Fall Sides That Pair With Everything (Seriously)

Jenny deRemer

Oct 23, 2025

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The holidays are all about gathering with loved ones and enjoying a delicious spread and the right side dishes can make all the difference. I love how these recipes add variety and flavor to the table, complementing your main courses perfectly. From creamy and comforting to bright and fresh, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, preparing these sides can become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. So, get ready to impress your guests and make every meal feel extra special this season!

Table of Contents

Boozy Spiced Cranberry Sauce

A bowl of cranberry sauce garnished with a sprig of rosemary is placed on a wooden table. Beside it, there is a smaller bowl filled with fresh cranberries. Cinnamon sticks and a spoon with cranberry sauce residue are also visible in the background.
Image Credit: Sense & Edibility

Give your holiday table a boost with Boozy Spiced Cranberry Sauce. This sauce combines tart cranberries with a hint of alcohol and warm spices, making it a fun and flavorful twist on a holiday classic. It’s the perfect condiment for those looking to spice up their side dishes with something unique and delicious for the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Boozy Spiced Cranberry Sauce

Christmas Side Dish: Roasted Beet & Turnip Duo

A wooden bowl filled with a colorful salad made of diced beetroot and potatoes, garnished with fresh chopped herbs. The bowl is placed on a red surface with a silver spoon beside it and Christmas decorations including a pine cone and greenery in the background.
Image Credit: In the Kitch

The Roasted Beet & Turnip Duo makes for a colorful and flavorful holiday side. With their earthy tones and sweet roasted finish, these veggies add both vibrancy and nutrition to your holiday table. They’re perfect for anyone seeking fresh, seasonal options for delicious holiday side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Side Dish: Roasted Beet & Turnip Duo

Hearty Roasted Vegetable Salad

Three bowls of colorful salad on a rustic wooden table, each containing a mix of leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, roasted vegetables, and chunks of chicken, drizzled with dressing. A halved lemon and a cloth napkin are placed beside the bowls.
Image Credit: The Peasant’s Daughter

This Hearty Roasted Vegetable Salad brings together seasonal vegetables for a warm and nutritious side dish that complements any holiday meal. The roasted flavors and mix of textures make it stand out as a refreshing alternative to heavier sides. It’s ideal for anyone looking to include more healthy and delicious side dishes for holiday feasts.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Roasted Vegetable Salad

Roasted Baby Potatoes

A close-up of a dish of golden, roasted baby potatoes garnished with fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme. The potatoes are crispy and slightly charred, suggesting they have been roasted to perfection.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

Roasted Baby Potatoes are a simple yet flavorful side dish that fits perfectly with any holiday spread. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they pair well with just about any main dish. These potatoes are a great choice for adding easy and delicious holiday sides to your menu.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Baby Potatoes

Arroz con Gandules (Rice with Pigeon Peas)

A bowl of arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) garnished with a sprig of cilantro. The dish appears to have chunks of meat and green olives. In the background, there is a pot filled with more of the dish and a large spoon resting on a striped cloth.
Image Credit: Sense & Edibility

Arroz con Gandules is a flavorful Puerto Rican rice dish that’s perfect for adding a festive flair to your holiday table. With savory pigeon peas and seasoned rice, this dish brings a vibrant twist to traditional sides. It’s a flavorful option for anyone looking to include unique and delicious side dishes at holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Arroz con Gandules (Rice with Pigeon Peas)

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

A wooden bowl filled with creamy mashed potatoes, topped with three small melted butter pats, black pepper, and chopped green herbs. The mashed potatoes have a smooth and fluffy texture, with visible swirls from spoon mixing.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

With Crockpot Mashed Potatoes, you get a smooth and creamy side without all the hassle. The slow cooker method allows you to free up oven space while still delivering the classic mashed potato taste. It’s a convenient and tasty choice for anyone looking to add comforting and delicious holiday sides to their table.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Wild Grain Casserole with Caramelized Onion, Dates, and Walnuts

A white dish filled with rice pilaf mixed with chopped dates and nuts, garnished with herbs. Nearby are whole dates, a small bowl of chopped walnuts, a wooden spoon, and a container labeled "Fresh Medjool Dates." The setting is a white marble surface.
Image Credit: Sense & Edibility

This Wild Grain Casserole with Caramelized Onion, Dates, and Walnuts is a sweet and savory blend that adds something special to your holiday menu. The combination of grains, crunchy walnuts, and soft dates creates an unforgettable texture. It’s a perfect addition to any spread of delicious holiday side dishes, offering both richness and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Wild Grain Casserole with Caramelized Onion, Dates, and Walnuts

Loaded Smashed Potatoes

A tray filled with loaded potato bites topped with melted cheese, sour cream, chopped chives, and crumbled bacon. A fork rests among the toppings, ready to serve. The golden brown potatoes are evenly spread and covered with the savory toppings.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

Loaded Smashed Potatoes bring indulgence to your holiday table with a mix of cheese, bacon, and sour cream. Crispy and flavorful, they’re a crowd-pleaser that takes potatoes to the next level. For anyone looking to serve hearty and delicious side dishes this holiday, these smashed potatoes are a hit.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Sautéed Butternut Squash Recipe

A white bowl filled with diced roasted butternut squash placed on a white surface. A wooden spoon rests in the bowl, scooping some of the squash. A striped blue and white cloth napkin is partially visible in the top left corner, and a sprig of rosemary is in the bottom right corner.
Image Credit: Two Cloves Kitchen

Sautéed Butternut Squash brings a touch of sweetness and warmth to any holiday dinner. Its tender, caramelized flavor is balanced with simple seasonings, making it a great choice for those who want lighter, healthier side dishes. This is an ideal pick for anyone looking to serve up delicious holiday sides with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Butternut Squash Recipe

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

A glass baking dish filled with baked macaroni and cheese, with a spoon scooping out a serving.
Image Credit: Chenée Today

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food that’s a perfect addition to any holiday spread. Rich, creamy, and baked with layers of cheesy goodness, this dish adds heartiness to your holiday sides. Its crowd-pleasing flavor and texture make it one of the best choices for delicious holiday side dishes, especially when feeding a group.
Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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