40 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Published on November 07, 2025
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Quick Summary
Make your Thanksgiving feast unforgettable with the best side dishes! From creamy mashed potatoes and classic stuffing to fresh salads and flavorful veggies, these tried-and-true recipes are favorites on our holiday table year after year.
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We all know Thanksgiving is all about the sides. They’re the dishes that bring everyone together, the ones passed around the table with stories, laughter, and second helpings. The turkey might be the centerpiece, but the side dishes are what make the meal truly memorable.
Over the years, I’ve tested countless recipes to create the ultimate Thanksgiving lineup: comforting classics, colorful vegetables, hearty casseroles, and fresh, vibrant salads. These are the recipes I come back to every year, the ones that always get rave reviews and requests for seconds.
Whether you’re going to a fun Friendsgiving, hosting the big feast, or contributing to a family potluck, you’ll find something special here. From make-ahead favorites to quick and easy crowd-pleasers, these side dishes are guaranteed to make your holiday table shine.
So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s make this Thanksgiving the most delicious one yet!
Check out ALL of our Thanksgiving recipes…for appetizers, desserts, and MORE!
Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Fresh & Colorful Salads
1
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Crisp shaved Brussels sprouts tossed with sweet apples, chewy dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, all drizzled with a tangy maple mustard dressing. A fresh, flavorful salad that brightens up any Thanksgiving table!
Check out this recipe
2
Simple Kale Salad
This is the BEST kale salad recipe! It is made with fresh, hearty kale, Parmesan cheese, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, and a fresh lemon balsamic dressing.
Check out this recipe
3
Apple Pecan Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing
Crisp apples, creamy lemon dressing, tangy white cheddar, and sweet candied pecans come together in this refreshing salad that’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Check out this recipe
4
Sweet Potato Kale Salad
Hearty and wholesome, this salad combines roasted sweet potatoes, hearty kale, protein-packed quinoa and chickpeas, crisp apples, and crunchy pepitas. A filling, flavorful side that adds color and texture to any table!
Check out this recipe
5
Maple Roasted Delicata Squash Salad
Roasted delicata squash paired with greens, crunchy pecans, tangy feta, and sweet dried cranberries, avocado, all tossed in a light dressing. A colorful, flavorful salad that celebrates fall!
Check out this recipe
Vegetable Sides
6
Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Lemon & Parmesan
Tender Brussels sprouts sautéed with a splash of lemon and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a simple, fresh, and flavorful side.
Check out this recipe
7
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic for a rich, savory flavor. Comforting, simple, and always a crowd favorite.
Check out this recipe
8
Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta Recipe
Sweet roasted carrots topped with creamy whipped feta, a drizzle of honey, and crunchy pistachios. Simple, colorful, and full of flavor!
Check out this recipe
9
Green Beans Almondine
Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with butter and toasted almonds for a simple, flavorful side with a satisfying crunch.
Check out this recipe
10
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Creamy, smooth mashed sweet potatoes that can be flavored a variety of ways; classic buttery, a touch of maple, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable to your taste.
Check out this recipe
11
Roasted Acorn Squash
This sweet, nutty squash is roasted in the oven with butter, pure maple syrup, cinnamon, and finished with chopped candied pecans.
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12
Roasted Delicata Squash
Sweet, tender delicata squash roasted to perfection—no peeling required—and topped with crunchy pecans, creamy feta, and bright pomegranate seeds.
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13
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Caramelized roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. Simple, savory, and packed with flavor.
Check out this recipe
14
Roasted Carrots
Tender, caramelized roasted carrots with a hint of sweetness and the perfect golden edges. Simple to make and always a hit, especially with the kids!
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15
Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans, Cranberries, Feta & Hot Honey
Roasted butternut squash with crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, creamy feta cheese, and a drizzle of hot honey. This simple and sophisticated side dish is perfect for Thanksgiving!
Check out this recipe
16
Sautéed Shredded Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan and Hazelnuts
Tender Brussels sprouts sautéed with savory Parmesan and crunchy toasted hazelnuts for a flavorful, nutty side that’s simple yet elegant.
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17
Crispy Parmesan Sweet Potatoes
Crispy Parmesan Sweet Potatoes are the perfect side dish with crispy, golden edges and a soft, tender inside. The sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection and coated with a cheesy, savory Parmesan crust.
Check out this recipe
18
Simple Skillet Green Beans
Tender green beans sautéed with bright lemon and savory garlic for a quick, flavorful, and fresh side.
