30+ Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes That’ll Steal the Show

These side dishes will transform your Thanksgiving spread into a feast that people will remember for years. From creamy casseroles to zesty slaws, there’s something here for everyone to love.

Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite time of year, mostly because it’s the one day when it’s socially acceptable to stuff yourself silly.

And while the turkey might get all the attention, the side dishes are the real stars of the show.

I’m talking about those creamy mashed potatoes, perfectly roasted vegetables, and warm, buttery dinner rolls that make the holiday feast truly unforgettable.

Every year, I find myself drooling over the classics—green bean casserole, sweet potato pie, and that zingy cranberry sauce that pairs oh-so-well with everything.

I’ve discovered some recipes that are easy enough for anyone to tackle and require minimal prep work, so you can spend more time enjoying the company and less time stressing in the kitchen.

If you’re like me and love experimenting, there are also some creative takes that are sure to impress.

Ever tried a sausage stuffing or a broccoli cheese casserole?

Get ready to make your Thanksgiving dinner the best one yet with a variety of tasty and easy-to-make side dishes.

So grab your apron, and let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Mashed Potatoes Mastery

When it comes to Thanksgiving, mashed potatoes are a must.

Start with Yukon Gold potatoes; they give a buttery flavor without needing a stick of butter.

Cook them until they’re fork-tender, then mash with heavy cream and butter.

For an added twist, mix in some cream cheese or sour cream.

Don’t forget a good pinch of salt and a dash of pepper.

Just remember, no lumps allowed!

Serve these up and watch them disappear faster than the turkey.

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Vegetable Medley Marvels

Vegetable sides might not be the main event, but they’re essential.

Green bean casserole with its crispy onion topping is a classic that never fails to please.

Sometimes, I swap out the regular green beans for fresh ones for a bit more crunch.

Looking for a healthier, yet equally tasty option?

Try roasted Brussels sprouts.

Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until crispy.

Or, opt for creamed spinach with a rich, velvety sauce that pairs perfectly with the turkey.

A quick tip: use fresh spinach for the best flavor.

Sweet Dish Symphony

Sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce are my favorite ways to round out the meal.

For candied sweet potatoes, coat them with butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup, and top everything with marshmallows.

They come out caramelized and delicious.

Cranberry sauce adds the perfect tang.

I love making it from scratch – just boil fresh cranberries with orange zest and juice until they burst.

It’s sweet, tart, and goes perfectly with the roast turkey.

You can even spread leftovers on a turkey sandwich the next day.

These sides really do make Thanksgiving dinner something special.

You’ll want to get seconds, maybe even thirds!

Next-Level Stuffing & Dressings

Who doesn’t love stuffing? It’s like a blank canvas.

Traditional bread-based stuffing is great, but why not mix things up?

Try cornbread stuffing with a hint of sage and fresh herbs. It combines sweet and savory in the best way.

For those who love a bit of spice, sausage stuffing is a must.

Use spicy Italian sausage or chorizo to give it a kick.

Add baking soda to keep it light and fluffy.

Vegans don’t have to miss out either.

A vegan stuffing made with wild rice, nuts, and cranberries can be seriously hearty and packed with flavors.

Plus, it’s a great way to include everyone at the table.

Gravy Boats and Sauces

A good gravy can make or break the meal.

Start with a simple base: mix stock, flour, and butter, then add salt and pepper to taste.

From here, let’s get creative.

Mushroom gravy is a rich, delicious option for vegetarians.

Cremini mushrooms and a splash of soy sauce bring umami into the mix.

For something different, try a rosemary and onion gravy — the fresh rosemary will elevate the whole dish.

And here’s a fun twist: make a bacon gravy!

Cook some chopped bacon until crispy, then use the rendered fat instead of butter to build your gravy.

It adds an unbeatable smoky flavor.

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to stay stuck in the past.

These creative twists will leave your guests talking about your side dishes long after the last piece of pie is gone.

Buttery Bread Bonanza

Nothing screams Thanksgiving like the smell of freshly baked bread.

No-knead bread is a lifesaver since you don’t need to work too hard to get a perfect loaf.

