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    Home ยป Savory

    The Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes

    November 17, 2023 Updated January 14, 2025 BySam 2 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure policy.
    collage of thanksgiving side dishes

    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.

    collage of thanksgiving side dishes

    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!

    Baked macaroni and cheese in bowl
    Baked Mac and Cheese
    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.

    Roasted sweet potatoes
    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
    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!

    Oval shaped serving dish filled with mashed potatoes topped with melting butter.
    My Favorite Mashed Potato Recipe
    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!

    Serving spoon scooping green bean casserole out of a dish.
    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!

    Casserole dish of candied yams with a gold spoon scooping a serving.
    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!

    Overhead view of a pan of golden brown honey wheat rolls.
    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!

    wooden spoon stirring thick and creamy creamed spinach
    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!

    Cranberry sauce in bowl
    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.

    Melted butter being brushed onto make ahead dinner rolls.
    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!

    Close-up view of maple bacon brussels sprouts.
    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.

    Creamy risotto in a white bowl sprinkled with parsley
    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.

    Gold spoon scooping sweet potato casserole out of a white dish.
    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.

    Square dish lined with white towel and filled with crescent rolls
    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.

    Close-up shot of a shaved brussels sprouts salad topped with pomegranate arils.
    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.
    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.

    Close-up view of maple glazed carrots.
    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.

    Spoon scooping creamed corn out of a skillet.
    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 😋

    Dish of loaded mashed potato casserole with one serving missing.
    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!

    Close-up view of sausage stuffing in a casserole dish.
    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

    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.

    22. 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

    23. 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!

    Close-up view of a turkey pot pie with one slice missing.
    Turkey Pot Pie
    Turkey pot pie is such a fun and tasty way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey! My recipe comes together in one pan and is 100% from-scratch.
    TURKEY POT PIE RECIPE

    24. Mashed Potato Pancakes

    Mix together leftover mashed potatoes with just a few additional ingredients to transform them into these crispy and cheesy potato pancakes.

    Plate of mashed potato pancakes made with leftover mashed potatoes topped with sour cream and chives.
    Mashed Potato Pancakes (with leftover mashed potatoes)
    Transform your leftovers into a tasty side! These are great with any meal–even breakfast.
    MASHED POTATO PANCAKES RECIPE

    25. Turkey Chowder

    Flavored with veggies and a unique blend of spices, you will love this turkey chowder recipe!

    Close-up view of a bowl of turkey chowder topped with fresh thyme and black pepper.
    Turkey Chowder
    This hearty turkey chowder will have you feeling full and satisfied.
    TURKEY CHOWDER RECIPE

    I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving full of your favorite foods and loved ones 🧡

    More Thanksgiving Recipes

    • Whole apple pie cheesecake that's been cut into slices with one slice missing.
      Apple Pie Cheesecake
    • four pecan pies stacked on top of each other, with the top bar missing one bite
      Pecan Pie Bars
    • slice of homemade pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream on white plate
      Pumpkin Pie Recipe
    • Two halves of a pumpkin cheesecake cookie stacked on top of each other.
      Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
    « Make-Ahead Dinner Rolls
    Cranberry Orange Muffins »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Susan Booth

      November 19, 2023 at 12:13 am

      What about tunip or butternut squash? Thanksgiving was when I 1st had turnip, which I now love!
      Stuffing made outside the bird?

      Reply
      • Susan

        November 21, 2023 at 11:23 am

        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.

        Reply

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    The author (Sam) in blue shirt holding donut Hi, I'm Sam! I'm dedicated to bringing you sweet, simple, and from-scratch dessert recipes. My life may or may not be controlled by my sweet tooth. Send help (or chocolate). Read more about me.

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