Side Dishes for Fall and Holiday Meals
From extra-special potatoes and casseroles to Thanksgiving classics, browse our list of side dish picks.
Whether you’re planning a laid-back Sunday dinner, a busy weeknight meal, or a full Thanksgiving feast, these 35 recipes celebrate the best of fall. From creamy casseroles and buttery potato gratins to bright, fresh salads, each dish highlights seasonal produce and comforting flavors. You’ll find classics like green bean casserole and mashed potatoes alongside creative updates such as roasted beet salad and cheesy zucchini casserole—perfect for mixing and matching on any holiday table.
How to Add a Special Touch to Plain Veggies
- Finish with a flourish. A drizzle of browned butter, herb-infused oil, or a squeeze of fresh citrus instantly wakes up simple steamed or roasted vegetables.
- Layer in texture. Toasted nuts, crispy breadcrumbs, or fried shallots add crunch and a gourmet feel.
- Play with flavor. Sprinkle grated Parmesan, crumbled feta, or a spoonful of pesto over hot veggies for an easy upgrade.
- Everything Seasoning. A sprinkle of this magical bagel seasoning instantly adds crunch, salt, garlic, and sesame—delicious on roasted carrots, green beans, or even mashed potatoes.
- Add gentle heat. A dash of smoked paprika, red-pepper flakes, or chili oil provides subtle warmth without overpowering.
These easy enhancements can transform everyday sides into memorable dishes—perfect for fall dinners or holiday spreads.
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Sweet, glossy perfection. Tender carrots are simmered with butter and brown sugar until coated in a caramel-like glaze. They’re an easy yet elegant side that complements baked ham, roast turkey, or pork chops.
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet and savory elegance. Fluffy mashed sweet potatoes are spooned back into their skins and topped with a buttery brown-sugar pecan crumble. Serve them alongside baked ham, pork chops, or roast chicken for a festive fall side that feels special without extra fuss.
Cauliflower Cheese
Cheesy British classic. Tender cauliflower florets are baked in a creamy cheddar sauce with a crisp breadcrumb topping. This cozy casserole is wonderful with a Sunday roast, baked ham, or baked fish, and it’s hearty enough to enjoy as a vegetarian main with a crisp salad.
Perfect Mashed Potatoes
A classic, comforting side. These buttery, fluffy mashed potatoes pair beautifully with roast turkey, glazed ham, or beef tenderloin. Their smooth texture makes the perfect canvas for rich gravies or a drizzle of browned butter.
Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce
Bright and fruity. Fresh cranberries simmer with apple cider, diced apple, and a cinnamon stick for a sweet-tart sauce that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Serve it with roast turkey, baked chicken, or alongside your leftover roast turkey sandwiches.
Roasted Butternut Squash With Balsamic Glaze
Sweet meets tangy. Tender cubes of butternut squash roast until caramelized, then get a glossy drizzle of balsamic reduction with a hint of cinnamon. The warm spice and syrupy glaze highlight the squash’s natural sweetness for a vibrant fall side that feels both cozy and sophisticated.
Classic Bread Stuffing
An essential holiday side. Cubes of dried bread are baked with butter, onions, celery, and fresh herbs for a comforting side that soaks up gravy beautifully. Whether baked inside or out of the bird, it’s a must for a holiday feast.
Creamed Leeks
Velvety and elegant. Gently cooked leeks release a delicate sweetness that melds with cream and Parmesan into a silky sauce. The result is a rich yet light vegetable side that brings a subtle onion-like flavor and a hint of luxury to any meal.
Dauphinoise Potatoes (Potato Gratin)
Rich and irresistibly creamy. Thinly sliced potatoes bake in a garlicky cream sauce until tender and golden, creating a luxurious side that pairs beautifully with roast beef, baked ham, or a holiday turkey.
Beet Salad With Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette
Bright and earthy. Roasted beets bring natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with a zesty lemon-mustard dressing and crisp red onion. The colorful slices stay fresh and vibrant even after chilling, making this salad as striking to look at as it is refreshing to eat.
Classic Green Bean Casserole
The Thanksgiving classic everyone loves. This iconic green bean casserole combines tender beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy French-fried onions for a side dish that never goes out of style. Easy to customize and perfect for making ahead, it’s a holiday must-have that brings comfort to the table.
Homemade Cream-Style Corn
The ultimate Southern comfort side dish! This homemade cream-style corn is rich, buttery, and full of fresh corn flavor. It’s a quick stovetop dish that brings warmth and homemade goodness to any meal.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Irresistible caramelized edges. These roasted Brussels sprouts are tender on the inside and crisp on the outside, with a nutty-sweet flavor that wins over even the most skeptical eaters.
Best Sweet Potato Casserole
Holiday comfort in every bite! This classic sweet potato casserole features a creamy, lightly sweetened filling topped with a buttery pecan streusel. It’s a festive favorite that pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, or roast pork—and it’s easy to prep ahead for stress-free entertaining.
Broccolini With Garlic
Bright and garlicky. Tender broccolini stalks are blanched and quickly sautéed with olive oil, butter, and fragrant garlic, giving them a crisp-tender bite and mellow, earthy flavor. The simple preparation highlights the vegetable’s natural sweetness while keeping the texture vibrant and fresh.
