Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Updated November 2024

The holidays are made for traditions! Our family takes great joy in my sister's perfectly cooked turkey and her rolls made from my grandmother's from-scratch recipe (Lorraine Wilson Holt).  When we have these at our table, Thanksgiving is complete! 

From classic favorites like creamy mashed potatoes and tangy cranberry sauce to unique creations like roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple-glazed sweet potatoes, these side dishes will add flavor and excitement to your Thanksgiving meal. We'll also share some tips and tricks for making these dishes even more special and memorable.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this article will provide you with plenty of inspiration and ideas to take your Thanksgiving feast to the next level. So get ready to wow your guests with these delectable side dishes that will have them returning for seconds.

Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Delicious Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Elevating Your Feast

As Thanksgiving approaches, it's time to start planning the perfect feast that will leave your guests raving. And what better way to elevate your Thanksgiving spread than with some delicious side dishes? In this article, we will explore a variety of mouthwatering Thanksgiving side dishes that are sure to impress everyone at your table.

From classic favorites like creamy mashed potatoes and tangy cranberry sauce to unique creations like roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple-glazed sweet potatoes, these side dishes will add a burst of flavor and excitement to your Thanksgiving meal. We'll also share some tips and tricks for making these dishes even more special and memorable.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this article will provide you with plenty of inspiration and ideas to take your Thanksgiving feast to the next level. At the end of this post, you'll find some of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes. So get ready to wow your guests with these delectable side dishes that will have them coming back for seconds.

Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without the classic side dishes that have graced our tables for generations. These time-honored recipes bring a sense of nostalgia and comfort, reminding us of family gatherings and cherished memories. One of the most beloved traditional sides is creamy mashed potatoes. Made with buttery Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, this dish is elevated with heavy cream, garlic, and a sprinkle of chives. Each bite is a velvety experience, perfect for pairing turkey and gravy. To achieve the ideal texture, using a potato ricer or masher instead of a food processor is essential, as overmixing can lead to a gummy consistency.

Another classic that cannot be overlooked is stuffing, which varies from region to region but fundamentally serves as a flavorful complement to the turkey. Whether you prefer a bread-based stuffing infused with sage, onion, and celery or a cornbread variation with pecans and cranberries, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. The key to a perfect stuffing is to ensure it is moist but not soggy. Baking it separately in a casserole dish allows for a delightful crispy top while keeping the interior soft and flavorful. Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted chestnuts to enhance its richness for an extra touch.

Green bean casserole has also become a staple on many Thanksgiving tables, combining fresh green beans with creamy mushroom soup and topped with crispy fried onions. This dish offers a great balance of flavors and textures and can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for busy cooks. To elevate this classic, try using fresh green beans instead of canned ones and make your own mushroom sauce for a fresher taste. The result is a vibrant, luscious dish that not only adds color to your table but also a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of other sides.

Easy and Quick Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Thanksgiving can be a hectic time, and not everyone has hours to spend in the kitchen preparing elaborate dishes. However, you can still impress your guests with easy, quick side dishes that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. One such dish is garlic-roasted carrots. Simply toss baby carrots with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, then roast them in the oven until caramelized. This side dish is visually appealing and provides a sweet and savory flavor profile that complements any main course. The simplicity of this dish means you can prepare it in less than 30 minutes, leaving you more time to focus on the turkey.


Another quick side that adds a pop of color to your table is a cranberry-orange relish. This tangy condiment is incredibly refreshing and can be made in advance by combining fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a touch of sugar. Simply pulse the ingredients in a food processor for a chunky texture or blend them for a smoother relish. The cranberries' bright acidity combined with the oranges' sweetness creates a perfect balance that cuts through the richness of the turkey and gravy, elevating the entire meal. Plus, it requires no cooking, making it an effortless addition to your Thanksgiving spread.


If you want a side that can be prepared in minutes, consider whipped feta dip with fresh vegetables. Whipping feta cheese with cream cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil creates a creamy, tangy dip that pairs exceptionally well with crunchy veggies like celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers. Set out a platter of colorful vegetables for a vibrant presentation that encourages guests to munch between courses. This dish is quick to prepare and provides a lighter option that balances the heaviness of the traditional Thanksgiving fare. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more fresh produce into your holiday meal.

Our side dishes generally consist of homemade noodles, dressing, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and corn—standard fare for most Thanksgiving dinners.

This list of Thanksgiving side dishes will give you much to think about, as it has our own family.  We look forward to cornbread dressing, brussels sprouts and bacon, and bourbon cranberry sauce this year! Spreading our wings and learning to fly!

Even our green bean casserole is getting a makeover! I'd love to know your favorite Thanksgiving side dish and where I might be able to find the recipe, even if that means putting a link in your comment!

15 Thanksgiving Side Dishes to be Thankful For

Cranberry Sauce with Apple Orange & Cinnamon 

This side dish by Homemade Hooplah is a great classic dish to add to your Thanksgiving Feast. It's full of our favorite fall flavors like oranges, apples, and cinnamon.

Citrus & Pomegranate Brussels Sprouts

This citrus and pomegranate brussel sprouts side dish by A Beautiful Mess blends citrus and pomegranate perfectly.  

Apple Pie Baked Brie

This sweet and savory dish is a simple appetizer fit for any holiday party. By Cookie Rookie, this apple pie baked brie recipe creates a side dish all of your guests will enjoy.

Crescent Roll Cornucopias

The crescent roll cornucopias recipe from Hungry Beginnings makes for a delicious side dish your family or friends will enjoy. The cornucopias include cranberry turkey salad to add even more flavor. 

Orange Cranberry Bread

Cranberries are a staple of Thanksgiving. This orange cranberry bread recipe by the Idea Room fits perfectly alongside your other Thanksgiving dishes.

Pumpkin Bread Rolls

Different from your typical Thanksgiving bread rolls, these bread roll recipe by Handle the Heat includes pumpkin. Served with cinnamon butter, these bread rolls are slightly sweet and can be in the shape of pumpkins.

Maple Candied Pecan Salad with Bacon Apples and Brussels Sprouts

If you looking for a salad to add to your Thanksgiving dinner table, look no further than this recipe given by Bless This Mess. This maple candied pecan salad that includes bacon apples and brussel sprouts is full of delicious flavors.

Sweet Potato Appetizer Bites

Sweet potatoes are a staple of many Thanksgiving meals. This sweet potato appetizer bites recipe by Kalyn's Kitchen makes for tasty sweet potato bites that are a great appetizer to go along with the holiday meal. 

Three Cheese Cauliflower Gratin

This three-cheese cauliflower gratin recipe by Domesticate Me makes for tender roasted cauliflower bathed in a flavorful sauce. It's a tasty Thanksgiving side dish we love. 

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

We love this garlic mashed potatoes recipe by Lil' Luna. The potatoes are flavorful, creamy, and aren't a hassle to make. 

Stuffed Bleu Cheese Potatoes

Potatoes are a tasty food to add to any meal, and these stuffed blue cheese potatoes by Our Best Bites are worth trying. It may just become a staple of your future Thanksgiving feasts.

Cornbread Dressing

If you're looking for a new cornbread dressing for this Thanksgiving, Crafting Chicks offers a delicious one of their own. It's one of our absolute favorites.

Brown Sugar and Bacon Green Beans

Green beans are one of our favorite vegetables, and they serves as a great Thanksgiving side dish. This green bean recipe by Six Sisters Stuff blends brown sugar and bacon to make a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving feast.

Delicious Dinner Rolls

Dinner Rolls are an essential part of any Thanksgiving feast. How Does She offers its dinner roll recipe that can become your go-to dinner roll recipe every Thanksgiving holiday. 

Deep Dish Baked Pumpkin

This deep-dish baked pumpkin side dish created by Nemcsok Farms is a perfect fit for fall. We highly recommend adding this side dish to your Thanksgiving feast.

Start planning in advance; make a couple of these before you head to your mom's or mother-in-law's for dinner.  Bring your favorite and please your whole family.  Try these that we have made and absolutely loved for a few recipes that might tickle your fancy.

Gnocchi with Pumpkin Sauce

Oven Roasted Pancetta Brussel Sprouts

Holiday Side Salad

Conclusion

As you gather around the table this Thanksgiving, the side dishes you choose can significantly enhance the overall dining experience. Traditional options like creamy mashed potatoes and stuffing bring a sense of nostalgia, while unique creations like roasted Brussels sprouts and quinoa pilaf add excitement and variety to the feast. Don’t forget the easy and quick kitchen dishes that save you time while still impressing your guests, such as garlic-roasted carrots and cranberry-orange relish.

Creating a well-rounded Thanksgiving meal involves not just the turkey but also a thoughtful selection of sides that cater to various tastes and preferences. Embracing classic and innovative side dishes allows you to craft a memorable dining experience that your guests will discuss long after the holiday.

So, as you finalize your Thanksgiving menu, consider incorporating these delectable side dishes that will leave a lasting impression. With a bit of creativity and careful planning, your Thanksgiving feast will celebrate flavors, textures, and cherished moments shared with family and friends. Happy cooking, and enjoy the festivities!