The best Thanksgiving sides bring comfort, flavor, and a little variety to the table. Whether you want the classics or something new, these recipes are tried, true, and guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eaters.
Jump to: 🥘 Classics | 🫕 Something A Little Different
Thanksgiving might technically be about the turkey, but the sides are what everyone piles on their plate. That’s why I wanted to create a bookmark-worthy collection of Thanksgiving side dishes including tried-and-true classics and a few fresh twists to balance things out. Some are nostalgic favorites, others add a lighter or more creative touch, but all of them are dishes I’d happily make again and again. My hope is that this roundup gives you inspiration, makes planning a little easier, and maybe even introduces you to a new family tradition.
You may also want to check out these Thanksgiving appetizer recipes or these Thanksgiving cocktails and mocktails. Got leftovers? Check out these Thanksgiving leftover recipes.
Classic Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Sweet Potato Casserole
When I think cozy Thanksgiving food, sweet potato casserole is always at the top of the list. Creamy, rich, and finished with a pecan crumble that adds just the right crunch—it’s comfort food dressed up for the holidays. Recipe from Love & Lemons.
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
I’m sharing both the classic with the marshmallows and one without. These creamy sweet potatoes with marshmallows and buttery pecan topping hit that sweet-savory balance. Recipe from Spend With Pennies.
Cranberry Sauce
I always say the Thanksgiving table needs a little zing, and cranberry sauce brings exactly that. Bright, tangy, and lightly sweet, it balances all the rich flavors and keeps every bite interesting. Recipe from Once Upon A Chef.
Super Moist Cornbread
Cornbread has to pull double duty—it should be soft enough for snacking but sturdy enough to handle gravy. This recipe nails it with a golden crust and a moist, fluffy inside. Recipe from Le Crème De La Crumb.
French Green Beans
Sometimes the simplest sides are the ones everyone goes back for. These green beans are crisp-tender, tossed with butter, onions garlic, and taste like elegance without the effort.
Green Bean Casserole
Another green bean dish that’s synonymous with Thanksgiving is the creamy casserole and this homemade version with an absolute keeper. Recipe from Modern Honey.
Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
These mashed sweet potatoes lean savory with garlic and herbs. They’re creamy, cozy, and a great way to switch things up without straying too far from tradition. Recipe from Cookie + Kate.
Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
If you’re not a fan of sweet potatoes, a bowl of mashed white potatoes is just as popular, and adding sour cream makes them extra rich and tangy.
Creamy Green Beans
Green beans don’t always need the casserole treatment—this creamy green beans version goes with garlic, onion, and a little cheese. It’s simple, comforting, and pairs with just about anything on the table.
Baked Mac And Cheese
Mac and cheese is not a must-have at Thanksgiving table, but let’s be honest—it always disappears first. This baked version has a gooey cheese sauce and a crispy top that makes it holiday-worthy. Recipe from RecipeTin Eats.
Turkey Gravy
This turkey gravy is smooth, flavorful, and exactly what your mashed potatoes and stuffing have been waiting for. Recipe from Tastes Better From Scratch.
White Gravy
If you want something a little different, this creamy white gravy is a great poured over white meat, biscuits, potatoes, or veggies.
Homemade Rolls
These freshly baked rolls are soft, fluffy, and golden brown. These are the ones you’ll want to save for those leftover turkey sandwiches. Recipe from Tastes Better From Scratch.
Southern Collard Greens
Collard greens bring a little Southern soul to the holiday table. Tender and full of smoky flavor, they’re a hearty side that balances out all the creamy casseroles. Recipe from Southern Bite.
Best Stuffing Recipe
Stuffing is the side dish everyone secretly looks forward to, and this version does not disappoint. Buttery bread cubes, fresh herbs, and loads of flavor—it’s basically Thanksgiving in a pan. Recipe from How Sweet Eats.
Something A Little Different
Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes get a glossy makeover here with a sticky glaze that’s equal parts sweet and savory. These Thanksgiving sweet potatoes are simple, beautiful, and tasty.
Green Beans Almondine
Almonds make everything fancier, and these green beans prove it. Toasted almonds, lemon, and sage brown butter turn this green beans side dish into something special.
Brussels Sprouts Salad
Raw Brussels sprouts get their moment here, tossed with Parmesan, nuts, and a bright dressing. It’s crunchy, fresh, and a nice contrast to all the heavier dishes. Recipe from Platings & Pairings.
Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts and mushrooms roasted until crispy on the edges and finished with a honey-balsamic glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and addictive.
