Planning a cozy weeknight autumn dinner? These fall side dishes are the perfect complement to any main course!

Fall is perfect for gathering, feasting, and celebrating the bounty of the season, and no celebration is complete without a lineup of cozy, flavorful sides! Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving feast or hosting a casual autumn dinner party, the right side dishes can elevate your meal from simple to spectacular.
From creamy casseroles to fresh salads and roasted seasonal vegetables, this collection of recipes is packed with mouthwatering ideas to suit every taste and occasion.
These easy and delicious dishes are perfect for a crowd, making them ideal for holiday entertaining or fall potlucks. You’ll find everything from comforting pasta bakes and classic stuffing to healthy veggie-packed options like roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet carrots.
There’s a dish here for everyone—whether you’re serving meat lovers, vegetarians, or picky eaters. Plus, many of these recipes are simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but festive enough to impress.
Craving something on the lighter side? We’ve got you covered with crisp cold salads featuring fall staples like apple, squash, and cranberries, all tossed with bold dressings and crunchy toppings.
Want to bring on the comfort? Try rich casseroles, creamy mashed or smashed veggies, or roasted root vegetables seasoned with fresh herbs. With flavors that celebrate everything we love about autumn, these recipes are cozy and crowd-pleasing.
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or just looking to spice up your weeknight meals, these are some of the best sides to add to your table. They’re cozy, seasonal, and downright irresistible—everything you want in a fall recipe!
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- Fall Side Dishes
- Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Feta Salad.
- Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries + Feta
- Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe
- Butternut Squash Pasta Salad with Brussels Sprouts, Pecans, and Cranberries
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Squash with Dried Cranberries and Dijon Vinaigrette
- Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe
- Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
- Honey Maple Roasted Carrots
- Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Apple-Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Roasted Mushrooms in a Browned Butter, Garlic and Thyme Sauce
- Cranberry Wild Rice with Apples and Pecans
- Oven Roasted Butternut Squash
- Old-Fashioned Bread Stuffing with Sausage
- Sweet Potato Salad
- Crispy Parmesan Carrots
- Pumpkin Risotto with Goat Cheese
- Nantucket Corn Pudding
- Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
- Fluffy Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
- Balsamic Oven Roasted Beets Recipe
- Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Brown Sugar Bacon Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Simple Kale Salad
- Butternut Squash Apple Bake
- Ultimate Cheesy Squash Casserole
- Raw Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe
- More Fall Recipes
Fall Side Dishes
This vibrant salad is a celebration of fall's finest flavors. Crisp Honeycrisp apples, juicy pomegranate seeds, and spicy arugula come together with candied pecans and pumpkin seeds, all tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. Crispy prosciutto adds a savory crunch, while crumbled feta brings a creamy, salty finish. It's a delicious mix of textures and tastes that captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
This sweet and savory side dish is perfect for the holidays. Tender butternut squash is roasted with honey, then combined with tart cranberries and creamy feta cheese. A sprinkle of cinnamon and optional parsley garnish elevate the flavors, making it a festive addition to any Thanksgiving meal.
These stovetop cinnamon apples are a quick and delicious fall treat. In just 15 minutes, apples are sautéed with butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla, creating a dish that tastes like the filling of a warm apple pie. Perfect as a side or dessert, this recipe is a healthy way to enjoy the flavors of fall.
Butternut Squash Pasta Salad with Brussels Sprouts, Pecans, and Cranberries
This hearty and colorful pasta salad is perfect for fall parties and potlucks. Roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts are mixed with farfalle pasta, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a light maple-cinnamon dressing. This dish combines sweet and savory elements. It's a festive and nutritious option for your holiday table.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Squash with Dried Cranberries and Dijon Vinaigrette
This healthy side dish combines roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash with sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a tangy Dijon vinaigrette. It's a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that gives you the taste of the season in every bite. This dish is not only delicious but also vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly.
This creamy pumpkin pasta is a comforting and healthy side dish or main entree. Made with real pumpkin purée, fresh sage, and a touch of parmesan, it's a delicious twist on traditional pasta dishes. Topped with crunchy walnuts and pepitas, this vegetarian meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy fall weekdays.
These smashed potatoes are a crispy, buttery delight. Boiled until tender, then smashed and baked to golden perfection, they're smothered in garlic butter and sprinkled with melted Parmesan cheese. The result is a side dish that's fluffy on the inside and irresistibly crispy on the outside—a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Transform carrots into a spectacular side dish with this easy, make-ahead recipe. Carrots are drizzled with olive oil, maple syrup, and honey, then seasoned with coriander, sea salt, and pepper before roasting to perfection. It's a sweet and savory dish that’s both elegant and cozy.
