15 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Today I’m sharing my 15 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes. From mashed potatoes to Brussels sprouts to salads, I’ve got tons of ideas for the biggest meal of the year!
Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Let’s make this Thanksgiving the tastiest EVER. I suggest getting your family to pitch in to make some side dishes for the best meal of the year.
Thanksgiving Categories:
MAIN DISH – Besides a spiral ham, we love making a Smoked Spatchcock Turkey. Other mains include Smoked Pork Butt Recipe or Smoked Spatchcock Chicken.
POTATOES – You must have both regular mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. Our favorites are listed below!
VEGGIES – We love a simple green bean dish or something with Brussels sprouts.
SALAD – Making a big salad is a priority for me. I think it’s important to balance out all the buttery, cheesy dishes. Three ideas below!
OTHER – For kids or picky eaters, I usually do Mac and Cheese. We also love corn casserole or something with butternut squash.
TRADITIONAL DISHES (that I don’t always make) – Mom’s stuffing, cranberries, and gravy.
BREAD – Make the bread ahead of time. My suggestions are 1) Chewy French Bread, 2) Homemade Brioche Rolls, 3) Mom’s Dinner Rolls, or 4) something sourdough. I also suggest making the best cornbread recipe or some buttermilk biscuits.
DESSERT – While I’m not a big pie person (on the blog), we enjoy French Silk Pie or my Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie. I also recommend a bundt cake, like Apple Pie Banana Bundt Cake or Pumpkin Streusel Cake. Also, you can NEVER go wrong with homemade ice cream of any kind.
Also, I’m sharing lots of pie recipes from my blogger friends in this post –> 19 Delicious Holiday Pie Recipes!
Looking for ways to use your Thanksgiving leftovers in all the delicious ways? Head to this roundup –> 9 Delicious Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers.
1) Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
Special occasion dinners call for Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans! This slightly indulgent side dish is a family favorite and goes great with turkey or any protein.
2) Holiday Mashed Potatoes
Holiday Mashed Potatoes are the perfect Holiday side dish. Ultra indulgent, sooo creamy, and delicious. I recommend planning ahead and make it a day in advance. You’ll be happy you did!
3) Candied Pecan Salad with Apples
Candied Pecan Salad with Apples is perfect for serving a big group of people. Baby spinach, red onion, feta cheese, Craisins, honey crisp apples, and candied pecans – topped with an apple cider vinaigrette! So good!
4) Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks
Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks use a steam and roast process that guarantees the most tender cauliflower steaks with crispy edges. Add a spice rub and a combo of parmesan and white cheddar cheese for the most delicious cauliflower topping!
5) Fall Harvest Salad
Fall Harvest Salad combines lettuce greens with bacon, candied walnuts, goat cheese, red onion, and honey crisp apple slices with a delicious balsamic dressing. The perfect fall salad with bursts of flavor in every single bite!
6) Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are simple, buttery, and a perfect holiday side dish. Using an instant pot to cook these frees up your oven for all the other sides!
7) Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing
Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is the perfect salad for entertaining or for any weeknight meal. Easy to prepare, hearty enough for the biggest appetite, and the tangy dressing adds an extra punch of flavor. I’ve been making this for several years and it never gets old!
8) Rice Dressing
Rice Dressing combines long-grain brown rice with sausage and mushrooms and is super tasty. This healthier dressing makes a perfect side dish for your holiday table but also makes a nice weeknight meal!
9) Roasted Asparagus with Prosciutto and Parmesan
Roasted Asparagus with Prosciutto and Parmesan is a go-to side dish in my kitchen. Adding some salty prosciutto and parmesan makes this vegetable dish extra tasty, and your family will be asking for seconds!
10) Green Bean Almondine with Bacon
Green Bean Almondine with Bacon elevates fresh green beans with the addition of crunchy almonds and crispy bacon. A simple side dish that is both elegant and delicious!
11) Raspberry Pretzel Salad
Raspberry Pretzel Salad is a long-time family favorite, combining a pretzel crust with cream cheese and jello layers. This universal recipe is the perfect addition to any meal, as a side or dessert!
12) Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes are perfect for both entertaining or for any weeknight dinner. This colorful side dish combines roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes, crispy bacon, and a delicious Balsamic drizzle.
13) Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce
Fall is the perfect season for Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce. My simple recipe combines apples, some fresh lemon juice, a bit of sugar, and cinnamon. We love this applesauce warm, but it’s great cold out of the refrigerator too!
14) Creamy Corn Casserole
Creamy Corn Casserole is an old family recipe consisting of just six ingredients. Simple and indulgent, this one is usually on a special occasion menu at our home.
15) Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad combines roasted butternut squash, tri-color quinoa, green onions, shaved almonds, Craisins, and a simple Honey Dijon Dressing. This is a healthy fall recipe that can be served warm or cold, and makes a perfect special occasion side dish!
Wishing you the happiest of times this Thanksgiving. Make it a day of family, fellowship, food, and many blessings. 😀