The Ultimate Guide to Unforgettable Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Classic & Modern Recipes
Transform your Thanksgiving feast into an extraordinary culinary experience with these indispensable side dishes. From cherished classic casseroles to innovative twists on beloved traditions, our collection ensures your holiday table is brimming with flavor and variety. With numerous easy make-ahead options, these recipes are designed to simplify your preparation, allowing you to truly focus on what matters most – the joyous gathering around the table with loved ones.
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The side dishes truly make Thanksgiving unforgettable. While the magnificent turkey often claims the spotlight as the undisputed star of the Thanksgiving table, ask anyone about their plate, and they’ll inevitably rave about Grandma’s legendary green bean casserole, that incredible sweet potato dish, or the savory stuffing they look forward to all year. It’s the harmonious symphony of flavors and textures from the sides that elevates the entire meal from good to truly great.
We’ve meticulously gathered our most-loved Thanksgiving side dishes, a collection that perfectly blends time-honored traditions with exciting new twists on classic holiday foods. Our selection features everything from comforting, make-ahead casseroles that ease your holiday stress to quick-roasted vegetables that add vibrant color and fresh flavor. Each recipe is chosen to bring something special to your menu without overwhelming your kitchen timeline. Many of these delicious sides can be prepped days in advance, allowing you to relax and enjoy the holiday, while others come together in mere minutes on the big day.
Whether you’re cooking for guests who cherish traditional tastes or adventurous eaters eager to explore new flavors, these Thanksgiving sides are guaranteed to hit all the right notes. Expect a delightful array of creamy, crispy, sweet, and savory options – these are the very dishes that create lasting Thanksgiving memories year after year. Feel free to mix and match from our diverse selection to create your own perfect, personalized spread for an unforgettable Thanksgiving menu.
Need some inspiring appetizer ideas to kick off Thanksgiving Day? Be sure to check out our collection of easy Thanksgiving appetizers to welcome your guests with delicious bites before the main feast!
Essential Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Caramelized Onion, Apple, & Sausage Stuffing
Caramelized Onion, Apple, & Sausage Stuffing offers a delightful and elevated take on the traditional Thanksgiving stuffing. This recipe is generously packed with savory sausage, deeply flavorful caramelized onions, crisp apple pieces, aromatic herbs, and tart dried cranberries, creating a side dish that is both warm, comforting, and incredibly complex in taste. Best of all, it’s remarkably easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making your holiday cooking much smoother!
Creamy Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
Satisfy even the most intense cravings with this easy and incredibly decadent Four Cheese Mac and Cheese. The harmonious blend of four distinct cheeses melts into a rich, velvety sauce, creating the ultimate cheesy indulgence. It’s a versatile recipe, perfect for serving as a comforting main dish on a busy weeknight or as a classic, crowd-pleasing side for your next holiday gathering, especially Thanksgiving.
Pumpkin Sage Biscuits
Pumpkin Sage Biscuits are a truly flaky, buttery, and aromatic treat that are destined to become a new family favorite. These easy homemade buttermilk biscuits are crafted from scratch, boasting a delicate texture and rich flavor. The subtle addition of pumpkin and fragrant sage makes them an ideal accompaniment for virtually any meal, especially a festive Thanksgiving spread, adding a touch of autumn elegance.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan offer the ultimate easy way to create your favorite creamy side dish. Say goodbye to waiting for water to boil on the stovetop; the Instant Pot handles all the hard work efficiently. Infused with the mellow, sweet notes of roasted garlic and the salty depth of Parmesan, these potatoes are a creamy, cheesy, and savory bliss that will be a star on your Thanksgiving table.
Garlic Butter Oven Roasted Carrots and Potatoes
Garlic Butter Oven Roasted Carrots and Potatoes are a versatile side dish that complements virtually any main course. The rich and creamy texture of golden potatoes combined with the bright, naturally sweet flavor of roasted carrots creates a classic, irresistible combination. Requiring just a few pantry staples, this simple yet flavorful dish comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for a festive holiday meal or a weeknight dinner.
