Skip to Content

25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Level Up Your Feast with These Crowd-Pleasers

Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones and sharing delectable dishes. While turkey may be the star of the show, the side dishes often steal the spotlight.

From classics like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole, to creative recipes like radicchio and apple salad, the variety of side dishes allows for a memorable feast that appeals to everyone’s taste buds.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Perfecting your Thanksgiving mashed potatoes starts with selecting the right potatoes. Use yellow potatoes for the ideal creamy texture.

Don’t skip the boiling process and ensure the potatoes are tender before mashing.

To elevate your dish, mix in:

  • Butter
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Cream cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Salt and pepper

The result? A crowd-pleasing, velvety, and comforting side dish for your Thanksgiving feast.

Meringue-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

Meringue-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish.

First, boil and mash sweet potatoes. Then, mix with sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk.

Put into a 9×13 greased pan; create a topping by combining ingredients like brown sugar and cinnamon.

Crumble the topping over sweet potatoes and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Enjoy the warm, creamy casserole with crispy meringue topping.

Stovetop Broccoli Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 large head broccoli
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup Stove Top Stuffing mix
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  1. Steam broccoli until crisp-tender and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, melt butter, cook onion until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. In a bowl, mix mayo, cheddar cheese, and stuffing mix. Combine with broccoli and onion mixture.
  4. Cook mixture in the skillet on medium-high until heated through. Serve and enjoy your delicious side dish!

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans are a flavorful and easy-to-make Thanksgiving side dish.

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Trim green beans and toss with minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Arrange beans in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  4. Roast for 15-20 minutes until tender, stirring halfway through.
  5. Remove from oven and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve these delicious green beans to elevate your Thanksgiving table.

Browned Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Peel and chop 4 pounds of sweet potatoes into 2-inch chunks.

Boil with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt until tender (20-25 minutes).

Then, drain and mash in a large pot.

In a saucepan, melt and brown butter with sage, being careful not to burn.

Combine butter mixture with mashed potatoes and mix well.

Add vanilla and milk to desired consistency, season with salt and pepper.

Enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving side dish!

Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is a delicious and unique twist on a classic side dish.

Prepare it by roasting butternut squash, then combine with cooked pasta, a creamy cheese sauce, and crispy bacon.

Finish by baking everything with breadcrumbs for a delightful Thanksgiving addition.

Enjoy this flavorful, satisfying dish.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a delicious and healthy addition to your Thanksgiving table.

To prepare, simply toss halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

You can add extra flavor with minced garlic or a pinch of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Roast in a preheated 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes, until they’re crispy and golden.

Give it a try, your guests will love their taste and texture.

Scalloped Corn Casserole

Ingredients:

  • Corn (whole kernel and creamed)
  • Milk or evaporated milk
  • Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
  • Melted butter
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Sugar (optional)
  • Onion
  • Cream cheese (optional)
  • Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  1. Preheat oven and prepare a baking dish.
  2. Mix well all the ingredients and pour into the prepared dish.
  3. Bake until the center is set; serve warm.

For variations, consider adding mushrooms, thyme, or paprika. Enjoy this delicious Thanksgiving side dish!

Parmesan-Herb Angel Biscuits

For your Thanksgiving table, add Parmesan-Herb Angel Biscuits to delight your guests. These flavorful biscuits feature Parmesan cheese, thyme, and rosemary.

  1. Mix dough and chill for 2-5 days.
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  3. Knead, fold, and gently roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness.
  4. Cut with a 2-inch round cutter.
  5. Bake until golden brown.

Serve these delicious biscuits alongside your main course for a mouthwatering experience.

Classic Bread Dressing

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing a 2-quart baking dish.

Cube your bread, and in a large skillet, sauté celery and onions in melted butter until tender.

To create the dressing, mix these ingredients:

  • Bread cubes: for a crispy texture
  • Sautéed celery and onions: cooked in butter
  • Eggs, broth, and seasonings: whisked together

Bake the mixture in the dish for about 45 minutes, and enjoy your classic Thanksgiving bread dressing!

Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Peel and cube 2 pounds of potatoes.

Boil with crushed garlic and salt until tender. Then, drain and mash with a handheld mixer or potato masher.

Add 4 oz of goat cheese, cream, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.

Serve this creamy, flavorful dish as a unique update to a traditional Thanksgiving side.

Honey-Glazed Spiced Carrots

Honey-Glazed Spiced Carrots are a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving table.

To prepare, preheat oven to 425°F.

Mix melted butter, honey, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Toss baby carrots in sauce.

Roast for 20-30 minutes, until tender.

Impress your guests with this mouth-watering and easy side dish!

Skillet Squash Blossom

Ingredients:

  • Squash slices
  • Bacon
  • Onion
  • Oil
  • Thyme
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Maple syrup

Cook bacon in a skillet and save the drippings. Crumble bacon and set aside.

Add onion to skillet and cook until translucent. Mix onion with oil, thyme, salt, pepper, and maple syrup.

Toss squash slices in the mixture. Arrange squash in the skillet and cook until tender.

Enjoy your uniquely tasty side dish!

Oven-Roasted Asparagus

Roasting asparagus is simple and delicious.

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Wash and trim the asparagus, removing woody ends.

Place on a rimmed baking sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and optionally add garlic and Parmesan.

Bake for 10-15 minutes, until tender.

For a bright finish, add lemon juice and zest.

Enjoy this flavorful and healthy Thanksgiving side dish.

Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake

This Creamy Kale and Pasta Bake is perfect for Thanksgiving!

  1. Cook pasta as directed.
  2. Sauté onion, garlic, and kale.
  3. Add flour, whisk in hot milk until creamy.
  4. Mix pasta with kale sauce.
  5. Bake until golden!

Enjoy your tasty, no-fuss side dish!

Angel Biscuits

Angel biscuits are the perfect blend between a dinner roll and a biscuit.

To make them, mix buttermilk, yeast, and sugar together, then combine with flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Incorporate your choice of shortening or butter.

  • Preheat oven to 425°F
  • Roll dough to 1/2-inch thickness
  • Cut with a 2-inch round cutter
  • Bake until golden brown

Enjoy these soft, fluffy biscuits as a Thanksgiving side dish!

Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites

A delightful Thanksgiving side dish is the Sweet Potato and Chorizo Sausage Bites. Here’s a simple recipe to follow:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F
  2. Mix sausage, baking mix, cheese, mashed sweet potato, cinnamon, and salt
  3. Roll into 48 (1 1/2-inch) balls
  4. Place on greased baking sheet, 1 inch apart
  5. Bake for 20 minutes

Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying bites!

Yeast Rolls

Yeast rolls are a classic Thanksgiving side dish that complements any meal. To make them, you’ll need yeast, sugar, warm water, butter, milk, an egg, and salt.

Dissolve the yeast with sugar in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

Add the other ingredients to the mixture and knead until smooth.

For a twist, try sourdough dinner rolls using your starter for a tangy flavor.

Experiment with different recipes for a unique addition to your Thanksgiving feast.

Smashed Baby Red Potatoes

A popular Thanksgiving side dish, smashed baby red potatoes are both flavorful and easy to prepare.

Start by boiling potatoes with a touch of salt and rosemary until they’re tender.

Drain and discard the rosemary sprigs before placing the potatoes onto an oiled baking sheet.

In a separate bowl, mix together:

  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Thyme
  • Garlic

Drizzle this mixture over your potatoes, ensuring they are well-coated.

Finish by smashing each potato and baking at 425°F until crisp.

Enjoy this delicious addition to your Thanksgiving meal.

Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients: Green beans, cream of mushroom soup, onions, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and optional additions like parmesan cheese, pimientos, or bacon.

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Mix green beans with cream of mushroom soup.
  3. Add onions, breadcrumbs, and any desired extra ingredients.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
  5. Serve immediately as a delicious Thanksgiving side dish.

Cornbread Stuffing

Cornbread stuffing is a classic Thanksgiving side dish.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion and celery until soft.

Combine crumbled cornbread with cooked vegetables in a large bowl.

  • Ingredients:
    • Cornbread
    • Butter
    • Onion
    • Celery
    • Herbs (basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley)
    • Broth

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake until golden brown.

Enjoy this flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish at your Thanksgiving feast!

Sweet Potato Casserole

A Sweet Potato Casserole is a must-have at your Thanksgiving table. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious side dish:

  1. Boil and mash sweet potatoes
  2. Mix in sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk
  3. Add to a greased 9×13 inch pan
  4. Prepare a crumble topping with ingredients like oats, pecans, walnuts, and maple syrup
  5. Sprinkle topping over the casserole
  6. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes

Serve warm and enjoy your perfectly prepared Sweet Potato Casserole!

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a classic Thanksgiving side dish.

To create your own, briefly cook cranberries with sugar and water until they burst (12-15 minutes).

Add twists to the recipe by incorporating spices, fruits, or different sweeteners.

Serve homemade cranberry sauce to elevate your Thanksgiving feast. Enjoy!

Dinner Rolls

Dinner rolls are a Thanksgiving essential that complement your meal.

Try Sour Cream & Chive Potato Rolls for a flavorful twist on classic rolls (source: King Arthur Baking).

Remember:

  • Use fresh chives
  • Allow dough to rise

Enjoy these delicious, soft rolls with your Thanksgiving feast!

Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables enhances their natural flavors and adds a delightful crispiness.

To prepare your veggies, dice them into bite-sized pieces before tossing with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Favorites to include are Brussels sprouts, carrots, and red onions.

Enhance the dish with maple syrup and rosemary for an autumnal touch.

Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast at 375F (190C) for 20-25 minutes.

Serve alongside your Thanksgiving meal for a delicious, healthy side.