21 Best Fall Side Dish Recipes

Fall is the perfect season to embrace warm, comforting flavors and hearty vegetables in your cooking. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner or hosting a party or Thanksgiving feast, these 21 fall side dish recipes are versatile and delicious. From crispy pumpkin fritters to creamy mashed potatoes, each recipe is designed to enhance your meals with the rich tastes of autumn. Scale them up to serve a crowd or enjoy them as part of a cozy family dinner – these dishes are sure to become seasonal favorites!

1. Easy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

These Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection and paired with crispy bacon, creating a savory and satisfying side dish. The combination of flavors makes it a delicious addition to any meal.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and sprinkle with chopped bacon.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the bacon is crispy.
5. Serve immediately.

2. Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

These honey roasted carrots and parsnips are sweet, caramelized, and full of flavor. They make a perfect fall side dish that’s both easy to prepare and delicious.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• 4 parsnips, peeled and cut into sticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the carrots and parsnips with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
5. Serve immediately.

3. Creamy Sweet Potato Mash

This creamy sweet potato mash is rich and velvety, with a hint of sweetness. It’s a comforting and nutritious side dish that’s perfect for fall.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the sweet potatoes. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. Add the heavy cream, butter, and maple syrup. Mash until smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve immediately.

4. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These roasted garlic mashed potatoes are creamy and flavorful, with a delicious roasted garlic taste. They’re a perfect side dish for any fall meal.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 head garlic
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 30-35 minutes, until soft.
3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the potatoes. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
5. Squeeze the roasted garlic out of the cloves and add to the potatoes.
6. Add butter and heavy cream. Mash until smooth and creamy.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve immediately.

5. Crispy Pumpkin Fritters

These crispy pumpkin fritters are a delightful fall side dish, with a crunchy exterior and soft, flavorful interior. They’re easy to make and perfect for any autumn meal.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated pumpkin
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine grated pumpkin, flour, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Drop spoonfuls of the pumpkin mixture into the skillet and flatten slightly with a spatula.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.

6. Garlic Honey Roasted Carrots

These garlic honey roasted carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that’s perfect for fall. The combination of garlic and honey creates a deliciously caramelized flavor.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until the carrots are tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
5. Serve immediately.

7. Roasted Pumpkin with Feta and Honey

This roasted pumpkin with feta and honey is a flavorful and unique side dish. The sweetness of the honey pairs perfectly with the savory feta and roasted pumpkin.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 small pumpkin, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the pumpkin cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the pumpkin on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
4. Transfer the roasted pumpkin to a serving dish and top with crumbled feta cheese.
5. Drizzle with honey and garnish with fresh thyme.
6. Serve immediately.

8. Broccoli and Bacon Salad

This broccoli and bacon salad is a crunchy and savory side dish that’s perfect for fall. The combination of crispy bacon and fresh broccoli is simply irresistible.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

9. Fall Apple Coleslaw

This fall apple coleslaw is a fresh and tangy side dish that’s perfect for autumn. The crisp apples and crunchy cabbage create a deliciously refreshing combination.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded cabbage
• 2 apples, julienned
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, julienned apples, and shredded carrots.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the coleslaw and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

10. Crispy Herbed Pumpkin Fries

These crispy herbed pumpkin fries are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional fries. They’re seasoned with fresh herbs and roasted to perfection.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 small pumpkin, peeled and cut into fries
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the pumpkin fries with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until crispy and golden brown, turning halfway through.
5. Serve immediately.

11. Pumpkin and Couscous Salad

This pumpkin and couscous salad is a hearty and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for fall. The combination of roasted pumpkin and fluffy couscous is simply delicious.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 small pumpkin, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the pumpkin cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the pumpkin on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
4. In a pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked couscous, roasted pumpkin, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and parsley.
6. Toss to combine and serve immediately.

12. Cranberry and Apple Slaw

This cranberry and apple slaw is a sweet and tangy side dish that’s perfect for fall. The combination of fresh apples and tart cranberries is a refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded cabbage
• 2 apples, julienned
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, julienned apples, and dried cranberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

13. Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts

These maple glazed Brussels sprouts are sweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized. They’re an easy and delicious fall side dish.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
5. Serve immediately.

14. Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage

This roasted butternut squash with sage is a simple and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for fall. The sage adds a fragrant touch to the sweet squash.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, sage, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the squash on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until the squash is tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
5. Serve immediately.

15. Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables

These balsamic roasted root vegetables are a hearty and flavorful side dish. The balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness that complements the earthy vegetables.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
• 1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the vegetables with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
5. Serve immediately.

16. Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

These garlic Parmesan green beans are a delicious and easy side dish. The garlic and Parmesan cheese add a savory flavor to the tender green beans.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the green beans with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the green beans on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until the green beans are tender and slightly crispy.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

17. Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

These spiced pumpkin seeds are a crunchy and flavorful snack or side dish. They’re easy to make and perfect for fall.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the pumpkin seeds with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
3. Spread the pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the seeds are crispy and golden brown.
5. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

18. Sage Butter Cornbread

This sage butter cornbread is a moist and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for fall. The sage butter adds a fragrant touch to the classic cornbread.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for sage butter)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and egg.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. In a small bowl, mix the remaining melted butter with chopped sage.
8. Brush the sage butter over the warm cornbread.
9. Serve immediately.

19. Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

This roasted beet salad with goat cheese is a colorful and flavorful side dish. The sweet beets and creamy goat cheese are a perfect match.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 medium beets, roasted and sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap the beets in foil and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until tender. Let them cool, then peel and slice.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced beets, goat cheese, and walnuts.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Serve immediately.

20. Caramelized Onion and Apple Tart

This caramelized onion and apple tart is a sweet and savory side dish that’s perfect for fall. The caramelized onions and sweet apples create a delicious flavor combination.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 apples, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until caramelized, about 20-25 minutes.
3. Add the apples and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until softened.
4. Stir in honey, salt, and pepper.
5. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and place it on a baking sheet.
6. Spread the caramelized onion and apple mixture evenly over the pastry.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is golden and crispy.
8. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve warm.

21. Maple Glazed Acorn Squash

This maple glazed acorn squash is a sweet and savory side dish that’s perfect for fall. The maple glaze adds a delicious caramelized flavor to the tender squash.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 acorn squash, halved and seeded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush the acorn squash halves with olive oil and place them cut side up on a baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix together maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the maple glaze over the squash.
5. Roast for 45-50 minutes, until the squash is tender and caramelized.
6. Serve immediately.

These 21 fall side dish recipes are perfect for complementing any meal with the warm and comforting flavors of the season. Enjoy experimenting with these delicious dishes and bringing a taste of autumn to your table!