As the air gets crisp and leaves change color, we all look forward to the holidays. This time of year is special because we get to share delicious meals together. If you want to make your holiday table stand out, try these tasty fall side dishes.
These dishes, from roasted veggies to creamy casseroles, are perfect with your main courses. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy get-together, these recipes will make your table shine. Enjoy dishes like sweet potato salad, Brussels sprout casserole, and pumpkin biscuit bake.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Discover a variety of mouthwatering fall side dish recipes for your holiday table
- Explore seasonal favorites like roasted vegetables, creamy gratins, and hearty potato dishes
- Impress your guests with colorful, flavorful, and comforting side dishes
- Incorporate a range of cooking methods, from roasting to slow-cooking, to elevate your menu
- Celebrate the bounty of autumn with vibrant ingredients and fall-inspired flavor profiles
The Warmth of Roasted Vegetables
As autumn’s chill arrives, nothing warms the soul like roasted vegetables’ comforting aroma. Enjoy the season’s best with a variety of roasted veggie recipes. They’re perfect for your fall menu.
Seasonal Favorites to Try
Try roasted butternut squash for its sweet, earthy taste. Brussels sprouts add a caramelized crunch. Add colorful carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes for a side dish full of flavor and nutrients.
For something new, try air fryer roasted potatoes with rosemary or a Moroccan-spiced carrot mix. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of these fall veggies.
Tips for Achieving Perfect Roasting
Start with the right oven temperature for roasting. Heat it to about 400°F for the best caramelization and tenderness. Mix chopped veggies with oil, seasonings, and balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
Roast for 30-45 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re tender and brown. Evenly cut veggies ensure they cook well and get that caramelized look.
“Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and enhances the flavors of fall vegetables.”
Whether making roasted butternut squash or a colorful mix, these recipes will be your favorite seasonal fall accompaniments.
Hearty Potato Dishes for Fall
As the weather cools and leaves change color, it’s time for hearty potato dishes. These sweet potato sides and autumn vegetable sides are perfect for a cozy Thanksgiving or a satisfying side dish.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes Variations
Classic mashed potatoes are a fall favorite, but why not try something new? Pumpkin mashed potatoes bring a sweet touch, while a creamy sweet potato gratin is decadent. Try melting potatoes for a unique texture, with butter, garlic, and herbs.
The Magic of Garlic and Herbs
Add flavor to your potatoes with garlic and fresh herbs. Roasted garlic Parmesan potato wedges or a potato casserole with thyme and rosemary will wow your guests. Slow-cooker mashed potatoes with garlic and chives are easy and delicious.
| Potato Dish | Average Cooking Time | Cooking Method | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes | 22 minutes | Stovetop | 6 servings |
| Sweet Potato Gratin | 35 minutes | Oven | 4 servings |
| Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges | 25 minutes | Oven | 8 servings |
| Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes | 4 hours | Slow Cooker | 10 servings |
“The best part about autumn? It’s the perfect time to indulge in cozy, comforting potato dishes that warm the soul.”
Festive Grain Salads to Impress
This fall, make your holiday table shine with grain salads. Choose from nutty quinoa to hearty farro. These dishes mix textures and flavors, great as harvest side dish ideas or seasonal fall accompaniments.
Recipes Featuring Quinoa and Farro
Quinoa and farro are the main attractions in these grain salads. Try a Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash for a mix of nutty grain and sweet squash. Or, go for a Pomegranate Arugula Salad with Apples and Farro for a burst of fall flavors.
- Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Pomegranate Arugula Salad with Apples and Farro
Adding Fall Flavors with Apples and Nuts
Add autumn’s essence to your grain salads with apples and nuts. They make your dishes look great and taste even better. Think about a Wild Rice Salad with Cranberries and Pecans or a Barley Salad with Roasted Beets and Walnuts.
- Wild Rice Salad with Cranberries and Pecans
- Barley Salad with Roasted Beets and Walnuts
These harvest side dish ideas and seasonal fall accompaniments will wow your guests. Mix different grains, fruits, and nuts to make unique grain salads. They’ll celebrate the season’s flavors.
