Thanksgiving dinner side dishes are a must for the perfect holiday meal. They elevate the main course and provide varied flavors. Creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and colorful roasted vegetables are just a few examples. Here are the 32 best side dishes for Thanksgiving! These recipes will wow your family and friends.
Cream Brussels sprouts
Creamed Brussels sprouts are one of the best Thanksgiving dinner side dishes. It brings a creamy twist to the earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts. The sprouts are sautéed and coated in a creamy sauce. This sauce is flavored with garlic, Parmesan, and nutmeg. The dish balances bitterness with creamy indulgence.
Honey-butter roasted carrots
Honey-butter roasted carrots offer a perfect blend of sweetness and richness. The carrots are roasted and glazed with honey, butter, and herbs. The glaze intensifies the sweetness of the carrots. This Thanksgiving vegetable side dish is a crowd-pleaser. It adds color and sweetness to your spread. Here is the recipe for roasted carrots with honey butter glaze.
Sweet potato casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving classic. It consists of baked and mashed sweet potatoes. The dish is topped with marshmallows or pecan crumble. It delivers a sweet and savory balance. Its creamy texture and comforting flavors make it a holiday must-have.
Cornbread stuffing with sausage
Cornbread stuffing with sausage is a hearty, flavorful Thanksgiving dinner side dish. It adds savory depth and pairs perfectly with turkey. Cornbread is combined with sausage, onions, celery, and herbs. Sausage infuses stuffing with savory flavor. It complements the sweetness of cornbread.
Green bean casserole
Green bean casserole is an easy Thanksgiving side dish. It combines fresh green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions. The dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The dish is easy to make. It adds a pop of green to your meal. You can check the green bean casserole recipe here.
Sweet potato salad
Sweet potato salad is a healthy Thanksgiving side dish. It features roasted sweet potatoes and crisp vegetables like red onions and bell peppers. The dish often pairs with apple cider vinaigrette for a tangy flavor. Some variations include pecans or a dash of cinnamon. This dish complements turkey and other main courses.
Mascarpone mashed potatoes
Mascarpone mashed potatoes are a creamy version of the classic mashed potatoes. It has the addition of mascarpone cheese. It pairs beautifully with gravies and roasted meats. Mascarpone mashed potatoes offer a delightful contrast to robust flavors. This is how to make the cheesy mashed potatoes.
Stuffing
Stuffing is the traditional Thanksgiving side dish. It combines bread cubes, vegetables, and herbs like sage and thyme. Sausage and cranberries often enhance the flavor. The dish’s savory and slightly sweet taste makes it a crowd-pleaser. Stuffing’s soft texture and flavor-rich layers are perfect for the holiday meal.
Cranberry sauce
The next Thanksgiving dinner side dish is cranberry sauce. The sauce is a tangy counterpoint to rich meats. It is made from fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest. The sauce balances tartness and sweetness. It adds a refreshing burst of flavor to your plate. Cranberry sauce contrasts beautifully with mashed potatoes and stuffing. This classic is essential for any holiday spread.
Brussels sprouts casserole
The last side dish on our Thanksgiving list is the Brussels sprouts casserole. Roasted Brussels sprouts are mixed with a creamy sauce. The sauce is often made from cheese, cream, or béchamel. The casserole is baked to golden perfection. A crunchy topping of breadcrumbs or bacon adds texture. The dish has a rich, cheesy flavor that complements other sides.
Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower
Start your feast with Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower. This creamy side dish uses cauliflower as a lighter, lower-carb base, blended until smooth and topped with savory Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a healthier alternative to mashed potatoes.
Make the Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower recipe today!
Butternut Squash Casserole
Next up, discover Butternut Squash Casserole. It’s a sweet and savory classic made with roasted or mashed butternut squash, fresh herbs, and a crunchy Parmesan or crumble topping, baked until golden and bubbling for festive flavor in every bite.
Here’s how to make the Butternut Squash Casserole!
Apple Sauce
Sweet and tangy Apple Sauce is a comforting side that fits perfectly next to turkey or ham. Made from fresh apples, cinnamon, and a hint of sugar, it’s a light and simple addition to your Thanksgiving menu.
Make the apple sauce recipe today!
Pita Bread
Warm up dinner with soft, chewy Pita Bread. This versatile bread is easy to make at home and great for scooping up gravy or dips. Your guests will love this fresh alternative on Thanksgiving.
Here’s the step-by-step guide for making pita bread!
Apple Snicker Salad
If you want a fun twist for the Thanksgiving menu, try the Apple Snicker Salad. Sliced apples, fluffy whipped topping, and Snickers bars are mixed together for a sweet, creamy, no-bake side or dessert. This dish is perfect for kids and adults alike.
Check out our Apple Snicker Salad recipe now!
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs
Elevate your meal with Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs. The dish includes bite-sized sweet potatoes roasted until tender, tossed in fresh garlic, rosemary, and thyme, for a fragrant, flavor-packed Thanksgiving favorite.
Here’s the simple roasted sweet potatoes recipe!
Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash
Savor the cozy taste of Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash. This easy dish features roasted butternut squash cubes dusted with cinnamon and brown sugar. This combination brings out the natural sweetness and makes every bite warm and festive.
Make the Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash today!
Sweet Potato Soufflé
The next Thanksgiving dinner side dish is Sweet Potato Soufflé. Mashed sweet potatoes baked with eggs, a dash of vanilla, and finished with a buttery pecan or marshmallow topping. It’s perfect for a classic and slightly sweet Thanksgiving treat.
Here’s the step-by-step guide for making Sweet Potato Soufflé!
Carrot Souffle
Carrot Soufflé is also a good choice. This light, airy side whips cooked carrots with eggs, a hint of sugar, and a touch of spice for a velvety, delicate dish that’s both colorful and crowd-pleasing.
Try the Carrot Soufflé recipe now!
Sweet Kale Salad
This year, balance your Thanksgiving rich dishes with Sweet Kale Salad. The salad is tossed with baby kale, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and a sweet, creamy dressing. All of these create a crunchy, healthy, and easy-to-make Thanksgiving salad.
Learn to make Sweet Kale Salad here!
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Besides the honey herb roasted carrots, you can sweeten your spread with Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots. Tender carrots are simmered with brown sugar and butter, creating a glossy, caramelized finish that’s simple, quick, and loved by all ages.
Try the Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots today!
Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple & Spice
Roasted Acorn Squash with maple & spice is a popular Thanksgiving side dish. Halved or sliced acorn squash is oven-roasted with maple syrup, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg. It’s a melt-in-your-mouth, naturally sweet and spicy side.
Here’s the easy Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple & Spice recipe!
Radish Salad
Start your Thanksgiving feast with a Radish Salad, featuring crisp radishes, fresh herbs, and a light vinaigrette. This colorful and crunchy dish brings refreshment to your dinner table, balancing heavier side dishes perfectly. The salad is simple, pretty, and ready in minutes.
Here’s the easy radish salad recipe!
Herb Rice Pilaf
Herb Rice Pilaf is one of the best Thanksgiving dinner side dishes. Fluffy rice is cooked with butter, onions, garlic, and a mix of fresh herbs for big, savory flavor. This fragrant rice pilaf pairs beautifully with turkey and is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Make the herb rice pilaf today!
Scalloped Potatoes
For a creamy Thanksgiving side dish, try Scalloped Potatoes. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a creamy cheese sauce and baked until golden brown and bubbling. This classic Thanksgiving side dish is rich, satisfying, and always popular.
Check out our best scalloped potatoes recipe now!
Butternut Squash Salad
Enjoy fall’s best with a Butternut Squash Salad. This Thanksgiving side combines roasted squash chunks with fresh greens, cranberries, nuts, and a light vinaigrette for a vibrant, nutrient-rich Thanksgiving salad that’s healthy and packed with seasonal color.
Learn to make the Butternut Squash Salad here!
Cheesy Corn Casserole
Add sweetness to your holiday table with Cheesy Corn Casserole. It combines juicy corn, melted cheese, and a creamy filling, baked until slightly crisp on top. This casserole dish is quick to make and brings both sweet and savory flavors to your Thanksgiving dinner.
This is how I made the cheesy corn casserole!
Garlic Breadsticks
If pita bread is not your thing, enjoy warm, homemade Garlic Breadsticks. These are soft inside and have a delicious garlic butter topping. They are perfect for dipping in sauces and great for passing around the Thanksgiving table.
Here’s the simple garlic breadstick recipe!
Caesar Salad
If you need a healthy and fresh Thanksgiving dinner side dish, serve a classic Caesar Salad. Romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing are topped with Parmesan cheese for a zesty, refreshing taste. This side is sure to impress all your guests.
Try the Caesar salad now!
Kale Quinoa Salad
You can also whip it up with a Kale Quinoa Salad. This healthy side is packed with protein-rich quinoa, tender kale, and a tangy lemon dressing. This nutritious salad is full of color, flavor, and texture. It’s a healthy side dish everyone will love.
Here’s how to make the kale quinoa salad!
Melting Potatoes
Try Melting Potatoes for a luxurious twist. Potato slices are baked until crispy on the outside and meltingly tender inside, soaked in garlic and herb broth. These rich potatoes are sure to become a favorite.
Try the ultimate melting potatoes recipe now!
Roasted Beets and Carrots
Roasted Beets and Carrots bring color and natural sweetness to your meal. These root vegetables are tossed in olive oil and roasted until caramelized and tender. It’s a simple, healthy, and delicious Thanksgiving side.
This is how I made the roasted beets and carrots!
Those are the best Thanksgiving dinner side dishes. These essential recipes elevate the entire meal. They will perfectly complement the juicy turkey centerpiece. Bring joy to your Thanksgiving table with these must-have, crowd-pleasing dishes.
