15 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes

BySue Ringsdorf Posted on Updated on

Today I’m sharing my top 15 Thanksgiving side dishes. Whether you’re craving creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh fall salad, you’ll find plenty of ideas here to help you plan a delicious feast!

A roundup of side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner.

Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Let’s make this Thanksgiving the tastiest one yet. Invite the family to jump in with their favorite side dishes and turn the feast into a full‑on holiday celebration.

We usually prep a few of the side dishes ahead of time and stash them in the fridge or freezer. It makes Thanksgiving day feel so much calmer and way less chaotic.

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Thanksgiving Categories:

MAIN DISH – We always make our favorite Smoked Spatchcock Turkey – a family favorite! Other delicious mains include Bone In Ham, Smoked Pork Butt Recipe, or Stuffed Pork Tenderloin.

POTATOES – I recommend serving both regular mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes. Our favorites are Holiday Mashed Potatoes and Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel.

VEGGIES – We love our Fresh Green Bean Casserole and Brussels Sprouts with Cheese Sauce – total Thanksgiving classics. You could also mix things up with Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes for a little extra fall flair.

SALAD – Making a big salad is always a priority for me – it’s the perfect way to balance out all the buttery, cheesy dishes on the table. Our Harvest Apple Salad or Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing both bring such a fresh, festive pop to the spread.

OTHER – For the little ones (and the picky grown‑ups), Mac and Cheese is my go-to. Corn casserole is another favorite, and our Maple Roasted Butternut Squash adds that perfect touch of sweet, cozy fall goodness.

TRADITIONAL DISHES (that I don’t always make) – Mom’s stuffing, cranberries, and gravy.

BREAD – I always recommend that you make the bread ahead of time and freeze it –
it’s such a sanity saver during Thanksgiving week. My favorite picks are Chewy French Bread, Homemade Brioche Rolls, Mom’s Dinner Rolls, or anything sourdough. And don’t forget a batch of  the best cornbread recipe or some buttermilk biscuits to round things out..

DESSERT – I may not be a huge pie person, but French Silk Pie and my Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie always make an appearance. A festive bundt cake is another great option – Apple Banana Bundt Cake or Pumpkin Streusel Cake both feel so right for fall. And of course, homemade ice cream is always a win.

Also, I’m sharing lots of pie recipes from my blogger friends in this post –> 19 Delicious Holiday Pie Recipes!

Head to see all of our side dishes and tell me what you tried!

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A spoon liftine tup some sweet potato casserole.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
Special occasion dinners call for Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel! This slightly indulgent side dish is a family favorite and goes great with turkey or any protein.
Check out this recipe
Side view of a spoonful of creamy holiday mashed potatoes,
Holiday Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Make-Ahead Holiday Mashed Potatoes combine russet potatoes with butter, cream cheese, half and half, and seasonings. These creamy potatoes are easy to make ahead of time and are a perfect holiday side dish!
Check out this recipe
A plate of candied pecan salad.
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!
Check out this recipe
A plate of two cheesy cauliflower steaks.
Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks
Cheesy Cauliflower Steaks use a steam and roast process that guarantees the most tender cauliflower steaks. Add a spice rub and a combo of parmesan and white cheddar cheese for the most delicious cauliflower topping!
Check out this recipe
Side view of a wooden bowl with the Fall Harvest Salad.
Harvest Apple Salad
Harvest Apple 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!
Check out this recipe
An instant pot full of garlic mashed potatoes.
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!
Check out this recipe
A bowl of spinach salad with eggs, bacon, mushrooms and red onion.
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!
Check out this recipe
A large bowl of rice dressing with mushrooms and sausage.
Rice Dressing
Rice Dressing combines long-grain brown rice with sausage and mushrooms and is super tasty. This healthier side dish is a delicious holiday staple but also makes a nice weeknight meal!
Check out this recipe
A plate with roasted asparagus with parmesan and prosciutto.
Roasted Asparagus with Prosciutto and Parmesan
Roasted Asparagus is a go-to side dish in my kitchen. Adding some prosciutto and parmesan makes it extra tasty, and your family will be asking for seconds!
Check out this recipe
A skillet of green bean almandine with bacon.
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!
Check out this recipe
Side view of a slice of raspberry pretzel salad.
Raspberry Pretzel Salad Recipe
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!
Check out this recipe
A bowl of balsamic glazed brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes.
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. 
Check out this recipe
A closeup on a bowl of chunky applesauce.
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!
Check out this recipe
A creamy corn casserole with a wooden spoon scooping.
Best Creamy Corn Casserole Recipe
Best 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.
Check out this recipe
A closeup on butternut squash quinoa salad with craisins.
Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad combines roasted butternut squash, quinoa, green onions, shaved almonds, Craisins, and a simple Honey Dijon Dressing. This healthy fall recipe can be served warm or cold, and makes a perfect special occasion side dish!
Check out this recipe

Looking for ways to use your Thanksgiving leftovers in all the delicious ways? Head to this roundup –> 9 Delicious Ways to Use Thanksgiving Leftovers.

Wishing you the happiest moments this Thanksgiving. May your day be filled with family, fellowship, good food, and all the blessings that make this season feel so special. 😀

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