Imagine tearing into a warm piece, the crust crunchy and the inside soft and airy. Heaven, right?

Dinner rolls are another must.

They’re small, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up gravy or sweeping through mashed potatoes.

For a twist, try sourdough rolls.

Their tangy taste pairs well with all the rich flavors on your plate.

Don’t forget to slather on extra butter for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Irresistible Biscuits and Beyond

Buttermilk biscuits deserve a seat at the table too.

Their flaky layers pull apart effortlessly, making them perfect for a butter-and-honey combo.

Or better yet, top them with some gravy for a double-dose of comfort.

Want something a bit different?

Spoon bread is a unique and delightful addition.

It’s more like a savory pudding than a traditional bread, but boy, is it good.

Think of it as a warm, cornmeal-based side that’s creamy and light, almost like the lovechild of cornbread and souffle.

And don’t forget the magic of brown butter.

Use it in your biscuits or even drizzle it over your bread.

It adds a nutty, rich flavor that elevates everything it touches.

Trust me, you’ll be licking your fingers clean.

Gourmet Casseroles

Casseroles are a staple of Thanksgiving.

One that’s sure to stand out is the Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese.

The butternut squash adds a rich, earthy flavor to the creamy, cheesy dish.

Don’t forget the classic Sweet Potato Casserole.

With a topping of toasted marshmallows and a hint of cinnamon, this is a sweet delight.

Another must-try?

A Green Bean Casserole made with fresh green beans, crispy fried onions, and cream of mushroom soup.

It’s comfort food at its best.

Splendid Slaws & Salads

Thanksgiving doesn’t always have to be heavy.

A refreshing Brussels Sprout Salad with cranberries, almonds, and a drizzle of olive oil can light up the table.

The slightly bitter sprouts and sweet cranberries balance each other perfectly.

Then there’s my personal favorite, a Thanksgiving Slaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy vinaigrette.

Add some chili powder for an extra kick.

Roasted Root Vegetable Salad is also great.

Combine roasted carrots, potatoes, and delicata squash with a sprinkle of rosemary and black pepper.

Serve warm or cold for a versatile dish.

Ravishing Roasted Delights

Roasted veggies are always a hit.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with a bit of olive oil, salt, and black pepper get all crispy and caramelized.

Trust me, even the sprout skeptics will be converted.

Speaking of crowd-pleasers, you can’t go wrong with Roasted Potatoes.

Toss them in olive oil, paprika, and rosemary. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Yum!

My absolute favorite is Roasted Delicata Squash.

Slice it into half-moons, coat it in olive oil and a pinch of chili powder, then roast until tender.

The sweet, slightly nutty flavor is incredible.

Try adding this to your table, and watch it disappear.

Vegetarian Favorites

When it comes to vegetarian sides, no one can resist the charm of stuffed mushrooms.

Imagine juicy mushrooms filled with a mix of spinach, cheese, and breadcrumbs.

Another winner is glazed carrots—sweet, shiny, and absolutely delicious.

They are roasted to perfection with a honey mustard glaze.

For those who want something hearty, how about a vegetable casserole?

Layers of cauliflower, carrots, and cabbage in a creamy cheese sauce that’s sure to satisfy.

Cranberry sauce also makes the cut—tart, sweet, and perfect for adding that zesty kick to your meal.

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Very Vegan Varieties

Vegans often miss out on stuffing, so why not whip up a vegan stuffing that includes cornbread, mushrooms, and collard greens?

It’s as delicious as the traditional version but without any animal products.

Another winner is roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze.

They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and totally mouth-watering.

For something sweet, candied carrots are always a great choice.

They’re carrots dressed up with maple syrup and brown sugar.

Mashed cauliflower is a fantastic alternative to mashed potatoes.

Blend it with garlic and olive oil, and you’ve got a creamy, vegan-friendly side that everyone will enjoy.

Gluten-Free Goodness

For gluten-free friends, almond flour cornbread is a revelation.

It’s just as moist and delicious as the regular kind but free from any pesky gluten.

Roasted vegetables also fit the bill.

Try a mix of carrots, cauliflower, and cabbage, drizzled with olive oil and herbs.

No gluten-free Thanksgiving is complete without a tantalizing cranberry sauce.

Whether you like it smooth or chunky, it pairs beautifully with turkey and everything else on your plate.

And last but not least, spinach and mushroom gratin—a creamy, cheesy delight that’s magically gluten-free.

The almond flour and cream make sure everyone can enjoy it without any worries.

So there you have it, a cornucopia of delightful sides that cater to all kinds of diets without skimping on the flavor.

Strategic Starters

Let’s kick things off with some appetizers that won’t have you scrambling at the last minute.

I love prepping buttermilk biscuits a day ahead.

They stay fluffy and perfect for slathering with gravy.

You can also whip up a simple salad like a cranberry walnut mix; just toss the ingredients and refrigerate.

Stuffing is another winner. Make it a day or two beforehand, then reheat.

• Buttermilk Biscuits: Make dough, shape, refrigerate, and bake fresh.
• Cranberry Walnut Salad: Assemble, dress before serving.
• Stuffing: Make, refrigerate, reheat.

Slow Cooker Champions

Slow cookers are a lifesaver on Thanksgiving.

Set it and forget it, then focus on other tasks.

Mashed sweet potatoes are a dream in the slow cooker.

Just add your sweet potatoes, butter, and maybe a splash of maple syrup.

Another gem is the classic green bean casserole.

Crisp up those onions before serving.

Gravy? Yup, slow cookers can handle that too.

• Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes, butter, slow cook.
• Green Bean Casserole: Green beans, creamy sauce, crispy onions.
• Gravy: Brown the roux, slow cook with broth.

Freezable Feasts

Ah, the beauty of the freezer!

Some dishes taste even better after they’ve been frozen and reheated.

Casseroles like a creamy potato gratin can be prepped weeks in advance.

Pop it in the oven when needed.

Stuffing also freezes well; just make sure to thaw it properly.

Cranberry sauce? Absolutely freezable. Take it out the day before to thaw—easy peasy.

• Potato Gratin: Assemble, freeze, bake.
• Stuffing: Make, freeze, thaw, reheat.
• Cranberry Sauce: Cook, freeze, thaw overnight.

By planning ahead, we can enjoy a smoother, stress-free Thanksgiving.

Less chaos in the kitchen means more time to savor these delicious meals!

Fresh Herbs & Spices

I can’t stress enough how much fresh herbs can elevate a dish.

Rosemary, thyme, sage, and garlic are my go-tos for Thanksgiving.

Sprinkle some chopped rosemary on your roasted potatoes or mix thyme into your stuffing.

Fresh sage leaves can transform simple mashed potatoes into something special.

For a bit of warmth, don’t forget spices like cinnamon, paprika, and black pepper.

A dash of cinnamon in sweet potato casserole or a pinch of paprika in your green bean casserole can make all the difference.

Pro tip: Always use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Dried ones just don’t cut it here.

Nuts, Seeds, and Crunch

Adding nuts and seeds can bring a whole new texture to your dishes.

Pecans and almonds work wonders in salads and vegetable dishes.

Toss some sunflower seeds into your sweet potato hash for a pleasant crunch.

If you’re feeling indulgent, bacon bits or crispy breadcrumbs can add an irresistible bite to your casseroles.

I love sprinkling candied pecans over my cranberry sauce.

It adds a sweet crunch that’s simply addictive.

Don’t be afraid to get creative—these little extras can make an unforgettable difference.

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Delectable Drizzles and Dollops

Sometimes, it’s all about that final touch.

Maple syrup, butter, and sour cream can turn a good dish into a great one.

A drizzle of maple syrup over roasted carrots adds an amazing sweetness.

Dotting your mashed potatoes with butter or topping your baked sweet potatoes with a dollop of sour cream can make them extra luxurious.

For a savory kick, don’t forget gravy or a splash of olive oil.

A bit of gravy on your stuffing or a drizzle of olive oil on your roasted vegetables can make them taste like a million bucks.

Watching those dollops melt into your food—pure magic.

This Post Was All About Thanksgiving Side Dishes You Will Absolutely Love!