27 Lazy Fall Sides You'll Never Get Tired Of
If you're not in the mood to spend all day cooking, these recipes are for you.
ALLRECIPES / JULIA HARTBECK
Sides are generally a little easier to make than entrees, but because the centerpiece of the meal require a little more work on our part, easy, unfussy sides can be a lifesaver. Here are 27 lazy fall sides that will save you time in the kitchen. Some recipes only have a handful of ingredients, others use only one pan or an air fryer. This collection consists of several fall favorites, including easy uses for apples, delicious candied yams, and several squash and sweet potato creations.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
What's easier than french fries in your air fryer? "These crispy air fryer sweet potato fries take only 10 minutes to cook," says recipe creator Deb C. "They are simple to make and delicious. I bet you can't eat just one!"
Simple Roasted Butternut Squash
"Roasted butternut squash is so good on its own, but I like to season it with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper," says recipe creator MChele. "It's also delicious topped with chopped parsley, shaved Parmesan, or toasted pine nuts."
Steamed Cabbage
"Steamed cabbage with garlic, thyme, and chile pepper. Delicious! It's the only way my family will eat cabbage other than in coleslaw," says recipe creator hobbyzu.
Roasted Roma Tomatoes
"This recipe for roasted Roma tomatoes features simple, fresh ingredients that are amazing together," says WendyWendy. "Roast the tomatoes in the oven or on your grill. You want them cooked but still firm—and definitely not mushy."
Apricot Glazed Carrots
"This is a really unique and tasty recipe," says reviewer danielle. "I was worried it would too sweet for my tastes, which is the reason I don't like traditional glazed carrots, but the lemon juice and orange zest really balanced it out perfectly."
Superb Sautéed Mushrooms
Yoly
"So simple and easy, yet tastes like a complicated recipe you slaved over!" says reviewer Terri Chapman-Parbs. "These mushrooms are absolutely fantastic, and also take steak to a new level!"
Sarah's Homemade Applesauce
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Apple sauce goes great with meats like pork and kielbasa as well as fall baked goods. "This applesauce recipe is simple to make and delicious!" says recipe creator PHATCAT. "I make it for my younger brother all the time and he loves it—and he hates canned applesauce!"
Roasted Kohlrabi
"I roast kohlrabi with garlic and Parmesan cheese for an easy and delicious vegetable side dish," says recipe creator WSBLEND. "Kohlrabi reminds me of a potato crossed with an artichoke heart so the flavors work perfectly!"
Southern Fried Apples
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Why save dessert until after dinner? These southern fried apples make an easy, sweet side. "Didn't change a thing, except I did not peel apples," says reviewer Rachael. "So good."
Roasted Delicata Squash
"Delicata squash is roasted in the oven until tender and flavorful in this easy recipe," says Chef John. "You don't have to peel delicata squash. Serve warm as a side dish or at room temperature as a snack with pumpkin spice aïoli."
Roasted Romanesco
"Loved this recipe just as it is, but it also lends itself to adding any seasonings you might like. Next time I might add a little Cajun seasoning to it to give it some kick," says reviewer NatureMom. "Romanesco is such a beautiful, fun vegetable to serve, and roasted like this makes it delicious."
Air Fryer Butternut Squash Home Fries
Have you ever had fried butternut squash home fries seasoned with fresh rosemary and bagel seasoning? Well, it's time to try it. "This is such an easy and delicious way to whip up a wonderful side dish" says reviewer Rebekah Rose Hills. "Perfect alongside a steak in place of potatoes!"
Easy Broccoli Slaw
"I'm pretty sure this recipe has ruined coleslaw for me. This broccoli slaw is soooo much better! I added shredded carrots, chose to use roasted peanuts over pistachio nuts, and used high quality dried cranberries," says reviewer Sharyn. "Hearty, nutty, substantial food that makes a wimp out of coleslaw."
Harvard Beets
"The beets were excellent. One of the guests I had over for dinner insisted that she hated beets until she tried these!" says reviewer BernadetteS. "Perfectly sweet and tangy."
Grilled Butternut Squash
"Grilling butternut squash in slices creates a crispy shell and seals in all the flavor," says recipe creator Adriene Fuller. "You don't even need butter or salt and pepper—great on its own, in salads, or as a side."
Cinnamon Apples
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
"These soft and warm cinnamon apples are easy to make in the microwave. My family loves them for dessert with ice cream or side dish with pork chops," says ilovebaking.
Pear-Fig Salad
Do you need an easy side salad? "The crunch of pear, pecans, and lettuce with the salty, tart smoothness of Gruyere cheese mixes perfectly with rich figs and balsamic vinegar to make this the perfect salad," says curvy chef 2013.
Fast and Easy Creamed Spinach
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
This somewhat healthy creamed spinach recipe is lighter than traditional creamed spinach," says Chef John. "It is a little easier, a little quicker, and a little more contemporary. Have all your ingredients ready to go ahead of time. It's a classic steak side dish."
Oven Roasted Potatoes
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
"This recipe is perfect for company. Not only is it delicious, but when they walk in the house, the smell will make their mouths water," says reviewer BARBALICIOUS. "If you are missing a few of the spices, don't worry, it will still turn out great!"
Swiss Chard with Garbanzo Beans and Fresh Tomatoes
Rita
"Beans and greens are a perfect combination, earthy and satisfying," says recipe creator Syd. "This recipe for Swiss chard with garbanzo beans, onion, and fresh tomatoes is brightened with lemon juice and makes a perfect vegetarian main dish or a tantalizing side dish for fish or meat."
Green Beans with Hazelnuts and Lemon
"This is a wonderful, flavorful way to prepare greenbeans," says Mefunie2. "The flavor is just right with a slightly buttery taste. Really easy, really great, really good to re-heat the next day. Goes with almost any dish!"
Honey Roasted Beets
Shelia Johnson
"These honey roasted beets combine the natural earthiness of beets with a hint of sweetness," says Allrecipes Allstar Shelia Johnson. "If you like beets, you will love these. Serve them warm or at room temperature as a side, or add to your favorite vegetable salad."
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
ALLRECIPES / JULIA HARTBECK
"These grilled sweet potatoes are flavored with brown sugar and spices and cooked in foil on a hot grill," says teetee830. "This is a favorite sweet potato recipe of mine and my sons."
Cornbread Casserole
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
"This cornbread casserole is a cheap and easy favorite. It cooks in an hour and only takes five minutes to prepare, plus kids love it!" says recipe creator Sarah Peipert.
Candied Yams
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
"I normally can't stand yams or sweet potatoes. I made the yams for my husband for Thanksgiving and I even liked them!" says LTAPENUTS. "I did mash the sweet potatoes and added a dash of cinnamon as others suggested but this was still a great recipe!"
Lemony-Dill Bulgur Pilaf
Allrecipes Magazine
If you're looking for a lazy side using grains, this new recipe from the Allrecipes Magazine is for you. It can be made with bulgur, quinoa, or farro, and the result is a hearty side dish perfect for any dinner.
Related: The Allrecipes Fall Issue Just Dropped—Find All 52 Recipes Here
Grilled Fennel
"Grilled fennel is delicious served hot as a side dish, or let cool and serve as a salad," says recipe creator Marcia. "This tasty recipe with an olive oil, basil, and lemon dressing is my favorite way to prepare fennel."
More Inspiration
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Read the original article on All Recipes.