Bacon Butternut Squash Risotto
This Bacon Butternut Squash Risotto recipe delivers a comforting and cozy dish that exquisitely highlights the best flavors of fall. The creamy, Arborio rice-based risotto is infused with sweet roasted butternut squash, fragrant fresh sage, and savory, crispy bacon, making it a truly lovely and elegant side dish for any protein, or even a light main course. It’s a seasonal delight that serves 4 beautifully.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Lemon
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Lemon create an absolutely irresistible side dish that pairs wonderfully with nearly any meal, especially a hearty holiday roast. No need to dine out for this tangy, slightly sweet, and utterly addictive vegetable anymore when you can easily recreate it at home in less than 30 minutes. The perfect balance of crispiness, acidity, and umami will have everyone asking for seconds.
Mashed Potato Fritters
Mashed Potato Fritters are a delightful culinary creation, offering a perfectly tender and creamy interior contrasted beautifully with a satisfyingly crispy exterior. They are the quintessential comfort food, ideal for any day of the week, and brilliantly utilize any leftover mashed potatoes you might have from your holiday feast. Serve them topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives for an elegant side dish or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
This honey roasted carrots and parsnips recipe offers a simple yet incredibly tasty side dish that beautifully pairs with any meal, from a casual weeknight dinner to an elegant holiday feast. With just a handful of ingredients, all you need to do is a minimal prep, toss the vegetables in the honey glaze, and bake. The natural sweetness of the carrots and parsnips is enhanced by the honey, creating a caramelized perfection that will be a hit at your table.
Honey Butter Biscuits
Homemade Honey Butter Biscuits are where irresistible fluffiness meets delicate flakiness, all kissed with just a touch of sweet honey. These delectable biscuits are incredibly versatile, perfect for complementing any meal – whether you’re dunking them in a rich soup, using them as the base for a savory sandwich, or simply enjoying them warm with extra butter. They’re a must-have bread option for your holiday table.
French Parmentier Potatoes
This simple and exceptionally tasty recipe for French Parmentier Potatoes offers a classic French dish that pairs perfectly with almost any meal. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these golden, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside potatoes are sure to become a new family favorite. Many proclaim they are better than any other roasted potato recipe, bringing a touch of Parisian charm to your Thanksgiving feast.
Sweet Potato Soufflé
Sweet Potato Soufflé is a remarkably fluffy and light side dish, elegantly crowned with a delightful crunchy pecan topping. The rich and creamy filling derives its natural sweetness primarily from the sweet potatoes themselves, making it a wholesome and flavorful option. This simple recipe consistently steals the show at any holiday table, often surpassing even classic sweet potato casserole in its appeal and sophistication.
The Best Sage and Onion Stuffing
This truly is the BEST Sage and Onion Stuffing recipe you’ll ever make. It’s a classic and simple preparation featuring familiar, comforting flavors that are both hearty and incredibly satisfying. The aromatic sage and sweet onions create a perfect balance, making it an indispensable part of your Thanksgiving meal. Plus, you can easily prepare it ahead of time and simply bake it on the big day, saving you valuable time and effort.
Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes are a wholesome and hearty holiday side dish that offers an impressive presentation. These beautifully sliced potatoes are generously filled with a combination of cheeses, fresh herbs, and then topped with delectable maple-candied bacon for an irresistible sweet and savory crunch. It’s a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious, perfect for a memorable Thanksgiving feast.
Oven Fried Potatoes and Onions
If you adore perfectly crispy potatoes, these Oven Fried Potatoes and Onions are the easiest and most satisfying way to fulfill your craving. The thoughtful addition of caramelized onions makes them even more flavorful and aromatic. They are absolutely perfect for a simple, yet incredibly tasty, side dish – and the best part is, you don’t even have to deep-fry them, making them a healthier and less messy option for your holiday spread.
Green Chile Cornbread Stuffing
Green Chile Cornbread Stuffing brings a wonderfully fun southwestern twist to one of the most classic Thanksgiving side dishes. The bold and zesty flavor of the green chiles shines through in every moist, savory mouthful, creating a delicious contrast that pairs absolutely perfectly with roasted turkey. This stuffing is a fantastic way to add a bit of unexpected spice and regional flair to your traditional holiday spread.
Cheesy Herb Individual Potato Gratin
Cheesy Herb Individual Potato Gratin is a delightful and fun twist on the classic potato side dish, perfectly portioned to serve everyone at your holiday dinner table. These individual gratins feature creamy, rich, cheesy, and herbaceous potato layers, baked to perfection in charming mini cocottes. This elegant presentation is sure to impress all of your guests, making it a memorable addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is a vibrant, colorful, and refreshing salad that makes a perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving dinner, regardless of your main course. Featuring an array of different textures and flavors, along with an easy-to-make, to-die-for citrus dressing, this savory, tart, and nutty salad is guaranteed to win everyone over, offering a lighter yet equally flavorful option.
The Easiest No Knead Overnight Bread
Get ready to enjoy the incredible fresh, delicious taste of homemade bread with our Easiest No-Knead Overnight Bread. With no kneading required, you absolutely don’t need to be an experienced baker to create this rustic, delicious loaf – simply mix the ingredients the night before, let it sit overnight, and bake the next day! It’s the perfect fuss-free bread for your Thanksgiving table.
Roasted Acorn Squash Stuffed with Sausage Kale and Mushrooms
Discover a hearty and flavorful dish with our Roasted Acorn Squash Stuffed with Sausage, Kale, and Mushrooms. Sweet acorn squash halves are roasted until tender, then generously filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground sausage, vibrant kale, and earthy mushrooms. This recipe makes a complete meal in itself, ready fast, and is also Whole30-friendly, offering a healthy yet indulgent option for your Thanksgiving menu.
Oven Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple and Cranberries
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of autumn with our Oven Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple and Cranberries. This stunning side dish features tender butternut squash, glazed in rich maple syrup and dotted with bright, tart cranberries and fresh herbs. It strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savory, offering a beautiful addition to your Thanksgiving table that is both festive and incredibly delicious.
Green Bean Casserole
This classic Green Bean Casserole features tender green beans lovingly blanketed in a rich, creamy garlic cheese sauce, all crowned with a generous topping of crispy fried onions. It is the ultimate comfort food side dish that always vanishes fast from any holiday spread. A true Thanksgiving staple, this casserole delivers on flavor and tradition, making it a must-have for your festive meal.
Roasted Dill Carrots
Sweet-tart orange and fresh dill magically transform humble carrots into a caramelized, flavorful delight. These tender roasted beauties bring a bright and herbaceous flavor profile to any plate, offering a refreshing contrast to richer Thanksgiving dishes. They’re simple to prepare but deliver an impressive burst of fresh taste, making them a wonderful addition to your holiday spread.
Sourdough Dinner Rolls
These Sourdough Dinner Rolls are perfectly fluffy, wonderfully pillowy, and boast just the right amount of tangy sourdough flavor. These fresh-baked beauties are a testament to homemade goodness, adding a comforting and gourmet touch to every meal. They are an exquisite alternative to traditional dinner rolls, guaranteed to impress your guests and enhance your Thanksgiving dining experience with their unique depth of flavor and tender texture.
Roasted Beet Tahini Salad
This Roasted Beet Tahini Salad is a vibrant masterpiece featuring sweet, earthy roasted beets, perfectly complemented by salty feta cheese, crunchy pistachios, and a bright, zesty orange-tahini dressing. This stunning salad is incredibly versatile, working beautifully whether served warm or chilled. It offers a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that provides a delightful and colorful counterpoint to the richer dishes on your Thanksgiving table.
Miso Tahini Green Beans
Elevate your vegetable game with our Miso Tahini Green Beans. Crisp, vibrant green beans are perfectly tossed in a creamy, umami-rich miso tahini sauce, creating an explosion of flavor. This quick and easy side dish introduces bold, savory Asian-inspired flavors to your table, offering a delicious and unexpected twist that will surely stand out among traditional Thanksgiving fare. It’s a fantastic way to add some excitement to your holiday meal.
Kimchi Mac and Cheese
Experience a bold fusion of flavors with our Kimchi Mac and Cheese. This innovative dish brings together gooey, rich cheese sauce with the unique, tangy kick of kimchi, creating an unforgettable taste sensation. Topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs, it’s the ultimate comfort food with an exciting, spicy twist. This side dish is perfect for those looking to add a modern, adventurous element to their Thanksgiving feast.
Duchess Potatoes
Duchess Potatoes are an elegant and impressive side dish, featuring beautifully piped mashed potatoes that are baked until golden and wonderfully crispy on the outside, while remaining incredibly fluffy and tender on the inside. These sophisticated spuds can be easily prepped ahead of time, ensuring a stress-free entertaining experience during your busy Thanksgiving preparations. They add a touch of gourmet flair to any holiday meal.
Arugula Quinoa Salad
Our Arugula Quinoa Salad is a refreshingly light and vibrant side dish, combining nutty quinoa with peppery arugula. It’s tossed with crisp green beans, toasted almonds for a delightful crunch, and a zesty lemon dressing that brightens every bite. This fresh, protein-packed salad comes together in just 20 minutes, offering a healthy and flavorful counterpoint to the richer dishes on your Thanksgiving table, making it a perfect modern side.
Farrotto Farro Risotto with Roasted Honeynut Squash
Delight in the hearty texture of chewy farro cooked risotto-style in our Farrotto with Roasted Honeynut Squash. This comforting dish is infused with the sweet, nutty flavors of roasted honeynut squash and mellow garlic, creating a deeply satisfying experience. Finished with a drizzle of spicy chili oil, it offers an elegant and exciting twist on a classic grain dish. It’s a perfect, sophisticated side for any autumn or holiday gathering.
Make Ahead Corn Casserole
Our Make Ahead Corn Casserole is a creamy, souffle-like dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes. Its delightful texture and rich corn flavor make it a beloved holiday staple. The best part? You can prepare it in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities on Thanksgiving Day. Simply bake, top with fresh parsley just before serving, and watch this crowd-pleaser pair perfectly with any roasted main course.
Crispy Chipotle Herbs Muffin Tin Potatoes Stacks
Add an exciting element to your Thanksgiving table with Crispy Chipotle Herbs Muffin Tin Potatoes Stacks. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered and baked in muffin tins until they are beautifully crispy, infused with smoky chipotle and aromatic herbs. These eye-catching individual stacks not only taste incredible but also bring a fun and elegant presentation to the humble potato, making them a unique and memorable side dish.
Garlic Spinach Stir Fry
For a quick and healthy green side, try our Garlic Spinach Stir Fry. Fresh spinach is quickly sautéed with aromatic garlic and sweet onions, creating a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish. This vibrant 15-minute side dish is remarkably versatile, effortlessly complementing any main course on your Thanksgiving menu. It’s a light and fresh option that adds essential greens without much fuss.
Sweet Potato Cornbread
Our Sweet Potato Cornbread offers a moist, tender crumb swirled with sweet caramelized sweet potato, warming spices, and a touch of honey. The addition of brown sugar adds an extra layer of rich depth to this fall-inspired favorite, making it an irresistible bread for your holiday feast. It’s a comforting and flavorful alternative to traditional cornbread, perfect for soaking up gravy or enjoying on its own.
Vegan Ginger Cumin Carrots
For a wonderfully aromatic and healthy option, try our Vegan Ginger Cumin Carrots. Baby carrots are tossed in a fragrant blend of Moroccan spices, including warming ginger and earthy cumin, then cooked in the air fryer until they turn beautifully golden and tender. This no-prep side dish bursts with warm, exotic flavors, offering a delicious and easy vegan addition to your Thanksgiving feast that’s both vibrant and flavorful.
Fennel Onion Gratin
Indulge in the aromatic flavors of our Fennel Onion Gratin. Sweet, caramelized fennel and tender onions are baked to perfection under a blanket of sharp Pecorino cheese and golden, crispy breadcrumbs. This comforting and sophisticated make-ahead gratin brings a cozy elegance to your holiday table, offering a delicious and unique vegetable side that is sure to impress. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate distinctive flavors into your Thanksgiving menu.
My Thanksgiving Prep Essentials
To ensure your Thanksgiving cooking goes as smoothly as possible, having the right tools on hand is key. Here are my absolute must-haves for preparing all those delicious side dishes:
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: These are non-negotiables for all the chopping, dicing, and slicing that comes with preparing a multitude of side dishes. A sharp chef’s knife makes quick work of vegetables, and a sturdy cutting board keeps your workspace safe and efficient.
- White Casserole Dishes: I highly recommend investing in a simple set of white casserole dishes. They transition beautifully from oven to table, providing a cohesive and elegant look that truly highlights your culinary creations. If a full set isn’t feasible, a versatile 2 ½-quart or 3-quart baking dish (depending on recipe needs) is a great starting point.
- Biscuit Cutter Set: If you’re baking biscuits or dinner rolls, a good biscuit cutter set will make your life infinitely easier and ensure perfectly shaped pastries. Plus, it conveniently doubles as a round cookie cutter set, perfect for holiday cookie baking later in the season!
- Glass Prep Bowls and Mixing Bowls: For efficient cooking, I always have my glass prep bowls and various-sized mixing bowls ready. They’re essential for organizing ingredients (mise en place), mixing batters, and combining everything with ease, often with a trusty wooden spoon.
- Cast Iron Skillet: Hands down, a cast iron skillet is my favorite cooking pan. Its superior heat retention and even cooking make it ideal for everything from searing ingredients for stuffing to crisping up potatoes. For an affordable yet durable option, I highly recommend a Lodge cast iron skillet – mine has lasted forever!
- Rimmed Half Sheet Baking Pan: For perfectly roasted vegetables, a sturdy rimmed half sheet baking pan is indispensable. It provides ample space for veggies to caramelize without overcrowding, ensuring crisp results every time.
- Instant Pot Pro: This is a true game-changer! The Instant Pot Pro is how I achieve perfectly creamy mashed potatoes every single year, saving so much time and effort compared to traditional methods. It’s an absolute life-saver, especially when juggling multiple dishes.
Don’t Forget the Turkey: Main Dishes
Of course, the majestic turkey is always the main event, taking center stage at any Thanksgiving celebration. If you’re still searching for that perfect Thanksgiving main recipe to crown your feast, rest assured, we have you covered with some exceptional options that will impress every guest!
- The Best Turkey Brine: To start things off right, you absolutely need the best turkey brine. Every year, without fail, I use a brine. It works wonders, transforming your turkey into the most perfectly moist, tender, and flavorful final result you’ve ever dreamed of, ensuring a juicy bird from breast to leg.
- Smoked Beer Brined Turkey: If you’re aiming to truly wow the crowd this year and create an unforgettable centerpiece, try our smoked beer brined turkey. From the beer brine that locks in moisture and infuses incredible flavor to the slow cooking process achieved by smoking, this method guarantees the most succulent, smoky, and delicious turkey you’ll ever taste.
- Options for Smaller Crowds: Cooking for a more intimate gathering this year? Don’t compromise on flavor! Opt for a perfectly juicy beer brined turkey breast or an easy smoked turkey breast. These options deliver all the rich, holiday flavor of a whole turkey but are ideal for smaller parties. And of course, no turkey is complete without serving it alongside a rich, homemade gravy and tangy cranberry sauce!