The Ultimate List of Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Need a little inspiration for Thanksgiving side dishes? You’ve come to the right spot! I’ve rounded up the best options for you – from roasted vegetables and casseroles to potatoes cooked a myriad of ways (mashed, baked, candied, you name it!). I’m all about easy, healthy, and foolproof recipes on the big day!

Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes I’ve Ever Made

While a perfectly roasted turkey always takes center stage at Thanksgiving, the truth is that having a good assortment of side dishes is key. And the best Thanksgiving sides can often outshine the turkey! So here are a few things to think about:

• Classics are classics for a reason: While you can get creative in the kitchen, don’t look past mainstay classics like creamy mashed potatoes, honey glazed carrots, and balsamic bacon Brussels sprouts. These three are a must (if I do say so myself).
• Offer a mix of textures, flavors, and colors: The beauty of a Thanksgiving table is the wide variety it offers. So lean into that bright yellow creamed corn, vibrant orange sweet potato casserole and deep red cranberry sauce.
• Balance lighter options with heartier ones: We all love carbs on Thanksgiving, but remember to balance your dinner spread with veggie-forward dishes, refreshing salads, and cozy soups.
• Multitask with different appliances: The kitchen is a crowded place on Thanksgiving, so make sure to choose some sides made on the stove, some made in the oven, and some made in an air fryer (yes, it works great!).
• My top 10 list: And if you’re really undecided on what to make, I’m starting you off with my top 10 Thanksgiving side dishes below. These are reader favorite recipes year after year!

Top 10 Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Best Mashed Potatoes: A quintessential side dish that’s a no-brainer for your Thanksgiving dinner table. This is a no-fail recipe that ensures the fluffiest and creamiest consistency.

Sweet Potato Casserole: Whipped sweet potatoes are given an even sweeter boost with maple syrup and warming spices, then topped with a nutty pecan crumble. No marshmallows are needed here!

Honey Glazed Carrots: This side dish always has a special place on my Thanksgiving dinner table. The carrots become perfectly sweet, savory, and beautifully caramelized!

Thanksgiving Peas: Because I love peas and prosciutto for spring, I had to make a fall version with crispy pancetta and fresh pears. Oh man, this combo is SO delicious and was devoured instantly the last time I made it for Thanksgiving!

Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash: Ditch the super sweet roasted squash and make this savory version instead! It’s been a reader favorite ever since I posted this recipe. The fresh herbs and shredded Parmesan cheese complement the acorn squash so well.

Creamed Corn: I love making this creamed corn for a quick and easy, yet extremely satisfying side dish. Plus, you can easily make it with canned corn, which makes it budget-friendly as well!

Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts: For an elevated roasted Brussels sprouts side dish, toss them with crispy bacon bits, onion, and a sweet balsamic glaze. Trust me, this one always disappears fast!

Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes: A side of roasted potatoes is a given. And I’m partial to this easy recipe that’s loaded with extra garlic and herbs for a savory touch.

Stuffed Mushrooms: These little bites are must-make. But my version is a bit more special with the most delicious cheesy, herby, and garlicky filling, with crumbled pecans on top.

Cranberry Sauce: Naturally sweetened with maple sryup with a hint of fresh orange, this homemade version is my family’s go-to recipe. It’s super easy to make, so don’t even think about buying it! And it’s a must-have on the table, right next to gravy.

Mashed Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Mashed Sweet Potatoes: If you want a pop of orange on the table, these mashed sweet potatoes are the best way to do it! It’s ultra-creamy, naturally sweet, and a great option for a mashed side dish.

Mashed Cauliflower: Yep, you can turn cauliflower into the best mashed holiday side dish! It’s loaded with fresh herb flavor and is a great way to introduce another vegetable to your Thanksgiving dinner.

Mashed Butternut Squash: Don’t forget that you can mash butternut squash! It becomes buttery smooth perfect for another savory dish on the table.

Roasted Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Candied Yams: For an extra sweet touch to the table, everyone will love these candied yams. They’re tossed in a buttery, sugar-spiced glaze and baked to perfection!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A classic Thanksgiving dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. And if you want a few flavor enhancement ideas, I’ve got a few written in the post!

Twice Baked Potatoes: Bacon and potatoes always go hand in hand, especially for this flavorful side dish. The filling is creamy, cheesy, and dotted with bacon and chives.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These sweet potato cubes are tossed in delicious spices, then roasted until they have slightly caramelized edges. Always a classic and so easy to whip up!

Roasted Broccoli: All broccoli needs is fresh garlic and parmesan cheese to make it an outstanding side dish. And if you have an air fryer, this air fryer broccoli provides equally delicious results.

Roasted Butternut Squash: In addition to sweet potatoes, don’t forget that you can dice and roast little cubes of butternut squash. They have a sweet yet nutty flavor that makes them a great complement to other dishes on the table.

Apple Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash: I love to serve this stuffed squash in a casserole version to serve as a delicious and hearty side dish. First, make a mashed butternut squash with the flesh, layer it at the bottom, and top it with the apple sausage filling!

Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower: Roasted cauliflower is great. But when you add za’atar spice, dates, pine nuts, and thyme to the mix, it becomes a dish everyone goes back for.

Smashed Potatoes: If you’re looking for a new way to serve a side of potatoes this Thanksgiving—think smashed potatoes! They’re seasoned with garlic parmesan goodness and made extra crispy.

Baked Sweet Potato: Baked potatoes are a classic, but who can resist baked sweet potatoes! Just pop them in the oven and load them up with toppings like butter, green onion, chives, and sour cream.

Cabbage Steaks: If you’ve got cabbage lovers around the table, this is a deliciously unique side. Just don’t forget the roasted red pepper tahini sauce to drizzle on top!

Sautéed Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Sauteed Cabbage: When sautéed, cabbage becomes beautifully caramelized and sweet! But the onions and garlic make it even better for an amazing Thanksgiving side dish.

Sautéed Carrots with Bacon Dijon Dressing: Wwhen I’m not making my classic honey-glazed recipe, this version with a bacon Dijon dressing is the next best thing. Who can resist crispy bacon bits?

Garlic Sauteed Spinach: Fresh spinach leaves become perfectly wilted with a savory, garlicky aroma. Don’t overlook an easy Thanksgiving side dish such as this — it only takes 10 minutes!

Green Beans with Shallots and Lemon: Green beans are a classic for Thanksgiving. But give them some oomph with shallots, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest!

Fried Cabbage: The crispy bacon and Dijon mustard gives this fried cabbage a really big flavor enhancement. This is a personal favorite!

Casserole Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Healthy Green Bean Casserole: This healthy green bean casserole skips the canned soup. Instead, it has layers of fresh green beans, a creamy homemade mushroom sauce, and it’s topped with crispy shallots for the perfect crunch.

Scalloped Potatoes: This one is admittedly a bit decadent, as the potatoes simmer in a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce. But if that sounds like your jam, this side dish is one to indulge in.

Lighter Turkey Casserole: If you’re doing an alternative main this year but still want some turkey flavor, this is a great casserole idea. Chopped turkey is tossed with wild rice, peas, and a simple mushroom gravy sauce.

Air Fryer Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Air Fryer Baked Potato: Made in the air fryer, these baked potatoes have a crispy skin, and soft, fluffy insides. They’re the perfect base for adding your favorite toppings!

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: While roasted Brussels sprouts are a staple recipe, I love that the edges on these sprouts are even crispier!

Air Fryer Broccoli: This is the best way to get crisp-tender broccoli in under 10 minutes. Just toss the florets with a simple seasoning and then pop them into the air fryer.

Air Fryer Carrots: These perfectly cooked carrots are seasoned just right, and super speedy in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Green Beans: The best part (in my opinion) is that the air fryer adds that addictively crispy touch to them. So the end result is tender-crisp green beans with toasted edges. Delicious! 

Salad Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Sweet Potato Salad: If you made roasted sweet potatoes, using them to make this hearty salad is my absolute favorite! It’s loaded with lentils, cranberries, red onion, fresh herbs, and this delicious maple mustard tahini dressing!

Waldorf Salad: It’s hard to resist this simple (and classic) fruit and nut salad tossed in a tangy-sweet, creamy dressing. There’s a reason why this salad is super popular for Thanksgiving, it’s so refreshing!

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Cranberries and Apples: If you’re not roasting Brussels sprouts, this salad needs to be on your table. It’s a simple mix of Brussels sprouts, red apples, and cranberries—tossed in a homemade lemon vinaigrette.

Broccoli Salad: You can never go wrong with bringing a big bowl of broccoli salad to a holiday dinner party!

Spaghetti Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Crispy Shallots: Have a spaghetti squash on hand? Whip up this easy side dish with leftover Brussels sprouts and crispy shallots. It’s tender and crispy, all in one dish.

Classic Potato Salad: There’s a reason why this potato salad is requested every holiday season! It’s my mom’s special recipe and the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy textures.

German Potato Salad: Baby red potatoes are gently tossed with a tangy and savory bacon Dijon dressing that makes this hard to stop at one bite.

Roasted Red Pepper and Chickpea Salad: This roasted chickpea salad ticks all the boxes for unique, flavorful, and loaded with fresh veggies. Just prep some roasted chickpeas prior to making it!

Massaged Kale Salad: Even though this salad is simple, it’s surprisingly flavorful and will add a fresh, vibrant, green touch to your menu.

Cozy Soup Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Butternut Squash Soup: Without a doubt, butternut squash soup is one of those must-make soups of the season. It’s naturally creamy, savory, and celebrates butternut squash in the best possible way.

Potato Leek Soup: If you can grab some leeks at this time of year, you won’t want to skip this potato leek soup. It has a ton of flavor and perfect for a simple side soup to enjoy with your Thanksgiving dinner.

Beet Soup: Not only is this soup perfect for adding a bright pop of red to the table, but it’s such a delicious way to enjoy beets this season.

Roasted Cauliflower Soup: Light and comforting, this cauliflower soup is perfect for serving on the side and a sneaky way to add in more veggies.

Sweet Potato Soup: In addition to casseroles and mashed sides, you can turn sweet potatoes into a velvety, and delicious soup.

More Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas

• Thanksgiving Menu: A complete list of everything you need!
• Thanksgiving Game Plan and Timeline: With daily reminders before the big feast.
• Thanksgiving Desserts: So many options to choose from.

This roundup was originally posted November 2020, but updated to include new recipes and information for your benefit!