Thanksgiving Side Dishes
46 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes for Your Holiday Table
Thanksgiving dinner is all about the side dishes. The turkey may be the centerpiece, but it’s the creamy potatoes, savory stuffing, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and all those comforting casseroles that make the meal feel complete.
Whether you’re planning a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or want to add a few new favorites to the table this year, these Thanksgiving side dishes give you plenty of delicious options to choose from.
Sweet Potato Sides
1. Whipped Sweet Potatoes
These Whipped Sweet Potatoes are a wonderfully fluffy and creamy way to serve sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving. Heavy cream, butter, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla give them a rich flavor that’s somewhere between a traditional savory side and the comforting flavors of sweet potato pie. They’re also quick to prepare, making them a great choice when you already have plenty of dishes competing for space in the kitchen.
2. Sweet Potato Gratin with Goat Cheese
For a more savory take on sweet potatoes, this Sweet Potato Gratin with Goat Cheese is a beautiful choice for Thanksgiving. Thinly sliced sweet potatoes are layered with creamy goat cheese, Parmesan, and thyme before being baked until tender and golden. It’s rich enough to feel special for a holiday meal while offering something a little different from the usual marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole.
3. Bourbon Sweet Potatoes
These Bourbon Sweet Potatoes bring warm, rich flavors to the Thanksgiving table and are a fun option when you want to put a slightly different spin on sweet potatoes. Bourbon pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the potatoes, creating a side dish that feels festive and indulgent. It’s a great choice for a holiday menu where you want the sweet potato course to stand out.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole
A classic Sweet Potato Casserole is one of those Thanksgiving dishes that just feels like part of the holiday. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are topped with a crunchy brown sugar and pecan mixture, giving you a delicious contrast between the soft filling and crisp topping. It’s comforting, family-friendly, and exactly the kind of side dish that belongs next to turkey and all the other Thanksgiving favorites.
5. Spicy Yams with Maple Syrup
If you like your sweet potatoes with a little extra personality, these Spicy Yams with Maple Syrup are worth a look. The combination of maple sweetness and warm spice gives the traditional Thanksgiving yam a flavorful twist without losing the comforting qualities everyone loves. This would be a particularly good addition to a holiday table that already has plenty of rich and savory dishes.
Potato Sides
6. Fondant Potatoes
These Fondant Potatoes are an elegant alternative to ordinary roasted potatoes and would look beautiful on a Thanksgiving dinner plate. The potatoes are browned until golden before being cooked until tender, giving them a delicious contrast between their caramelized exterior and buttery center. They’re simple enough to make at home but special enough for a holiday meal.
7. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
You can’t have Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes, and these Creamy Mashed Potatoes are exactly the kind of classic side everyone expects to see on the table. Smooth, buttery potatoes are the perfect partner for turkey and gravy, and they work beautifully alongside just about every other Thanksgiving side. Make a generous batch because second helpings are practically guaranteed.
8. Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin
For something rich and cheesy, these Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin are a wonderful addition to Thanksgiving dinner. Thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a creamy sauce until tender and beautifully golden, creating a comforting casserole that’s perfect for serving a crowd. This is the kind of side dish that can easily compete with the turkey for attention.
9. Scalloped Potatoes
Classic Scalloped Potatoes are another delicious way to serve potatoes at Thanksgiving. Thin slices are layered together and baked in a creamy sauce until tender, creating a rich and comforting side that’s perfect alongside turkey, ham, or roast beef. If your family loves creamy potato dishes, this one is sure to be a holiday favorite.
10. Hasselback Potatoes
These Hasselback Potatoes make a beautiful presentation on a Thanksgiving table, with thin slices creating plenty of crispy edges while the inside remains tender. They’re a fun change from mashed or ordinary roasted potatoes and can be dressed up with butter, herbs, garlic, or cheese. If you’re looking for a potato side that looks impressive without being overly complicated, this is a great choice.
Stuffing & Dressing
11. Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe
A Thanksgiving table just isn’t complete without a pan of classic stuffing, and this Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe brings all those familiar holiday flavors to the table. It’s the kind of comforting, savory stuffing that pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy and reminds you why traditional Thanksgiving recipes never go out of style. If you’re looking for a dependable classic, this is a great place to start.
