Turkey may take center stage, but it’s the side dishes that truly make Thanksgiving memorable. From creamy mashed potatoes to tangy cranberry sauce, these recipes bring color, comfort, and variety to your holiday table. Side dishes are where tradition meets creativity, giving you the chance to serve classics everyone loves while adding a few unique twists that spark conversation.
In this guide, you’ll find the best Thanksgiving side dishes from make-ahead casseroles and roasted vegetables to fresh salads and homemade bread. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or hosting an intimate dinner, these sides will round out your feast and make every plate unforgettable.
Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Try This Year
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
These whipped mashed potatoes are holiday perfection: creamy, buttery, and beautifully simple. With just four core ingredients (russet potatoes, hot milk, plenty of butter, and salt), this recipe delivers a velvety texture that guests will swoon over. The trick lies in incorporating soft butter and hot milk gradually so the spuds stay fluffy, never gluey.
Whether drizzled with gravy or butter, they shine next to your turkey. Bonus: make-ahead friendly (just rewarm gently), so you can enjoy more time with family. Full-flavored, comforting a must-have Thanksgiving side.
2. Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows
This sweet potato casserole is a beloved family classic with all the right balance of sweet, buttery, and crunchy. Mashed sweet potatoes are flavored with brown sugar, butter, a hint of vanilla, and cinnamon, then topped with toasty pecans and pillow-soft marshmallows that turn golden in the oven. It feels like dessert, but plays perfectly as a side.
It’s also great for making ahead and assembling in advance, refrigerating, and baking just before dinner so the marshmallows go light-gold and gooey. A festive, nostalgic side that always gets devoured.
3. Roasted baby potatoes.
Crispy oven-roasted baby potatoes are a great side when you want something simple, rustic, and satisfying. Tiny potatoes, halved, are seasoned with garlic powder, Italian herbs, and olive oil, then arranged cut-side down for maximum crispiness. A touch of grated Parmesan (or Pecorino) adds savory depth, while keeping the inside tender and fluffy.
They roast to golden perfection and pair beautifully with rich mains and heavy gravies without overwhelming the palate. Easy to prep ahead and roast fresh just before serving. A humble star that balances indulgent Thanksgiving spreads.
4. Traditional bread stuffing with sage and celery.
This easy stuffing recipe hits the comfort food sweet spot: soft on the inside, slightly crisp on top, and full of classic flavors. With bread cubes, butter, onions, celery, herbs, and broth, it’s traditional without being fussy. It fills the air with familiar, welcome aromas and offers that satisfying texture contrast.
Great for busy cooks: you can prep many parts in advance, then bake when you’re ready. It’s reliable, crowd-pleasing, and works as a delicious complement to turkey, gravy, and everything else on the table.
5. Cornbread stuffing with sausage.
This cornbread and sausage stuffing brings Southern charm to Thanksgiving with rich sausage, golden homemade cornbread, and fragrant herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary. The cornbread is made from scratch, so it’s just dry enough to absorb all the savory juices, while the sausage and aromatics deepen the flavor.
The top bakes to a crisp golden crust, while the interior stays moist, slightly custardy, and deeply satisfying. Though it takes a little more effort, many components can be done ahead, and the payoff is huge, hearty, crowd-pleasing, and memorable.
6. Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze.
These roasted Brussels sprouts balance sweet, savory, and tart in every bite. Tossed in a maple-balsamic reduction, finished with crisp-fried bacon bits and dried or fresh cranberries, they deliver texture and seasonal flair. The sprouts roast to caramelized crispness at the edges, tender inside, while the bacon adds smoky crunch, and cranberries bring vibrant pops of color and tang.
Perfect for guests who want something hearty yet vegetable-centric. You can prep and par-cook the sprouts ahead, then finish them in the oven just before serving. A standout side dish with wow-factor.
7. Honey-glazed carrots.
These honey-roasted carrots are a simple, elegant side that brightens the Thanksgiving spread. Carrots are tossed with honey and probably a bit of butter or oil, seasoned with salt and maybe herbs, then roasted till caramelized and tender. Their natural sweetness is enhanced by roasting, giving them golden edges and soft interiors.
They offer a lighter, sweet contrast to richer sides like stuffing or potatoes, and their vibrant orange color adds visual warmth to your platter. Easy to make in one pan, and makeshift adjustments (maple, thyme, or a sprinkle of orange zest) make them versatile.
8. Green bean casserole
No Thanksgiving table feels complete without the comfort of a classic green bean casserole. Fresh or canned green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, perhaps topped with crispy fried onions, baked till bubbly and golden. It’s nostalgic, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly satisfying. This version is likely made easier, with tips for better texture and flavor, so it doesn’t become soggy.
Works well as a make-ahead (assemble early, bake just before serving). Perfect to round out your heavy mains with a creamy, veggie-rich side that everyone expects and loves.
