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Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving for the first time or looking for something totally different, this Collection of 40+ Thanksgiving Side Dishes has everything you need, from creamy mashed potatoes and cheesy casseroles to roasted veggies and fresh salads.
Table of Contents
- Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes (That Might Just Outshine the Turkey)
- My Top 10 Thanksgiving Side Dishes
- Mashed Thanksgiving Side Dishes
- Roasted Vegetable Side Dishes
- Thanksgiving Casserole Side Dishes
- Easy Air Fryer Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
- Instant Pot Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
- Fresh & Flavorful Thanksgiving Salads
- Cozy Thanksgiving Soups
- Tips to Keep Thanksgiving Sides Warm and Fresh
- Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes Recipe
Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes (That Might Just Outshine the Turkey)
The Thanksgiving turkey might be the star of the show, but for me, Thanksgiving is really about the sides. Over the years, I’ve tested and perfected so many recipes that my table has become a mix of old favorites and new twists. The secret is offering a mix of flavors, textures, and colors to keep everyone coming back for more! Here’s how I plan my collection of side dishes every year:
- Honor the classics: Creamy mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and balsamic Brussels sprouts have stood the test of time for a reason. Their familiar flavors bring warmth and nostalgia to every table.
- Aim for visual and flavor variety: A well-balanced Thanksgiving table includes a mix of colors and textures. For me, this means buttery corn casserole and creamy mashed potatoes next to a crunchy, colorful salad and tart cranberry sauce.
- Get started a day or two ahead of time: The best way to reduce stress on Thanksgiving Day is to prep a few dishes early. Many sides like mashed potatoes, casseroles, and soup actually taste better the next day once the flavors have had time to develop. Store them in airtight containers, then reheat gently in the oven, stovetop, or slow cooker before serving. Your future self will thank you.
- Put your appliances to work: Oven space is in high demand on Thanksgiving, so I like to divide and conquer. Some dishes bake in the oven, others simmer in the Instant Pot or roast in the air fryer. It makes prep so much easier and keeps everything perfectly timed for serving.
My Top 10 Thanksgiving Side Dishes
If you’re undecided (or simply overwhelmed) about what to make this Thanksgiving, make these. These are my essential, can’t-go-wrong sides that have earned a permanent spot at my holiday table.
Best Mashed Potatoes
These ultra-creamy mashed potatoes are made with butter, milk, and sour cream for the perfect comforting side dish. Try my roasted garlic mashed potatoes for extra flavor or my Boursin mashed potatoes for a rich, cheesy twist. They’re always the first to disappear from my Thanksgiving table!
Homemade Dinner Rolls
Soft, pillowy, and slightly sweet, these classic dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up gravy or spreading with butter. No mixer required, you can also shape and freeze before baking, then proof and bake fresh on Thanksgiving morning.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Tender roasted carrots coated in a sweet honey glaze and finished with fresh herbs like thyme and parsley. A favorite with both kids and adults alike.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
A quintessential Thanksgiving side dish made with creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with golden marshmallows and crunchy pecans. You can also bake it in single serving ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Creamed Corn
Rich, creamy, and absolutely addictive, creamed corn is not only my favorite Thanksgiving side dish, but it’s also the easiest to make. It uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together quickly on the stovetop in less than 15 minutes.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and caramelized to perfection with olive oil and sea salt. Make them extra special with crispy bacon bits, toasted pecans, or a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze.
Homemade Gravy
This 15 minute gravy recipe comes together quickly with just butter, flour, and broth. It’s my go-to recipe when I want extra gravy fast! You can also try my Turkey Gravy Recipe made with pan drippings.
Cranberry Sauce
Fresh cranberries are simmered with orange zest and a touch of cinnamon for a sauce that’s bright, sweet, and tangy. You can make it up to a week ahead of time; the flavor gets even better as it chills in the refrigerator.
Spinach Pear and Feta Salad
My go-to Thanksgiving salad for nearly a decade, it’s the perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and crunchy. Plus, it takes just 5 minutes to make!