12. Mom’s Sausage Stuffing
Adding sausage is an easy way to make stuffing extra hearty and flavorful, and Mom’s Sausage Stuffing does exactly that. Savory sausage brings plenty of richness to the traditional bread-based side, making it a satisfying addition to a Thanksgiving feast. It’s a great option for families who like their stuffing packed with flavor and substantial enough to stand on its own.
13. Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing
This Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing is all about those classic holiday flavors that make Thanksgiving feel like Thanksgiving. It’s a comforting side dish that belongs right alongside turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce. If your family prefers dressing over stuffing or simply loves having both on the table, this traditional recipe is worth adding to your menu.
14. Crock Pot Stuffing
Freeing up oven space is always a good thing on Thanksgiving, which makes Crock Pot Stuffing a particularly useful recipe. Instead of taking up valuable room in the oven, the stuffing cooks in the slow cooker while you concentrate on the turkey and other sides. It’s a convenient option for a busy holiday kitchen while still giving you the warm, savory stuffing everyone expects.
15. Cornbread Dressing
If you prefer cornbread-based dressing, this Cornbread Dressing is a delicious alternative to traditional bread stuffing. Cornbread gives the dressing a slightly different texture and flavor while still providing all the savory, comforting qualities that make stuffing such a Thanksgiving staple. It’s especially good alongside turkey and a generous spoonful of gravy.
Green Bean Sides
16. Green Beans with Bacon
These Green Beans with Bacon are a simple way to add a savory vegetable side to your Thanksgiving table. Green beans bring some freshness and color to a meal filled with rich casseroles and creamy potatoes, while bacon adds plenty of smoky, salty flavor. It’s an easy combination that works beautifully with turkey and all your favorite holiday sides.
17. Sweet and Sour Green Beans
For something a little different, try these Sweet and Sour Green Beans. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors gives ordinary green beans a little more personality and provides a nice contrast to rich Thanksgiving dishes. They’re a good choice if you want a vegetable side that’s flavorful without relying on a heavy cream sauce.
18. Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions
A Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions is a holiday classic for good reason. Tender green beans combined with a creamy sauce and a crispy onion topping give you plenty of contrasting textures in every bite. It’s comforting enough to feel like a traditional Thanksgiving dish while still adding some much-needed green to the plate.
19. Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
These Garlic Parmesan Green Beans take a simple vegetable and give it plenty of savory flavor. Garlic and Parmesan are an easy combination that works beautifully with green beans, making this a side dish that can stand up to all the rich flavors on a Thanksgiving table. It’s a nice option when you want something a little more flavorful than plain steamed vegetables.
20. Ranch Parmesan Green Beans
If your family loves ranch flavor, these Ranch Parmesan Green Beans are a fun way to dress up a Thanksgiving vegetable. The familiar ranch seasoning adds plenty of flavor while Parmesan brings a savory finish, turning simple green beans into a side dish that even picky eaters may be tempted to try. They’re an easy addition to a family-style Thanksgiving meal.
Cranberry Sauce
21. Cranberry Sauce with Ginger Ale
Give your cranberry sauce a fun twist with this Cranberry Sauce with Ginger Ale. Cranberry sauce brings a bright, tart flavor to Thanksgiving and helps balance all those rich and savory dishes on the plate. The ginger ale adds an interesting flavor note that makes this version a little different from the usual cranberry sauce.
22. Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce
This Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce is a festive upgrade to the classic Thanksgiving condiment. Tart cranberries are paired with orange flavors and warm spices for a sauce that’s bright, sweet, and full of holiday flavor. It’s an especially nice option if you enjoy cranberry sauce with a little more complexity than the traditional version.
23. Homemade Cranberry Sauce
There’s something special about making Homemade Cranberry Sauce from scratch for Thanksgiving. Fresh cranberry sauce has a bright, tart flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey, stuffing, and rich potato dishes, and making it yourself lets you control the sweetness. It’s a simple homemade addition that can make your holiday table feel even more special.
24. Holiday Cranberry Sauce
This Holiday Cranberry Sauce is another delicious way to bring that essential pop of cranberry flavor to your Thanksgiving plate. Cranberry sauce is one of those small sides that can make a surprisingly big difference, cutting through rich dishes and adding color to the table. Serve it alongside turkey and stuffing for the classic combination.
25. Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf
For something a little more substantial, this Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf brings together hearty wild rice and bright cranberry flavors in a side dish that feels right at home on a Thanksgiving table. It offers a nice change from the usual potato and stuffing combination while still having plenty of autumn-inspired flavors. The cranberries also add a beautiful pop of color.
Brussels Sprouts
26. Brussels Sprouts Salad
This Brussels Sprouts Salad is a great way to bring something fresh and crisp to a Thanksgiving meal. A salad like this can provide a welcome contrast to all the warm casseroles, mashed potatoes, and rich sauces on the table. It’s a particularly good choice when you want a vegetable side that feels lighter and adds plenty of texture.
27. Crispiest Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness while giving the edges a deliciously crisp texture, and these Crispiest Roasted Brussels Sprouts are exactly the kind of vegetable side that belongs on a holiday table. They’re simple enough for an everyday dinner but feel special when served alongside turkey and all the Thanksgiving favorites.
28. Brussel Sprout Casserole
If you prefer your vegetables with a creamy, comforting twist, this Brussel Sprout Casserole is worth trying. Turning Brussels sprouts into a casserole makes them feel a little more indulgent and gives them a place among the richer Thanksgiving sides. It’s a good option for guests who enjoy vegetables but also appreciate a creamy holiday casserole.
29. Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Keep things simple with Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts. Roasting is one of the easiest ways to prepare Brussels sprouts and brings out plenty of flavor without requiring a complicated recipe. They’re a great addition to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner and pair well with everything from turkey and stuffing to mashed potatoes and gravy.
30. Bacon Maple Brussels Sprouts
Sweet and savory flavors come together beautifully in these Bacon Maple Brussels Sprouts. The smoky richness of bacon pairs with the natural sweetness of maple syrup and the earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts, creating a side dish with plenty of holiday appeal. This is a great choice for anyone who thinks Brussels sprouts need a little extra encouragement to become the star of the vegetable tray.
Squash & Roasted Vegetables
31. Butternut Squash Casserole
This Butternut Squash Casserole is a cozy addition to a Thanksgiving menu, combining the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the comforting qualities of a baked casserole. Squash is a wonderful seasonal ingredient for the holiday table, and serving it this way makes it easy to feed a crowd. It’s a lovely alternative when you want something beyond the usual potato dishes.
32. Maple Roasted Carrots
These Air Fryer Carrots bring beautiful color and a touch of natural sweetness to the Thanksgiving table. Roasting brings out the flavor of the carrots while maple adds a festive sweetness that works particularly well with turkey and other savory dishes. They’re simple enough to prepare alongside the rest of your holiday meal and make a colorful addition to the plate.
33. Roasted Acorn Squash
Roasted Acorn Squash makes a beautiful seasonal side dish for Thanksgiving. Acorn squash becomes tender and flavorful when roasted, and its naturally sweet, earthy flavor fits perfectly with the flavors of fall. The pretty shape also makes it a lovely choice when you want a vegetable side that looks as good as it tastes.
34. Orange Glazed Carrots
Brighten up the Thanksgiving table with these Orange Glazed Carrots. Carrots and citrus make a naturally delicious combination, with the orange adding a fresh, slightly sweet flavor that works beautifully alongside rich holiday dishes. They’re a simple vegetable side that can add a pop of color and freshness to a plate filled with hearty Thanksgiving favorites.
35. Roasted Parmesan Carrots
These Roasted Parmesan Carrots are an easy way to make a familiar vegetable feel a little more special. Roasting gives the carrots caramelized edges while Parmesan adds a savory finish, creating a side dish that is simple enough for a weeknight but perfectly suited to Thanksgiving. They would be especially good alongside creamy mashed potatoes and turkey.
Corn, Cornbread & Mac and Cheese
36. Simple Cornbread Casserole
This Simple Cornbread Casserole is a comforting side that’s perfect for feeding a Thanksgiving crowd. Cornbread and casserole come together in one dish for something soft, savory, and satisfying that pairs beautifully with turkey and gravy. It’s also a nice alternative to serving ordinary dinner rolls when you want to bring a little more Southern-inspired comfort to the table.
37. Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
Free up another spot on the stovetop with this Slow Cooker Creamed Corn. Creamed corn is a classic comforting side for a holiday meal, and preparing it in the slow cooker makes it especially convenient when you’re already juggling a turkey and several other dishes. It’s creamy, rich, and easy to spoon onto the plate alongside all your favorite Thanksgiving foods.
38. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
For many families, Thanksgiving simply isn’t complete without mac and cheese, and this Baked Macaroni and Cheese is the kind of comforting side that everyone will want a serving of. Creamy pasta and plenty of cheesy flavor make it a hearty addition to the holiday table, especially if you’re feeding children or guests who aren’t big fans of traditional Thanksgiving vegetables.
39. Amish Baked Corn
This Amish Baked Corn is a cozy corn side dish that’s right at home on a traditional Thanksgiving table. Corn adds a naturally sweet flavor to the meal, and baking it into a comforting side makes it a little more substantial than simply serving corn on the cob. It’s a simple option that pairs well with turkey, ham, stuffing, and all the classic holiday sides.
40. Easy Cornbread Recipe
Freshly baked cornbread is always welcome at Thanksgiving, and this Easy Cornbread Recipe is a simple way to add homemade bread to your holiday spread. Cornbread is perfect for soaking up gravy and juices from the turkey, and it also makes a great partner for stuffing and all those creamy sides. Serve it warm with butter for a simple addition everyone can enjoy.
Easy & Bonus Sides
41. Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls
Warm homemade rolls can make a Thanksgiving table feel complete, and these Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls are a great option for serving alongside turkey and all those delicious sides. Soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up gravy, making little leftover sandwiches, or simply spreading with butter while everything else is being served. They’re a classic addition that guests will always appreciate.
42. Sweet Potato Loaf Bread
This Sweet Potato Loaf Bread is a delicious way to bring sweet potatoes to the Thanksgiving table in a completely different form. The soft, tender loaf combines sweet potato with chocolate and toasted walnuts, then gets finished with a golden meringue topping for an extra-special touch. It’s lovely served alongside coffee or tea, and would also make a great addition to the dessert table or a Thanksgiving brunch.
43. Big Soft Fluffy Dinner Rolls
If you’re after dinner rolls that are soft, fluffy, and made for tearing apart at the table, these Big Soft Fluffy Dinner Rolls are a great choice. Homemade rolls bring that extra special touch to Thanksgiving dinner and are useful for everything from mopping up gravy to making sandwiches with the leftovers. Make plenty because fresh bread tends to disappear quickly.
44. Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
These Southern Buttermilk Biscuits are another delicious bread option for your Thanksgiving table. Buttery, tender biscuits are perfect alongside turkey and gravy and can be served warm with butter or used to make leftover turkey sandwiches the next day. They also give the bread basket a little Southern-inspired flavor.
45. Brown Gravy Recipe
A good Thanksgiving gravy can bring the entire meal together, and this Brown Gravy Recipe is the perfect finishing touch for mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and more. Gravy might technically be a sauce rather than a side dish, but no Thanksgiving roundup would feel complete without it. Keep a generous jug on the table because everyone will want extra.
46. Avocado Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are always a popular addition to a holiday spread, and these Avocado Deviled Eggs offer a fun twist on the familiar appetizer. They’re easy to pick up and eat while guests are waiting for dinner and can also work beautifully as part of a Thanksgiving appetizer platter. The avocado adds a creamy element while giving the classic deviled egg a little something different.
Build the Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish Menu
With 45 Thanksgiving side dishes to choose from, you certainly don’t need to make everything on this list! A good holiday menu usually works best when you choose a mix of creamy, crispy, savory, sweet, and fresh dishes. Pair mashed potatoes with a vegetable side, add your favorite stuffing and cranberry sauce, and then choose a couple of casseroles or breads to round everything out.
The best Thanksgiving side dishes are the ones that make your guests happy and don’t leave you completely exhausted before dinner even begins. Mix a few traditional favorites with one or two new recipes this year, and you might just discover a new dish that becomes part of your Thanksgiving tradition for years to come.
