When cooler weather rolls in, comforting sides full of roasted veggies, warm spices, and seasonal flavors start to take center stage.
Whether you’re putting together a holiday spread or just want something cozy on a weeknight, these recipes offer a wide range of fall favorites—from creamy mashed squash to crisp Brussels sprouts and sweet potato casseroles.
There’s a mix of hearty, sweet, and savory dishes here, with easy options that fit just about any table.
These 28 sides are all about flavor, comfort, and that extra something that pulls the whole meal together.
1. Brown Sugar Roasted Butternut Squash
This roasted butternut squash brings out the vegetable’s natural sweetness with a light coat of brown sugar and cinnamon. The edges get nicely caramelized, while the inside stays tender and smooth. It’s a great match for roasted meats or grain-based mains, and it adds a cozy, golden touch to any fall table. The recipe keeps it simple, using ingredients you probably already have on hand.
You can make your own batch with this easy method for brown sugar roasted butternut squash.
2. Mashed Butternut Squash with Coconut Milk
This mash uses creamy coconut milk for a dairy-free twist that still feels rich and comforting. The butternut squash gets soft and silky, and a bit of garlic and nutmeg adds warmth without taking over. It’s lighter than a classic mashed potato, but just as satisfying. It works great with bold or spiced mains, and it reheats easily for leftovers.
See how to make this simple mashed butternut squash with coconut milk.
3. Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo with Crispy Chickpeas
This dish combines tender orzo with sweet roasted squash and crispy chickpeas for a nice balance of textures. The pasta soaks up flavor from the squash, while the chickpeas stay crunchy and satisfying. It’s filling but not heavy, and makes a great side for roasted meats or a vegetarian main on its own. You can serve it warm or at room temperature.
Here’s how to bring together this roasted butternut squash orzo with crispy chickpeas.
4. Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto With Crispy Sage
This creamy risotto gets a flavor boost from roasted squash and a crispy sage topping. As the rice cooks slowly, it becomes soft and velvety, soaking in all the warm, savory flavors. The sage adds a nice crunch and herby finish that sets it apart. It’s the kind of side that feels special without being hard to make.
You can try this butternut squash risotto with crispy sage for a cozy side or light main.
5. Butternut Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers
This casserole has a smooth, lightly sweet squash base and a golden topping made with crushed Ritz crackers and butter. It’s simple and familiar, but with just enough contrast in texture to keep it interesting. The soft filling pairs well with turkey, pork, or anything savory. It’s a great option for family dinners or potlucks.
Here’s the recipe for butternut squash casserole with Ritz crackers.
6. Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta, Spinach & Bacon
This stuffed squash is full of flavor thanks to salty bacon, crumbled feta, and cooked spinach tucked into roasted squash halves. It’s colorful, satisfying, and just the right mix of rich and fresh. The squash becomes soft and sweet, while the filling adds a creamy and savory touch. It makes a hearty side or light main.
Here’s how to make this stuffed butternut squash with feta, spinach & bacon.
7. Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spicy Chicken and Rice
This version uses roasted squash as a base for spicy chicken and rice, turning it into a bold, filling dish. The heat from the chicken mixes well with the natural sweetness of the squash. Everything bakes together until warm and tender, with just the right amount of spice. It’s a good choice if you want something different but still easy to pull together.
Try this recipe for stuffed butternut squash with spicy chicken and rice.
8. Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Soup
This smooth soup blends roasted squash and apples for a mix of sweet and savory. Roasting the ingredients first brings out more flavor, while a bit of spice adds warmth without being too much. It’s a comforting bowl that works well as a starter or light lunch. A swirl of cream or some crunchy toppings makes it even better.
Get the instructions for this roasted butternut squash and apple soup.
9. Brown Sugar Cinnamon Mashed Sweet Potatoes
This mash is all about comfort. Brown sugar and cinnamon blend into soft, buttery sweet potatoes for a cozy side that’s easy to love. The texture turns out silky and smooth, and it goes well with all kinds of fall and winter meals. A little extra butter on top makes it even better.
See how to make brown sugar cinnamon mashed sweet potatoes.
10. Honey Feta Sweet Potato Rounds
These roasted sweet potato slices are soft in the center with a lightly crisp edge. Each round is topped with crumbled feta and a drizzle of honey, making every bite sweet, salty, and just a little creamy. They’re easy to serve as a side or snack and hold their shape well on a platter. A sprinkle of herbs or crushed nuts adds a nice finishing touch.
Try this method for making honey feta sweet potato rounds.
11. Garlic Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Chopped sweet potatoes are roasted with garlic and butter for a savory, golden side. The butter soaks in while they cook, and the garlic gets mellow and rich. The edges crisp up just enough to give texture, while the inside stays soft and flavorful. It’s an easy way to switch things up from sweeter versions.
Here’s how to make these garlic butter roasted sweet potatoes.
12. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Casserole
This hearty casserole layers sweet potatoes and black beans with warm spices and a touch of heat. It’s filling and full of texture, with just enough flavor to stand on its own or go alongside roasted meats. The beans add protein, and the potatoes make it feel comforting. Great as a vegetarian main or a bold side.
Check out the recipe for sweet potato and black bean casserole.
13. Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
These twice-baked sweet potatoes are scooped out, mashed with apples and cranberries, and filled back into their skins. The result is soft, sweet, and lightly tart, with a beautiful color and a smooth texture. They’re a little special but still easy enough for a weekday.
Here’s how to make cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes.
14. Southern Sweet Potato Pie
This classic pie has a smooth, sweet filling made with mashed sweet potatoes and warm spices. It bakes in a buttery crust until golden and set, with a soft texture that’s never too heavy. It’s a simple dessert that feels right at home on any fall table.
You can try this Southern sweet potato pie for something classic and comforting.
15. Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread
This skillet cornbread uses mashed sweet potato for moisture and softness, then gets brushed with a light layer of honey butter. It’s lightly sweet with a rich texture, and it holds up well with soups, stews, or roasted dishes. The edges turn golden and crisp in the pan.
Here’s how to bake this honey butter sweet potato cornbread.
16. Maple Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Casserole
This casserole has a smooth, rich base made with mashed sweet potatoes, maple syrup, and brown sugar. The flavor is gently sweet without being too much, and the texture is soft and creamy. A buttery topping adds just the right amount of crunch, making it feel warm and balanced in every bite. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and special enough for a holiday table.
Make your own with this cozy maple brown sugar sweet potato casserole.
17. Roasted Garlic-Parmesan Zucchini, Squash, and Tomatoes
Zucchini, squash, and tomatoes roast together with garlic and Parmesan for a colorful, flavorful mix. The veggies get tender but still hold their shape, and the cheese browns slightly for a savory finish. It’s simple and fresh with very little prep.
Try this recipe for roasted garlic-Parmesan zucchini, squash, and tomatoes.
18. Apple & Bacon Brussels Sprouts
This side brings together crisped Brussels sprouts, sweet apple slices, and salty bits of bacon for a mix of bold and balanced flavors. The apples soften slightly as they roast, adding a gentle sweetness that plays well with the smoky bacon. It’s a simple combo that adds depth without much fuss, and the colors make it feel right at home on any fall plate.
Try this easy recipe for apple & bacon Brussels sprouts.
19. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry Balsamic Reduction
This version adds a tart-sweet glaze made from cranberries and balsamic vinegar. The Brussels sprouts roast until golden, then get coated in the warm, sticky sauce. It’s a side that feels balanced and a little more interesting than the usual.
Check out this roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberry balsamic reduction.
20. Sausage Turkey Cranberry Stuffing Balls
These stuffing balls pack turkey, sausage, and cranberries into individual bites. They’re crisp on the outside and soft inside, with lots of flavor in every piece. Easy to serve, great for snacking, or as a fun twist on traditional stuffing.
Make your own batch of sausage turkey cranberry stuffing balls.
21. Apple Cranberry Coleslaw with Toasted Sunflower Seeds
This fresh slaw combines crisp cabbage, tart cranberries, and sweet apples with toasted sunflower seeds for extra crunch. It’s bright and lightly dressed, making it a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes. Serve it chilled or at room temp—it works both ways.
Here’s how to make apple cranberry coleslaw with toasted sunflower seeds.
22. Apple Cranberry Carrot Slaw
This slaw adds shredded carrots for a bit more sweetness and texture. The combo of apples, cranberries, and a light vinaigrette gives it a clean, fruity flavor. It’s easy to make ahead and stays crisp in the fridge for hours.
Get the full recipe for apple cranberry carrot slaw.
23. Glazed Hot Honey Roasted Carrots with Goat Cheese
These carrots roast until golden and tender, then get topped with a drizzle of hot honey and a crumble of goat cheese. The heat and creaminess balance out the natural sweetness of the carrots. It’s colorful, bold, and great for serving warm or room temp.
