Easy Fall Sides

Tired of sweet potato casserole and looking for a fresh way to serve this fall favorite? Simply stuff won ton wrappers with canned mashed sweet potatoes, boil, and sauté in oil until golden brown.

Recipe: Sweet Potato Pockets

Infuse julienne-cut carrots with the flavor of apple cider by glazing with a sauce made from brown sugar, butter, cider vinegar, and seasonings. This side is easy enough to serve on busy weeknights, yet pretty enough to include on holiday dinner menus.

Recipe: Cider-Glazed Carrots

This side takes just 10 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to cook. Simply sauté sliced pears with butter, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar and combine with green beans steamed in the microwave.

Recipe: Sautéed Green Beans and Pears

Accent classic butternut squash with brown mustard seeds and sliced serrano chile for a Southwestern-inspired side dish. Substitute a 2-lb bag of precut butternut squash to cut out some prep time.

Recipe: Butternut Squash with Green Chile and Mustard Seeds

Pair this richly flavored polenta with ham steaks or pork tenderloin for a satisfying supper. Aromatic sage perfectly complements the light pumpkin flavor.

Recipe: Pumpkin-Sage Polenta

Dress up a simple rice pilaf with dried cranberries and toasted pecans for full autumn flavor. Mixing brown rice with white rice makes this dish great for transitioning to whole grains.

Recipe: Pecan White and Brown Rice Pilaf