Roasted Cabbage With Parmesan Sauce
Cabbage doesn’t usually steal the spotlight, but roasted cabbage wedges topped with parmesan sauce and Italian breadcrumbs might just change your mind.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes And Brussels Sprouts
This vegetable side is all about fall flavors— roasted Brussels sprouts AND sweet potatoes with a little caramelization magic from the oven. Simple, hearty, and seriously tasty.
Maple Glazed Carrots
Carrots don’t have to be boring, and these maple glazed beauties prove it. Sweet, buttery, and just a little sticky, these glazed carrots are always a crowd-pleaser.
Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
When in doubt, add cheese. These parmesan-crusted Brussels sprouts come out crispy and golden, then get showered with cheesy goodness. Even better the next day—if there are any left.
Potato Bake
Layers of potatoes, cream, and cheese—need I say more? This sliced potato bake is pure comfort and fits right in with all the other Thanksgiving side dishes.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes With Salsa Verde Peas
Crispy potatoes with tangy peas? Yes please. This side brings crunch, freshness, and color to the table with the zippy salsa and healthy veggies.
Lettuce Salad With Yogurt Ranch & Hazelnuts
When everything else is heavy, this crisp lettuce salad is a lifesaver. The creamy yogurt ranch and crunchy hazelnuts make it far from plain.
Cauliflower Sweet Potato Mash
For a lighter mash, this blend of cauliflower and sweet potato is creamy, flavorful, and naturally gluten-free. This cauliflower sweet potato mash is comfort food with a veggie upgrade.
Roasted Cauliflower With Lemon Tahini Sauce
Roasted cauliflower gets a Middle Eastern twist with a tangy lemon-tahini sauce. It’s nutty, bright, and pairs beautifully with all the rich holiday mains.
Cauliflower Mac And Cheese Bake
Mac and cheese, but make it veggie-forward. This cauliflower mac and cheese bake is creamy, cheesy, and gluten-free-friendly. Recipe from Cotter Crunch.
Butternut Squash Pomegranate Salad
If you want a side that feels fresh and colorful, this butternut squash pomegranate salad is it. Roasted squash, crunchy seeds, and juicy pops of pomegranate make every bite feel festive.
Sweet Potato Kale Salad
This sweet potato kale salad is hearty enough to count as a side but fresh enough to lighten things up. Roasted sweet potatoes, kale, and a zingy dressing keep it interesting.
Butternut Squash With Brown Butter Hazelnuts
Sometimes the best recipes only need a few ingredients. Roasted butternut squash with nutty brown butter and hazelnuts is proof of that. Recipe from Dishing Out Health.
Garlic Herb Butter
Okay, it’s not a “side” exactly, but garlic herb butter deserves a spot. Spread it on rolls, melt it over veggies, or sneak a spoonful straight (I won’t judge). Recipe from 40 Aprons.
Butternut Squash And Kale Quinoa Stuffing
If you want stuffing without the bread, this quinoa version is hearty, wholesome, and naturally gluten-free. Packed with veggies, it’s a side that feels good. Recipe from Good Life Eats.
Roasted Carrots
Carrots turn sweet and caramelized in the oven, especially when dressed up with spices and herbs. They’re colorful, simple, and make the table look cheerful. Recipe from Feasting At Home.
Wild Rice Mushroom Pilaf With Cranberries
Nutty wild rice, earthy mushrooms, and sweet cranberries all in one dish—this pilaf tastes like autumn in a bowl. It’s hearty, wholesome, and gluten-free. Recipe from It’s A Veg World After All.
Mushroom Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
Stuffed squash is basically edible décor. This one’s filled with quinoa, mushrooms, and herbs, making it as delicious as it is pretty. Recipe from Dishing Out Health.
Pumpkin Hummus
Classic hummus takes a seasonal twist with pumpkin. Creamy, nutty, and lightly spiced, it’s a fun dip to serve with veggies or bread on the side. Recipe from The Mediterranean Dish.
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Cauliflower gets the main-course treatment here, sliced into “steaks” and roasted until golden. They make a bold, veggie-forward side. Recipe from Lena’s Kitchen.
Spiced Brandied Cranberry Sauce
For a grown-up twist on the classic, this cranberry sauce gets spiced and spiked with brandy. It’s tangy, cozy, and a little fancy. Recipe from Burrata And Bubbles.
👩🍳 More festive collections here: Thanksgiving turkey alternatives, my favorite Thanksgiving sweet potato recipes, best vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes, epic Thanksgiving salads, Thanksgiving cupcakes, best fall Sangria recipes, and gluten-free Thanksgiving desserts.
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