15 Show-Stealing Side Dishes for the Fall

Cauliflower Au Gratin in a white dish
Photo: Chef Mo

The next time you're tasked with making a side dish for an elegant dinner at home, try one of these top-rated recipes that are guaranteed to wow your friends and family. If you don't believe us, read the reviews from our home cooks, who are only sorry they didn't make extra!

01 of 15

Garlic Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon

Garlic Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon on a white plate
naples34102

"Pan-fry Brussels sprouts in butter and crispy bacon for a smoky addition to your vegetable side dish. You can add a little of the bacon grease to the dish if you prefer." — smokey14903

02 of 15

Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic

Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Onion, and Garlic on a white, green, and blue plate
SunnyByrd

"The only way to eat cabbage in my house from now on, according to the 6 critics I feed daily! Easy, no exotic ingredients, just down-home deliciousness. Bacon and garlic makes a poor man's veg into something special." — Yummy Mummy

03 of 15

Rich and Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin

Rich and Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin on a white plate
abapplez

"These potatoes are AMAZING. I made the recipe as is with no changes. These were perfect, just the right amount of seasoning, nice and creamy, and great texture. The cheese and nutmeg really bump up the quality of the dish," says Susan.

04 of 15

Parmesan Roasted Acorn Squash

"This is absolutely delicious. It was my first time making acorn squash and it will now be in the regular rotation throughout fall. I didn't change a thing. Perfect!" — valeriek12234

05 of 15

Cheesy Polenta

Cheesy Polenta with meat on top
Karen Dean Covington

"This versatile side dish would work great along with pork, chicken, beef, or fish. The trick is to slowly add the cornmeal and whisk constantly to avoid lumps." — dadrules

06 of 15

Cauliflower Au Gratin

Cauliflower Au Gratin in a white dish on a table
Chef Mo

"One of my favorite ways to make cauliflower. I omit the nutmeg and add a dash of Frank's Hot Sauce and a little Dijon mustard. There are never any leftovers. We usually eat the whole casserole dish full. I like to serve this with meatloaf." — Sarah Jo

07 of 15

Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf with Pomegranate

Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf with Pomegranate in a turquoise bowl with a pomegranate
fabeverydayblog

"I always love an excuse to use saffron, and this delicious rice was a great use for it. Easy to make, too. Exactly as described." — fabeveryday

08 of 15

Bacon Feta Beans

Bacon Feta Beans closeup
RebeccaD

"Excellent. Real easy. Real quick. Real good. My family likes feta cheese, so I used the full amount. Got rave reviews. Heats well too." — JOLLYROGERS

09 of 15

Crispy Turnip 'Fries'

Crispy Turnip 'Fries' on a sheet pan
Allrecipes Magazine

"Unbelievable. Never had turnips before and LOVE this. I will never make regular potato fries again!" — mdhaegele

10 of 15

Garlic Red Potatoes

Garlic Red Potatoes with parsley garnish
cookin'mama

"What a hit! My family couldn't get enough of this! And so easy to make. What more could you ask for?" — McMommy

11 of 15

Farro with Wild Mushrooms

Farro with Wild Mushrooms on a white dish
CoachJen

"This tastes amazing! Everyone thinks you spent a lot of time and it is so easy! I'm a shroom lover, so I play with oyster, shitake, and whatever else happens to be on hand. Sooo yummy!" — Jet-set-Jen

12 of 15

Butternut Squash Risotto

Butternut Squash Risotto in a white dish
Marikka Werlen

"If you like the naturally sweet flavor of butternut squash, you'll love this risotto! It is so creamy and full of flavor! Great as a side dish or main course." — Andrea Longo Policella

13 of 15

Fondant Potatoes

Fondant Potatoes in a skillet
Maria Di Matteo Galley

"The texture this old-school method provides for russet potatoes is unlike anything you get by just roasting: so dense, moist, and rich. The way the crusty, crunchy edges outside contrast with the uniquely rich and creamy inside is truly a magical thing," Chef John says.

14 of 15

Elegant Turkey Stuffing

Elegant Turkey Stuffing with sausage, apples, and pecans
Pete Perry

You don't have to be stuffing a turkey to serve this side for dinner. "The distinctiveness of this turkey dressing comes from the orange-flavored liqueur, spicy Italian sausage, apples, and pecans. It's also very easy to prepare," recipe creator Joan says.

15 of 15

Roasted Honey Cinnamon Acorn Squash

Roasted Honey Cinnamon Acorn Squash on a white dish
Culinary Envy

"Caramelized roasted honey cinnamon acorn squash is drizzled with honey and cinnamon, and sprinkled with crumbled cheese and crunchy almonds." — Culinary Envy

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