Classic Pommes Anna (French Potato Cake)
Golden and buttery. Thin potato slices are layered with melted butter and thyme, then baked into a crisp-edged, sliceable cake with a tender, silky center. Simple ingredients and careful layering turn everyday potatoes into an elegant showstopper.
Sausage Brioche Dressing
Rich and savory. Buttery brioche cubes soak up seasoned broth and mingle with crumbled sausage, onions, and herbs to create a dressing that’s both luxurious and comforting. Each bite delivers tender bread, crisp edges, and holiday flavor.
Haricots Verts With Garlic (French Green Beans)
Tender and aromatic. Slim French green beans are quickly blanched and then tossed in a hot skillet with fragrant garlic and a splash of olive oil or butter, creating a light, flavorful side that stays crisp and vibrant.
Instant Pot Cooked Cabbage
Free up the stovetop. Chopped cabbage cooks in savory broth under pressure for just minutes, emerging tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned every time.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Hearty and caramelized. A colorful mix of potatoes, carrots, and other roots roasts with olive oil, garlic, and herbs until tender inside and golden at the edges, creating a cozy all-in-one side that’s simple and satisfying.
Broccoli Crunch Salad
Crisp and creamy, and always a hit. Fresh broccoli florets are tossed with a sweet-tangy dressing, chewy raisins, crunchy sunflower seeds, and smoky bacon for a salad that stays vibrant and flavorful even after chilling.
Instant Pot Stuffing
An excellent oven alternative. This Instant Pot stuffing is rich and flavorful thanks to challah bread, sautéed aromatics, and classic poultry seasoning. It cooks in a pan inside the pressure cooker, freeing up your oven and keeping the kitchen cooler.
Roasted Cauliflower With Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Cheese sauce takes it over the top. This roasted cauliflower is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, featuring crisp edges and a tender center. A silky homemade cheddar cheese sauce adds richness and turns this everyday vegetable into a holiday-worthy side.
Baked Lyonnaise Potatoes
Rustic French comfort dish. Lyonnaise potatoes are layered with buttery, slow-cooked onions and fragrant herbs, then baked until tender with a crisp golden top. It’s a simple but elegant side dish that’s perfect for fall dinners, holiday meals, or whenever you want something hearty and satisfying without a lot of fuss.
Waldorf Salad Recipe
Crisp, creamy, and fresh. This Waldorf salad combines crunchy apples and celery with walnuts and a creamy mayo dressing for a timeless side that’s always in style. Serve it chilled on lettuce for an easy make-ahead dish that fits holiday spreads or light lunches alike.
Colorful Southern-Style Succotash
A creamy, colorful Southern classic. Succotash combines sweet corn and tender lima beans with sautéed aromatics and a hint of cream for added richness. It’s a vibrant side dish that works just as well for weeknight meals as it does on a holiday table.
Rutabaga Gratin
A cheesy twist on an underappreciated root vegetable. This rutabaga gratin turns humble yellow turnips into a rich and satisfying side dish. Tender diced rutabaga is coated in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, topped with buttery breadcrumbs, and baked until golden.
Roasted Beet Salad
Earthy and vibrant. This roasted beet salad is both beautiful and flavorful—tender beets are paired with creamy goat cheese, toasted pecans, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette over fresh greens. It’s an elegant side that’s easy to prep and ideal for fall gatherings or holiday tables.
Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole
A fresher, faster take on the holiday classic. This Instant Pot green bean casserole is made with fresh green beans and skips the oven entirely—unless you want to crisp up that golden French onion topping. It’s the perfect side when oven space is tight.
Orange Glazed Carrots
Bright, buttery, citrusy. These orange-glazed carrots are sweetened with brown sugar and fresh orange juice for a vibrant, holiday-worthy side. They’re quick to prepare and easy to customize—perfect for weeknights, Thanksgiving, or whenever you want a colorful veggie with a hint of sweetness.
Next Level Macaroni and Cheese
Ultra-creamy and totally customizable. This next-level mac and cheese coats a full pound of macaroni in a silky sauce made with 3 kinds of cheese. The result is rich, gooey, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for a comforting main dish or a standout side.
Quick Stovetop Scalloped Corn
Creamy comfort in minutes. This quick stovetop scalloped corn turns a simple can of corn into a rich, cracker-topped side dish. Made in a single skillet with a creamy white sauce and buttery crumbs, it’s ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for holidays or any weeknight meal.
Creamed Peas
Creamy, elegant, and naturally gluten-free. These creamed peas skip the flour but keep all the richness, blending sweet peas with a shallot-infused cream sauce. Serve them family-style with steaks, chicken, or fish—or spoon leftovers over pasta or pork for an easy next-day meal.
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing. This zucchini casserole layers sliced zucchini and onions with a smooth cheddar sauce and a buttery panko topping. It bakes to golden perfection and pairs beautifully with pork chops, roast chicken, or baked ham.
Sweet Potato Casserole for 2
Small-batch comfort with holiday flair. This sweet potato casserole for two delivers all the classic flavors—velvety spiced sweet potatoes topped with gooey toasted marshmallows—in a perfectly scaled-down dish.
