From Brussels sprouts and pumpkin soup to roasted vegetables, these sides for fall bring the flavors of the season. Fall is the season of cool weather, rustling leaves, colorful vegetables, and warming spices. It’s also all about baked goods and comfort foods, which is exactly why it’s my favorite season! Today, I’m sharing a rundown of the best fall side dishes to accompany your autumn feast.
24 Best Fall Side Dishes That Go Beyond Sweet Potatoes
1. Whipped Squash
Fall isn’t complete without squash. So starting off the list, I have a recipe that elevates butternut squash into a celebration-worthy side dish. Smooth, whipped butternut squash is made delectable with butter, brown sugar, and nutmeg. Both the flavor and color of this dish are dynamite!
2. Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Brussels sprouts may not be on the top of your favorite veggies list, but wait until you try this recipe. Roasting Brussels sprouts bring out their natural sweetness, making them taste like no other. They’re crisp, creamy, nutty, and caramelized. One bite will make you change your mind about this misunderstood vegetable. They’re done in just 15 minutes, too! Delicious, nutritious, and easy to make, this is the perfect weeknight side dish.
3. Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin soup may be a simple dish, but man, it sure hits the spot. It’s what I look for at any Thanksgiving feast! It’s sweet, thick, creamy, and seasoned perfectly. It doesn’t get any better than that.
4. Honey Glazed Carrots
These honey-glazed carrots are so good, even kids love them! Carrots are not typically something kids enjoy. But when you flavor them with honey, butter, brown sugar, and orange juice (yes, orange juice), something magical happens. Delightfully sweet and wonderfully sticky, this side dish is sure to disappear in minutes. And it’s such a breeze to make, too! This dish comes together in just 20 minutes.
5. Creamed Corn
Looking for a sweet and creamy side dish to contrast your savory entrée? Look no further, because this creamed corn is everything you need. This dish contains corn kernels and a luscious cream sauce. This recipe may only have two components, but it packs maximum flavor. And the texture? Wow. The contrast between bursting corn kernels and the velvety sauce is divine.
6. Fried Okra
In the mood for southern cooking? Fried okra will satisfy that craving. There was a time in my life when I just couldn’t stand okra. There was just something about its sliminess that I couldn’t take. But when I first bit into fried okra, everything changed. The dish is simple, really. Okra slices are dipped in buttermilk and cornmeal batter and deep-fried until golden brown. The flavor and texture are phenomenal! The deep-fried batter is wonderfully crisp and tender, while the okra adds a refreshing flavor. It gets a 10/10!
7. Cauliflower Casserole
If you think cauliflower is boring, this casserole will change your mind. Roasted cauliflower is loaded with cream cheese, gruyere, and bacon, and then baked to perfection. Need I say more? Hearty, indulgent, and sooo cheesy, I won’t be surprised if this casserole disappears in minutes.
8. Cornbread Pudding
Corn pudding and spoon bread: is there really a difference between the two? Well, here’s a little bit of southern cooking 101 for ya. Corn pudding is a hearty casserole, while spoon bread is like an airy souffle filled with corn. So yes, they’re similar, but not the same. Can’t decide between the two? This cornbread pudding is the answer. It combines the two well-loved dishes and makes one spectacular side! This cornbread pudding has the right balance of flavor and texture. It’s dense but not too heavy, moist but not too runny, and absolutely delicious. The best part is, it’s a snap to make!
9. Roasted Green Beans
Not a fan of green beans? I’m sure this recipe will make you reconsider. I know because I’m a convert myself. These green beans are cooked in butter and olive oil, seasoned with garlic and herbs, and roasted to perfection. My, my, how can I resist ya? (Bet you sang it!) They’re such a breeze to make, too. If you’re looking for a quick and easy side for your weeknight dinner, this is it. This dish gets bonus points for being nutritious!
10. Mashed Potatoes
No matter the season, mashed potatoes will always be the best side dish ever. Call me biased, but how can you not love mashed potatoes? They’re rich, creamy, cheesy, and 100% delightful. The key to the creamiest mashed potatoes? It’s not the cream or the butter. It’s Yukon gold potatoes! Yukon gold potatoes are starchier, thus creamier when cooked than any other potato. They’re a bit more expensive, but definitely worth it.
11. Grilled Eggplant
The best way to cook eggplant is to grill it. That’s why this recipe is a keeper. The eggplant is seasoned with herbs and spices and grilled until super soft and tender. It’s a meaty, smoky side that will steal the spotlight. It’s delicious, nutritious, and affordable. You really can’t ask for more.
12. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a must-have at every Thanksgiving party. But if you care for something more exciting, this recipe is for you. This sweet potato casserole recipe adds a unique spin on the classic. Instead of the usual mini-marshmallows, this one has a crunchy streusel on top. Mmm. The streusel is like no other, too! It’s sweet and crunchy, but is made even more special with pecans.
13. Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus, herbs, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and your oven: That’s all it takes to make this crisp, flavorful, and healthful side dish. Simple ingredients meet amazing flavor in this side dish. This roasted asparagus recipe goes well with any meaty entrée!
14. Butternut Squash Casserole
Sweet and tender butternut squash and caramelized onions are topped with a crunchy, buttery crust. I’ll give you a moment to drool on that. Have you guys ever tried brown butter? If you haven’t, you’re missing out. Browning butter gives the already delicious ingredient an even richer and deeper flavor. It’s so easy, there’s no reason not to do it. Once you’ve browned your butter, combine it with caramelized onions and butternut squash. Top it with crushed Ritz crackers and pop it in the oven. Not only will you get a hearty and decadent casserole, but your kitchen will also smell like heaven.
15. Roasted Fall Vegetables
There’s no better way of cooking vegetables than roasting. It releases the natural sugars in veggies, giving them a better, more delightful flavor. So whenever fall veggies are in season, I already know what to do. Coat squash, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and shallots in olive oil, season with garlic and rosemary, and pop them in the oven! The color, the texture, and the flavor in this medley of autumn veggies are on point. It’s the perfect side for any dish!
16. Roasted Pumpkin
Speaking of roasting vegetables, here’s another one for you: roasted pumpkin! But instead of simply roasting pumpkin, you’ll add more fall flavors to it. You’ll start by coating sugar pie pumpkin wedges in maple syrup, brown sugar, and cinnamon. From the ingredients alone, you can already tell how amazing this side dish is! And then you’ll roast it in the oven for 20 minutes. That’s it! The whole process takes 30 minutes from start to finish.
17. Green Bean Casserole
Next up is another green bean dish that’s sure to get rave reviews. This green bean casserole is loaded with cheese, onions, and an ultra-creamy sauce! This one is a Thanksgiving must-have. It’s so creamy, cheesy, and mouthwatering. It’s so good, it might just steal the show. Another thing I love about this casserole is that it’s make-ahead-friendly. It’s perfect for hosting a party! Just make it in advance and reheat when your guests arrive.
18. Maple Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
In this next recipe, you’ll once again using the goodness of brown butter to make the most stunning side dish. Mashed sweet potatoes are made even tastier with maple syrup and brown butter. My goodness. This unique flavor combination deserves a standing ovation! This side dish is a must-have on any special occasion. But since it’s such a cinch to make, you can also serve it any day of the week.
19. Fried Zucchini
Zucchini slices are dipped in batter and fried until golden brown. I can’t eat these crunchy munchies all day long! You’d be surprised how a dish made with vegetables can be this addictive! Make it even more irresistible by dipping it in ranch dressing and marinara. Ooh, la la.
20. Butternut Squash Fritters
Shredded butternut squash is seasoned with spices, deep-fried until golden, and dipped in sour cream. That’s the stuff! These butternut squash fritters aren’t only ridiculously delicious, but also super easy to make! It’s one of those recipes where you just throw all the ingredients together and cook. The result is a perfectly crisp and delectable side dish.
21. Mac & Cheese
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: mac and cheese is hands down my favorite side dish of all time. Once you’ve tried Trisha Yearwood’s recipe, I’m sure you’ll feel the same. It’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely sensational. It’s comfort food at its finest! I eat mac and cheese a stand-alone meal, but it works as a side dish, too! Another great thing about it is how easy it is to make. It’s so simple, you can make it anytime!
22. Creamed Spinach
Fresh (or frozen) spinach in an ultra-creamy sauce: this dish is basic, but it will definitely knock your socks off. This recipe makes the creamiest, tastiest creamed spinach ever! It’s so good it can rival any restaurant. Serve this with steak or baked chicken for a hearty and unforgettable meal.
23. Corn Pudding
Sweet, creamy, and downright delicious: that’s what this corn pudding is all about. This classic comfort food is perfect not just in summer, but all-year-round. Serve it as a side to your Thanksgiving turkey for a flavor and texture contrast.
24. Roasted Maple Brown Sugar Cinnamon Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is coated with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon and then roasted until tender. This side dish is the perfect combination of sweet and savory. And it’s vegan-friendly, too! Plus, it couldn’t be easier to make. Just coat the squash with the sugar-butter-cinnamon mixture and let the oven do its magic. Serve it as is or drizzle with maple syrup for the most stunning autumn side. Click on a star to rate it!
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