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Top 15 Thanksgiving Side Dishes

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Today I’m sharing my Top 15 Thanksgiving Side Dishes. These are my go-to sides and here is a nice variety to choose from. From mashed potatoes to Brussels sprouts to salads, I’ve got tons of ideas for the biggest meal of the year!

A collage of four 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.

Here are the categories of food I prioritize for Thanksgiving dinner:


1) Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Topping

Special occasion dinners call for Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Topping! This slightly indulgent side dish is a family favorite, and goes great with turkey or any protein.

Closeup of sweet potato casserole with pecan crumble topping.

2) Holiday Mashed Potatoes

Holiday Mashed Potatoes are the perfect Holiday side dish. Ultra indulgent, sooo creamy, and delicious. Plan ahead and make it a day in advance. You’ll be happy you did!

Side view of a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes over a casserole dish.

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!

Overview of a plate of salad.

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!


A white plate of two large cauliflower steaks with cheese.

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!

A wooden bowl of the fall harvest salad with apple slices, bacon, candied walnuts, and goat cheese.

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!


Overhead shot of an Instant Pot full of garlic mashed potatoes.

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!

The bowl of spinach salad by ingredient with the jar of dressing.

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!

Overhead shot of a round bowl of rice dressing with mushrooms.

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!

Closeup on a plate of roasted asparagus.

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!

Overhead view of a skillet of green bean almandine with bacon.

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!

Side shot of two pieces of raspberry jello salad with pretzels.

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. 

The glazed veggies in a dish.

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!

A bowl of cinnamon applesauce, with a wooden spoon.

14) Best Creamy Corn Casserole

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.

Close up shot of a portion of a creamy corn casserole, with a scoop missing.

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!

A bowl of the quinoa salad with salad tongs.

Wishing you the happiest of times this Thanksgiving. Make it a day of family, fellowship, food, and many blessings. 😀

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