This decadent twist on Brussels sprouts combines them with crispy bacon and a rich, cheesy sauce. The sprouts are sautéed in bacon grease, then enveloped in a creamy mixture of heavy cream, mozzarella, and parmesan. This indulgent side dish is a surefire way to win over even the most skeptical veggie eaters.
This festive dish has a delicious blend of fall flavors. Acorn squash halves are filled with a spiced apple mixture featuring cinnamon, nutmeg, and sage, then baked until tender. The combination of sweet apples and savory squash makes this a standout side or even a vegetarian main course.
Elevate the humble mushroom to gourmet status with this simple yet flavorful recipe. Mushrooms are roasted until golden, then tossed in a rich browned butter infused with garlic, thyme, and a splash of lemon juice. The nutty aroma of the browned butter complements the earthy mushrooms.
Add some festive fall flair to the table with this vibrant wild rice pilaf. Wild rice is simmered in a blend of herb-seasoned chicken broth and apple juice, then mixed with sweet dried cranberries, crisp apples, and toasted pecans. This one-pot dish offers a delicious balance of savory and sweet flavors, making it an ideal accompaniment for holiday gatherings or cozy fall dinners.
This simple recipe showcases the natural sweetness of butternut squash. Halved squash is drizzled with olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, and roasted until tender and caramelized. It pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses!
This nostalgic, from-scratch bread stuffing is rich in flavor. It combines toasted bread cubes with sautéed celery, onions, and carrots, all seasoned with dried herbs and made hearty with savory sausage. This casserole has a crispy top while remaining moist and flavorful inside.
This vibrant salad captures the essence of fall. Roasted sweet potatoes are paired with fresh kale, crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed in a tangy dressing. This colorful medley of textures and flavors makes for a refreshing and healthy side dish that's perfect for autumn gatherings.
This delectable carrot side dish is elevated with a smoky spice rub and a crispy parmesan crust. Roasted to perfection, these carrots boast a sweet, caramelized interior and a cheesy, crunchy exterior. It's a simple yet impressive dish that adds a flavorful twist to your fall menu.
This luxurious risotto embodies fall comfort in every bite! Creamy Arborio rice is infused with pumpkin purée, then accented with tangy goat cheese and sweet dried cranberries. This elegant, vegetarian dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a sophisticated addition to your Thanksgiving side dish lineup.
This creamy corn pudding brings a taste of New England tradition to your table. Made with sweet corn kernels and topped with a buttery, cheesy cracker crust, this dish offers a delicious contrast of textures. Whether using fresh, canned, or frozen corn, it's a versatile side that's perfect for Thanksgiving.
This is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy green beans. Fresh beans are tossed with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, then roasted to perfection. The result is a tender-crisp side dish that's ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
This is a twist on classic dinner rolls that incorporates pumpkin purée into the dough. These soft, golden rolls boast a subtle sweetness and a beautiful hue, making them a festive addition to any fall gathering. Whether served alongside a hearty stew or as part of a holiday spread, they're sure to impress.
These oven-roasted beets are a vibrant and nutritious side. Fresh beets are peeled, chopped, and tossed with olive oil and sea salt, then roasted to bring out their natural sweetness. A finishing drizzle of honey and balsamic vinegar enhances their flavor.
This stuffed acorn squash recipe is a vegetarian delight. Roasted squash halves are filled with a creamy mixture of spinach, cream cheese, and Parmesan, then baked until bubbly and golden. This elegant dish is both gluten-free and packed with flavor, making it a standout side or vegetarian main entree for Thanksgiving.
These brown sugar bacon roasted sweet potatoes are a unique and creative alternative to classic sweet potato recipes. Tender sweet potatoes are tossed with olive oil, crispy bacon, and a generous sprinkle of brown sugar, then roasted to perfection. It's a sweet and savory dish that's crowd-pleasing and perfect for parties and potlucks.
This fresh and flavorful salad is anything but ordinary. It features hearty kale leaves massaged with olive oil and salt, then tossed with Parmesan cheese, toasted almonds, and dried cranberries. A zesty lemon balsamic dressing ties it all together, making it a refreshing and healthy addition to any fall meal.
This bake combines the best of autumn flavors. Sweet butternut squash and crisp apples are baked with cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar, then mixed with raisins, dried cranberries, and pecans. It has a delicious balance of sweetness and texture. This warm and cozy dish is a perfect side for your holiday table.
This cheesy casserole is fall comfort food at its finest. Layers of tender yellow squash and onions are combined with a creamy blend of sour cream and condensed soup, then topped with sharp cheddar cheese and buttery cracker crumbs. Baked until golden and bubbly, this Southern classic is a must-have for any holiday feast.
This raw salad is a fresh take on Brussels sprouts. Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts are combined with sweet apples, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and shaved parmesan, all tossed in a maple syrup dressing. It's a crisp and refreshing side that's perfect for balancing out heavier holiday dishes.
More Fall Recipes
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