Thanksgiving side dishes are just as important as the turkey! Here are some of my most popular Thanksgiving side dishes ranging from classic and crowd-pleasing to unexpected and irresistible.
The Best Thanksgiving Sides
Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving this year or simply bringing a dish, side dishes should be a definite consideration.
Do you want something creamy and rich, crisp and crunchy, soft and fluffy? Maybe even one of each?
That’s where this Thanksgiving side dishes recipe roundup comes in handy–I’ve put all the options in one easy list! Here you’ll find crowd-pleasing staples like mac and cheese, cornbread, and even a few green dishes too (because a little color is nice among the sea of beige that is Thanksgiving dinner, right?).
Oh, and if you’d prefer to serve something on the sweeter side, check out my list of the best pie recipes–they’re perfect for Thanksgiving!
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Add something green to the table with these crispy roasted brussels sprouts. Even kids like them!
2. Baked Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is more of a southern Thanksgiving tradition, but let’s be real–we all love it!
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
We simply cannot talk about thanksgiving side dishes without mentioning sweet potatoes! This is just one the sweet potato recipes I’m including in this list.
4. Cornbread
Cornbread is another southern Thanksgiving staple, but my version leans more towards northern tastes–it’s on the sweeter side (of course!).
5. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are one of the most beloved Thanksgiving sides! Feel free to keep yours basic, or add in some sour cream, garlic, and/or parmesan (I include plenty of notes for jazzing things up in the recipe card).
6. Green Bean Casserole
My easy green bean casserole recipe can be made with fresh, frozen, or canned green beans. It’s my absolute favorite Thanksgiving side dish!
7. Candied Yams
Whatever you call them, these candied yams (or candied sweet potatoes!) are a well-loved thanksgiving side dish. My family can’t get enough of them!
8. Honey Wheat Rolls
Got an hour to spare? You’ve got just enough time to make these 60-minute honey wheat rolls. They are always will a huge hit at Thanksgiving dinner!
9. Creamed Spinach
Spinach may not be top of mind when you think of thanksgiving side dishes, but creamed spinach absolutely should be. It’s so rich and creamy, and yes, incorporates some greens too!
10. Cranberry Sauce
Just like sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce is another Thanksgiving must-have. This year, try something new and make your own instead of using the stuff from the can!
11. Make-Ahead Dinner Rolls
Save time and make your dinner rolls ahead of time! This recipe rises overnight in the fridge and is ready to bake the next morning.
12. Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Plain brussels sprouts too boring for your Thanksgiving table? Spice things up with these maple bacon brussels sprouts!
13. Risotto
A bit non-traditional but still so good, Risotto makes a for a sophisticated side dish for Thanksgiving.
14. Sweet Potato Casserole
Probably one of the most beloved Thanksgiving side dishes, sweet potato casserole is best served with plenty of mini marshmallows and pecans on top.
15. Crescent Rolls
Forget the canned version, my homemade crescent rolls are surprisingly easy to make and taste so much better.
16. Brussels Sprouts Salad
Make something bright and crunchy to serve among all the rich and savory! Brussels sprouts salad is a unique and flavorful way to enjoy this veggie.
17. Sausage Stuffing
We can’t talk about Thanksgiving sides without mentioning stuffing, right? This is my family’s favorite recipe–we make it every year!
18. Maple Glazed Carrots
A little sweet and a little savory, maple glazed carrots make a crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side dish.
Did I miss anything? Let me know your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes in the comments below!
Bonus: How to Use Up Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey
Get creative with your leftovers this year! Leftover turkey sandwiches can only hold you over for so long, so here are two flavorful (but still easy to prepare!) recipes for leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
19. Turkey Chili
If you’re a fan of my award winning chili recipe, you simply must try this turkey chili! It’s a bit different, but still SO good!
20. Turkey Pot Pie
This is not your average chicken pot pie! No, this turkey pot pie is made with seasonal ingredients like sweet potatoes and rosemary, plus carrots, corn, and green beans too!
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving full of your favorite foods and loved ones 🧡
Susan Booth
What about tunip or butternut squash? Thanksgiving was when I 1st had turnip, which I now love!
Stuffing made outside the bird?
Susan
Making the stuffing outside of the turkey is much safer. It’s widely understood that stuffing a raw turkey ups the chances for a food born illness.
I am a chef and certified in the handling of raw foods. The temperature danger zone is no joke.