21 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Complete Your Holiday Feast
The turkey might steal the spotlight, but let’s be honest – Thanksgiving is really all about the side dishes. From creamy mashed potatoes to tangy cranberry sauce, those supporting players are what transform a simple meal into a memorable feast. This post highlights 21 of the best Thanksgiving side dishes to complete your holiday feast.
Side dishes are where you can get creative, accommodate different dietary preferences, and showcase both timeless classics and exciting new flavors.
Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving or you’re a seasoned pro looking to refresh your menu, this collection of 21 Thanksgiving side dishes has something for everyone.
I’ve gathered a mix of traditional favorites that guests expect to see on the table alongside fresh, modern recipes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
From make-ahead options that’ll save your sanity on the big day to show-stopping dishes that look as impressive as they taste, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to round out your holiday spread.
Let’s dive into these delicious recipes to make your Thanksgiving dinner truly unforgettable.
We are so close to Thanksgiving. Menu planning should begin.
The largest meal of the year requires a lot of early preparation. That’s to keep the hostess from going crazy.
I know what I traditionally like to serve and what my family considers “must-have” dishes. But sometimes, I still like to shake things up a bit.
I have hundreds of cookbooks and thousands of recipes in my files to choose from.
Sometimes, it’s easier to scroll through Pinterest for some new twists on Thanksgiving side dish recipes.
I gathered 21 recipes that I know will appeal to different tastes, abilities, and age groups.
Thanksgiving Side Dishes for the Holiday: 21 Turkey Day Recipes
These Thanksgiving side dish recipe ideas are gathered from my Pinterest search. You can see more holiday ideas on these Pinterest Boards:
I love the flavors of fall. Some ingredients just lend themselves to a Thanksgiving meal.
What are the most traditional Thanksgiving side dishes?
According to Google, mashed potatoes are the most popular Thanksgiving side dish. I included my recipe for the Perfect Mashed Potatoes. I also shared all the tips and techniques you will need to produce the best mashed potatoes.
What are other side dishes for Thanksgiving?
- dressing – or you may call it stuffing, but in the Southern states, it’s called dressing and it is never cooked inside the turkey.
- cranberry sauce
- butternut squash, acorn squash
- pumpkin
- sweet potatoes
- green bean casserole
- Brussels sprouts
- potatoes
- corn
- carrots
- any casserole
All these ingredients are options to complete your Thanksgiving meal.
Just FYI: I’m picky about my dishes, so I scrolled and scrolled to find these 21 Thanksgiving side dish recipes. Thanksgiving is such a heavy meal that I tend not to make casseroles, Although my family loves them, I tend not to make them.
I looked for fairly easy-to-prepare recipes. I also looked for some lighter versions of traditional dishes.
I may have more than one green bean or sweet potato recipe to offer variety and appeal to different tastes.
You may notice that there is no recipe for dressing (that’s what we call it in the South); you may call it stuffing. There are just too many versions – even within one family. I’ve been using my mom’s version (She didn’t have a recipe and neither do I.) since I was old enough to host my own Thanksgiving meal.
Let’s start with an interesting way to make Cranberry Sauce.
NOTE: Use these helpful 21 Steps to Get Ready for Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner.
A Different Preparation for Cranberry Sauce
Barbara of Butter and Baggage shares a new way to make homemade cranberry sauce. I love that this approach uses the oven to cook the cranberries. That frees up the stovetop. I love the addition of walnuts (which are good for you) for crunch.
Sauteéd Green Beans
Sautéed Green Beans are the perfect vegetable side for Thanksgiving. It’s a simple dish without heavy cream or condensed soups. There are no added calories in the form of onion rings or bread crumbs. It lets the green beans be the star. This is the method that I always use to prepare green beans, whether fresh or frozen. You can add all sorts of flavor enhancers, such as nuts or herbs. I love how Michelle of Barefoot in the Pines explains this easy Thanksgiving side dish.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
I always serve Brussels sprouts for Thanksgiving. This version from Eat Well 101 presents one of the prettiest and most delicious versions I’ve seen in a long time. I will be using this rendition this Thanksgiving. The flavors of garlic and the browned parmesan cheese make my mouth water.
Perfect Mashed Potatoes
This is my recipe and I vouch for it. Making light, smooth and fluffy mashed potatoes is really about using the right type of potato and following the correct cooking procedure. Follow all the tips and techniques for the best mashed potatoes.
Best Roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic
Erren of Erren’s Kitchen says that this is the best broccoli recipe. This method is almost exactly how I make my roasted broccoli. It always tastes delicious. If you read the ingredient list, you’ll see why it’s so good.
Traditional Thanksgiving Green Beans
Green Bean Casserole is such a traditional Thanksgiving side dish. I’m a big believer in using fresh vegetables. That’s why I love this version from Sally of Sally’s Baking Addiction. This recipe is a bit lighter than the usual casserole, which I really like.
Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
If you absolutely must have a potato casserole on your Thanksgiving menu, then this Thanksgiving side dish from Tania of Cooktoria sounds like a really great option. I love the addition of fresh herbs and how pretty this dish is. And, of course, it can be made ahead.
Nantucket Corn Pudding
Disclosure: Although I love corn (it’s one of the few frozen vegetables that I like.), I’ve never included it on my Thanksgiving menu. This Thanksgiving side dish sounded so good that I had to include it. It is a simple recipe, but one that I think would be a hit. It comes from Martha and Jack of A Family Feast.
Easy Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Carrots
This carrot side dish will free up your oven and stovetop since these delicious Maple and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are made in your slow cooker. This perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish from Dolly of Dash for Dinner is vegetarian, gluten-free, and perfect for the whole family. I thought kids especially would like this dish.
Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans
Michael of Inspired by Charm dives into the flavors of fall with these Roasted Carrots topped with sweet Candied Pecans and tangy goat cheese. A side dish that’s not only bursting with color but also rich in taste. Perfect for holiday gatherings.
Brown Sugar Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes and pecans are iconic Thanksgiving ingredients. I like this lighter version. Brown sugar is far less filling than the traditional gooey marshmallow topping. Try this Thanksgiving side dish take on sweet potatoes from MinShien of Joyous Apron.
Maple Roasted Pumpkin with Hazelnuts
Pumpkin isn’t just for making into a jack-o-lantern. Laura of Six Hungry Feet shares a side dish that is sweet from the natural caramelization that pumpkin goes through when roasted and added maple syrup, It’s packed full of flavor from the different spices, such as nutmeg, ginger powder and sweet paprika, as well as crunchy from the toasted hazelnuts added before serving. Pumpkin
Peas with Pears and Pancetta
Talk about fancy peas. Are peas too common to be included on Thanksgiving? Not if you serve this lovely dish from Lisa of Downshiftology. The addition of pears for sweetness and pancetta for salty adds a delicious flavor contrast. Plus the dish is so pretty to serve.
Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash
Did you know that butternut squash is good for you? Here’s another simple Thanksgiving side dish. With only 5-ingredients, this butternut squash recipe is one you can assemble in a short time. Amy of Chew Out Loud used cinnamon for lots of fall flavor.
Pretty Vegetable Tian
I couldn’t believe it when I saw this recipe on Pinterest. I used to teach a class on vegetables using this exact same recipe from Barefoot Contessa. Isabella of Wonder Dining 50 shares Barefoot Contessa vegetable tian, which transforms ordinary kitchen ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that celebrates seasonal produce. It isn’t a traditional Thanksgiving recipe, but it you want a lighter, pretty recipe for a crowd, this one is it.
Keto Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes
Carla of Mom Secrets provides a yummy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes with this side dish of mashed cauliflower made with garlic and topped with cheddar cheese.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Catalina of Sweet and Savory Meals creates a special version of sweet potatoes seasoned with warm spices, a brown sugar cinnamon filling, and topped with a streusel topping, toasted pecans, and marshmallows. This is a classic Thanksgiving side dish.
Cheesy Garlic Broccoli
Karo of All Nutrious made this cheesy garlic broccoli with just three ingredients. If you need a gluten-free, high-protein, and vegetarian dish, this one is a showcase of broccoli goodness. How can a cheesy and garlic topping ever be wrong? This recipe is quick to cook,too!
Crispy Pumpkin Fritters
Rosemary of An Italian in My Kitchen shares these crispy pumpkin fritters as a delightful fall side dish, with a crunchy exterior and soft, flavorful interior. They’re easy to make and perfect for any autumn meal.
Butternut Mac and Cheese
Jennifer of The Rebel Chick uses panko and parmesan crispy topping to take this butternut squash dish over the top – yummy! And, bonus – It’s another way to sneak some veggies in without the kiddos even knowing!
Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower
I couldn’t resist adding a cauliflower dish to this list of the best Thanksgiving side dishes. We love cauliflower and why not include it on your Thanksgiving menu? Pam of Flavor Dishy shares Crispy Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower – a symphony of textures and flavors that will make even the most ardent cauliflower skeptic a believer.
Can’t get enough recipes for your Thanksgiving collection? Try these great ones.
- 13 Super Salad Recipes for Thanksgiving
- 13 Tasty and Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers
- 15 Awesome Apple Desserts for Fall
Visit my Pinterest Boards – Thanksgiving Recipes and Holiday Side Dishes and follow for more ideas.
Let me know what you think of these Thanksgiving side dishes. Which ones were your favorites? I hope you PIN this post, visit each selection, and PIN each one.
I’d love to know what subjects you are most curious about. Let me know in the comments and I’ll search browse for them. Be sure to PIN to keep these ideas handy.
These Thanksgiving sides look absolutely delicious and perfect for sharing with family. Love how every recipe balances flavor and simplicity. It’s like enjoying a fun moment with friends — whether at the table or playing a quick game like Slice Master to unwind afterward!