The Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes

By Sam MerrittUpdated Jan 14, 2025

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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 collection of pie recipes or Thanksgiving desserts!

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Add something green to the table with these crispy roasted brussels sprouts. Even kids like them!

Close-up shot of roasted brussels sprouts.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

These simple roasted brussels sprouts are perfectly caramelized and crispy. They are made with just 4 ingredients in only 35 minutes.

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS RECIPE

2. Baked Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is more of a southern Thanksgiving tradition, but let’s be real–we all love it!

Close-up of creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese in dish with serving spoon and crispy panko.

4.96 from 150 votes

(The Best!) Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Topped with a buttery panko topping and baked to cheesy perfection, this baked mac and cheese is a classic crowd-pleaser!

BAKED MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE

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.

5 from 2 votes

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

These simple roasted sweet potatoes can be easily customized with your favorite seasonings. Ready in 45 minutes!

ROASTED SWEET POTATO RECIPE

4. Cornbread

Cornbread is another southern Thanksgiving staple, but my version leans more towards northern tastes–it’s on the sweeter side (of course!).

stacked squares of buttermilk cornbread topped with honey and butter

4.96 from 85 votes

Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe

This 100% from-scratch buttermilk cornbread is just as quick and easy as a box mix, but so much better! It's incredibly moist and tender.

CORNBREAD RECIPE

5. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are one of the most beloved Thanksgiving sides! Feel free to keep yours basic, or add in some flavor enhancers (I include plenty of notes for jazzing things up in the recipe card). I also have a recipe for garlic mashed potatoes!

Bowl of mashed potatoes topped with a melting pat of butter.

5 from 13 votes

The BEST Mashed Potatoes Recipe (Creamy and Delicious!)

This mashed potatoes recipe strikes the perfect balance between fluffy and creamy. It's simple to make with just 5 ingredients!

MASHED POTATO RECIPE

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!

5 from 17 votes

Green Bean Casserole

Skip the condensed soup and make your own in this easy green bean casserole recipe! It's the best!

GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE RECIPE

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!

5 from 5 votes

Candied Yams

You will love how butter, brown sugar, and a dash of cinnamon complement the sweet potatoes in this candied yams recipe.

CANDIED YAMS RECIPE

8. Honey Wheat Rolls

These are always will a huge hit at Thanksgiving dinner!

5 from 3 votes

Honey Wheat Rolls

Slightly sweetened and so fluffy, these honey wheat rolls are a fun variation on classic dinner rolls. Easily doubles for a crowd!

HONEY WHEAT ROLLS RECIPE

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!

5 from 10 votes

Creamed Spinach

This easy creamed spinach can be made with either fresh or frozen spinach. It takes less than 30 minutes to make in one pot!

CREAMED SPINACH RECIPE

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!

4.99 from 303 votes

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Homemade cranberry sauce tastes SO much better than anything from a can. And it's so easy too–only 4 ingredients!

CRANBERRY SAUCE RECIPE

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.

5 from 11 votes

Make-Ahead Dinner Rolls

With their gorgeous golden brown exteriors and soft, fluffy interiors, these make ahead dinner rolls are bakery-worthy!

DINNER ROLL RECIPE

12. Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Plain brussels sprouts too boring for your Thanksgiving table? Spice things up with these maple bacon brussels sprouts!

5 from 3 votes

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

These maple bacon brussels sprouts are the most flavorful brussels sprouts you'll ever try! They take just 30 minutes to make.

MAPLE BACON BRUSSELS SPROUTS RECIPE

13. Risotto

A bit non-traditional but still so good, Risotto makes a for a sophisticated side dish for Thanksgiving.

5 from 7 votes

Risotto

So creamy and versatile, this risotto recipe elevates any dinner. My recipe is foolproof and finishes in less than 30 minutes!

RISOTTO RECIPE

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.

5 from 7 votes

Sweet Potato Casserole

This sweet potato casserole is like the version you grew up with, but better! It's made with cinnamon, brown sugar, and maple syrup.

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE RECIPE

15. Crescent Rolls

Forget the canned version, my homemade crescent rolls are surprisingly easy to make and taste so much better.

5 from 12 votes

Crescent Rolls

Homemade crescent rolls are just as cute and tasty as their store-bought counterparts. The best part? They can be made ahead!

CRESCENT ROLL RECIPE

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.

5 from 3 votes

Brussels Sprouts Salad

Made with apples, pomegranate, candied pecans, and of course, brussels spouts, this crunchy and fresh salad is perfect for fall!

BRUSSELS SPROUTS SALAD RECIPE

17. Stuffing Recipe

We simply can’t talk about Thanksgiving sides without mentioning stuffing! You’ll love my classic recipe.

Overhead view of a casserole dish of stuffing topped with a bundle of fresh herbs.

5 from 1 vote

Stuffing Recipe

This traditional recipe is a must-have on your Thanksgiving table! It pairs seasonal herbs with crisp-tender veggies and buttery bread cubes.

STUFFING RECIPE

18. Maple Glazed Carrots

A little sweet and a little savory, maple glazed carrots make a crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side dish.

4.94 from 15 votes

Maple Glazed Carrots

Maple glazed carrots come together in one pan on the stove or in the microwave. Feel free to use honey instead for honey glazed carrots!!

MAPLE GLAZED CARROTS RECIPE

19. Creamed Corn

Skip the cans and make this easy homemade version! It tastes SO much better.

No ratings yet

Creamed Corn

You can make super flavorful creamed corn at home with either fresh or frozen corn. My homemade version beats the canned variety every single time!

CREAMED CORN RECIPE

20. Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

One of my newest Thanksgiving side dishes! Extra bacon for me please 😋

5 from 2 votes

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Transform your favorite side dish into an easy to transport casserole! This is loaded with all the fix-ins: bacon, cheese, sour cream, and scallions.

LOADED MASHED POTATO CASSEROLE RECIPE

21. Sausage Stuffing

This is my family’s favorite recipe–we make it every year!

5 from 5 votes

Sausage Stuffing

This sausage stuffing is a hearty and simple side dish infused with fall spices and plenty of celery and onions.

SAUSAGE STUFFING RECIPE

22. Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

A fun twist on classic dinner rolls, sweet potato dinner rolls make an amazing Thanksgiving side dish.

5 from 5 votes

Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

Perfectly sweet and savory, these rolls are especially comforting with hearty meals or Thanksgiving dinner.

SWEET POTATO DINNER ROLLS RECIPE

Did I miss anything? Let me know your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes in the comments below!

Bonus: How to Use Up Thanksgiving Leftovers

Get creative with your leftovers this year! Leftover turkey sandwiches can only hold you over for so long, so here are some flavorful (but still easy to prepare!) recipes for Thanksgiving leftovers.

23. Leftover Turkey Chili

If you’re a fan of my award winning chili recipe, you must try this leftover turkey chili! It’s a bit different, but still SO good!

Bowl of turkey chili topped with sour cream, avocado, and shredded cheese.

Leftover Turkey Chili

This thick and hearty leftover turkey chili cooks in one pot and is ready in under an hour! It's perfect for using up leftover Thanksgiving turkey!

LEFTOVER TURKEY CHILI RECIPE

24. 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!