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.
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!”
“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.
“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.”
“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.”
“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!”
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!”
“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!”
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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”