33 Fall Side Dishes That I Always Save Room For

No one ever admits they only came for the side dishes, but when 33 fall favorites are lined up, the main course starts looking like background noise. Each plate brings its own personality, from comfort classics to crowd-pleasers that keep conversations going. The lineup is built to make people go back for seconds without hesitation.

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.

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.

Adding a little spice and sweetness to the bread basket can change things up. Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins mix soft texture with a hint of heat in every bite. Kids reach in for seconds once they spot these. These muffins go great with soups or stews. They’re usually the first side to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Mac and Cheese

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. — Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy noodles are a favorite for kids and grown-ups alike. Mac and Cheese brings a smooth texture to the plate, topped with a crisp finish. It works well for quick dinners or big gatherings. Guests often grab extra scoops. Almost no one leaves any behind.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

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.

Baked sides like this one fill the room with a rich aroma. French Onion Casserole combines a golden top and soft center for every serving. Kids love to dig through for the chewy crust bits. It goes well with grilled dishes. The pan gets cleaned out soon after serving.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Mexican Rice

A little color on the table makes every meal feel special. Mexican Rice adds bold looks and easy flavor that complement spicy mains. Kids scoop plenty onto their plates for mixing with other sides. It fits right next to tacos or grilled foods. Bowls are never full for long.
Get the Recipe: Mexican 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.

Bright salad options stand out at any dinner. Beet Salad brings crunch and a natural sweetness in each bite. Kids are curious about its color and usually give it a chance. It helps balance heavier entrees. Salads dishes clear out quicker than expected.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Sweet Potato Wedges

Crispy wedges make sides more fun for everyone. Sweet Potato Wedges give a slight sweetness that pairs well with dips or sauces. Kids grab handfuls before the meal starts. Great next to roast meats or vegetarian plates. The serving bowl never makes it back for second rounds.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

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.

Family-style casseroles are always easy to share. Cabbage Casserole stacks up layers so each serving is soft and hearty. Kids don’t mind seeing some green when it’s served this way. This side finds fans at both small and large gatherings. The dish is soon left empty.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole

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.

Crisp salads with simple dressings are quick to disappear. Asian Slaw brings crunch and bright color to every plate. Kids often pick out their favorite shapes and colors from the bowl. It mixes well with grilled foods. Even picky eaters come back for more.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw

Garlic Knots

Pull-apart bread makes dinner a little more interactive. Garlic Knots come twisted and soft, perfect for dipping or snacking. Kids race to grab their favorite shape. These match up well with Italian mains. Baskets always look empty after a meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Honeycrisp Salad

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

Fruit in salad can spark interest even from hesitant eaters. Honeycrisp Salad mixes fresh crunch with a touch of sweetness that works with many types of mains. Kids usually go for extra apple pieces. It’s right for both light and hearty meals. Bowls don’t stay full for long.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

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.

Changing up classic pasta dishes brings something fresh to the table. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese blends creamy sauce with mild sweetness for a unique side. Kids often scoop extra helpings. It pairs nicely with roasted meats or veggie plates. Leftovers never last more than a day.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

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.

Sides with a crispy coating are always picked first. Crunchy Onion Rings provide a simple bite with a hint of sweetness inside. Kids dip them in all sorts of sauces. They go fast with burgers or grilled mains. Trays are always empty after serving.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

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.

Classic breads are always a strong choice for group dinners. Southern Cornbread comes out golden, soft, and easy to share. Kids put extra slices on their plate whenever they can. It matches with spicy sides or creamy stews. No crumb gets left after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread

Funeral Potatoes

Cheesy casseroles are a hit at any event. Funeral Potatoes packs smooth bites and crunchy topping in every scoop. Kids go for the top layer first. It fits with just about any main course. Plates come back clean each time.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

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.