Try this flavorful twist on carrots with glazed hot honey roasted carrots and goat cheese.
24. Three Cheese Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Mustard
This creamy mac and cheese cooks low and slow in a crockpot, making it easy and hands-off. Three cheeses add depth, bacon brings saltiness, and a bit of mustard sharpens the flavor. It’s rich, smooth, and satisfying.
Check out this three cheese crockpot mac and cheese with bacon and mustard.
25. Spinach Cranberry Feta Pinwheels in Puff Pastry
These puff pastry pinwheels are filled with spinach, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta. They bake up crisp, flaky, and just the right amount of savory and sweet. A great finger food or holiday side that looks as good as it tastes.
Try making spinach cranberry feta pinwheels in puff pastry for something a little different.
26. Cranberry Orange Sauce with Fresh Zest
This sauce brings together tart cranberries and fresh orange zest for a bright, zippy flavor. It’s just sweet enough and has a bit more texture than the canned version. It’s easy to prep and can be made ahead.
Make your own batch of cranberry orange sauce with fresh zest.
27. Whipped Cranberry Honey Butter with Sea Salt
This soft, whipped butter blends cranberries and honey for a sweet-savory spread. A bit of sea salt cuts through the sweetness and makes it pop. It’s perfect for rolls, muffins, or spreading on roasted vegetables.
Here’s how to make whipped cranberry honey butter with sea salt.
28. Cranberry Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
This homemade vinaigrette uses cranberries for a fruity, tangy base and balances it with just enough sweetness. It’s light, colorful, and great on green salads or grain bowls.
Try this easy cranberry vinaigrette salad dressing.
29. Turkey & Lentil Roasted Carrots Salad
This warm salad mixes roasted carrots with tender lentils and seasoned ground turkey for a hearty but balanced side. The flavors are earthy and slightly sweet, with a bit of spice from the turkey. It’s full of texture and color, and works well either warm or at room temperature. A drizzle of vinaigrette or lemon juice brings everything together.
Try this flavorful turkey & lentil roasted carrots salad.
30. Ground Turkey & Brussels Sprouts Hash
This simple skillet hash brings together browned ground turkey and shredded Brussels sprouts with just a few spices. It’s hearty without being too heavy, and everything cooks down to a golden, flavorful mix. Great as a lighter side or a filling base for an egg or roasted veggie.
Make a batch with this easy ground turkey & Brussels sprouts hash.
31. Golden Pierogi in Creamy Garlic Sauce with Turkey Sausage
These golden pan-fried pierogi are coated in a creamy garlic sauce and served with sliced turkey sausage. The combo is rich, comforting, and perfect for colder days.
Make this hearty golden pierogi with creamy garlic sauce and turkey sausage.
32. Whipped Pumpkin Honey Butter
This spread blends soft butter with pumpkin, honey, and spices for a creamy, lightly sweet finish. It’s great on warm rolls, pancakes, or roasted vegetables. The texture is smooth and spreads easily when served at room temp.
Try this seasonal whipped pumpkin honey butter.
33. Pumpkin Grits with Crispy Bacon & Scallions
Pumpkin adds a soft richness to these creamy grits, while crispy bacon and scallions bring texture and savory flavor. It’s a great base or side that’s both filling and easy to pair.
Here’s how to make pumpkin grits with crispy bacon and scallions.
34. Pumpkin Falafel with Maple Tahini Drizzle
These baked falafel use pumpkin for a moist texture and gentle flavor. A maple tahini drizzle on top adds sweetness and nuttiness that ties it all together. Great on salads, bowls, or as a handheld snack.
Make a batch of pumpkin falafel with maple tahini drizzle.
35. Pumpkin Teriyaki Stir-Fry
This stir-fry mixes pumpkin with veggies and a homemade teriyaki sauce for a sweet and savory side. The sauce coats everything with flavor, while the pumpkin adds color and softness.
Try this flavorful pumpkin teriyaki stir-fry.
36. Pumpkin & Ground Turkey Feta Stuffed Flatbreads
Soft flatbreads are filled with seasoned ground turkey, creamy feta, and pumpkin puree for a warm, savory mix. They’re easy to fold and eat, making them great for sharing or packing up.
Here’s how to make pumpkin & ground turkey feta stuffed flatbreads.