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Transform your Thanksgiving feast with these must-make side dishes, from classic casseroles to fresh twists on tradition. With easy make-ahead options, these recipes let you focus on what matters – gathering around the table.
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unforgettable thanksgiving side dishes
my must haves for thanksgiving side dishes
The sides make Thanksgiving unforgettable. Sure, turkey claims the spotlight as the star of the Thanksgiving table, but ask anyone about their plate and they’ll rave about Grandma’s green bean casserole or that incredible sweet potato dish.
We’ve gathered our most-loved sides that blend tradition with fresh twists on Thanksgiving foods. From make-ahead casseroles to quick-roasted vegetables, each recipe brings something special without overwhelming your kitchen timeline. Many can be prepped days in advance, while others come together in minutes.
Whether you’re cooking for traditionalists or adventurous eaters, these sides hit all the right notes. Creamy, crispy, sweet, and savory – they’re the dishes that make Thanksgiving memories. Mix and match to create your perfect spread for your Thanksgiving menu.
Need some appetizer ideas for Thanksgiving Day? Check out our easy Thanksgiving appetizers.
thanksgiving side dishes
Caramelized Onion, Apple, & Sausage Stuffing
Caramelized Onion, Apple, & Sausage Stuffing is a tasty take on the traditional recipe for your Thanksgiving table. Packed with sausage, caramelized onions, apple, herbs, and dried cranberries, this side dish is warm and comforting. Not to mention, it’s oh-so easy and can be made ahead of time!
Creamy Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
Satisfy your cravings with this easy and decadent Four Cheese Mac and Cheese. The mouthwatering combination of cheeses creates the best cheesy recipe to serve as a main dish on a busy weeknight or as a classic side for your next gathering.
Pumpkin Sage Biscuits
Pumpkin Sage Biscuits are a flaky, buttery treat that are sure to become a new family favorite. The easy homemade buttermilk biscuits are made from scratch, and they go with everything!
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan are the easy way to make your favorite side dish! No more waiting for water to boil, because the Instant Pot does all the work for you. Made with roasted garlic and parmesan, the potatoes are creamy, cheesy, savory bliss.
Garlic Butter Oven Roasted Carrots and Potatoes
Garlic Butter Oven Roasted Carrots and Potatoes are the side dish that goes with anything you can think of! The rich and creamy gold potatoes with bright, flavorful carrots are a classic combination. All you need are a few ingredients from your pantry!
Bacon Butternut Squash Risotto
This Bacon Butternut Squash Risotto recipe is a comforting, cozy dish to highlight the best flavors of fall. The roasted squash with fresh sage and crispy bacon makes this a lovely side dish for any protein! Serves 4. I’m back on the
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Lemon
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Lemon make for a killer side dish that goes with practically everything. No more going out for this tangy, spicy dish anymore when you can make it at home in less than 30 minutes!
Mashed Potato Fritters
Mashed Potato Fritters are tender and creamy on the inside, with a nice crunch in the crispy exterior. They are the perfect comfort food for any day of the week and use up any leftover mashed potatoes you may have sitting in your refrigerator! Top them with sour cream and chives to serve as a side dish or even an appetizer.
Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
This honey roasted carrots and parsnips recipe is a simple and tasty side dish to pair with any meal. With just a handful of ingredients, all you have to do is prep, toss, and bake the vegetables. It is perfect for weeknight dinners or even holiday gatherings!
Honey Butter Biscuits
Homemade Honey Butter Biscuits are where fluffiness meets flakiness, with just a touch of honey. These irresistible biscuits are perfect for pairing with any meal whether you are dunking them in soup or using them as a base for a sandwich.
French Parmentier Potatoes
This simple and tasty recipe for French Parmentier potatoes is a classic French dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these potatoes are sure to become a new family favorite. They are better than any other roasted potato recipe!
Sweet Potato Soufflé
Sweet Potato Soufflé is a fluffy and light side dish with a crunchy pecan topping. The rich and creamy filling gets its sweetness primarily from the sweet potatoes themselves. It’s a simple recipe that always steals the show at the table! Even better than classic sweet potato casserole.
The Best Sage and Onion Stuffing
This is the BEST Sage and Onion Stuffing recipe. It’s a classic and simple recipe with familiar flavors that are both comforting and hearty. You can even make it ahead of time and simply bake it on the big day!
Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes are a wholesome holiday side dish that is nice and hearty! Made with a combination of cheeses, these potatoes are topped with cheese, fresh herbs AND maple candied bacon for a little crunch
Oven Fried Potatoes and Onions
If you love crispy potatoes, these oven fried potatoes and onions are the easiest way to satisfy your craving. The addition of onions makes them even more flavorful. They are perfect for a simple, tasty side dish, and you don’t even have to fry them!
Green Chile Cornbread Stuffing
Green Chile Cornbread Stuffing is a fun southwestern twist to one of the classic Thanksgiving side dishes. The bold flavor of the green chiles comes through in every moist mouthful that pairs perfectly with turkey.
Cheesy Herb Individual Potato Gratin
Cheesy Herb Individual Potato Gratin is a fun twist on the classic side dish, perfectly portioned for everyone at your holiday dinner table. The individual side dishes hold creamy, cheesy, herbaceous potato gratin, layered up in mini cocottes that will really wow all of your guests!
Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is a colorful, bright salad that is a perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving dinner, no matter what you are serving! With tons of different textures and flavors (and an easy citrus dressing that’s to die for), this savory, tart and nutty salad will win everyone over.
The Easiest No Knead Overnight Bread
Get ready for the fresh, delicious taste of homemade overnight bread! With no kneading required, you don’t need to be a baker to make this delicious loaf – just mix the ingredients, let it sit overnight, and bake!
Roasted Acorn Squash Stuffed with Sausage Kale and Mushrooms
Ground sausage, kale, and mushrooms stuffed into sweet acorn squash halves. A complete meal that’s ready fast and happens to be Whole30-friendly.
Oven Roasted Butternut Squash with Maple and Cranberries
Maple-glazed butternut squash dotted with bright cranberries and herbs. This stunning side strikes the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Green Bean Casserole
Tender green beans blanketed in rich garlic cheese sauce, crowned with crispy onions. The ultimate comfort food side that vanishes fast.
Roasted Dill Carrots
Sweet-tart orange and fresh dill transform humble carrots into caramelized magic. These tender roasted beauties bring bright flavor to any plate.
Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Perfectly fluffy, pillowy sourdough rolls with just the right tang. These fresh-baked beauties add comfort to every meal.
Roasted Beet Tahini Salad
Sweet roasted beets topped with salty feta, crunchy pistachios, and bright orange-tahini dressing. A stunning salad that works warm or chilled.
Miso Tahini Green Beans
Crisp green beans tossed in creamy, umami-rich miso tahini sauce. A quick side that brings bold Asian flavors to your table.
Kimchi Mac and Cheese
Gooey cheese sauce meets tangy kimchi in this Korean-inspired mac and cheese. Topped with crispy breadcrumbs, it’s comfort food with a kick.
Duchess Potatoes
Piped mashed potatoes baked until golden and crispy outside, fluffy inside. These elegant spuds can be prepped ahead for stress-free entertaining.
Arugula Quinoa Salad
Nutty quinoa and peppery arugula tossed with crisp green beans, almonds, and zesty lemon dressing. A fresh, protein-packed side ready in 20 minutes.
Farrotto Farro Risotto with Roasted Honeynut Squash
Chewy farro cooked risotto-style with sweet roasted squash and mellow garlic. Finished with spicy chili oil for an elegant twist on a classic.
Make Ahead Corn Casserole
Creamy, souffle-like corn casserole that walks the line between sweet and savory. Make it ahead and top it with fresh parsley – it pairs perfectly with any roasted main.
Crispy Chipotle Herbs Muffin Tin Potatoes Stacks
Thinly sliced potatoes stacked and baked until crispy with smoky chipotle. These eye-catching stacks bring fun presentation to the humble spud.
Garlic Spinach Stir Fry
Quick-sautéed spinach with garlic and onions. The 15-minute side that goes with everything.
Sweet Potato Cornbread
Moist cornbread swirled with caramelized sweet potato, warming spices, and honey. Brown sugar adds extra depth to this fall-inspired favorite.
Vegan Ginger Cumin Carrots
Moroccan-spiced baby carrots turn golden and tender in the air fryer. A no-prep side dish bursting with warm, aromatic flavors.
Fennel Onion Gratin
Sweet caramelized fennel and onions baked under sharp pecorino and crispy breadcrumbs. This make-ahead gratin brings cozy comfort to the table.
my must-haves for Thanksgiving side dishes
To start, have your chef’s knife and cutting board handy for all of the prep that comes with a lot of side dishes.
I love to pick up a simple set of white casserole dishes so they can go straight from the oven to the table. Plus they end up matching, with a nice finished look on the table that really highlights the food. If you don’t want a whole set, simply pick up a 2 1/2 quart baking dish or 3 quart baking dish, depending on what the recipe calls for.
Making biscuits? Grab a biscuit cutter set to make your life easier. PLUS it doubles as a round cookie cutter set for holiday cookies!
For cooking, I like to have tools like my glass prep bowls and mixing bowls ready to prep ingredients and mix together everything with a wooden spoon.
A cast iron skillet is hands down my favorite cooking skillet. For a more inexpensive option, check out this Lodge cast iron skillet – I’ve had mine FOREVER.
For roasting vegetables, grab a rimmed half sheet baking pan.
The Instant Pot Pro is how I make my mashed potatoes every single year. It’s a LIFE-SAVER.
just one more thing…
Of course, the turkey is always the main event to take center stage, so if you are still searching for that perfect Thanksgiving main recipe… we have you covered!
To start things off, you need the best turkey brine. Every year, I always use a brine. It transforms your turkey into the perfectly moist and tender final result you’ve always dreamed of.
If you really want to wow the crowd this year, try our smoked beer brined turkey. From the brine to keep it juicy to the slow cooking from the smoke, this is the best turkey you’ll ever taste.
Cooking for a smaller crowd this year? Try a beer brined turkey breast or easy smoked turkey breast. Serve with gravy and cranberry sauce, of course!
