113 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Discover the ultimate collection of easy and delicious Thanksgiving side dishes for your holiday table.
Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones and enjoying a feast that celebrates the season. While the turkey often takes center stage, it’s the side dishes that truly make the meal memorable. From creamy mashed potatoes and savory stuffing to sweet potato casseroles and green bean casseroles, there’s a side dish for every palate. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular and beloved Thanksgiving side dishes, offering tips, recipes, and ideas to help you create a spread that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Classic Thanksgiving Side Dishes
These are the timeless favorites that have graced Thanksgiving tables for generations. They’re easy to make, universally loved, and always a hit.
Stuffing
Stuffing is a quintessential Thanksgiving side dish. Whether you prefer a classic bread stuffing, a cornbread version, or a wild rice blend, stuffing is the perfect complement to turkey. It’s typically made with cubes of bread, celery, onions, herbs, and broth, then baked until golden and fluffy. You can also add sausage, apples, or dried cranberries for extra flavor.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a sweet and comforting side dish that’s a staple at Thanksgiving. The casserole is made with mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and spices, then topped with marshmallows or a crunchy pecan streusel. For a twist, try a Crockpot version that’s just as delicious but requires less hands-on time.
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The recipe typically includes canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. For a homemade version, use fresh green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and top with crispy onions for extra crunch.
Mashed Potatoes
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. Made with butter, milk, and a touch of garlic, mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. For a twist, try garlic mashed potatoes, instant pot mashed potatoes, or even mashed cauliflower for a lighter option.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a sweet-tart side dish that balances the richness of the other Thanksgiving foods. It’s easy to make from scratch with fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest. You can make it up to a week in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen in the fridge.
Gravy
Gravy is the finishing touch that brings all the Thanksgiving sides together. Whether you prefer a classic turkey gravy or a mushroom gravy for vegetarians, a rich, flavorful gravy is essential. Make it from scratch using pan drippings, broth, and a roux for the best results.
Vegetable Side Dishes
Vegetable side dishes add color, nutrition, and variety to your Thanksgiving table. Here are some of the best options to consider.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a simple and healthy side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Toss a mix of carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes with olive oil, herbs, and salt, then roast until tender and caramelized. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar or maple syrup for extra flavor.
Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine is a lighter alternative to green bean casserole. The recipe features fresh green beans sautéed with butter, garlic, and toasted almonds. It’s bright, flavorful, and easy to make.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted root vegetables are a hearty and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for the holiday season. Use a mix of carrots, beets, turnips, and parsnips, toss with sage oil, and roast until tender. The sage oil adds a rich, earthy flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice pilaf is a festive side dish that’s packed with flavor. The recipe includes wild rice, roasted sweet potatoes, shaved Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, and herbs. It’s a great option for vegetarians and adds a pop of color to your Thanksgiving table.
Roasted Acorn Squash
Roasted acorn squash is a simple and elegant side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The squash is roasted with maple syrup, olive oil, herbs, and salt and pepper. The result is a sweet, tender squash that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a rich and creamy side dish that’s easy to make. Use fresh spinach, cream, and a touch of nutmeg for a classic flavor. For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk for heavy cream.
Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
Sautéed Brussels sprouts are a quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Sauté the sprouts with butter, garlic, and a splash of balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots are a simple and delicious side dish that’s perfect for the holiday season. The carrots are roasted with honey, which brings out their natural sweetness. Serve them warm or at room temperature for a versatile side dish.
Mashed Cauliflower
Mashed cauliflower is a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes. The cauliflower is boiled, mashed with butter and cream, and seasoned with herbs. It’s just as creamy and delicious as mashed potatoes but with fewer calories.
Mushroom Gravy
Mushroom gravy is a rich and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for vegetarians. The gravy is made with sautéed mushrooms, vegetable broth, and a roux. It’s perfect for ladling over mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more.
Roasted Delicata Squash with Apples & Sage
Roasted delicata squash with apples and sage is a sweet and savory side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The squash is roasted with apples, kale, and fresh herbs for a festive and flavorful dish.
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic Brussels sprouts are a delicious and easy side dish. The sprouts are roasted with honey and balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy flavor. They’re crispy, caramelized, and packed with flavor.
Roasted Beets
Roasted beets are a colorful and healthy side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The beets are roasted until tender, then tossed with herbs and a squeeze of lemon. They can be made up to three days in advance, making them a great option for busy holiday hosts.
Honeynut Squash
Honeynut squash is a sweet and creamy side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The squash is roasted with a maple glaze and served over whipped ricotta. It’s a stunning and delicious addition to your holiday table.
Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower is an easy and delicious side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The cauliflower is roasted with lemon zest and fresh herbs for a bright and flavorful dish. It’s good warm or at room temperature, so you can roast it up to a few hours in advance.
Sautéed Green Beans
Sautéed green beans are one of the simplest Thanksgiving side dishes. The beans are sautéed with a lemon dressing and fresh thyme for a bright and colorful dish. It’s easy to make and always a hit.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Stuffed acorn squash is a versatile addition to a Thanksgiving menu. The squash is stuffed with a mix of grains, vegetables, and herbs for a hearty and flavorful side dish. It can also be served as a meatless main.
Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasted butternut squash is a Thanksgiving-worthy side dish that’s easy to make. The squash is roasted with a sprinkle of herbs for a simple and delicious dish.
Other Popular Thanksgiving Side Dishes
These side dishes add variety and excitement to your Thanksgiving table. They’re perfect for those who want to try something new or add a unique twist to their holiday spread.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Butternut squash mac and cheese is an ultra-creamy side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The sauce is made with pureed roasted squash, ground sage, and nutmeg for a cozy fall flavor.
Hasselback Potatoes
Hasselback potatoes are a retro side dish that’s making a comeback. The potatoes are cut into thin slices, then baked with garlic butter for crisp edges and tender middles.
Garlic Knots
Garlic knots are a soft and fluffy side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. They’re made with bread dough, garlic, and butter, then baked until golden and delicious.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Crispy smashed potatoes are a fun and flavorful side dish. The potatoes are boiled, smashed, and roasted until crispy. They’re served hot from the baking sheet with sprinkles of Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot mashed potatoes are a convenient and creamy side dish. The potatoes are cooked in the Instant Pot, then mashed with butter and milk for a rich and creamy texture.
Jalapeño Cornbread
Jalapeño cornbread is a sweet and spicy side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The cornbread is made with jalapeños and honey butter for a unique flavor.
Twice Baked Potatoes
Twice baked potatoes are a decadent side dish that combines the best of roasted and mashed potatoes. The potatoes are baked, mashed with butter, cheese, and milk, then baked again until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes?
A: The most popular Thanksgiving side dishes include stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy.
Q: Can I make Thanksgiving side dishes ahead of time?
A: Yes, many Thanksgiving side dishes can be made ahead of time. Dishes like cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, and casseroles can be prepared up to a few days in advance and reheated before serving.
Q: What are some vegetarian Thanksgiving side dishes?
A: Vegetarian Thanksgiving side dishes include roasted vegetables, wild rice pilaf, creamed spinach, mushroom gravy, and stuffed acorn squash.
Q: How can I make Thanksgiving side dishes healthier?
A: To make Thanksgiving side dishes healthier, use whole grains, reduce added sugars, and incorporate more vegetables. You can also use dairy-free alternatives and lean proteins.
Q: What are some unique Thanksgiving side dishes?
A: Unique Thanksgiving side dishes include butternut squash mac and cheese, hasselback potatoes, jalapeño cornbread, and roasted delicata squash with apples and sage.
