80 5-Ingredient Fall Side Dishes

Chard is a leafy veggie often used in Mediterranean cooking. I dress it with orange juice and bacon, and the family gobbles it up. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

This easy green bean casserole has always been one of my favorite dishes. You can make it before any guests arrive and refrigerate it until it’s ready to bake. —Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington

Although I call these “company carrots,” I’ll often serve them on a weeknight to my family. No matter who’s eating it, the fast, easy dish is always a favorite. —Cynthia Hanus-Beard, Tamarac, Florida

Here’s an easy dressing that’s perfect for Thanksgiving get-togethers. Once it’s in the slow cooker, you’re free to turn your attention to the other dishes. —Rita Nodland, Bismarck, North Dakota

If you have picky eaters who worry about texture, roasted okra is marvelous. It’s OK to crowd the pan. Okra shrinks as it cooks. —Anna Katsoulis, Greenville, North Carolina

In our house, we prefer our beautiful red beets served with a touch of butter and a hint of orange from a marmalade glaze. —Mary Beth Jung, Hendersonville, North Carolina

I grow lots of carrots and I’m always experimenting with ways to serve them. The first time I made this citrusy recipe for my husband, he said it tasted like Christmas! Although he calls them my “Christmas Carrots,” they’re tasty anytime; I especially like serving them at Easter, with the array of carrots available in early spring. It’s easy to prepare, and can easily be doubled to serve a large group. To save time, I sometimes dice the carrots several days in advance. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Every Christmas, friends have a huge potluck party. I wanted to bring something unique, so I topped off endive and watercress with jewel-toned pomegranate seeds. —Alysha Braun, St. Catharines, Ontario

I discovered this fragrant salad in a cooking class. If you can, try to find orange flower water (also called orange blossom water), which perks up the orange segments. But orange juice adds a nice zip, too! —Carol Richardson Marty, Lynwood, Washington

Here’s a sweet side dish my family loves. It’s wonderful on its own, but you can use it to top pancakes or french toast for breakfast, too. —Shirley Heston, Pickerington, Ohio

Baked yellow squash is beautifully crispy. You don’t have to turn the pieces, but do keep an eye on them. — Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas

Beets were a popular vegetable in our house when I was growing up and this recipe is a real favorite of ours. It’s very easy to make, and the citrus flavor of the orange is a delight. —Susan Punzal, Orchard Park, New York

This side always takes my guests by surprise because of the smoky flavor, creamy texture and pretty presentation. You’ll get major kudos when you place these on your table. —Cynthia Boberskyj, Rochester, New York

Asparagus marinated in vinaigrette and dotted with cheese makes an awesome side. We’re blue cheese fans, but you might like Parmesan or feta. —Susan Vaith, Jacksonville, Florida

I love creating dishes with few ingredients and easy steps, like squash with Brussels sprouts. Maple syrup adds a slight sweetness, and pecans give it a toasty crunch. —Angela LeMoine, Howell, New Jersey

I’ve made many types of scalloped potatoes but I always come back to this rich, creamy and fail-proof recipe. This is a dish where the bottom gets scraped clean. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

Mushrooms and spinach make a super-fast combination that’s perfect for two. It’s easy to double or triple for a crowd. —Pauline Howard, Lago Vista, Texas

I like to make this Swiss chard a main dish by serving it with pasta, but it’s also a tasty side dish all on its own. My boys love it and ask for it often. —Rebekah Chappel, Portales, New Mexico

Fresh green beans are the stars of this healthy side. Serve with grilled chicken, pork tenderloin or seafood for a delicious end to a busy day. —David Feder, Buffalo Grove, Illinois

A local restaurant got me hooked on sweet potato fries. I started making them at home with different seasonings to match the taste. I’m thrilled with the results! —Jackie Gregston, Hallsville, Texas

When I was a culinary student, this creamy dish wowed me, and I don’t even like spinach. This side is a keeper! —Chelsea Puchel, Pickens, South Carolina

Here’s my go-to dressing for pretty much any salad (or veggie!) under the sun. It stores beautifully, so make it ahead—or leave the shaking to the kids while you finish up last-minute dinner details. They’ll do you proud. —Emily Tyra, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This is my go-to Thanksgiving side dish. It’s healthy, easy and doesn’t take very much time or effort to make. I usually use rosemary for my turkey so this lets me use up some of the leftover herbs! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

My family loves this decadent homestyle recipe of buttermilk, potatoes and butter. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy! —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico

After I picked my first green beans one year, I wanted to make a savory dish that was unique, quick and packed with flavor. I loved this so much I couldn’t stop eating it, so the next day I picked more beans and made this delicious side dish again. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California

Five ingredients are all you’ll need for my popular creamed corn recipe. It’s wonderful no matter what the occasion is. Try it on a barbecue buffet or holiday menu. —Barbara Brizendine, Harrisonville, Missouri

Fresh sweet potatoes Mom grew disappeared fast at our family table when she served them with this easy, flavorful glaze. She still makes them this way, and now her sweet potato recipe has become a favorite with the grandchildren as well! —Rosemary Pryor, Pasadena, Maryland

For those who ignore Popeye and won’t eat their spinach, I find that spinach with garlicky butter and Parmesan helps change their minds. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

The beets my mother made came from our garden and were canned for the winter months. Even as a child I loved beets because they brought so much color to our table. —Sara Lindler, Irmo, South Carolina

Golden brown and buttery, these spuds live up to their tantalizing name. A sprinkle of fresh herbs when they’re hot out of the oven maximizes the flavor…and the pretty. —Althea Dye, Howard, Ohio

With a maple syrup and brown sugar glaze, this squash becomes pleasantly sweet. This is comfort food—easy to prepare and a tasty pairing with a pork entree. —Nancy Mueller, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

Sunday afternoons were a time for family gatherings when I was a kid. While the uncles played cards, the aunts made German treats such as this traditional red cabbage. —Jeannette Heim, Dunlap, Tennessee

Nothing could be more simple than this side dish. Since it has just four ingredients, I assemble it in no time, then pop it into the oven for about 15 minutes. It turns out perfect every time. —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

When I serve this easy mash, the bowl is always scraped clean. Before holiday feasts, I make it early and keep it warm in a slow cooker so I can focus on last-minute details. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana

People who don’t even usually like broccoli casserole beg me to make this comforting broccoli cheese casserole recipe. It’s similar to a classic green bean casserole, but the melted cheese just puts it over the top. —Elaine Hubbard, Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania

Brussels sprouts are one food that picky eaters often resist. This recipe will change their mind. You can also add garlic and dried fruits. —Jennifer Armellino, Lake Oswego, Oregon

Pair any entree with this fresh side dish for a truly succulent meal. With subtle garlic, melted butter and a hint of Parmesan cheese, what’s not to love? —Tara Ernspiker, Falling Waters, West Virginia

Out of all my corn recipes, this is my favorite. You need just a few ingredients and a slow cooker to make this delicious side dish. Because it cooks on its own, you’ll have extra time to prepare the main course. —Judy McCarthy, Derby, Kansas

A seriously quick dish, it can satisfy a hungry household in 15 minutes. My family loves sharing this soup with cornbread, or you can add a zesty kick with some Rotel. — Heather Rorex, Winnemucca, Nevada

Radishes aren’t just for salads anymore. This abundant springtime veggie makes a colorful side to any meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Squash gets pleasantly sweet and spicy flavors from maple syrup and cinnamon in this recipe. —Betty Kay Sitzman, Wray, Colorado

Asparagus never tasted so good! Simply seasoned with butter and green onions, they taste fresh and keep their bright green color, too. They’re so good, you might want to make extra. This is how to cook asparagus in the oven. —Jody Fisher, Stewartstown, Pennsylvania

This easy recipe is a cross between traditional Yorkshire pudding and popovers that makes a great complement to prime rib. We also like it with beef stew and steak. Make more than you need because everyone loves them. —Emily Chaney, Blue Hill, Maine

I remember my mother sending me to the store for 15 cents worth of cheese. The butcher would cut off a slice from a gigantic wheel covered with a wax-coated cloth. Mother would then blend that cheese into this tasty dish. Today, the memory of her cooking is like food for my soul. —Phyllis Burkland, Portland, Oregon

This quick casserole is called “cheesy” for a reason. Stir in any kind you’ve got. —Jean Williams, Stillwater, Oklahoma

My family begs me to make mashed sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love this recipe because it can be made a day ahead and warmed up before the big meal. —Senja Merrill, Sandy, Utah

I brought this super easy recipe to a school potluck once and it was gone in no time. I’ve been asked to bring it to every function since. —Jessica Maxwell, Englewood, New Jersey

There’s nothing to this recipe—the preparation and cooking are so quick. I throw in dried cranberries, but you can let your imagination take over. Add a handful of raisins or walnuts at the end…even sliced oranges. If your Brussels sprouts are large, cut them in half. —Ellen Ruzinsky, Yorktown Heights, New York

Loaded with sweet onions, this creamy pie makes a scrumptious addition to the brunch buffet. By using less butter to cook the onions and substituting lighter ingredients, I cut calories and fat from the tasty dish. —Barbara Reese, Catawissa, Pennsylvania

Take advantage of fabulous fall produce and roast this scrumptious side. Lightly seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar, this is my favorite baked butternut squash recipe—it could almost be dessert! —Heidi Vawdrey, Riverton, Utah

During the holidays, using your slow cooker not only frees up oven space, but time, too! Sweet potatoes are a must on our family menu, and this no-fuss version will have everyone thinking you spent hours in the kitchen. —Pamela Allen, Marysville, Ohio

My roommate and I used to make garlicky Brussels sprouts at least twice a week. Now I make them as a healthy side for all sorts of occasions. —Katherine Moore-Colasurd, Cincinnati, Ohio

Sweet and savory flavors come together in this dish that will make a squash lover out of anyone. It’s a treat—but has hardly any butter, and low sodium. For less sugar, we like to use all-fruit apricot preserves. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

This is a simplified version of a dish my Costa Rican host sister used to make when I was in the Peace Corps. It has become a favorite side dish at my house. —Katie Bartle, Parkville, Missouri

Colorful, crunchy and buttery, this bean dish comes together quickly and will be a hit at your holiday table. For variation, sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the top just before serving. —Judie White, Florien, Louisiana

Carrots sport a light brandy sauce for a beautiful side with mass appeal. —Tammy Landry, Saucier, Mississippi

People ask me how to freeze corn on the cob because my frozen corn tastes as good as fresh! This way it stays crisp-tender and now I can have “fresh” corn any time of the year. —Judy Oudekerk, St. Michael, Minnesota

I love to get the kids involved in cooking, and this squash is so simple even a small child can cook it with minimal adult supervision. The recipe is fun, fast and no-fuss, and doesn’t use valuable oven space before big family meals. —Donna Kelly, Orem, Utah

Classic American mashed potatoes take a trip to Italy with the flavors of olive oil, garlic, and pancetta. —Bryan Kennedy, Kaneohe, Hawaii

This special stuffing recipe has been a Thanksgiving tradition with our family for many years. It reminds us of home, family, and all the things that make the holiday season so special. —Kathleen Specht, Clinton, Montana

When we make a time-consuming entree, we also do a quick broccoli and cauliflower side. The veggies are a good fit when you’re watching calories. —Debra Tolbert, Deville, Louisiana

When you want to cook okra without frying it, roast it with lemon juice for a lighter version. The smoked paprika gives it even more roasty oomph. —Lee Evans, Queen Creek, Arizona

This tart and tasty salad goes so wonderfully with lots of different meals. Folks will think you slaved over it, but with less than five ingredients, preparation takes only minutes! Crunchy walnuts, celery and apples are special way to dress up canned sauce. —Lucille Foster Grant, Nebraska

This recipe makes ordinary beets taste tender and delicious with just a few sweet and good-for-you ingredients.–Wendy Stenman

Comfort-food flavor comes in attractive packages that are just the right size! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

A vacation to Hungary inspired this flavorful side of green beans with paprika and mushrooms. Being a vegetarian, I welcome these tasty ideas. —Sherry Johnston, Green Cove Springs, Florida

My speedy recipe is end-all be-all stuffing in our family. We never have leftovers. —Marie Forte, Raritan, New Jersey

As a comfy side dish, cheese grits have great potential but sometimes need a flavor boost. For add-ins, try red pepper flakes, fresh rosemary or crushed garlic. —Paula Hughes, Birmingham, Alabama

I wanted to up my veggie game, so I smothered Brussels sprouts with garlic and goat cheese. It’s really a side dish, but I love to eat it for lunch! —Brenda Williams, Santa Maria, California

This foolproof winner is easy to prepare and makes a beautiful alternative to traditional sweet potatoes. To save time, make it ahead, allow it to cool, and refrigerate up to two days. On feast day, put it in the slow cooker set to low about two hours before serving, and reheat while the turkey roasts. Add a bit of apple cider or water if needed. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

This salad is a simple and delicious way to eat your superfoods! It gets even better in the fridge, so I make it ahead. I use my homemade honey mustard dressing, but any type works just fine. —Alexandra Weisser, New York, New York

Cinnamon and honey bring out the natural earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes in this simple, elegant side dish. —Laura Mifsud, Northville, Michigan

Who doesn’t like mashed potatoes? Try this slimmed-down dish with any entree. —Janet Homes, Surprise, Arizona

Cream cheese, Parmesan and mozzarella make this dish wonderfully cheesy. Sprinkle it with french-fried onions for a crisp boost of flavor. —Kathy Vazquez, Amarillo, Texas

Cutting the carrots lengthwise makes this dish look extra pretty. For a little more elegance and color, garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri

I love autumn, when butternut squash is at its peak. This is one of my favorite ways to prepare it. The squash is tender, and the creamy pecan filling is fabulous. —Sheryl Little, Sherwood, Arkansas

When we have company, these sprouts are my go-to side dish because they look and taste fantastic. Fancy them up a notch with pancetta instead of bacon. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina

Who doesn’t love fluffy, homemade mashed potatoes? Make them even better with sharp cheddar cheese. To get them really creamy, my mother’s secret was to add whipping cream instead of half-and-half. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Here’s a warm, decadent side dish for fall or winter brunches. Ready to eat in only 15 minutes, the apples are also good alongside a pork entree or spooned over vanilla ice cream. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

Even people who normally don’t care for Brussels sprouts will ask for a second helping of these. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor