10 Spectacular Fall Dishes for Parties and Potlucks
Don’t you just love when the seasons shift to fall and then winter? It’s time to come together for warm celebrations, gathering with family and friends for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Holiday Parties, and all kinds of feasts in between!
The following collection features ten amazing fall side dishes perfect for parties and potlucks. Each dish adds a special touch to your table and showcases the rich flavors of the season.
These potluck recipes include creamy casseroles and even a few classics closely associated with the fall and winter holidays. They cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether it’s a Thanksgiving feast or a casual gathering, these dishes will impress everyone. We’ll guide you through each recipe, including all the ingredients and steps you need to follow.
But keep in mind, this is just a brief and basic list — if any recipe catches your eye and sounds appealing, then you can click on each one to find a longer, more expansive recipe article. A deeper dive on each delicious dish, including variations in ingredients, presentation ideas, and more!
Also, don’t forget to check out our favorite dessert recipes, like the delightful and classic pumpkin pie recipes for a sweet finish to your fall dinner!
Super Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Everyone loves a delicious mashed potatoes recipe, especially when it’s creamy potatoes that embody comfort food sides. This iconic dish is perfect for gatherings, elevating any meal with its rich and buttery flavor. You can already taste it, right?
To prepare deliciously creamy mashed potatoes, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Yukon Gold potatoes | 2 lbs |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Garlic (optional) | 2 cloves, minced |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
To start, peel and chop the Yukon Gold potatoes into even pieces. Boil them in salted water for about 15 to 20 minutes until fork-tender. Once cooked, drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a ricer for the creamiest texture. Next, add butter and heavy cream while mixing until everything is fully combined. Season the mixture with garlic, salt, and black pepper as desired.
This creamy mashed potatoes recipe serves around eight people, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or potlucks. Leftover mashed potatoes can last up to three days in the fridge. For longer storage, these creamy potatoes can be frozen for up to one month, allowing for convenient meal prep.
If you’re excited to try another exquisite fall dessert, check out this amazing recipe for Swirled Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars. These bars combine traditional cheesecake with warm pumpkin flavors, complementing your comfort food sides beautifully.
Baked Mac & Cheese
Baked macaroni is a true comfort food that warms the heart. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish loved by pretty much everyone on the planet. It brings back memories of cozy home-cooked meals and decadently delicious food comas.
To make perfect baked macaroni, you need some key ingredients. Here’s a quick list:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | 1 lb |
| Cheddar cheese | 3 cups, shredded |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
| Bread crumbs | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Pair baked macaroni with various sides for a complete meal. Bread rolls are a classic choice, echoing German comfort food. Or you could go with a simple green salad to add a refreshing and complementary touch.
This cheesy pasta dish can be made in many ways. Try adding caramelized onions, jalapeños, or different cheeses for extra flavor. Serve it with meatloaf or BBQ chicken drumsticks for a memorable meal. It’s perfect for any gathering, blending tradition and modern taste.
Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
Make your gatherings special with a cheesy cauliflower bake. It’s creamy and flavorful, perfect for fall celebrations.
Start with 2 large heads of cauliflower, chopped into florets. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Roast the cauliflower for 20 minutes until it’s tender and golden. This brings out its natural sweetness.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 8 oz |
| Monterey Jack cheese | 4 oz |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
| Whole milk or almond milk | 1 1/2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic powder | To taste |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Customize your cheesy cauliflower casserole. Add bacon, chives, or spinach for extra taste. You can also use broccoli or Brussels sprouts instead of cauliflower.
Assemble the casserole and chill it overnight. It might need a few more minutes in the oven to warm up. Freeze individual servings for later. Reheat in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes. This dish is sure to be a hit!
Rich & Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
This broccoli rice casserole is always favorite at gatherings, because it’s so creamy, cheesy, and easy to make. You’ll need cooked rice, broccoli, and cream of mushroom soup. Then, top it with shredded cheddar cheese for that perfect gooey texture.
Here’s what you need for the casserole:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice | 2 cups |
| Broccoli florets | 2 cups |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 2 cans |
| Cheddar cheese | 2 cups, shredded |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Bread crumbs | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Preparation takes around 15 minutes. Then, bake it at 350 degrees F for 50 minutes. Adding chicken makes it more filling. Try Panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers for extra crunch.
This dish can easily be made gluten-free, making it great for many diets. It keeps well in the fridge for five days or can be frozen. Thaw it for a few hours before reheating to 165 degrees F.
Kids love this dish, making it a fun way to get them to eat veggies. Serve it at your next holiday or potluck. It’s sure to be a hit!
Wanna bring something sweet too? Pair it with a dessert like Easy Pumpkin Fudge for a bonus seasonal treat.
Cinnamon Fried Apples
Cracker Barrel… who? It’s no wonder this side dish that many people know from Cracker Barrel has turned into a constant craving. But now you can make it yourself at home! Super easy, super delicious, and we’d argue even BETTER than Cracker Barrel’s!
After all, enjoying a warm cinnamon dessert like fried apples makes any fall event special. This recipe is simple and brings autumn’s flavors to your table. The mix of spices and sweet apples is great for family dinners or casual gatherings.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Granny Smith apples (peeled and sliced) | 4-5 medium |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tbsp |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
Here’s how to cook them for a tasty treat:
- Peeled, cored, and dice all the apples into bite-sized pieces, placing them in a bowl.