9. Roasted butternut squash with herbs
Roasted butternut squash is seasonal, sweet, and cozy. Cubed or sliced, tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper, maybe a hint of spice or fresh herbs (thyme, sage, rosemary), then roasted until the edges caramelize and the interior becomes melt-in-your-mouth. The natural sugars in the squash deepen with roasting, delivering rich, golden color and comforting sweetness.
It’s a great vegetarian side or a contrast to rich gravies and stuffing. Can be prepped ahead (peel, cube), then roasted when the oven is freed up. Lovely for color, texture, and seasonal essence.
10. Cheesy scalloped potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are indulgent, creamy, and deeply satisfying, a perfect side for one of your Thanksgiving star dishes. Thinly sliced potatoes layered with cream (or milk), maybe with cheese, garlic, and onion, baked until tender and bubbling, golden at the top.
Every layer absorbs flavor, so the result is rich and comforting rather than heavy or bland. It’s ideal when you want something that feels luxurious. Though a bit more work to assemble, the payoff is impressive. Scalloped potatoes are the kind of side that guests will remember.
11. Broccoli rice casserole
This cheesy broccoli rice casserole is comfort in a dish and perfect for rounding out the Thanksgiving spread. Tender broccoli florets and onions are mixed with creamy cheese sauce and rice, then baked under a topping of extra cheese and crunchy crushed potato chips for texture contrast. It offers veggie, starch, and rich flavor in one casserole, making it ideal when oven space is tight. Bonus: it can be prepped ahead; everything except the topping of potato chips can be assembled earlier, refrigerated, then baked just before serving. A family-friendly, crowd-pleasing side.
12. Squash gratin
This butternut squash gratin is an elegant twist on the classic scalloped potato casserole, swapping potatoes for sweet winter squash. Layers of thinly sliced squash meet sautéed onions and garlic, then are smothered in heavy cream, cheese (like Comté), and topped with golden breadcrumbs.
The result is creamy, slightly sweet, deeply satisfying, with a crunchy, bubbling crust. While rich, it sneaks in vegetable goodness, making it feel both indulgent and seasonal. It’s beautifully presentable, and leftovers reheat well, making it a smart and pretty choice for Thanksgiving.
13. Classic cranberry sauce
Cranberry sauce is the tart, sweet note that brightens every Thanksgiving plate, and this classic version delivers. Fresh cranberries simmer with sugar (plus optional citrus or spices), transforming from firm berries to a glossy, jam-like relish that’s perfect chilled or at room temperature.
Its sharp flavor cuts through richer dishes like gravy, stuffing, and turkey, offering relief and balance. It’s easy to make ahead and store in the fridge, freeing up your holiday timeline. A simple staple, but one that guests often look forward to the most.
14. Orange-cranberry relish
This old-fashioned cranberry orange apple relish is a fresh, bright twist on the traditional cranberry sauce. It combines tart fresh cranberries with sweet orange (including peel), crisp Granny Smith apple, sugar, and a touch of warm cinnamon. Everything gets pulsed in a food processor until finely chopped, then chilled so the flavors meld together.
No cooking required, which makes this relish great to prep ahead. Its balance of sweet, citrus, and tart pairs beautifully with roast turkey or ham, and it’s also lovely spread over cream cheese or served on crackers for a festive appetizer.
15. Homemade turkey gravy
This turkey gravy recipe brings rich, homemade flavor to your Thanksgiving spread using those golden drippings straight from your roast. Whether you include giblets or skip them, the method builds depth with a roux of flour and fat, then finishes with stock and seasoning for silky smooth consistency. It’s perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or turkey slices.
Everything tastes better with that luscious brown sauce. Best part: you can make it ahead, store it for a couple of days, and gently reheat, adding broth to adjust thickness. This gravy pulls all your sides and mains together with classic comfort.
16. Harvest salad with apples, walnuts, or goat cheese
This Fall Harvest Salad brings a festive, fresh contrast to the Thanksgiving table with its mix of kale, crisp apples, dried figs, pomegranate arils, goat cheese, and toasted pecans. The homemade harvest dressing, a blend of balsamic, maple syrup, lemon juice, and olive oil, ties it all together with sweet, tangy balance.
It comes together in about 20 minutes and is great make-ahead: you can prep the dressing ahead, toss the kale early, then add fruits, cheese, and nuts just before serving so everything stays crisp and vibrant. A beautiful, lighter option amid richer sides.
17. Kale salad with roasted squash
This salad is a beautiful, flavor-forward way to lighten up the Thanksgiving spread. Roasted butternut squash becomes smoky and tender, balanced by hearty kale that’s massaged with olive oil to remove bitterness. Tangy goat cheese brings creaminess, pepitas add crunch, and the apricot vinaigrette (yes, made with jam!) adds a sweet-tart depth that ties everything together.
Ideal for guests looking for vegetable sides that don’t feel like afterthoughts. It holds up well, so it can be made ahead and served at room temperature.
A fresh, satisfying contrast to richer, heavier sides.
18. Coleslaw with cranberries
This cranberry coleslaw brings festive color, crunch, and sweet-tart brightness to the table. A mix of coleslaw (cabbage and carrots), green onions, dried cranberries, and roasted sunflower kernels comes together under a creamy, tangy red wine vinegar dressing.
It takes just minutes to toss together, and the flavor improves if made a couple of hours ahead, letting the dressing meld flavors, though the crunch is best just before serving. Especially good if you’re craving something fresh amidst all the oven heat and heavy dishes.
19. Soft dinner rolls
These homemade dinner rolls are pillow-soft, buttery, and comforting, essential for soaking up gravy and rounding out the feast. The recipe uses just 7 ingredients, including whole milk, eggs, and butter, to achieve that rich, tender crumb. Even if you’re new to bread making, the instructions are accessible, with tips for shaping, rising, and baking.
Plus, there are make-ahead or overnight options so you can bake fresh rolls on Thanksgiving Day without the stress. Serve warm with butter, and guests will thank you.
20. Cornbread muffins
These cornbread muffins deliver the sweet, golden crumb and comforting corny flavor that works beautifully alongside turkey, beans or saucy sides. With a texture that’s moist yet with crisp top, they bring warmth and rustic charm. Muffins are great for portion control and plating—and they bake quickly in individual portions, freeing up oven time.
They offer that classic “bread on the side” feel but with a homey twist, perfect if you want something more special than store-bought bread. Serve warm, maybe with honey butter or maple butter, to elevate the experience.
21. Herbed focaccia
This easy focaccia recipe offers golden-crusted edges, a soft, airy interior, and fragrant herbs that make it a standout bread side for Thanksgiving. Olive oil infused with garlic, rosemary, and thyme adds flavor both in the dough and when brushed on top before baking, delivering that irresistible aroma.
The dough is forgiving (a little sticky is good), and the kneading effort is minimal, making it approachable even for home bakers. Focaccia is great for sopping up gravy or serving alongside turkey, sides, or soup. Because it’s slightly elevated with herbs, it feels special without overly complicating your bread offering.
22. Mac and cheese
This roasted broccoli macaroni & cheese takes the comfort of cheesy pasta to the next level by adding crisp-roasted broccoli for texture and flavor. Sharp cheddar melts into a rich cream and milk sauce. Then the pasta, broccoli, and cheese bake together under a golden breadcrumb topping that adds crunch.
It’s hearty, veggie-enhanced, and perfect as a side dish that doesn’t feel like filler.
At about 40 minutes total, it’s reasonable for holiday prep, and you can cook the broccoli and prep the sauce ahead, assemble, and bake just before dinner. A tasty, crowd-pleasing dish that balances indulgence and vegetables.
23. Honey butter cornbread
This honey butter cornbread is sweet, buttery, and irresistibly soft, a must for rounding out your Thanksgiving spread. Made with a blend of yellow cornmeal, flour, creamed corn, and kitchen staples like eggs and milk, it bakes in about 30–35 minutes. The secret? A brush of honey-butter over the top mid-bake that keeps every bite moist and indulgent.
It’s beginner-friendly but still delivers southern comfort. Great hot out of the oven, but also forgiving enough to make ahead and rewarm. Perfect for serving alongside turkey, gravy, or beans.
24. Mashed sweet potatoes
These mashed sweet potatoes celebrate the natural sweetness of the tuber with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. Whole sweet potatoes are slow-roasted (wrapped in foil) to deepen flavor and then caramelized by roasting unwrapped. The mash is enriched with browned butter, a touch of maple syrup, fresh thyme, and just enough salt; no heavy sugar or marshmallow topping is needed.
The result is velvety, rich, and fragrant, letting the sweet potatoes shine. Make-ahead friendly (store cold, reheat gently), this dish adds both elegance and comfort to your Thanksgiving table.
FAQs About Thanksgiving Side Dishes
1. How many side dishes should I serve for Thanksgiving?
Plan for 4 to 6 sides for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. A mix of potatoes, a casserole, vegetables, bread, and cranberry sauce usually covers all the bases. For larger gatherings, add an extra vegetable or salad to balance the table.
2. What side dishes can I make ahead of time?
Casseroles, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and most vegetable dishes can be made or prepped the day before. Reheat before serving or assemble the night before to save precious oven space on Thanksgiving Day.
3. What are the best vegetarian Thanksgiving side dishes?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean almondine, and fresh harvest salads are all vegetarian-friendly. Many classic side dishes can be easily adapted to suit plant-based diets.
4. How do I keep side dishes warm until serving?
Use warming trays, slow cookers, or insulated casserole carriers to keep food warm. You can also cover dishes tightly with foil and keep them in a low oven (around 200°F) until it’s time to serve.
5. Can I scale recipes for a small or large crowd?
Yes! Most side dishes are flexible. Halve recipes for intimate dinners or double them for bigger gatherings. Just be mindful of oven space and stagger cooking times if you’re making multiple dishes.