18 Best Fall Side Dishes to try this Season

Crisp fall mornings always make me crave for fresh, seasonal ingredients and the kind of cooking that only autumn can inspire. At the sign of the first chill in the air, I pull cinnamon and nutmeg out from the pantry and give them a permanent spot on the countertop!

While the turkey or roast usually get all the attention at holiday meals, it’s really the side dishes that bring color, variety, and personality to the table. From crunchy roasted veggies and creamy bakes to bright salads and spongy sweet breads, fall side dishes cover an incredible range of textures and flavors. Find your new go-to side dishes for this fall.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a fall staple at our house. I halve the sprouts, toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and then roast them in the oven till caramelized and crispy. When done drizzle with some balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese. You can also add bacon to up the charred smoky flavor.

Roasted Purple Cabbage Steaks

Purple cabbage steaks look impressive and fancy but are super budget-friendly side dish! Cut the cabbage in half inch thick slices, brush them with oil, and roast till the edges char. Test with a toothpick in the center for doneness. The purple color looks beautiful on any autumn dinner table.

Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey glazed carrots bring warmth and sweetness that is perfect for fall months. carrots are simmered until just tender then mixed with a glaze of honey, butter, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Cook till the glaze thickens and coats the carrots for that signature shiny finish.

Creamed Corn

Old-fashioned creamed corn is a hit from fall to winter. Corn kernels simmered in a heavy cream sauce with some utter and cornstarch to thicken it up is so delicious. Add a little sugar to bring out the sweetness of the corn, southern style or sprinkle black pepper and nutmeg to make it spiced. It’s easy to make ahead and reheats well.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are that timeless side dish without which any elaborate dinner feels incomplete. Boil potatoes till tender, then mash them with cream, some butter, and lots of roasted garlic to give that rich and deep flavor. Serve with some chives on top!

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta

I love making this stuffed pasta bake in fall. Mix ricotta with spinach, a little garlic, pepper, and salt then stuff it into pasta of your choice. Shells, manicotti, or even paccheri work well for this dish. Pour marinara over the top, sprinkle loads of cheese, and bake until bubbling. A little basil at the end adds that extra flavor.

Sweet Potato Casserole

This beloved fall classic dish brings a balance of sweet and savory tastes in each bite. Mashed sweet potatoes are blended with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Add a sprinkle of nutmeg and bake till set. Finish with a layer of toasted marshmallows for that classic look. It’s always a hit with kids.

Roasted Butternut Squash

Roasted butternut squash is a simple side dish that smells and looks like fall. Toss squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and smoked paprika or curry powder and roast till tender and crisp. Do not overcook – the squash should feel creamy on the inside. Add toasted pecans or walnuts before serving.

Green Bean Almondine

Green bean almondine is a classic French side that makes itself visible on holiday tables from fall to winter. I blanch the green beans for a couple of minutes, then saute them in butter. Add toasted sliced almonds on top and a splash of lemon juice to lift the flavors. Season lightly to let the fresh flavor of beans come through.

Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Pecans

Wild rice pilaf with cranberries and pecans is my favorite side that captures the best flavors of autumn. The nutty chewy cooked wild rice is cooked in chicken broth with fresh thyme and rosemary, then mixed with dried cranberries and toasted pecans. It pairs really well with roasted chicken.

Baked Buffalo Mac and Cheese

This baked mac and cheese takes a classic and gives it a spicy, tangy twist. Elbow macaroni is tossed with a cheesy sauce and a spike of buffalo sauce, then baked till bubbly and golden on top. The bake simply works from football matches to more special holiday gatherings and is rich enough for cool weather.

Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach takes the humble greens and elevated it to an elegant steakhouse worthy dish. The spinach is cooked till it wilts and combined with a well seasoned heavy cream sauce. Garlic adds nuttiness while nutmeg adds warmth. Serve with some freshly grated parmesan cheese on top.

Cranberry Salsa

Cranberry salsa is the spicier cousin of tart and sweet cranberry sauce. Fresh cranberries, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice are roughly blended in a food processor. Sugar or honey to taste balances the sweet and spicy taste with slight sweetness. It tastes well paired with chips or as topping over roasted meats.

Grape Walnut Salad

For a light and refreshing side, consider making a grape walnut salad. Halve the grapes and toss them with toasted walnuts and leafy greens, then coated with a simple lemon olive oil based vinaigrette. I like using multicolor grapes for a fancy look. The salad tastes best when made ahead and served chilled.

Accordion-Style Sweet Potatoes

Hasselback sweet potatoes look visually elegant on a fall holiday table. Each sweet potato is sliced thinly without cutting all the way through, creating an accordion like effect. Sprinkle butter, and spices like cinnamon, salt, pepper over top for flavor and bake till crisp.

Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread sings fall in every bite. Mix Libby’s pumpkin puree (no other brand tastes as well) and your choice of spices – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves – then bake, it’s pretty simple. I limit the sugar I put in, so it can be served as a side dish with meats rather than a fall desert.

Baked Cauliflower

This easy side dish can be dressed up in several ways for a fall themed dinner. Cauliflower florets are tossed in olive oil and seasonings like paprika, salt, turmeric, then roasted until golden. It is a great low carb healthy dish to balance heavy cream based dishes and meats. Get recipe.

Beets, Arugula, and Goat Cheese Salad

Beets, arugula, and goat cheese salad is a colorful and unique addition to the fall menu. Roasted beets have an earthy flavor that pairs really well with zesty arugula. Goat cheese crumbles add creaminess while a tangy vinaigrette brings it all together. Try it this fall if you’ve never tried this salad before.

Fall side dishes have a way of turning the kitchen into an olfactory celebration. Autumnal cooking is all about experimenting with spices and letting creativity guide you. Creamy comfort foods, nostalgic favorites, contrasting flavors – slow down and make new kitchen traditions this autumn!