Crunchy shells filled with tasty centers are easy to pick up at dinner. Egg Roll lands quickly as a starter or side for many meals. Kids like dipping these bites in different sauces. It’s perfect for adding variety. Empty platters are common after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll

Ravioli Casserole

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

Pasta sides with lots of layers catch attention right away. Ravioli Casserole brings a cheesy, filling side that most folks ask for first. Kids enjoy finding extra cheese in the middle. This pairs with salad or roasted meats. Not much gets left behind.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Pumpkin Soup

Bright orange soup adds warmth to the table in color and flavor. Pumpkin Soup brings a smooth texture that pairs well with bread or rolls. Kids notice the unique look and often ask for a small bowl. Good for both starting off dinner and as a light side. Soup pots are always empty.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

Hamburger Casserole

Easy bakes make family meals less stressful. Hamburger Casserole gives out hearty bites and a creamy finish for every forkful. Kids don’t mind seeing a new version of their favorite burger. It’s helpful for feeding a crowd. Pans return empty to the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Casserole

Cauliflower Steaks

Switching veggies for the main or side is always interesting. Cauliflower Steaks make a good meatless choice people find satisfying. Kids get to try something different in slice form. This pairs with grains or green sides. The tray is usually cleaned off.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Egg Casserole

Simple, versatile sides work with any main dish. Egg Casserole serves up smooth, light bites for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Kids choose their favorite add-ins when possible. It helps fill every plate. Dishes come back needing almost no cleaning.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole

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.

Warm, fluffy sides work with both meat and veggie plates. Baked Rice offers easy scoops and simple flavor to balance bolder mains. Kids grab extra to eat with their favorite foods. It’s always handy for big dinners. Dishes need scraping at clean-up.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Focaccia Bread

Sharing bread always brings the table together. Focaccia Bread comes with a soft crumb and crisp top, fun for dipping or layering. Kids pull apart pieces before the meal begins. It matches well with Italian and Mediterranean dishes. The tray empties out fast.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia 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.

Classic comfort is found in buttery, layered sides. Mississippi Mud Potatoes offer both soft and crispy edges, a favorite feature for kids. Perfect with roast or grilled meats. You’ll need extra for bigger crowds. Bowls are always wiped clean.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Baked Zucchini

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

Veggie sticks with a baked finish add color to dinner. Baked Zucchini is simple for kids and adults to pick up by hand. These are perfect with chicken or fish. Snacks disappear before the main dish is finished. Trays mostly come back empty.
Get the Recipe: Baked Zucchini

Twice Baked Potatoes

Fluffy filling and crisp skins stand out next to any main. Twice Baked Potatoes pack in creamy texture and flavor for all ages. Kids dig for the cheesier parts inside. They work well at meals big and small. Bowls don’t last long when these are served.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

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

Changing up rice brings interesting twists to dinner. Jamaican Red Beans and Rice adds mild heat and bold color to any plate. Kids get curious about the shape and mix. It suits strong-flavored mains well. Bowls see plenty of second helpings.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

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.

Thick, creamy soups are comforting for everyone. Leek and Potato Soup delivers a smooth bite with mild flavor, easy to finish. Kids often want more once they taste it. This one can be both starter and side dish. Nothing is ever left in the pot.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

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.

Unique names draw in interest every meal. Marry Me Chicken Casserole offers layers of creamy bites that guests remember. Kids enjoy scooping from the pan for extra sauce. Friends ask for the recipe after. Plates are left empty by the end.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

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.

Colorful salads stand out amongst heavier sides. Antipasto Salad blends crunch and fresh picks for everyone to enjoy. Kids dig for their favorite shapes and colors. Matches up well with many mains. Bowls clear off fast.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

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.

Combining pizza flavors in a one-pan side is always a hit. Pizza Casserole gets kids reaching for scoops with melted cheese and crispy edges. It pairs with anything from chicken to pasta. Extra servings run out quickly. The dish never needs washing for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, classic sides set the stage for comfort foods every time. Mashed Potatoes make easy plates to scrape clean for kids and adults. It works with all roasts and baked mains. Handy for large and small groups. Extra bowls always get filled up.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

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.

Simple sides ease dinner prep and please everyone. Easy Cornbread Casserole brings a slight sweetness and a soft finish, good for sharing. Kids love it with butter or honey on top. It’s perfect next to chili or grilled foods. Slices are gone before dessert.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Dinner Rolls

Bread baskets bring warmth to the table without fuss. Dinner Rolls are soft, simple, and easy to stack for hungry kids. Always served with big meals or simple soups. These are gone mid-meal, so extras are wise. Not a single roll survives dinner.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls