Hosting a Big Group Is Easy with 49 Fall Sides Like These

Feeding a crowd can be chaos, but fall sides turn it into organized chaos, the good kind. With 49 different ones to mix and match, there’s no need to panic when someone asks, “What else is there?” You’ve got options that fit every plate and personality. These sides don’t just fill space on the table; they make it look like you actually had a game plan.

Slices of garlic bread topped with chopped parsley and sea salt sit enticingly on a wooden board, accompanied by a small bowl of salt and fresh cloves of garlic. — Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Hashbrown Casserole

Potluck tables feel right when the classics pop up, especially with hot, crispy bites that feed a crowd. Scooping out Hashbrown Casserole packs plates with comfort and fills bellies quick. It matches well next to grilled dishes or roasted meats. Expect people to ask for seconds every time.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Close-up of a delightful broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Mixed ingredients are visible in detail, showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of this fresh broccoli salad. — Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fresh salads break up heavier sides and add crunch everyone enjoys. Bowls piled high with Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing get grabbed fast thanks to the smooth texture and punchy flavors. It works beside BBQ or oven-roasted mains. Always goes quicker than you’d guess.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy macaroni and cheese dish with visible black pepper seasoning. — Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cheesy sides with sweet undertones make dinner spread out for big crowds without much effort. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese bring a twist to any buffet and pair well with savory mains. This one is perfect for picky eaters. Leftovers heat up good for lunch tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Sautéed Kale

Big gatherings get lighter with a little green on the table and flexible servings. Plates of Sautéed Kale offer a nutty crunch and a bright finish that everyone appreciates during group meals. It stacks alongside roasts or sandwiches. Even non-veggie fans take a scoop.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Kale

Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork. — Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Comfort food on busy nights wins with a cheesy crust and soft center that everyone fights over. Cutting into Scalloped Potatoes gets friends and family reaching for the serving spoon quickly. They pair up with most grills or bake dishes. There’s rarely a bite left in the tray.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese. — Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crisp sides keep things fresh and make a big meal easier for guests looking for balance. Bowls filled with Honeycrisp Salad add crunch and sweetness that sit well next to sliders or casseroles. People like seconds and quick refills. Pack up leftovers for a quick snack later.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Southern Cornbread

Close-up of two stacked pieces of cornbread with melted butter on top, showcasing a golden-brown crust and moist, crumbly texture. — Southern Cornbread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Classic bakes fill the air with a warm smell and work great with anything saucy. Slicing up Southern Cornbread puts soft slices on every plate that match with BBQ or stews. It travels well for any event. Tray usually finishes fast once passed around.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread

Antipasto Skewers

Going bite-sized keeps group plates simple while letting people mix flavors easily. Sticking together Antipasto Skewers means easy pick-ups and no mess for casual gatherings. These work for happy hour too. All flavors show up in one quick grab.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Skewers

Sweet Potato Wedges

Roasted snacks fit every table and make clean-up simple with finger foods. Stacking Sweet Potato Wedges draws people near and fills plates fast for a quick side. Great next to burgers or grilled mains. The crowd likes dipping these in any sauce available.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

A white dish with roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, red onions, and sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh dill and thyme. — Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Big pans save time in the kitchen and fill trays with color for busy hosts. Scooping up Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables brings earthy flavor and a quick crunch for big groups. These sides go great next to any roast. Try to keep extras warm in case people ask.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Corn Casserole

Easy sides work best for large crowds when comfort is key to the spread. Passing out Corn Casserole mixes sweet bite with soft finish that matches BBQ and any baked main. It packs up well for leftovers. You always see folks spooning out a second helping before dinner’s done.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce. — Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cheesy classics always get requested first at any group meal and keep everyone happy. Bowls of Mac and Cheese land with bubbly tops and create the perfect match with meat dishes or spicy sides. This one fits any table style. There’s never any left after the main course.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Garlic Knots

Fresh bakes fill the whole house with a savory smell and put easy bites right up front. Piling up Garlic Knots on a platter lets guests snack in between plates or dip with main dishes. Good match for salads or saucy sides. Always vanish by the end of dinner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers. — Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crisp sides that stack well mix things up and add color to every big meal. Spoons of Antipasto Salad give guests a little taste of everything and fit right next to spicy mains or grilled cuts. No need for extras, everyone grabs a scoop. Quick to refill if needed.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Butternut Squash Risotto

A bowl of risotto topped with roasted pumpkin pieces, grated cheese, and fresh parsley, with a checkered napkin and herbs nearby. — Butternut Squash Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy sides round out dinners for big groups without a lot of fuss in the kitchen. Ladling up Butternut Squash Risotto adds warm comfort that goes nicely with simple grilled or roasted meats. People never complain about the leftovers. Pair with bread for a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto

Chili Relleno Casserole

A slice of lasagna with beef, mushrooms, cheese, and vegetables being lifted from a baking dish. — Chili Relleno Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Big pans with bold flavors make bulk serving easier when the crowd’s hungry. Passing around Chili Relleno Casserole means everyone wants seconds and fills plates with smoky comfort. Pairs up best beside salad or beans. Try to save some for late-comers.
Get the Recipe: Chili Relleno Casserole

Asian Cucumber Salad Jar

A glass jar filled with sliced cucumbers, red onions, and herbs in pickling liquid, with two metal forks placed inside. — Asian Cucumber Salad Jar. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cold sides keep things fast while adding a crunchy bite to the mix for crowds. Spoon out Asian Cucumber Salad Jar at picnics or potlucks for a fresh twist next to anything fried or grilled. Jars pack easy for leftovers. Try mixing up with other greens on the table, too.
Get the Recipe: Asian Cucumber Salad Jar

French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs. — French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Hearty sides work for big families and fill plates without making things complicated. Scooping out French Onion Casserole lines tables with robust flavor that’s perfect with burgers or roasts. Everyone asks for more before dinner is done. Easy to reheat for next day too.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Hasselback Potatoes

Sliced bakes get the wow factor and feed a crowd with a crispy edge every time. Passing around Hasselback Potatoes mean plates fill fast and trays come back empty. They work with nearly every main course. Quick to dress up with herbs if you like.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Baked Zucchini

Roasted zucchini halves garnished with chopped parsley on a white plate. — Baked Zucchini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Lighter options fill in group tables and add veggie crunch for anyone looking for balance. Stacking up Baked Zucchini makes side plates a breeze and pairs with salads or grilled meats. These work cold or hot. Fast to pack for leftovers as well.
Get the Recipe: Baked Zucchini

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

A bowl of stew with bread and carrots. — Jamaican Red Beans and Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fluffy sides keep bellies happy and add flavor for big servings without lots of effort. Scooping up Jamaican Red Beans and Rice gives plates a bright color and a little extra punch for mains with sauce. Fits alongside BBQ or baked meats. Watch the bowl go empty before dessert.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Big Mac Sliders

Two sloppy joe sliders with melted cheese and ground beef filling stacked on a plate, with lettuce and a bowl in the background. — Big Mac Sliders. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crowd-pleasing sliders double as sides when you want something fun and filling. Big Mac Sliders lines up plates with cheesy comfort and a quick snack for hungry guests. These work as a full side or shared bite. Always make more than you think you’ll need.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Sliders

Beet Salad

A close-up of a salad featuring chopped beets, cucumber, feta cheese, walnuts, and fresh herbs on a white plate. — Beet Salad. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Salads with color add brightness to long tables and fresh flavor for every forkful. Scooping out Beet Salad means a cool bite that pairs right up with smoked meats or cheeses. Pack extra for lunches after the gathering. It’s often the first gone when folks want something light.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy classics set the mood for big dinners and fill everyone up quick. Mashed Potatoes covers plates with a smooth finish perfect for gravy or simple grilled mains. Doesn’t last long at any get-together. Easy to warm for seconds as the night goes on.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

Crunchy sides keep big plates moving and balance heavier items with light flavor. Spoons of Green Bean Casserole hit every buffet and pack up well for quick leftovers. This one shows up at most celebrations. First bites always disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Taco Pasta Salad

A bowl of fusilli pasta mixed with ground beef, black beans, chopped tomatoes, and herbs, garnished with lime wedges. — Taco Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cold sides make fridge storage easy and work for simple serving when the crowd is hungry. Taco Pasta Salad blend bold flavors and creamy texture for stacking next to grilled chicken or beef. Always requested again by guests. Works as a lunchbox filler the next day.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Sweet Potato Cubes

Roasted sides fill the air with a warm smell and give a quick snack for passing plates. Scooping up Sweet Potato Cubes adds a sweet touch and great color next to spicy mains. Fast to serve and store for leftovers. Pairs up with crunchy greens well, too.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes

Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top. — Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Layered sides win big at group dinners for being easy to make and share. Cutting up Ravioli Casserole delivers cheesy bites ready for heavy mains or light salads. Guests dive in for seconds before dessert. This one reheats well if you manage to save some.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli Casserole

Dauphinoise Potatoes

Cheesy bakes stand out during large gatherings and feed lots without fuss. Slicing into Dauphinoise Potatoes adds creamy finish with a crisp top for any main dish. This classic fills plates in minutes. Usually disappears before people try everything else.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

A plate of golden-brown gnocchi garnished with rosemary, served with a black fork. — Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Small bites work great as sides for a crowd when you want comfort with a twist. Scooping up Sweet Potato Gnocchi pairs with roasted mains or lighter proteins. These store easily for leftovers. Great for a change from rice or regular potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Mexican Rice

Fluffy grains pack a punch for filling out plates quickly during big meals. Spoons of Mexican Rice cover sides with color and bring out flavors that match spicy or grilled mains. Good for reheating next day. No stress about making a huge batch.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Stuffing Balls

Easy-to-grab bites simplify serving and keep hands clean for busy gatherings. Rolling out Stuffing Balls fills trays fast and works with gravy or roasts. Good for holiday spreads or regular group dinners. Pack extra in case the crowd comes back for more.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing Balls

Gnocchi

Chewy, small bites round out plates for any dinner and fill bellies without heavy sides. Spoonfuls of Gnocchi match well with creamy sauces or fresh salads. Works for casual nights or fancy events. Never goes unnoticed on the table.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

A honey hot chicken salad with succulent fried chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, cucumber slices, and mixed greens, all topped with a creamy dressing. — Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Light spicy sides add a kick between heavier dishes for big groups. Hot Honey Chicken Salad bring crunch and a punch of flavor for stacking next to bread or simple mains. Works as a main for small crowds, too. Extra always gets packed up for snacks.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta

A white dish filled with cooked fusilli pasta, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce, with a silver fork resting inside. — Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Social media favorites show up for group tables and surprise guests with new flavors. Loading plates with Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta brings creamy bites and a twist to any side spread. People like trying something different. Goes quick if there are lots of pasta fans around.
Get the Recipe: Boursin Cheese Baked TikTok Pasta

Pumpkin Soup

Smooth sides set off trays with color and work well for a crowd craving warm comfort. Bowls of Pumpkin Soup add a bright bite next to grilled sandwiches or baked meats. Easy to store for leftovers. Usually finishes before the end of dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A plate of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with pine nuts on parchment paper. — Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crispy veggies with a sweet finish make sides more interesting for large parties. Passing around Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze places crowd-pleasers on every plate next to heavier bites. Cook extra—they disappear fast. Great for leftover salads too.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Twice Baked Potatoes

Impressive bakes fill plates with creamy centers and crispy skins for big tables. Scooping out Twice Baked Potatoes stacks flavor high and goes fast with any meal spread. Guests love personal servings. Not likely to have extras left after seconds.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Marry Me Chicken Casserole

A casserole dish filled with baked pasta topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs. — Marry Me Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Saucy bakes fill the air with a rich smell and feed big groups without much stress. Cutting into Marry Me Chicken Casserole lines plates with comfort and a touch of savory flavor. Serve with greens or simple breads. Friends always mention it after the meal ends.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

Baked Potato

Simple sides help pack plates without much effort for busy hosts feeding a crowd. Slicing into Baked Potato lets everyone customize with extra toppings and pairs up with meats or salads easily. Tray goes quick for dinner or lunch. Reheat leftovers for breakfasts later.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Cornbread Stuffing

A metal spatula lifts a serving of baked stuffing topped with chopped parsley from a white casserole dish. — Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Baked sides with a crispy finish make every meal more special for big gatherings. Passing around Cornbread Stuffing means full plates beside gravy or roasted meats. Always requested for seconds. Like classic stuffing but easier to grab as a side.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing

Southern Mash

Mashed potatoes on a white plate. — Southern Mash. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy sides settle diners and match any main course perfectly. Spoons of Southern Mash fill up plates with smooth texture and a warm bite, great for busy crowds. Crowd always comes back for a scoop. Works for leftovers too.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

Pizza Casserole

A close-up of a baked pasta dish with melted cheese, pepperoni slices, and herbs, showing a serving being lifted, revealing gooey cheese strands. — Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cheesy layers deliver the wow factor for group meals and let everyone snack without fuss. Cutting up Pizza Casserole lands bites packed with flavor next to salads or grilled veggies. Often the first gone at any party. Leftovers make solid late-night snacks.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Three baked sweet potatoes topped with minced meat, melted cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions on a white plate. — Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Creative sides stand out for hungry groups when variety is a plus for dinner. Loading Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes onto plates fits with spicy salads or grilled mains. These are easy to serve and store. Always finish first when serving a mixed crowd.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Fluffy Naan Bread

A stack of flatbreads garnished with chopped parsley sits on a cloth, with a white pepper grinder, fresh herbs, a lemon wedge, and a bowl of yellow sauce nearby. — Fluffy Naan Bread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Warm breads fill the room with comfort and keep guests happy beside saucy sides. Pulling apart Fluffy Naan Bread means plates don’t stay empty long and leftovers work well for wraps. Classic for group meals. Good batch keeps for days, too.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Naan Bread

Baked Rice

A close-up of a bowl of oven-baked fried rice mixed with colorful vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, and scallions, with a spoon resting inside. — Baked Rice. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Simple and fulfilling grains fill plates easily and make cleanup a breeze for group dinners. Spoons of Baked Rice sit well next to casseroles or lean meats. Good for serving lots of people. Stashes well for leftovers with little fuss.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Egg Roll

A wooden tray with spring rolls and lime wedges lined with parchment paper sits next to a small bowl of dipping sauce on a light surface. — Egg Roll. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crispy bites bring color to side plates and add crunch for big crowds. Serving up Egg Roll works with all main dishes or as a snack between heavy bites for group dinners. Everyone wants at least one. These pack up for lunchboxes after the gathering.
Get the Recipe: Egg Roll

Creamed Spinach

A bowl of creamy spinach topped with grated cheese, being stirred with a spoon. — Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy veggie sides bulk up tables and fit easily beside all types of main course. Spoons of Creamed Spinach add rich flavor without weighing down plates for big dinners. Works warm or cold as a leftover. Always in demand for second helpings.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Garlic Bread

Fresh bakes get pulled apart fast when a big group shows up hungry. Passing over Garlic Bread means plates fill up quick and match any main dish or salad. Trays always finish before the next round. Grab some for leftovers if you want a late-night snack.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread