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Searching for the perfect sides to complete your Thanksgiving menu? Here are 34 Thanksgiving side dishes that are so good, they might just outshine the turkey! Whether you’re on the hunt for classic Thanksgiving recipes or something totally new, this list has got you covered. Bet you’ll find a new favorite or maybe a few!
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34 Must-Try Side Dishes For Thanksgiving Dinner
Let’s be real: the sides are what make Thanksgiving dinner so amazing (the real stars!). Sure, turkey gets the spotlight (and I’ll never say no to this juicy, herb butter spatchcock turkey), but it’s the delicious variety of sides that totally steal the show.
I’ve rounded up all the best Thanksgiving side dishes, neatly organized by category, to help you plan the ultimate Thanksgiving spread. From cozy, comforting carbs to fresh, colorful veggies, you’ll find all the sides you need for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner.
Thanksgiving Stuffing and Bread Recipes
Everything from my go-to Thanksgiving stuffing recipe (seriously, it’s the best!) to soft, homemade dinner rolls that are sure to disappear quickly.
Bacon, Sage and Onion Stuffing (Dressing)
This is my family’s must-have Thanksgiving side dish! I think they would kill me if I didn’t make this stuffing:) It’s so crazy good!
Salted Maple Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy, and just a touch sweet, these homemade dinner rolls are baked with real maple syrup and served with a side of salted maple butter. So delicious!
Photo Credit: The Sage Apron
Cornbread Dressing
This cornbread dressing is buttery, moist, and has the perfect crispy, golden crust – a delicious side dish for any Thanksgiving dinner!
Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon
Sourdough Dinner Rolls with Rosemary
If you’re into sourdough baking, you’ve got to try these soft, pull-apart Sourdough Dinner Rolls with Rosemary – fluffy, buttery perfection!
Photo Credit: Sourdough Brandon
Thanksgiving Potato Side Dishes
Potato sides are always a hit – and honestly, who can resist? They’re comforting and totally delicious!
Creamy Whipped Mashed Potatoes
Learn how to whip up the most delicious creamy mashed potatoes. Rich, buttery, smooth and creamy – this comforting side dish is always a favorite!
Sweet Potato Casserole
A traditional sweet potato casserole with a creamy filling and a sweet, crunchy pecan topping – perfect for any Thanksgiving spread!
Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen
Potatoes Au Gratin
Tender potato and onion slices are layered up and baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce – so comforting and delicious!
Photo Credit: Spend With Pennies
Fondant Sweet Potatoes
These fondant sweet potatoes are crispy on the outside, buttery and tender on the inside, all drizzled with a warm maple-thyme glaze – so delicious!
Photo Credit: Maplevine Kitchen
Brown Butter Mashed White Sweet Potatoes
These creamy whipped mashed white sweet potatoes are super easy to make, swirled with caramelized butter, fresh sage, and a touch of nutmeg for extra flavor!
Photo Credit: Rebecca Taig
Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Roasted to caramelized perfection, these orange glazed sweet potatoes combine bright citrusy flavors with natural sweetness for a side dish that’s cozy and elegant!
Photo Credit: xoxoBella
Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
These creamy potatoes use starchy russets and sour cream for that perfect tangy, rich flavor you won’t be able to get enough of!
Photo Credit: Little Chef Within
Mac and Cheese Sides For Thanksgiving
Cheesy, comfort food goodness!
Gouda Mac and Cheese
You can bake it with a crispy, buttery bread topping (trust me, it’s next-level!) or enjoy it creamy right from the stovetop. Either way, it’s a Thanksgiving side that everyone will love!
Thanksgiving Vegetable Side Dishes
Don’t forget to include some delicious veggie-packed sides. It’s the perfect time to lean into all that yummy seasonal fall produce like squash, brussels sprouts, carrots and more!
Maple Roasted Delicata Squash
With just 10 minutes of prep (no peeling required!), this easy oven roasted delicata squash is a total win. Serve it as is, or add a fun festive garnish—ideas are in the post!
Garlic Butter Green Beans
Sautéed green beans tossed in garlic butter and parmesan—yum! An easy-to-make veggie side dish that’ll have everyone going back for more.
Instant Pot Acorn Squash
Learn how to make perfectly tender acorn squash in the Instant Pot – super handy when the oven’s full! Serve it in halves or mashed. There’s also a roasting option too.
Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
A simple and delicious veggie side that everyone will love!
Photo Credit: The Food Blog
Southern Style Creamed Corn
This creamed corn recipe is a whole new level of delicious, made with fresh sweet corn and creamy goodness – way better than the canned stuff!
Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy
Candied Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
These Bacon Maple Candied Brussels Sprouts are simple to make and will have everyone raving!
Photo Credit: Foodess
Skillet Cajun Green Bean Casserole
A fresh take on the classic, this recipe ditches the canned soup for a creamy homemade mushroom sauce and crispy shallots on top. Plus, you only need your stovetop!
Photo Credit: The Sassy Foodie
Cheesy Broccoli Au Gratin
This Broccoli Au Gratin is creamy, cheesy goodness made with fresh broccoli, sharp white cheddar, nutty gruyere, and seasoned with garlic and herbs – yum!
Photo Credit: The Fresh Cooky
Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots
Sweet, sticky, and perfectly roasted, these maple glazed carrots are the ultimate easy side dish!
Photo Credit: Cup Of Flour
Mixed Vegetable Casserole
This mixed vegetable casserole is super easy to make with frozen veggies and smothered in a rich, creamy homemade Mornay sauce – delicious!
Photo Credit: Craving Something Healthy
Miso Brussels Sprouts
The perfect mix of sweet and savory, crispy on the outside and tender inside. Plus, they’re super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients!
Photo Credit: Carmy
Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
This fresh green bean casserole with bacon is made with a creamy homemade onion and garlic sauce – no canned soup here!
Photo Credit: On My Kids Plate
Maple Bourbon Glazed Carrots and Pears
This side dish is elegant and delicious! If you’d rather skip the bourbon, just add a little extra maple syrup.
Photo Credit: The Perks Of Being Us
Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
Easy and so tasty – the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes is the perfect match for those savory, crisp green beans!
Photo Credit: Lauren Fit Foodie
Thanksgiving Salads
Fresh salads bring a pop of color and a nice balance to the meal. Plus, these salads are crazy delicious too!
Roasted Pumpkin and Beetroot Salad
A hearty, show-stopping fall salad that’s packed with flavor and texture, plus a yummy maple vinaigrette to tie it all together.
Holiday Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette
This salad is packed with baby greens, pear, pomegranate, pistachios, and goat cheese, all drizzled with a sweet and tangy pomegranate vinaigrette. It’s both beautiful and absolutely delicious!
Adorable Thanksgiving Salad
This Thanksgiving salad with a roasted butternut squash “turkey” is so adorable and surprisingly easy too!
Photo Credit: Two Healthy Kitchens
Harvest Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette
A delicious mix of tart apples, golden pears, sweet potatoes, cranberries, bacon, pecans, and feta, all tossed in a homemade poppy seed vinaigrette.
Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits
Fall Roasted Vegetable Salad
Roasted butternut squash, green beans, pancetta, cranberries, and pecans come together with apple cider vinaigrette in this delicious fall salad.
Photo Credit: Recipe Runner
Thanksgiving Sauces
And we can’t forget about the sauces! They’re the perfect finishing touch, bringing that extra pop of flavor to your Thanksgiving plate that ties everything together.
Make Ahead Turkey Gravy
Save your sanity with this delicious make ahead turkey gravy recipe. You’ll learn how to prep it in advance without sacrificing any flavor. Say goodbye to the last minute scramble!
Cranberry Orange Sauce
This homemade cranberry sauce is infused with the cozy flavors of orange and cinnamon. It’s super easy to make, delicious, and you can prep it ahead of time!
Sage Pesto
This pesto is perfect for fall and the holidays. The sage flavor pairs perfectly with turkey or drizzled over other Thanksgiving dishes!
Looking for more sauce recipes? Check out this collection of sauces for the holidays!
Helpful Tips
A Few Tips
- Balance those rich, cozy dishes with some fresh, lighter options: We all love the carb overload on Thanksgiving but don’t forget to add some veggie-packed sides and refreshing salads to round out the meal and keep things feeling balanced.
- Mix up the colors, flavors and textures: Bring on the variety! The best Thanksgiving spreads are full of different colors, textures and flavors. A feast for both the eyes and the taste buds!
- Put all your appliances to work: The kitchen gets busy on Thanksgiving, so why not take advantage of everything you’ve got? Cook up some sides on the stove, pop others in the oven, throw some in the Instant Pot or air fryer (multi-task with whatever you have!).
- Plan and prep ahead: Make your Thanksgiving as stress-free as possible by planning out your menu in advance, gathering all the groceries and prepping whatever you can ahead of time – whether it’s chopping veggies or assembling full dishes that just need reheating.
FAQ: Thanksgiving Sides
The number of sides really comes down to how big you want your Thanksgiving spread to be and how much variety you want to offer. I would recommend aiming for at least 3-4 different sides, with a nice mix of options to keep things exciting!
It definitely varies depending on where you’re from and your family traditions, but one thing’s for sure: the carb-loaded comfort food sides are always a hit! For example, mashed potatoes and stuffing are always at the top of the list.
Most sides can be prepped in advance to some extent. You’ll find that most of the recipes above will let you know if they’re make-ahead friendly. Some can be fully prepared and just need reheating, while others can have all the ingredients prepped which makes cooking a breeze later. Two dishes that I love to get out of the way early are cranberry orange sauce and make ahead turkey gravy.
More Thanksgiving Recipes
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