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50 Cozy Side Dishes To Make All Fall Long

We feel all warm and cozy just thinking about them.

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brussels sprouts baked with cheese and bacon
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

At long last, we can finally stop ignoring our ovens—fall's the time to get back to it! Especially after a season full of cold potato and pasta salads, fresh blueberry, peach, and pineapple desserts, and everything grilled, we’re looking forward to some hearty, cold weather fare. Sure, autumn has some great main dishes (turkey, casseroles, ham…), but truly, the side dishes are WHERE. IT'S. AT. Check out our list of 50 fall side dishes for ideas—we feel all warm and cozy just thinking about them.

Like every season, we look to the bounty of fresh produce to inform our recipes, and fall has some of the BEST. Late season eggplant, all the good squash (sorry zucchini!), root vegetables like sweet potatoes and beets, Brussels sprouts… the list goes on. We’ve got everything from standbys like mashed potatoes and cheesy bacon butternut squash, to unexpected standouts you’ll love, like Italian antipasto brussels sprouts salad and sweet potato gratin. Pretty much any fall veggie benefits from being roasted, and we’ve got recipes for them all, from roasted turnips to kabocha squash. Fire that baby back up and remember how crunchy and caramelized it can turn even the most blah of veggies.

We can’t forget about our absolute FAVORITE seasonal food holiday: Thanksgiving! We’ve included some of our favorite turkey day side dishes here, like cornbread dressing, green bean casserole, and holiday roasted vegetables. Since we recipe test way earlier than the actual holiday, we get to enjoy a ton of versions of these recipes. So you can trust us when we say—if you love Thanksgiving sides, no one’s stopping you from making them ALL season long.

Want more fall ideas? Check out our favorite fall appetizers, easy fall dinners, and fall desserts too.

1

Sweet Potato Salad

cubes of sweet potato with crumbled feta, red onion, dried cranberries, and parsley
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

We love this salad warm, straight from the oven. But it's also very good at room temperature one (two or three) days later, so we make extra. You can bulk it up with leafy greens like baby spinach, put it in a wrap, or even top it with a fried egg.

Get the Sweet Potato Salad recipe.

2

Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

parmesan roasted green beans
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE

This side is like if green beans dressed up as cheesy garlic bread. 😍 Tossed in garlic and black pepper and showered with cheese, this simple yet irresistible side will steal the spotlight at every holiday table.

Get the Parmesan Roasted Green Beans recipe.

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3

Pumpkin Biscuit Bake

pumpkin biscuit bake topped with butter
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

This giant biscuit, with its buttery, tender crumb, is all fall, thanks to pumpkin, browned butter, and warm spices. A great recipe to turn to for Sunday brunch or a packed afternoon snack; don’t forget the maple pecan butter!

Get the Pumpkin Biscuit Bake recipe.

4

Bacon Fried Cabbage

bacon fried cabbage
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

If you want to venture into the world of cabbage that goes beyond corned beef or coleslaw, try this fried cabbage on for size. Hearty and flavorful, it only requires 5 ingredients (if you don't count the salt and pepper). Plus, one of those ingredients is bacon! This simple recipe might just convert even the most ardent of cabbage haters.

Get the Bacon Fried Cabbage recipe.

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5

Air Fryer Moroccan-Spiced Carrots

air fryer moroccan spiced carrots
Joel goldberg

A combo of spices adds a riot of flavor to those carrots that may or may not have been sitting in the crisper for too long. Serve alongside anything grilled, like our grilled tofu or grilled pork tenderloin.

Get the Air Fryer Moroccan-Spiced Carrots recipe.

6

Mashed Potato Casserole

mashed potato casserole
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: Taylor Ann SPENCER

Mashed potato casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish we’ve all been waiting for. It's bound to find its way onto your holiday dinner table at some point during the season, but it makes a great side dish any time of the year. It's creamy, fluffy, and oh so cheesy.

Get the Mashed Potato Casserole recipe.

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7

Brussels Sprout Casserole

brussels sprouts baked with cheese and bacon
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Brussels sprouts haters have never had sprouts like these before. Trust us—when this cheesy casserole is present, even the pickiest of eaters won’t be able to resist adding a spoonful to their plate. Baked in a cheesy, creamy sauce with crispy bacon, this 30-minute recipe is the holiday side your Thanksgiving (or any weeknight dinner, TBH) needs.

Get the Brussels Sprout Casserole recipe.

8

Homemade Mac & Cheese

homemade mac and cheese baked with breadcrumbs
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

In our book, the perfect macaroni & cheese recipe has to nail three things: be extra creamy, plenty cheesy, and paired with a golden, crunchy topping. This tried-and-true recipe aces all of these requirements (and more!) with flying colors, so put that blue box back on the shelf.

Get the Homemade Mac & Cheese recipe.

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9

Whipped Feta Roasted Potatoes

whipped feta topped with crispy roasted potatoes
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS

This recipe is the perfect example of the satisfying texture combo of creamy and crisp: Hot, crispy potatoes are spooned onto a billowy cloud of whipped feta, then showered with lemon zest and fresh herbs. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Get the Whipped Feta Roasted Potatoes recipe.

