Thanksgiving Side Dishes You’ll Want to Make Even When It’s Not Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving side dishes have a way of bringing warmth and comfort to any meal, not just the holiday feast. I’ve had the pleasure to enjoy breaking bread with my family from the North to the South, and we all agree on one thing: We look eating food. It doesn’t matter if it’s made with cheese and butter, or delicious healthier options.
From creamy mashed potatoes to yummy stuffing, and tasty veggies to fresh salads, this Thanksgiving recipe list has all the side dishes you need for a perfect holiday meal! If you’re like us, you’re already planning ahead to make Thanksgiving week as easy as pie. I made this list to be your one-stop shop for simple, delicious recipes that everyone will love. So, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a big crowd, you’ll find everything here to make this Thanksgiving special and stress-free!
Southern Squash Casserole
Southern Squash Casserole is a classic dish that is widely enjoyed in almost every Southern household for Thanksgiving. It’s a comfort food that is easy to prepare and will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Get the Recipe: Southern Squash Casserole Recipe
Italian Sausage Stuffing
This Italian sausage stuffing packs a savory punch that’s hard to resist. With hearty flavors and the perfect blend of spices, it’s an ideal choice for Thanksgiving side dishes. Its rich texture and comforting taste pair beautifully with any main course.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Stuffing
Southern Style Creamed Corn
This Southern Style Creamed Corn is a rich, creamy side dish made with fresh sweet corn, heavy cream, and butter. It’s a traditional side for holiday meals or cozy dinners, and it can be customized with add-ins like bacon, peppers, or hot sauce.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Creamed Corn
Loaded Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows and Pecans
These loaded sweet potatoes combine the sweetness of marshmallows and crunch of pecans, making them a must for Thanksgiving side dishes. They’re a comforting mix of flavors that balance both savory and sweet elements. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows and Pecans
Oven Roasted Cauliflower Florets
These roasted cauliflower florets are crispy on the outside and tender inside, offering a simple but flavorful option for Thanksgiving side dishes. Their caramelized edges bring a pop of flavor without much effort, making them a healthy addition to any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Cauliflower Florets
Baked Mac and Cheese
This creamy southern baked mac and cheese has a secret ingredient is always a popular recipes! The best southern mac and cheese is the best baked mac and cheese recipe! It’s the ultimate comfort food for Sunday dinner or a holiday celebration!
Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Roasted Carrots and Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze
Roasting carrots and asparagus with a balsamic glaze is a fresh way to add vibrant colors to your Thanksgiving side dishes. The tangy glaze complements the natural sweetness of the veggies, making this a light and flavorful pairing with turkey or any main course.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots and Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze
Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad
For something a little different on your Thanksgiving side dish lineup, this Caprese orzo pasta salad is light yet packed with flavor. Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil add brightness that cuts through heavier dishes, offering a refreshing bite.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Orzo Pasta Salad
Fall Pasta Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
This fall pasta salad is a festive choice for Thanksgiving side dishes. Filled with roasted sweet potatoes, cranberries, and a maple balsamic dressing, it brings a seasonal twist to the table that feels right at home during autumn gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Fall Pasta Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
Butternut Squash and Apple Tian
This Butternut squash and apple tian with fresh fennel is everything that screams a fabulous fall side dish! What a great side to have with the turkey gravy and drippings with everything else at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash and Apple Tian
Roasted Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Shallots
These Brussels sprouts with maple and bacon are a delicious way to spruce up Thanksgiving side dishes. The combination of sweet and smoky flavors makes this a rich and indulgent veggie dish that pairs beautifully with traditional holiday meats.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Shallots
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
This Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe is the easiest mashed potatoes ever. Fluffy, creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes can be on your table in no time! And we all need to save time when cooking.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Sourdough Bacon & Pecan Stuffing
This sourdough stuffing, complete with bacon and pecans, is a hearty choice for Thanksgiving side dishes. The tangy sourdough, smoky bacon, and crunchy pecans create a combination that’s rich and satisfying, perfect for soaking up gravy.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bacon & Pecan Stuffing
Creamed Kale
Creamed kale is a rich, cheesy dish that’s a great way to switch up your usual Thanksgiving side dishes. Its creamy sauce makes it an easy way to get greens on the table, adding a flavorful and unexpected touch to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Kale
Crispy Chipotle Herb Muffin Tin Potato Stacks
These muffin tin potato stacks are crispy, flavorful, and easy to serve, making them a fun option for Thanksgiving side dishes. With layers of spiced potatoes baked to perfection, they’re a creative twist on traditional mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chipotle Herb Muffin Tin Potato Stacks
Sweet Potato Biscuits
Sweet potato biscuits are fluffy, flavorful, and the perfect complement to Thanksgiving side dishes. They add a slight sweetness to the table that pairs well with savory mains like turkey and ham, making them a must-try for your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Biscuits
Air Fryer Carrots
Air fryer carrots are quick, healthy, and a great choice for Thanksgiving side dishes. They offer a crisp texture and deep flavor that elevates simple ingredients, making them a versatile addition to any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Carrots
Southern Broccoli Casserole
Southern broccoli casserole is creamy, cheesy, and topped with crunchy crackers, making it a go-to for Thanksgiving side dishes. It brings comfort to the table and pairs well with almost any main course, adding a hearty veggie option to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Southern Broccoli Casserole
Maple Butter Roasted Vegetables with Pears
Maple butter roasted vegetables with pears are a standout among Thanksgiving side dishes. The sweet and savory glaze on seasonal veggies and pears adds a festive touch to any holiday meal, making this dish both beautiful and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Maple Butter Roasted Vegetables with Pears
BLT Pasta Salad
BLT pasta salad offers a fun and refreshing alternative to traditional Thanksgiving side dishes. With crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleasing side that adds a little crunch and variety to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad
Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes
These orange glazed sweet potatoes bring a citrusy twist to Thanksgiving side dishes. The tangy glaze enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes, making them a bright and comforting option for any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab
Stuffed mushrooms with crab are an easy yet elegant option for Thanksgiving side dishes. Their savory, rich flavor pairs well with holiday meats and adds a touch of seafood flair to the table without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab
Asperges à La Flamande
Asperges à la Flamande is a simple yet flavorful side dish that brings a healthy option to Thanksgiving side dishes. With tender white asparagus and a savory egg topping, it’s light and pairs well with heartier mains like turkey or roast.
Get the Recipe: Asperges à La Flamande
Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes
These air fryer parmesan potatoes are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making them a winning choice for Thanksgiving side dishes. The garlic and cheese flavors complement any holiday meal, adding a tasty crunch.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Loaded mashed potato casserole takes classic mashed potatoes to the next level, perfect for Thanksgiving side dishes. Topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions, it’s a rich and creamy dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Red Lobster Copycat Brussels Sprouts
These Red Lobster-inspired Brussels sprouts, with their crispy air-fried texture and savory glaze, are a bold addition to Thanksgiving side dishes. The soy glaze and crispy onions add a touch of flair to this veggie, making it hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Red Lobster Copycat Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Acorn Squash
Roasted acorn squash is a fall favorite that fits right in with Thanksgiving side dishes. The tender, caramelized squash, topped with herbs and cheese, adds both beauty and flavor to your holiday table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Acorn Squash
Garlic Green Beans
Garlic green beans are a simple yet flavorful option for Thanksgiving side dishes. Sautéed to perfection with garlic, these beans are a quick and easy way to bring a bit of green to the table without overpowering the rest of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Green Beans
Best Ever Mini Hasselback Potatoes
Mini Hasselback potatoes are a crispy, buttery side dish that’s a great addition to your Thanksgiving side dishes. These bite-sized potatoes are loaded with flavor and easy to share, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Best Ever Mini Hasselback Potatoes
Squash Soufflé
Squash soufflé is a light and airy dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving side dishes. It adds a bit of elegance to the table while using fall’s favorite vegetable, making it a great choice for both traditional and modern holiday menus.
Get the Recipe: Squash Soufflé
Leftover Ham? These Recipes Will Make You Glad You Have Extra
Are you always trying to find ways to use up that extra ham you have from the holidays? Then try these!
Leftover Ham? These Recipes Will Make You Glad You Have Extra