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19
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Golden, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these smashed potatoes are simple, flavorful, and full of comforting potato goodness.
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20
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Crisp-tender Brussels sprouts tossed with savory bacon and a touch of sweet maple for a flavorful, irresistible side.
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21
Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Tender roasted sweet potatoes with a drizzle of pure maple syrup and a touch of cinnamon. Sweet, caramelized, and full of cozy fall flavor.
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22
Roasted Pear and Cranberry Brussels Sprouts
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with sweet roasted pears, tart dried cranberries, a squeeze of lemon, and a drizzle of honey. A bright, flavorful side with a touch of fall sweetness.
Check out this recipe
23
Butternut Squash Orzo
Tender orzo pasta tossed with roasted butternut squash, fresh herbs, and a hint of Parmesan. A flavorful, hearty, and delicious side.
Check out this recipe
Casseroles & Stuffing
24
Sweet Potato Casserole
This is the BEST sweet potato casserole recipe! It has a creamy filling that is made with mashed baked sweet potatoes, browned butter, pure maple syrup, and cinnamon. It’s topped with a crunchy brown sugar pecan topping that is divine.
Check out this recipe
25
Green Bean Casserole
Classic green beans baked in a creamy sauce and topped with crispy fried onions for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side.
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26
Baked Mac and Cheese
This homemade Baked Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and finished with a buttery panko cracker Parmesan topping. It is the ultimate comfort food!
Check out this recipe
27
Brussels Sprouts Casserole
This one-skillet Brussels Sprouts Casserole will become the unexpected star of your Thanksgiving table with bacon, cheese, and a crispy panko topping.
Check out this recipe
28
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy pasta with roasted butternut squash folded in and baked to golden perfection. A comforting twist on a classic that’s rich, flavorful, and a little sweet.
Check out this recipe
29
Parmesan Crusted Scalloped Potatoes
Layers of tender potatoes baked in a creamy sauce and topped with golden, crispy Parmesan. A rich, cheesy casserole that’s sure to impress.
Check out this recipe
30
Sausage Stuffing
Josh's famous stuffing! Hearty bread combined with savory sausage, herbs, onions, and celery, finished with sweet dried cranberries. It's always a hit!
Check out this recipe
31
Wild Rice Stuffing
A hearty, gluten-free stuffing with nutty wild rice, roasted butternut squash, earthy mushrooms, sweet dried cranberries, fragrant herbs, and crunchy pecans. Full of flavor and perfect for a festive meal.
Check out this recipe
Rolls & Breads
32
Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy, and golden, these classic dinner rolls are the BEST and turn out perfect every single time!
Check out this recipe
33
Garlic Herb Parker House Rolls
Buttery, fluffy Parker House rolls infused with garlic and fresh herbs. Perfectly soft on the inside with a golden crust, an irresistible addition to any meal.
Check out this recipe
34
Sweet Potato Rolls
Soft, slightly sweet rolls made with creamy sweet potatoes, perfect for adding a cozy, flavorful touch to any holiday meal. Serve with honey butter!
Check out this recipe
35
Easy Cornbread
Moist, tender, and lightly sweet, this easy cornbread is a classic favorite that comes together in no time. Our family LOVES this recipe!
Check out this recipe
36
Pumpkin Cornbread
Moist, slightly sweet pumpkin cornbread made with nutty brown butter for extra depth of flavor, a cozy, festive side that’s full of fall warmth.
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37
Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
Moist, tender cornbread with sharp cheddar and a touch of jalapeño heat. A bold, flavorful twist on a classic that’s sure to stand out.
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Cranberry Sauce & Extras
38
Maple Cranberry Sauce
Sweet, tangy cranberries simmered with pure maple syrup for a perfectly balanced sauce. Make it ahead for easy, stress-free holiday prep!
Check out this recipe
39
Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce
Fresh cranberries simmered with a hint of orange for a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that adds a refreshing touch to your holiday meal.
Check out this recipe
40
Honey Butter
Sweet and creamy, this honey butter spreads easily on warm rolls, cornbread, or bread, adding a touch of rich, golden sweetness!
Check out this recipe
No matter what you’re craving this holiday, this collection of sides has something for everyone, from creamy mashed potatoes and cheesy casseroles to fresh salads and roasted vegetables. Mix and match your favorites, try something new, and let us know which recipes you can’t wait to make this Thanksgiving!