10

Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash & Kale Salad with Balsamic-Maple Dressing

air fryer roasted butternut squash and kale salad with balsamic maple dressing
PHOTO: JOEL GOLDBERG; FOOD STYLING: HADLEY SUI

When you're looking for something both healthy and easy, look no further than this salad. Tossed with an irresistible maple-balsamic dressing, this recipe makes the most of fall produce, and does it all in the cleverest kitchen gadget ever: the air fryer.

Get the Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash & Kale Salad with Balsamic-Maple Dressing recipe.

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11

Jollof Rice

jollof rice
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

When Delish test kitchen first tasted this recipe, the room went quiet. It’s filling, fascinating, and truly a standout thanks to a balance of heat, sweet (from the tomatoes and peppers) and spice profile. Plus, it’s not too spicy—this is the rice you can serve at all your parties without fear of burning someone’s taste buds. It’s a must-try option for Thanksgiving, Kwanzaa, or Christmas, but is so delicious, it shouldn’t be reserved for only holidays. Weeknight dinner comfort, here you come.

Get the Jollof Rice recipe.

12

Easy Baked Pumpkin Risotto

baked pumpkin risotto in a black bowl topped with cheese and dried cranberries
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: MARY RUPP

Baked, not stirred, this recipe for pumpkin risotto takes some of the work off the chef without sacrificing that classic risotto flavor and texture. Not having to watch and stir the risotto constantly—as risottos are traditionally made—means you can prepare a side salad to accompany this rich risotto or just enjoy relaxing while it cooks. (This pear and blue cheese salad would be an excellent table-mate.)

Get the Easy Baked Pumpkin Risotto recipe.

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13

Cranberry Bacon Green Beans

roasted green beans with bacon, shallots, and pieces of feta
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

It takes just a little effort to take eating your vegetables from a “have to” to a “want to,” and this green beans recipe is a perfect example. Some crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and creamy goat cheese enhance super-nutritious green beans into an anytime side dish that your family will be cheering for.

Get the Cranberry Bacon Green Beans recipe.

14

Creamed Brussels Sprouts

cheesy, bubbling creamed brussels sprouts in a white oval casserole dish
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

We’re certainly not opposed to eating Brussels sprouts any which way, but we also love giving them the traditional holiday side treatment—with plenty of butter, cream, and cheese. This method upgrades even the most humble vegetables while still allowing them to be the star of the show.

Get the Creamed Brussels Sprouts recipe.

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15

Melting Potatoes

melting potatoes with herbs
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

These melt-in-your-mouth potatoes are the perfect side dish for any and every meal you can think of. Smothered in butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, they really are amazing with everything, from weeknight dinners to romantic special occasions. Try them with a simple baked chicken dish, a fancy steak dinner, or even alongside burgers to make your meals extra memorable.

Get the Melting Potatoes recipe.

16

Garlic Bread

garlic bread
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

Our top tips for homemade garlic bread? Keep it simple, and use plenty of garlic. All you need are a handful of staple ingredients and less than 30 minutes to create this herby, garlicky side everyone will love.

Get the Garlic Bread recipe.

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17

Italian Antipasto Brussels Sprouts Salad

brussels sprouts salad with olives, tomatoes, red onions, shaved parmesan, and salami
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

Selfishly, we want to enjoy the flavors of antipasto in as many ways as possible, so we made a showstopping salad inspired by an antipasto platter that is fit for a special occasion. Shredded Brussels sprouts are a great hearty option as the greens in this salad. The mini cabbage-like veggie pairs well with the antipasto mix-ins, and they offer a crisp and crunchy texture.

Get the Italian Antipasto Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe.

18

Sweet Potato Gratin

tri color sweet potato gratin with gruyere and thyme
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Your sweet potatoes are tired of being baked. Give them the chance to become something much more exciting and turn them into sweet potato gratin. Just like the OG potatoes au gratin, these sweet potatoes are layered with plenty of cheese and herby cream sauce and baked until golden brown and bubbly. 😍

Get the Sweet Potato Gratin recipe.

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19

Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes

slow cooker mashed potatoes with a pat of butter, salt, and pepper
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: LENA ABRAHAM

Rich, buttery mashed potatoes are definitely in the comfort food hall of fame, making a weeknight dinner or a Thanksgiving celebration feel even more cozy and indulgent. Great mashed potatoes need more than a generous amount of butter though to make them as good as can be. Thanks to the slow-cooker, you're about to make our best-eve version of this iconic side, which not only results in a creamy, butter side, but is as no-fuss and easy as can be.

Get the Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes recipe.

20

Beer Braised Cabbage

beer braised cabbage
Erik bernstein

Don’t overlook the humble cabbage! This straight cabbage braise (without meat!) is the perfect way to experience cabbage in all its vegetal glory.

Get the Beer Braised Cabbage recipe.

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