49 Fall Sides That Get Recipe Requests From Relatives

Family gatherings have a way of turning into competitions, and somehow, the sides end up stealing the spotlight. With 49 recipes to pick from, there’s no shortage of options that get people asking, “Who made this?” before they even finish a bite. These sides bring variety to the table without feeling overdone.

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.

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.

Fall gatherings often call for something bold and unexpected, and that’s where Hot Honey Chicken Salad shines. The blend of sweet and spicy flavors brings warmth to the table, perfect for chilly days. It’s the kind of dish people ask about because it stands out in a sea of traditional sides.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

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.

When the crisp fall air hits, comfort food is typically what everyone craves. Cabbage Casserole has that warming, hearty vibe that instantly makes it a crowd favorite at family dinners. The layers of texture and flavor add something special to any autumn gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole

Mexican Rice

Fall dishes sometimes need a little kick, and Mexican Rice brings exactly that to the table. It’s not just rice; it has enough flavor to compete with bigger dishes while complementing others perfectly. Adding this side to a fall menu usually turns heads, with relatives quickly asking how it’s made.
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.

A fresh and vibrant dish can stand out even in the chilly fall season, and that’s what Beet Salad does. The balance of earthy flavors makes it memorable among richer dishes served during autumn meals. It’s light yet full of personality, making it a favorite for many who want something different.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

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.

Fall tables often brim with heavier dishes, so something refreshing like Asian Slaw can be the right addition. It’s crisp and full of flavor, offering a perfect contrast that doesn’t go unnoticed during family dinners. This one gets people talking about how well it complements the rest of the menu.
Get the Recipe: Asian Slaw

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.

Sometimes fall sides need a little punch, and Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins deliver just that. Balancing sweetness with a slight kick, they’re often the first to disappear at gatherings. The unique flavor pairing keeps them from being just another bread on the table.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Garlic Bread

Not all fall sides need to reinvent the wheel, as classics like Garlic Bread always have their place. Its simplicity paired with bold flavors makes it unforgettable and exactly what everyone grabs when passing the breadbasket. This staple feels right at home alongside any recipe during autumn meals.
Get the Recipe: Garlic 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 a nostalgic pull to hearty sides during fall, and Pizza Casserole hits all the right notes. It feels like comfort food with a fun twist, especially when serving a crowd of different tastes. The unexpected take on a beloved favorite guarantees recipe shares before dinner ends.
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.

Something sweet yet subtle adds a natural touch to autumn meals, so Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe fits in perfectly. It brings out flavors that work seamlessly with heavier fall spreads without overshadowing. Relatives often remark how something so simple feels so special on the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Focaccia Bread

Fall dinners often highlight comfort, and Focaccia Bread delivers that in each bite with its flavorful base and airy texture. It’s not just bread; it’s the kind of side that can hold its own among more complex dishes. Relatives might find it hard to resist asking how to bake it so perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Corn Casserole

There’s something about Corn Casserole that fills the room with warmth during fall gatherings. It’s rich without being too heavy, making it a hit among family members looking for something more memorable on their plate. Being slightly unexpected gives it an edge, as it complements traditional fall dishes beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Corn 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.

A comforting option during fall meals, Baked Rice does more than just sit quietly on the table; it grabs attention. It draws praise for being flavorful enough to stand out yet adaptable to pair well with nearly anything else being served. It’s a simple addition, but guests often circle back just to ask about how you made it.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Sweet Potato Wedges

When heavier fall dishes need contrast, throw Sweet Potato Wedges in the mix for a perfect balance. They bring warmth and a subtle flavor that fits right into classic spreads but still feels unique. Their texture and slight sweetness can make them the most talked-about dish on the table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Spaghetti Casserole

A serving of cheesy baked spaghetti is being lifted with a utensil. The dish is topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs. — Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Dressing up pasta feels just right during fall meals, so Spaghetti Casserole easily becomes a standout. It’s hearty and familiar, but there’s something about its baked layers that feels extra fitting this time of year. When paired alongside other sides, it still manages to steal attention at the table.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

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.

Pasta sides during fall don’t shy away from bold twists, and Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is proof of that. It’s creamy without being overly heavy, making it a perfect fit among other autumn dishes. The squash gives it a memorable flair, often leading relatives to ask how that flavor shines through.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

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.

Fall wouldn’t feel quite right without a warm and comforting option like Leek and Potato Soup on the table. It serves as a lighter alternative but still gives the filling feel people crave during colder gatherings. Something about the flavor combination makes it stand out alongside heavier sides.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Potato Soup

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.