- Coat the apples with lemon juice to balance out the flavors and set aside.
- In a large skillet, combine butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until the butter melts and a syrup forms.
- Add your apples to the skillet and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until they are tender.
- Serve immediately as a warm side dish OR over vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Fried apples are perfect for fall side dishes and go especially well with pork or chicken. The cinnamon adds a warm, comforting taste that’s perfect for cold months.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat them in a skillet before serving. You can also try different apples or spices for a unique flavor.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Indulge in the creamy goodness of cheesy scalloped potatoes, perfect for any gathering. This cheesy potato casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. It makes 8 servings, great for parties or potlucks. Each serving has 346 calories, so you can enjoy it without guilt. Well… not TOO much guilt anyway! 
To get started, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Yukon Gold potatoes | 2 lbs |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 2 cups, shredded |
| Heavy cream | 2 cups |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion (sliced) | 1 medium |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Slice the potatoes and onions into ¼-inch pieces. Arrange them in the baking dish in a staggered pattern, ensuring each layer is well-distributed. Create a rich sauce by melting unsalted butter, adding flour, and seasoning with kosher salt. Gradually whisk in whole milk before mixing in the shredded cheese until smooth. This luscious sauce will tie the dish together beautifully.
Bake your scalloped potatoes for about 85-90 minutes until golden and bubbly. For an extra crispy top, consider using the broil function for the last few minutes of cooking. Season the finished dish with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
Thinking about bringing a delightful fall dessert to the potluck too? Then, try these easy pumpkin snickerdoodle cookies for a sweet treat with complementary fall flavors.
Cheesy Corn Casserole
Corn casserole is a great choice for any fall event. It’s creamy, savory, and super easy to make. With just a few ingredients, you can make a dish that everyone will be talking about all evening!
To start making this corn casserole, you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Canned corn | 2 cans (15 oz each) |
| Jiffy corn muffin mix | 1 box |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Butter (melted) | 1/2 cup |
First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Use an 8-inch square baking dish. Mix all the ingredients in a big bowl until they’re well combined. Then, pour the mix into the dish and bake for about 20 minutes. When it’s done, it will be golden and bubbly.
If you have leftovers, you can easily keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, freeze for 2 months, and thaw in the fridge before baking.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Gooey Marshmallows
Sweet potato casserole is a favorite dish for Thanksgiving. But we’d argue, this gem should be served year-round!
It combines roasted sweet potatoes with a marshmallow topping — a delightful combo that creates a sweet and warm taste. You’ll need 3 pounds of sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, milk, and mini marshmallows for this recipe. Cinnamon and chopped pecans add a cozy flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes | 4 medium (or approximately 3 pounds) |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Mini marshmallows | 2 cups |
First, roast the sweet potatoes at 425ºF for 40 to 45 minutes. Then, mash them until smooth. Mix the mashed sweet potatoes with butter, vanilla, milk, and eggs for a creamy base. You can use fresh or canned sweet potatoes, but adjust sugar levels if using canned.
Bake the casserole at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes. This lets the flavors blend and warm the dish. Top it with mini marshmallows and bake for 5 to 7 minutes more. This makes the marshmallows golden and gooey, contrasting beautifully with the sweet potatoes.
This casserole is great for gatherings because it can be made ahead. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
Add this sweet potato casserole to your fall celebrations. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or family dinners. And if you’re looking for a more festive fall dessert to go with it, try these simple and fun Candy Corn Rice Krispie Treats.
Classic Turkey Stuffing
Nothing says Thanksgiving like a classic turkey stuffing. It’s a mix of bread, fresh herbs, and seasonings. This makes a comforting base that goes well with your turkey. It’s a tradition many cherish, making it a must-have for Thanksgiving. But again, this another dish so amazingly delicious that it’s should be on the menu for any and all dinners and celebrations too!
For the best texture, use stale bread cubes. Bake the bread at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. This makes sure each cube soaks up flavors without getting too soggy.
Here’s a simple overview of the ingredients needed for this delightful dish:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Stale bread cubes | 8 cups |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| Celery (chopped) | 2 stalks |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Sage | 1 tsp |
| Thyme | 1 tsp |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
For extra flavor, use fresh herbs instead of dried ones. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Mix everything well, then fill the turkey with about ¾ cup per pound.
Bake in a 9×13″ pan for about 30 minutes until golden brown. It’s perfect when cooked to 165°F.
Tart & Tangy Cranberry Sauce
A tart and tangy cranberry sauce is a classic Thanksgiving favorite. It pairs well with turkey and stuffing. But feel free to serve this at any other dinner or gathering too, since it can complement lots of other savory main dishes, like roast chicken or brisket.
A simple cranberry sauce recipe uses fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest. It makes 6 to 8 servings, and is super easy to make.
You’ll need fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. You can also add orange zest and cinnamon for extra flavor. This side dish is a great match for fall dishes, adding a refreshing touch to your meal.
There are countless variations beyond the basics so click the recipe to explore more ideas and how you might get creative!
Bakeware Recommendation!
Don’t let your bakeware bring down a spectacular dish. If you’re in need of a new casserole dish, or want to upgrade your old cookware, then you definitely should check out these casserole dishes from Rossallini that we absolutely LOVE!