Cornbread Dressing
Filled with homemade sweet cornbread, mild Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and fresh herbs, this intensely flavorful side dish is a no-brainer. Besides, the leftovers are incredible.
Mashed Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Creamy, buttery, and perfect with gravy, mashed sides are the ultimate Thanksgiving comfort food. From classic garlic mashed potatoes to creamy Instant Pot mashed sweet potatoes, these recipes pair beautifully with turkey and everything else on your plate.
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
This creamy mash is a low-carb version of classic creamy mashed potatoes, but just as delicious. Perfect for lighter holiday plates!
Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
A lighter version of sweet potato casserole, this delicious mash cuts calories (and carbs) by swapping half of the sweet potatoes with tender mashed butternut squash.
Creamy Parsnip Puree
This elegant puree is like mashed potatoes’ sophisticated cousin. Parsnips have a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory turkey and gravy. It’s as simple as boiling parsnips until tender and blending them until silky smooth.
Roasted Vegetable Side Dishes
Roasting is your best friend for crisp, caramelized edges and deep flavor. These recipes are colorful, full of flavor, and ideal for balancing richer sides with a little texture and depth.
Oven-Roasted Root Vegetables
Discover how to roast any combination of root vegetable to tender, caramelized perfection with this simple, foolproof recipe. Ideal for everything from weeknight dinners to Thanksgiving feasts.
Roasted Butternut Squash
A little fresh herbs and butter or maple syrup and ground cinnamon are all it takes to make roasted butternut squash worthy of any Thanksgiving table. You can also try my roasted delicata squash or kabocha squash.
Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
This two-for-one sheet pan recipe cooks baby potatoes and carrots together, saving precious oven space.
Roasted Asparagus
Finish with a squeeze of lemon, shaved parmesan, or toasted almonds for a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
Baked until tender, then coated with melted butter and herbs, this sweet potato recipe is somewhere between side dish and dessert. Add a pinch of cinnamon or top with toasted pecans warmth and crunch.
Stuffed Roasted Butternut Squash
Filled with grains, veggies, and herbs, this side dish looks fancy, but is super easy to make! You can prepare it as is, or transform it into a delicious casserole. First, mash the butternut squash and layer it in the bottom of a large baking dish. Then, top it with the savory quinoa filling.
Thanksgiving Casserole Side Dishes
Cozy, creamy, and crowd-pleasing, casseroles are the heart of many Thanksgiving tables. Family favorites like my mashed potato casserole and creamy zucchini casserole combine simple ingredients and rich flavors to create warm, comforting sides that everyone looks forward to year after year.
Cheesy Asparagus Gratin
Tender asparagus covered with bubbly cheese and baked in the most incredible garlic cream sauce. This quick and easy asparagus side dish not only tastes incredible, but looks absolutely stunning!
Butternut Squash Casserole
Creamy, savory-sweet layers of roasted squash baked under a buttery breadcrumb topping.
Hasselback Potato Casserole with Garlic and Herbs
Thinly sliced potatoes are roasted with garlic butter and herbs until crisp on top and tender beneath. Crispy edges guaranteed!
Cornbread Casserole
Moist, buttery, and lightly sweet, this one-bowl side bakes up golden and fluffy. Takes just 5 minutes to prep!
Scalloped Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes and tender onions are layered in a homemade cream sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. Love cheese with your potatoes? Try my cheesy scalloped potatoes instead.
Easy Air Fryer Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
Your air fryer is the secret weapon for saving oven space and keeping prep stress-free. These quick and crispy sides are ideal for last-minute additions or smaller holiday gatherings.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
A quick and easy way to make perfectly tender, caramelized butternut squash. Perfect for small gathering!
Air Fryer Asparagus
Lightly charred and tender-crisp, these perfectly cooked asparagus are ready in just 10 minutes!
Air Fryer Green Beans
Simple and delicious, these air fryer green beans are made with just 5 simple ingredients! Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese or slivered almonds for even more fantastic flavor.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
With irresistibly crisp, caramelized edges and soft insides, you can enjoy these incredible air fryer Brussels sprouts as is or serve drizzled with sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.
Instant Pot Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
Save stovetop space and speed up prep with these Instant Pot favorites. These recipes cook in a fraction of the time and deliver tender, flavorful sides that taste like they’ve been simmering all day.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes come out fluffy and creamy with minimal effort – no stovetop required. In about 25 minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked potatoes ready to mash. Stir in roasted garlic, fresh herbs like rosemary or chives, or top with a pool of brown butter for that holiday wow factor.
Instant Pot Beets
Earthy, sweet, and perfectly tender with zero babysitting. You can also check out how to cook beets (steam, boil, and roast) and use leftovers to make this quick and flavorful roasted beet salad with goat cheese.
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Risotto
A delicious alternative to baked mac and cheese, this risotto is creamy, cozy, and so simple to make – no endless stirring required.
Fresh & Flavorful Thanksgiving Salads
Fresh and colorful salads bring balance to all the cozy Thanksgiving favorites. These recipes feature crisp greens, roasted veggies, and seasonal fruits for bright, refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with heavier dishes.
Looking for more amazing salads to make this season? Check out my collection of the 12+ Best Fall Salad Recipes.
Kale Salad with Apples
Add color to your Thanksgiving table with this fall-inspired kale salad with apples. The kale can be massaged up to two hours in advance, then topped with the apples, parmesan, and dried cranberries just before serving.
Farro Salad Recipe
Cook the farro and whisk together the tangy Dijon vinaigrette up to a few days in advance. Toss with crisp arugula, shaved parmesan, and sliced apples just before serving.
Brussels Sprout Salad
Another amazing fall salad filled with shaved Brussels sprouts, chopped kale, pomegranate arils, creamy avocado, and candied pecans in a light lemon shallot vinaigrette.
Butternut Squash Salad
Whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette, cook the quinoa, and roast the butternut squash up to two days ahead of time. The salad will take no time at all to assemble right before you eat.
Cozy Thanksgiving Soups
Soup is always part of my Thanksgiving menu. They’re easy to make ahead, refrigerate, and reheat, which saves valuable time (and kitchen space) on the big day. I simply prepare the recipe the day before, then reheat and keep it warm in a Crockpot.
Butternut Squash Soup
My all-time favorite soup filled with simple, wholesome ingredients like carrots, onions, apples, and loads of delicious butternut squash – no heavy cream required. Make this version on the stovetop or slow cooker, or try this Instant Pot butternut squash soup.
Potato Leek Soup
Made with a simple blend of leeks, potatoes, broth, and cream for a cozy and comforting addition to your Thanksgiving table.
Carrot Ginger Soup
Made with fresh ingredients like carrots, onion, potatoes, and ginger, this soup is bright, smooth, and bursting with warmth.
Tips to Keep Thanksgiving Sides Warm and Fresh
Keeping everything warm and fresh can be one of the biggest challenges on Thanksgiving Day. Here are my top tips to keep every dish at the perfect serving temperature without stress.
Use your appliances wisely: Keep mashed potatoes or casseroles warm in a slow cooker, Instant Pot, toaster oven, or warming drawer. These appliances are perfect for holding food until serving time and freeing up oven space for the turkey.
Transfer gravies and sauces to a thermos: It keeps them piping hot without taking up stove space.
Insulate covered dishes: Wrap foil-covered casseroles or pans in clean towels or an electric blanket to hold in heat while you finish cooking. Preheat serving dishes: Warm ceramic or glass dishes in the oven at 200°F for 10 minutes before plating to help food stay hot longer.
From crisp salads to creamy casseroles, these recipes are meant to make hosting easier and your meal more memorable. Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of flavor, laughter, and second helpings.
Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Instructions
- Choose a few sides that complement your main dish and offer a balance of flavor and texture.
- Prepare make-ahead recipes first, such as cranberry sauce, soup, or casseroles, and reheat before serving.
- Use your slow cooker, Instant Pot, or air fryer to keep food warm and free up oven space.
- Mix and match your favorites for a colorful, delicious Thanksgiving spread everyone will love.
Notes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