Comforting Soups as Side Dishes
As autumn arrives, nothing beats a warm bowl of soup. These comforting soups are perfect side dishes for your holiday table. Try creamy roasted cauliflower or rich butternut squash soup. They’re sure to wow your guests.
Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Begin with our signature butternut squash soup. It’s smooth and sweet, with roasted squash and savory seasonings. Add a bit of cream for extra richness. Serve it in small bowls with your main dish for a special treat.
Pairing Soups with Bread
- Enhance your soup with garlic bread or pumpkin biscuits. The mix of warm bread and soup is divine.
- These soups can be prepared ahead, making your holiday meal prep easier.
Choose a classic like butternut squash or try something new. Adding comforting soups to your menu will surely please your family this fall.
“Soup is not just food, it’s comfort. It’s the hug from a grandmother, the warmth of a crackling fireplace on a cold day.” – Unknown
Colorful Fall Salad Ideas
As the weather cools and leaves change, it’s time to enjoy autumn’s harvest. Vibrant fall salads are a refreshing contrast to rich seasonal dishes. They’re perfect for your holiday table. Discover how to make seasonal fall accompaniments that will wow your guests.
Using Kale and Brussels Sprouts
Hearty greens like kale and Brussels sprouts shine in fall salads. Try an Italian Antipasto Brussels Sprouts Salad or a Roasted Pumpkin Chickpea Salad. These greens pair well with autumn’s bold flavors and textures.
Dressings to Enhance Your Salad
Find the right dressing to elevate your fall salads. A Balsamic-Maple Vinaigrette or a creamy Herb Dressing can bring out the best in seasonal produce. Try different flavors to match your harvest side dish ideas.
| Salad Dressing Ratio | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Approximately 1:1 | Balsamic vinegar and olive oil |
| Specific measurements | Maple syrup, lemon juice, salt, and pepper |
These seasonal fall accompaniments add vibrant color and a delightful contrast to your plate. Experiment with various ingredients and dressings. Create your own signature fall salads that will impress and satisfy your guests’ cravings for harvest flavors.
Savory Stuffing and Dressing Recipes
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without the right stuffing or dressing. These recipes, from classic bread-based to unique twists, will wow your guests.
The Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing
This best-rated stuffing recipe captures the essence of Thanksgiving. It has a 4.99 rating from 271 votes. It’s filled with fresh herbs, garlic, and savory flavors. Prep time is 20 minutes, and it cooks in 1 hour, making it ideal for Thanksgiving.
The recipe uses a day-old sourdough loaf, salted butter, leeks, celery, and garlic. It also includes chopped fresh herbs like sage, parsley, rosemary, and thyme. Baked in a 9×13 dish, it gets a crispy top that adds to its appeal.
Creative Add-Ins for a Unique Twist
Want to make your stuffing special? Add sweet Italian sausage, apples, butternut squash, or dried cranberries. The Sausage & Herb Stuffing recipe mixes stuffing cubes with pork sausage, herbs, and garlic for a tasty twist.
Choose any stuffing or dressing, and these thanksgiving side dishes and fall side dish recipes will be a hit at your table.
Delicious Side Dishes Featuring Pumpkin
Elevate your autumn meals with the comforting flavors of pumpkin! This versatile ingredient can shine in many savory side dishes. Discover new ways to incorporate pumpkin into your holiday spread and impress your guests with these delectable pumpkin side dish recipes.
Pumpkin Risotto to Savor
Creamy and rich, pumpkin risotto makes a wonderful side dish. Start by sautéing onions and garlic. Then add arborio rice and gradually ladle in warm broth, stirring continuously until the rice is tender and the mixture is thick and creamy. Stir in roasted pumpkin puree, parmesan cheese, and fresh sage for a dish that’s simply divine. Serve this pumpkin risotto alongside roasted meats or as a vegetarian main course.
Creating a Pumpkin and Sage Medley
For a simple yet flavorful pumpkin side, try a pumpkin and sage medley. Toss cubed pumpkin or butternut squash with fresh sage leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven until the pumpkin is caramelized and tender. This aromatic combination of pumpkin and sage makes a lovely accompaniment to roasted chicken, pork, or turkey. You can also add in other autumn vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots for a colorful and nutritious side dish.
| Pumpkin Side Dish Recipes | Prep Time | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Risotto | 10 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Pumpkin and Sage Medley | 15 minutes | 40 minutes |
| Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes | 20 minutes | 25 minutes |
| Roasted Pumpkin Wedges | 10 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Pumpkin and Bok Choy | 15 minutes | 25 minutes |
These pumpkin side dish recipes offer a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of autumn and complement your main courses. Whether you opt for the creamy pumpkin risotto, the savory pumpkin and sage medley, or any of the other tempting options, your guests are sure to be delighted by the unique and comforting pumpkin side dishes on your table.
Exploring Root Vegetables in Your Menu
As the weather gets cooler and leaves change color, it’s time to enjoy root vegetables. These hidden gems of fall add depth to your holiday meals. Carrots, parsnips, and beets are perfect for bringing out autumn’s rich flavors.
Carrots and Parsnips: The Unsung Heroes
Roasting carrots and parsnips is a simple yet tasty side dish. Mix them with herbs like rosemary, oregano, and dill. Roast at 400°F for 35-40 minutes until they’re tender and sweet.
The natural sweetness of these veggies pairs well with savory dishes. They make a great side for your holiday main course.
Adding Sweetness with Beets
- Beets add vibrant colors to your dishes. Try a beet puree or a roasted beet and butternut squash quinoa bowl. Their earthy sweetness balances out your fall sides.
- For a stunning dish, make roasted root vegetables with herbs. Use sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, carrots, and yellow onion for a flavorful mix.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes | 2 large |
| Celery Root (Celeriac) | 1 |
| Carrots | 2 |
| Parsnip | 1 |
Preheat your oven to 400°F for roasting. Roast the veggies for 30-45 minutes until they’re tender and caramelized. This dish is perfect as a side or part of your fall recipes.
“Roasted root vegetables are a must-have on my holiday table. The combination of sweet, earthy, and savory flavors is truly unbeatable.”
Make the most of root vegetables this fall. They offer endless ways to create tasty and beautiful side dishes for your holiday meals.
Preparing the Perfect Green Bean Casserole
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a classic green bean casserole. It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect with turkey and trimmings. Whether you stick to the traditional or try a modern twist, mastering this dish is essential.
A Modern Take on the Classic
The traditional green bean casserole is delicious, but you can add a twist. Try garlic butter green beans or cranberry bacon green beans for a seasonal twist. These variations offer a fresh take on a classic, perfect for fall side dishes.
Tips for Making It from Scratch
- Start with fresh, crisp green beans. Blanching them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes helps to retain their vibrant color and tender-crisp texture.
- Make your own creamy mushroom sauce from scratch using sautéed cremini mushrooms, butter, flour, and milk for a rich, velvety texture.
- Top the casserole with homemade crispy baked onions for a satisfying crunch. Thinly slice onions, toss with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden brown.
- For an extra flavor boost, stir in grated cheddar cheese or sliced pimientos into the mushroom sauce.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it unbaked, then simply pop it in the oven when ready to serve.
| Serving Size | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 20 mins | 30 mins | 50 mins |
With these tips, you’ll make a green bean casserole that everyone will love. Whether you stick to the classic or try something new, this dish will be a highlight of your Thanksgiving.
Sweet and Savory Cranberry Sides
Discover the many uses of cranberries in your fall and holiday cooking. They add vibrant flavors and textures to your dishes. Try them in homemade cranberry sauce or savory recipes.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce Variations
Make your Thanksgiving table special with homemade cranberry sauce. Add unique touches like orange zest, cinnamon, or port wine. These tweaks create a perfect balance of sweet and tart, great with roasted meats or as a holiday condiment.
Pairing Cranberries with Fall Dishes
Cranberries aren’t just for desserts; they’re great in savory dishes too. Add them to Roasted Brussels Sprouts for a colorful and flavorful twist. Mix cranberries into your Thanksgiving stuffing for a festive touch. They complement rich, autumnal flavors, making your holiday meal even more special.