There’s something about Southern Cornbread that fits fall tables effortlessly, especially with its rich, familiar taste. It complements almost any dish while offering its own memorable presence whenever shared. Relatives tend to love its texture, leading to immediate requests for baking tips.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread

Ravioli Casserole

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

Giving pasta a baked twist usually turns heads during fall, which is exactly why Ravioli Casserole stands out. It balances hearty and warm flavors in one dish, making it a big hit at the family table. Relatives often ask for the recipe just to try it out later.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

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.

Bringing Grilled Corn on the Cobb to fall gatherings creates a natural balance between rich and fresh flavors. The smoky touch transforms its presence, making it more than just another vegetable side. People love grabbing it straight off the plate because it feels familiar yet special.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn on the Cobb

Twice Baked Potatoes

Hearty sides like Twice Baked Potatoes feel like they belong at every fall dinner. This crowd-pleaser delivers big on texture and flavor while blending seamlessly with the rest of the menu. Something about the preparation turns them into a conversation starter at family tables.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Garlic Knots

Simply getting Garlic Knots on the table during fall makes them an instant favorite at any meal. Their flavor shines as a perfect match alongside just about any main or side dish. They’re always among the first to be devoured, leaving guests asking where you learned to make them.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

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.

Rich flavors tend to win over fall dinner guests, and Marry Me Chicken Casserole doesn’t disappoint. It’s hearty, bold, and undeniably one of those dishes that becomes an immediate favorite on the table. Relatives won’t stop asking why it’s called that, and for the recipe after their second helping.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

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.

A side like Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables brings out the essence of fall gatherings. The mix of textures and earthy flavors fits perfectly with other hearty dishes on the table. It’s versatile enough to complement nearly any spread while still being memorable on its own.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

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.

Nothing says fall like hearty dishes that are perfect for sharing. Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes bring a twist to the classic comfort food with a seasonal ingredient that adds depth. They’re packed with flavor and are great for family gatherings when everyone wants seconds.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Hashbrown Casserole

This baked side dish feels like the perfect addition to any fall dinner table. Hashbrown Casserole is rich, comforting, and always a crowd favorite no matter the age group. It’s often the first dish finished at autumn feasts because of its layers of flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Taco Pasta Salad

A bowl of fusilli pasta mixed with ground beef, black beans, chopped tomatoes, and herbs, garnished with lime wedges. — Taco Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re planning something festive for chilly fall days, look no further for something unexpected. Taco Pasta Salad adds a flavorful twist to gatherings and blends bold flavors with cold pasta for a unique experience. It’s the fall-inspired side dish everyone will talk about and want to recreate at home.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Broccoli Casserole

Cozy fall evenings call for sides that bring warmth to the table. Broccoli Casserole combines a classic vegetable favorite with a baked dish that balances textures perfectly. Relatives often ask how to make this because it fits perfectly into any fall meal spread. It’s as comforting as it is welcoming during cooler months of the year.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli 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.

Seasonal flavors and easy prep make this dish ideal for gatherings. Antipasto Salad works as a bright and flavorful addition alongside heartier fall sides. It adds balance to the table while still being requested often for its simple yet bold elements. Relatives will want the recipe to welcome variation into their own seasonal meals.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

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.

When cool nights call for comfort, this side checks all the boxes. Mac and Cheese is a creamy crowd-pleaser that fits into every fall event and always gets recipe requests. Its smooth texture and bold flavors make it a favorite for relatives wanting leftovers to take home.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Sautéed Kale

Kale takes on a new life in this fall-friendly dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners. Sautéed Kale turns a nutritious option into something warm and inviting, often requested by those wanting vegetable-based sides. Its simplicity makes it an appealing part of autumn meals while highlighting the flavors of the season.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Kale

Baked Zucchini

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

Roasted sides always get attention during fall, and this one is no exception. Baked Zucchini brings warmth and simplicity with just enough character to make it memorable. It’s perfect for gatherings where dishes are based around seasonally fresh options.
Get the Recipe: Baked Zucchini

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.

Nothing beats a cozy dish featuring fall’s star ingredient. Sweet Potato Gnocchi transforms simple flavors into something rich and ideal for seeking warmth on cool evenings. It’s not just an impressive addition to the table but also a recipe relatives keep asking for after trying it.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

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.

Fall calls for dishes that don’t feel heavy but still bring bold flavor. Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing blends veggies with a smooth topping in a way that captures the ease of seasonal meals. This dish often gets recipe requests because it feels refreshing while staying true to autumn menus.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Funeral Potatoes

Family meals this season are better with a classic crowd favorite baked to perfection. Funeral Potatoes are indulgent yet simple, making them a top choice for gatherings during the cooler months. Relatives will likely ask for this recipe for holidays because it’s timeless and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Yellow Squash Casserole

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

Fall vegetables often steal the spotlight, and this baked dish is no different. Yellow Squash Casserole highlights the best of a seasonal ingredient in a way that feels homemade and hearty. Whenever it’s served at events, relatives will be asking for the recipe before the meal ends.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole

Smashed Potatoes

Warm recipes that focus on texture stand out during this season. Smashed Potatoes are a simple yet tasty side that brings crispy edges and soft centers together in a way everyone enjoys. You’ll find it’s one dish family members keep asking about since it feels right for fall gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes

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.

Vegetables take center stage in this dish perfect for chilly evenings. Brussels Sprouts Casserole is baked into something special, turning ordinary greens into a meal people talk about long after the plates are cleared. Fall meals become just a bit more exciting with this shareable dish that always gets requests from loved ones.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Sweet Potato Cubes

Roasted dishes often take their place in fall spreads, and this side works well for the season. Sweet Potato Cubes bring a simple warmth that enhances the simplicity of the season’s flavors without overpowering. They’re one of those dishes you’ll need to prepare in plenty since family always asks for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes

Gnocchi

Classic options like this one make sharing meals in the fall even more enjoyable. Gnocchi is warm, soft, and shareable enough to disappear fast during any gathering. Relatives often bring up how perfectly it blends with autumn meals, whether paired with sauces or served on the side.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Sweet Potato Fritters

Fall is the ideal time for shareable sides, and this one always stands out. Sweet Potato Fritters are crispy, flavorful, and a unique way to bring seasonal ingredients into the picture. Relatives often ask for the recipe since it’s both fun to eat and perfect for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters

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.

Warm pasta dishes are always part of fall meals, and this one makes a fun addition. Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta combines simple flavors with a creamy texture that family members love to try. Relatives may request this dish often since it feels trendy yet homey all at once.
Get the Recipe: Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta

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.

Larger dishes make a strong impression during fall gatherings. Roasted Whole Cauliflower is a visually striking side that’s as impressive to serve as it is to eat. Relatives love asking how it’s made because of its presentation and taste combo that feels fresh but warm.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower

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.

Freshly baked options do great during fall meals when shared among loved ones. Fluffy Naan Bread brings an airy texture, handheld simplicity, and a soft warmth that’s unforgettable. Its versatility makes it a repeat request among family, whether paired with soups or used to scoop up other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Naan Bread

Spanish Rice

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

Fall sides with heartier flavor profiles bring variety to meal spreads. Spanish Rice blends a warm texture and balanced flavors to complement seasonal dishes. It’s just the type of recipe that gets asked about at gatherings because it enhances the main courses without stealing the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice

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.

Bigger baked dishes are a hit when planning meals for cool evenings. Million Dollar Casserole is layered to perfection, making it a side dish that gets immediate recipe requests. Family members love how cozy this one feels without being overly heavy. Pair it among other robust sides to make meals festive and shareable.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole

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.

Fall-inspired shareables make for great conversation starters, especially when they’re memorable like this. Big Mac Sliders bring familiar flavors in a handheld format that stands out at gatherings. Relatives love requesting this recipe since it always disappears fast right off the serving tray.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Sliders

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.

Easy Cornbread Casserole is the quick and effortless side dish many families call their favorite. Relatives love the blend of textures here and often ask for more after the gathering ends. It works perfectly alongside roasted, creamy, or even seasonal veggie dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

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.

Shared plates always feel more special during fall, especially when they bring a mix of textures folks appreciate. Egg Roll is one of those recipes relatives often ask for after enjoying it with warm seasonal spreads. It’s crisp and just enough of a flavor twist to fit into autumn gatherings easily.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll

Crunchy Onion Rings

Fall favorites don’t have to stick to soft baked dishes, and this one proves that well. Crunchy Onion Rings are a fun addition to the meal spread, offering a crispy twist that stands out the moment they’re served. Relatives usually ask for the recipe because it turns something casual into a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings