all day when Hashbrown Casserole is on the spread. That crispy top with a soft inside stands out every time. This side feels like a big hug on a plate. Everyone grabs a little more until there’s nothing left. Nobody walks away from dinner hungry.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Cucumber Salad Jar (Asian Style)

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

Sometimes, a cold, crunchy salad is all you need. Inside Cucumber Salad Jar (Asian Style), there’s a snap in every bite. People pass these jars around until everyone’s tried it. It always feels extra fun in its own jar. Half the fun is shaking it up before serving.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad Jar (Asian Style)

Baked Zucchini

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

Putting Baked Zucchini in the mix guarantees a healthy pick. These slices come out tender yet never mushy. Each bite offers a warm bite that everyone wants. The tray is always wiped clean by the end. Strangely, nobody ever misses heavier dishes with this one.
Get the Recipe: Baked Zucchini

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.

Bringing out Southern Cornbread always gets a cheer. Each bite is sturdy enough to scoop whatever’s on the plate. It brings a mix of crumbly and soft textures at once. There’s something familiar in every bite. Family asks for leftovers even before the meal ends.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread

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.

When people want something really rich and filling, they always go for Million Dollar Casserole. Every year, someone new loves how creamy and thick it is. It feels like a meal on its own most times. Even after eating a plate full, folks try to sneak another scoop. Sometimes you have to double the batch to keep up.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole

Scalloped Potatoes

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

Pulling out Scalloped Potatoes brings back a lot of memories. Layers stay soft but hold their shape perfectly every time. Folks point at this one first when it’s time to dish up. Seconds? Always. There’s rarely any left in the pan.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

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.

No meal is the same without Grilled Corn on the Cobb stacked on the platter. The grill marks catch everyone’s eye. Biting into one gives you a sweet crunch with a little smokiness. They always get plenty of requests before the meal. Extra napkins are required for this one every single year.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cobb

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.

Bringing all the colors together is easy with Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Everything comes out with crisp edges and a bit of chew. It looks great and tastes even better. Nothing seems heavy yet the bowl empties fast. This one always feels like a hit.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Broccoli Casserole

When dinner feels too heavy, someone suggests Broccoli Casserole. This one mixes softness with a slight crunch and feels right at home on any plate. Everyone loves how it keeps you coming back for more. The casserole dish always comes back empty. Love for this side is universal at family tables.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Egg Fried Rice

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

A scoop of Egg Fried Rice goes with just about everything else on the table. Those grains stay fluffy without getting dry. People add this to their plates no matter what else is served. It gets eaten with just a fork or spoon. The bowl gets scraped clean every year.
Get the Recipe: Egg Fried Rice

Garlic Bread

When the scent hits the room, everyone looks for Garlic Bread. Every slice pulls apart and soaks up sauce or gravy like nothing else. Even if there’s extra, it’s gone in a flash. Folks keep sneaking pieces before the main meal. There’s never enough, so someone always makes a double batch.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

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.

Mixing up something familiar gets a boost with Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. Each forkful packs creaminess with a touch of sweetness. It surprises everyone how much they like it. Folks won’t stop at one heap. Even picky eaters finish their plates.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Sweet Potato Wedges

All plates get a little brighter with Sweet Potato Wedges. Each bite gives you that soft center with a crisp edge. The balance makes these disappear quickly. People actually ask for extras to pack home. No one can stop eating them once they start.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Ravioli Casserole

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

Filling up fast isn’t hard when someone brings Ravioli Casserole. The fork meets soft pasta with every scoop. Layer after layer keeps people coming back. It gives everyone something to talk about at the table. The last piece is always saved for the luckiest one.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Mac and Cheese

Comfort hits every table when someone brings Mac and Cheese. Bowls go around until nothing but a little sauce remains. It’s creamy but never too heavy for seconds. People of all ages clear their plates fast. Requests to bring this back happen every single year.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

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.

Table conversations always turn to Roasted Whole Cauliflower when it’s set down. The center stays soft while the outside has crisp bits. Even those who claim not to like veggies ask for a slice. This gets carved like a roast. No leftovers with this one.
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.

When it’s soup time, folks ask for Leek and Potato Soup as their first choice. It’s both smooth and a little chunky. Everyone likes how easy it goes down with any main dish. Soup bowls are empty before dessert even comes out. Someone always asks for another pot.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

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

A pan of Cheesy Zucchini Casserole has never made it past seconds. Cheesy goodness covers every bite and goes fast. It feels both light and filling at the same time. People look for this side at every meal. Even those who dislike veggies enjoy it.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Focaccia Bread

Folks wait around for Focaccia Bread like it’s the main event. The pull is soft while the top gives a gentle crisp. Each slice picks up anything else on the plate. There’s something special in the fluffy center. People always hope there’s extra for later.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Cauliflower Steaks

Slices of Cauliflower Steaks stand out at any meal. The outside crisps up in the best way. People can’t believe it’s just a simple cut. Plates will be empty after this one. There’s never enough to go around.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Honeycrisp Salad

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

A bowl packed with crunch always sets off dinner, especially with Honeycrisp Salad. Every forkful gives a fresh snap in the mix. The blend feels clean and light at every bite. People usually ask for the recipe right away. Salad is finished before the main meal disappears.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

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.

When someone sets down Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta everyone gets curious. It’s creamy in a fun way that’s hard to describe. Folks love how it feels more special than a regular pasta bowl. Everyone asks for seconds before dessert. No leftovers to clean up.
Get the Recipe: Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta

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.

Plates always feel full once Easy Cornbread Casserole is added. It’s soft all the way through but never falls apart. This side always gets requests year after year. People use it to scoop up everything else. Everyone finishes their serving quickly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

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

Every big spread needs something bold like Jamaican Red Beans and Rice. It fits right next to anything else but still stands out. Plates fill up fast with this crowd-pleaser. Seconds don’t last long. Someone always asks for the extra.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

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.

Dinner isn’t complete without Crack Chicken Casserole next to everything else. It’s tender with a creamy base and plenty of flavor. Year after year, people rave about this side. Plates pile up with enough to cover all the other sides. Leftovers rarely last even a day.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole

Dinner Rolls

Warm pans make everyone reach for Dinner Rolls right away. The soft center and golden top go well with anything on the table. No meal feels complete without a basket of these. Everyone grabs two before the main course is finished. It’s clear why nobody can resist them.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

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.

Serving up Baked Rice brings a soft fluff that fits with any meal. Dishes pair up better with this easygoing favorite. Family makes sure everyone gets some before going for seconds. It gets more love than you’d expect. There’s rarely any to put away after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Yellow Squash Casserole

Squash casserole being served with a wooden serving spoon. — Yellow Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Putting Yellow Squash Casserole on the table brings a mild flavor that everyone likes. Bits of the top stay crisp while the middle stays melt-in-your-mouth soft. New folks end up loving it right away. People scoop up big portions without hesitation. Finished plates always have room for more.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole

Pumpkin Soup

Fall’s not the only time for a bowl of Pumpkin Soup. Each spoonful comes out smooth and creamy. People add this side to their plate every time it comes around. It goes down quickly before the rest of the meal is done. Every bowl ends up spotless.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

Eggplant Casserole

A slice of cheesy eggplant lasagna with tomato sauce is being lifted from a pan, showing stretchy melted cheese. A bowl is blurred in the background. — Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Something unique at the table every year has to be Eggplant Casserole. Bites come out soft inside yet hold together well. The pan is usually empty before the main dish is finished. Folks usually mention how much flavor comes through. This side always brings curious eaters.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Mexican Rice

A colorful spread needs Mexican Rice every time. Bowls stay full during dinner but empty fast as serving spoons go around. Each grain stays fluffy without clumping up. This one is a favorite for making plates extra full. Nobody leaves even a crumb behind.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Green Bean Casserole

Every year, someone requests Green Bean Casserole for the big meal. The top is always crunchy enough to draw everyone in. People ask for “just a little more,” but always come back for a lot. There are never awkward leftovers. It sets the standard for classic sides.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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.

Bringing out Crunchy Onion Rings gets grabby hands at every meal. They have a mix of crisp and tender in every bite. There’s always competition for the last ring. These never sit more than five minutes on any table. Gets eaten quicker than almost anything else.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

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.

Platters keep emptying when Egg Roll is in the mix. Each one comes out crispy on the outside. People take two or three at a time. It fits in perfectly alongside all the classic sides. Nobody is shy about going back for more.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll

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 always a little buzz when Hot Honey Chicken Salad hits the table. The salad is full of mixed flavors that go well together. Each bite brings a mild kick without overpowering the rest of the meal. Folks chatter about this one long after dinner’s done. Regulars always ask for the salad recipe.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

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.

Giving a fun twist to a classic everybody knows is made easy with Big Mac Sliders. Each slider goes quickly once the platter comes out. There’s a little crunch with a lot of flavor in every bite. This plate empties faster than most. Family asks for them at every gathering.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Sliders

Gnocchi

Plates get filled fast when Gnocchi is being served at dinner time. Each chewy bite has folks coming back for more. They blend right in with everything else on the table. People always scoop them up before the other sides run out. Sometimes a double batch isn’t even enough.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi