When it comes to Thanksgiving, the main dish may get all the glory, but let’s not forget about the Thanksgiving side dishes! These supporting players are essential to a well-rounded holiday meal, and there are so many delicious options to choose from.
From old favorites like mashed potatoes and stuffing to creative twists on classic recipes, we’ve rounded up 25 of our favorite Thanksgiving side dishes just for you! Whether you’re looking for something simple or a bit more elaborate, there are sure to be Thanksgiving recipes that will fit the bill – and make your Thanksgiving dinner even more amazing!
1) Baked Goat Cheese Roasted Cranberry Appetizer
Looking for a festive and easy appetizer recipe for your holiday gathering? Look no further than the tangy flavor of this baked goat cheese roasted cranberry dish by The Thirsty Feast!
It is sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation, while the simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it a breeze to prepare.
The combination of creamy goat cheese, tart cranberries, and zesty balsamic vinegar are irresistible, and the roasted almonds take this Thanksgiving appetizer over the top. Get the recipe.
2) Maple Roasted Beets and Carrots
This Maple Roasted Beets and Carrots recipe by Salt & Lavender is an easy and colorful dish! Only 5 everyday ingredients are needed, and they will look gorgeous on your table.
It’s the perfect Thanksgiving side dish because it can easily be made ahead of time, and it’s also gluten-free, Paleo, and Whole30 compliant so it’s of many great vegan Thanksgiving recipes. Plus, roasting the beets and carrots in olive oil brings out their natural sweetness and makes them super tender.
So if you’re looking for an impressive yet simple Thanksgiving side dish to add to your Thanksgiving menu, this Maple Roasted Beets and Carrots recipe is for you! Get the recipe.
3) Best Stuffing
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and food. One of the most essential Thanksgiving side dishes of any classic Thanksgiving feast is stuffing.
This classic recipe by Love & Lemons is packed with savory flavors from leeks, celery, fresh thyme, and other fresh herbs.
It’s the perfect side dish to complement your roast turkey or ham. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time, so you can enjoy stress-free holiday cooking.
Whether you’re hosting a big crowd or spending Thanksgiving with a few close loved ones, this stuffing recipe is sure to please everyone at the Thanksgiving table. Get the recipe.
4) Broccoli Casserole
One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the opportunity to enjoy all of your favorite comfort foods and Thanksgiving side dishes. And for many people, that means digging into a warm and cheesy broccoli casserole.
This particular recipe by Kristine’s Kitchen features fresh broccoli in a homemade cream sauce, topped with a buttery breadcrumb topping.
It’s the perfect side dish for any Thanksgiving feast. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time, so you can simply pop it in the oven on Thanksgiving day and enjoy it.
So if you’re looking for a delicious and classic broccoli casserole recipe, this one is sure to please. Get the recipe.
5) Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
There are few things more comforting than a big bowl of mashed potatoes, and this brown butter mashed potato recipe is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish.
The addition of browned butter adds a delicious nutty flavor to the potatoes, and the creamy texture of Thanksgiving side dishes like this one is sure to please everyone at the table. To save time on Thanksgiving day, you can make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and simply reheat them before serving.
With this recipe by Real Simple, you’re guaranteed to have delicious leftovers – if there are any! Get the recipe.
6) Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The brown butter mashed potatoes are great but as you can imagine there are many different ways to make popular Thanksgiving side dishes like mashed potatoes. This Creamy Mashed Potato recipe by Lisa at Downshiftology is sure to be a hit with your family and friends and if you only wanted one mashed potato recipe for life, this would be it, in my opinion.
The potatoes are boiled until they’re nice and soft, then they’re mashed with butter and milk to create a smooth and creamy consistency.
Seasoned with salt and pepper to taste, these mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for any occasion. I personally love roasted garlic mashed potatoes so I generally toss in some roasted garlic to kick it up a notch.
Thanks to this easy recipe, you can enjoy homemade creamy mashed potatoes just like mom used to make. Get the recipe.
7) Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a classic Thanksgiving side dish. Or is cranberry sauce a condiment? Regardless, when most people need cranberry sauce they think of the canned stuff, but it’s actually really easy to make from scratch.
Made with just three ingredients – fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and water – it comes together in just 20 minutes. Another bonus of making it yourself is that you can add other ingredients like lemon zest or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg and make homemade Thanksgiving side dishes a beautiful thing.
And since it can be made ahead of time, it’s one less thing to worry about on thanksgiving day.
So if you’re looking for an easy, make-ahead cranberry sauce recipe, this is the one for you! Get the recipe.
8) Roasted Butternut Squash
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, food! While the roast turkey may be the star of the show, it’s the Thanksgiving side dishes that really make the meal special.
Roasted butternut squash is a delicious and easy dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving. This roasted butternut squash recipe by Well Plated is easy and delicious, with a perfect balance of sweetness from the maple syrup and spices.
This traditional dish is sure to please everyone at the Thanksgiving table! Get the recipe.
9) Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing
One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the opportunity to enjoy all of your favorite comfort foods. And for many people, stuffing is at the top of their list of favorite Thanksgiving side dishes.
Unfortunately, making stuffing from scratch can be a bit of a hassle. But with this easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing recipe by Once Upon a Chef, you can enjoy all the flavor of homemade stuffing without any of the fuss.
Simply mix together some store-bought stuffing cubes with cooked sausage and fresh herbs, then bake until golden brown.
It’s the perfect dish for any Thanksgiving feast! Get the recipe.
10) Creamy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
When it comes to thanksgiving side dishes, green bean casserole is a classic. This Creamy Green Bean Casserole recipe by Sally’s Baking Recipes is easy to follow and uses real ingredients like fresh green beans.
And there’s no need to feel guilty about indulging in this delicious dish, thanks to the healthy green beans and mushrooms. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, you won’t be disappointed! Get the recipe.
11) Green Beans Almondine
This recipe by The Modern Proper for green beans almondine is the perfect thanksgiving side dish if you’re looking for a twist on the traditional green bean casserole.
The toasted almonds add a delicate crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the garlicky green beans.
The resulting dish is elegant and straightforward and will be sure to impress your guests. Thanks to its flavors and ease of preparation, Thanksgiving side dishes like this one are sure to become a Thanksgiving staple in your home.
So if you’re looking for a unique and flavorful dish to add to your holiday table, look no further than green beans almondine. Get the recipe.
12) Heavenly Funeral Potatoes
If you’re looking for Thanksgiving side dishes that will please a crowd and leave them asking for seconds, look no further than funeral potatoes.
This classic casserole is packed with all the fixings of a delicious thanksgiving feast but without any hassles. Good, old-fashioned hash browns are mixed with butter, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, then topped with a crispy cornflakes topping.
This dish is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering! And thanks to its easy-to-follow recipe, it’s also a breeze to make.
So what are you waiting for? Give funeral potatoes a try today! Get the recipe.
13) Mom’s Knotted Bread Rolls
I think we can both agree that one of the best parts of thanksgiving is the food. Thanksgiving side dishes are a chance to get creative and try new Thanksgiving recipes.
This year, why not try something new with your bread rolls? Mom’s Knotted Bread Rolls by Made It Ate It Loved It is a fun twist on classic dinner rolls.
They’re buttery and delicious, and they’re easy and fun to make. You’ll be sure to impress your family and friends with these delicious bread rolls. Get the recipe.
14) Maple Roasted Vegetables
One of the most popular thanksgiving side dishes ever on Rock Recipes, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas, is Maple Roasted Vegetables.
This dish features Autumn vegetables roasted in olive oil with a light, lemon maple glaze. The sweetness of the maple syrup complements the earthy flavors of the roasted vegetables perfectly.
The dish is easy to make and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for holiday entertaining. Whether you’re looking for Thanksgiving ideas to add to your holiday table or just want a delicious way to use up some seasonal veggies, Maple Roasted Vegetables is a dish that is sure to please. Get the recipe.
15) Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin
When it comes to Thanksgiving side dishes, creamy potatoes au gratin is hard to beat. This rich and creamy dish is made with sliced potatoes, cheese, and milk.
It’s the perfect side dish for thanksgiving dinner or any other special occasion. The best part about this dish is that it can be made ahead of time, so you can relax and enjoy the holiday meal with your family and friends.
If you’re looking for a show-stopping side dish that will please everyone at the table, look no further than this creamy potatoes au gratin recipe by Ahead of Thyme. Get the recipe.
16) Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
As anyone who has hosted a Thanksgiving meal knows, coming up with Thanksgiving side dishes that please everyone can be a challenge. However, this roasted sweet potato salad by Brittany at Eating Bird Food is sure to be a hit with even the pickiest of eaters.
Roasted sweet potatoes are combined with chopped spinach, creamy avocado chunks, red onion, and dried cranberries.
Light and refreshing, it’s the perfect sweet potato salad if you’re planning a lunch instead of a Thanksgiving dinner or simply want a light offering on your Thanksgiving table. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover sweet potatoes you may have from Thanksgiving.
So if you’re looking for a new go-to Side dish, give this roasted sweet potato salad a try. You won’t be disappointed. Get the recipe.
17) Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Looking for delicious Thanksgiving side dishes to serve this Thanksgiving? Look no further than these Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts With Bacon!
Sautéed Brussels sprouts and bacon are oven-baked in a cheesy garlic sauce, then topped with bubbling mozzarella and parmesan cheese. This dish is guaranteed to convert even the most diehard sprout-haters (I’m one of them!).
So if you’re looking for a unique and flavorful side dish to add to your Thanksgiving plate, give this recipe by Cafe Delites a try. Your guests will be glad you did! Get the recipe.
18) Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts
If you’re looking for a more traditional thanksgiving side dish featuring sprouts, look no further than this recipe by Cookie and Kate.
These little green gems are full of flavor and easy to make. The key to perfect roasted Brussels sprouts is to get them crispy and golden on the outside, while still keeping them tender on the inside.
Roasted Brussels sprouts are the perfect addition to any thanksgiving feast. Get the recipe
19) Slow Cooker Creamy Cheesy Corn
This Slow Cooker Creamy Cheesy Corn recipe by Five Heart Home is the perfect addition to your holiday menu. Not only is it delicious, but it also frees up the stove and oven by using your slow cooker!
This rich, comforting side dish is made with fresh corn, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and a touch of spiciness from jalapeño peppers. Thanksgiving side dishes that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends? This is one of them. Get the recipe.
20) Spiral Vegetable Tart
This Spiral Vegetable Tart by Bunsen Burner Bakery is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast. The thinly sliced vegetables are the visual star of the dish, while the homemade sundried tomato pesto and flaky pie crust make it delicious.
This tart is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds. Thanks to its elegant presentation, it also makes for a stunning centerpiece.
So if you’re looking for show-stopping Thanksgiving side dishes to add to your holiday menu, look no further than this Spiral Vegetable Tart. Get the recipe.
21) Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots by Cookin’ With Mima are the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. They’re so easy to make, very affordable, and go well with so many dishes. The perfect mixture of butter and brown sugar gives them just the right amount of sweetness.
So if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy Thanksgiving side dish, look no further than this Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots recipe. Get the recipe.
22) The Best Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potatoes are a holiday staple, and this casserole is the perfect way to showcase them. The potatoes are mashed and mixed with brown sugar and vanilla for a deep caramel flavor, then topped with a nutty crumb topping.
The casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it perfect for Thanksgiving or another special holiday. The leftovers also make a great dessert, heated up and topped with a scoop of ice cream.
Whether you’re looking for a new Thanksgiving side dish or a delicious dessert, this casserole is sure to please. Get the recipe.
23) Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without sweet potato casserole. But if you’re looking for a new twist on this classic holiday dish, try this Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe by The Pioneer Woman.
Just like traditional sweet potato casserole, these spuds are topped with a sweet, nutty crumble. To really set them apart from the classic, we’ve also added a drizzle of hot honey!
Whether you’re serving up a big holiday feast or a small family dinner, these Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are sure to be a hit. So why not give them a try this Thanksgiving? You might just find that they become one of your new favorite holiday side dishes! Get the recipe.
24) Twice Baked Potatoes
If you prefer using russet or white potatoes, these spuds are stuffed with creamy mashed potatoes, sour cream, cheese, green onions, bacon, and seasonings for the ultimate indulgence.
This recipe by Carlsbad Cravings is sure to be a hit with your guests! Twice-baked potatoes can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for an easy heat-and-eat side or dinner.
So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today! Get the recipe.
25) Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole
While the classic broccoli and rice casserole is always a hit on Thanksgiving, this version by The Pioneer Woman ups the ante with the addition of wild rice. The nutty flavor of the wild rice pairs perfectly with the creamy béchamel sauce, and the crispy panko bread crumbs add a nice crunch. So if you’re looking for a delicious way to dress up your broccoli and rice casserole, this broccoli wild rice casserole recipe is sure to please. Get the recipe.
I hope you enjoyed these Thanksgiving side dishes!
Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table and enjoying a delicious meal. These thanksgiving side dishes are sure to be a hit with your friends and family, whether it’s a classic like sweet potato casserole or something new like a spiral vegetable tart. So why not add one (or more!) of these Thanksgiving recipes to your Thanksgiving menu this holiday season?
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