15 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table with comforting flavors and family favorites. These thanksgiving side dishes bring warmth, texture, and delicious variety to your holiday meal.

From creamy classics to fresh seasonal creations, these recipes are simple to prepare and perfect for sharing. Each dish adds something special to your Thanksgiving spread.

1. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a must have for any holiday table. Soft potatoes blended with roasted garlic, butter, and cream create a smooth side dish everyone enjoys.

How to serve

• Add fresh herbs on top for extra flavor.
• Pair with turkey and gravy for a classic combination.

Tip: Warm the cream and butter before mixing to keep the potatoes fluffy.

Make these a day ahead to free up stove space on the big day. Spread the finished potatoes in a buttered baking dish, cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, stirring in a splash of warm cream halfway through. For a twist, fold in roasted garlic confit or a handful of grated parmesan and chives just before serving.

2. Classic Herb Stuffing

Classic herb stuffing combines bread cubes, onions, celery, and fragrant herbs for a traditional Thanksgiving favorite. It has a crispy top and a soft, flavorful center.

Make it special: Use sage, thyme, and rosemary to create a rich holiday aroma.

Tip: Prepare the bread cubes a day early so they absorb the flavors better.

Planning the full menu? See our holiday dinner recipes.

For deeper flavor, brown the sausage or mushrooms before folding them into the bread cubes. If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth for a rich mushroom stock and add an extra egg for binding. Assemble the whole dish the night before and refrigerate, then bake straight from cold, adding 10 extra minutes. A final drizzle of warm broth before serving keeps every scoop moist.

3. Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a creamy and crunchy side dish that has earned its place at Thanksgiving dinners. Tender green beans are mixed with a savory sauce and topped with crispy onions.

Serving idea: Serve it warm in a baking dish straight from the oven.

Tip: Add fresh mushrooms for a homemade flavor boost instead of using only canned ingredients.

Skip the canned soup and make a quick mushroom cream sauce instead. Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms in butter until deeply browned, stir in flour, then whisk in milk and a splash of cream. Season with soy sauce for umami and black pepper. This from-scratch base takes 10 extra minutes and tastes noticeably fresher. Top with fried shallots instead of canned onions for extra crunch.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole balances sweet and savory flavors with creamy sweet potatoes and a delicious topping. Many families enjoy adding pecans or marshmallows for extra texture.

Simple topping options: Brown sugar and pecans, or toasted marshmallows.

Tip: Roast the sweet potatoes first for a deeper flavor.

Craving something sweet? Browse our sweet holiday recipes.

Balance the sweetness by serving this alongside salty ham or bacon-topped green beans. If marshmallows feel too sweet, try a streusel of brown sugar, butter, flour, and chopped pecans instead. The contrast of the crunchy topping against the silky potatoes is what makes the dish memorable. Leftovers reheat beautifully and make an excellent next-day breakfast with a fried egg.

5. Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Homemade cranberry sauce adds a bright and sweet contrast to rich Thanksgiving foods. Fresh cranberries cooked with sugar and citrus create a simple sauce full of flavor.

Quick preparation

Simmer cranberries with orange juice, sugar, and a little cinnamon until they soften.

Tip: Make it ahead and chill overnight for better taste.

Stir in a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger or a minced jalapeño for a grown-up kick. Whole-berry sauce also freezes perfectly for up to 3 months, so double the batch and save half for Christmas. Beyond turkey, spoon leftovers over cream cheese with crackers for an instant appetizer, or swirl them into plain yogurt for breakfast.

6. Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey glazed carrots are an easy side dish with natural sweetness and a beautiful finish. The carrots become tender while the honey glaze adds a smooth coating.

Cooking method: Roast or simmer carrots until soft, then finish with butter and honey before serving.

Tip: Use fresh carrots of similar size so they cook evenly.

More veggie sides? See our vegetable side dishes.

Roast at 425°F instead of simmering for deeper caramelization and better texture. Toss the carrots in olive oil and salt first, roast 20 minutes, then add the honey and butter for the final 10 minutes so the glaze does not burn. A sprinkle of fresh thyme and flaky sea salt at the end balances the sweetness beautifully.

7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon turn a simple vegetable into a flavorful holiday side. The crispy edges, smoky bacon, and roasted flavor make this dish popular with guests.

Flavor additions: Add garlic, black pepper, or a small drizzle of maple syrup.

Tip: Spread Brussels sprouts in one layer on the baking sheet for better browning.

Halve the sprouts through the core so the leaves stay attached during roasting. For a vegetarian version, swap the bacon for smoked paprika and a drizzle of maple syrup, which mimics that sweet-smoky balance. These also reheat well in a hot oven, so you can roast them in the morning and crisp them again for 5 minutes before dinner.

8. Buttery Dinner Rolls

Buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up gravy and adding comfort to the meal. Soft homemade rolls with a golden top make the table feel complete.

Serving suggestion: Brush warm rolls with melted butter before bringing them to the table.

Tip: Keep baked rolls covered with a clean towel to maintain softness.

Love fresh bread? Try our homemade bread recipes.

Bake a double batch and freeze half. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature, then warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to refresh the crust. For extra-soft rolls, try the tangzhong method: cook a small portion of the flour and milk into a paste before mixing the dough, which keeps rolls tender for days.

9. Southern Cornbread Dressing

Southern cornbread dressing offers a rich and comforting taste with crumbled cornbread, vegetables, and classic seasonings. It is a favorite addition in many holiday meals.

Key ingredients

• Cornbread crumbs
• Onion and celery
• Chicken broth and herbs

Tip: Let the mixture rest before baking so the flavors combine well.

Stir in cooked andouille sausage or diced smoked turkey for a heartier version with real depth. The dressing pairs perfectly with giblet gravy, so make extra and serve it on the side rather than just on top. If you like crispy edges, bake it in a cast iron skillet instead of a casserole dish for maximum golden crust.

10. Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked mac and cheese brings creamy cheese flavor with a golden baked topping. It is a comforting side that works well for both kids and adults.

Recipe idea: Mix cooked pasta with a cheese sauce, then bake until the top becomes lightly crisp.

Tip: Combine different cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for extra creaminess.

Comfort food fan? Browse our comfort food dinners.

For the silkiest sauce, use evaporated milk instead of regular milk and add the cheese off the heat. Stir in a teaspoon of mustard powder and a dash of hot sauce to sharpen the cheddar flavor without making it spicy. Assemble the whole dish a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake 15 minutes longer. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking so it stays crisp.

11. Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf

Wild rice and mushroom pilaf adds a hearty grain option to the Thanksgiving table. Earthy mushrooms, herbs, and cooked rice create a satisfying side dish.

Perfect pairing: This dish works especially well with roasted turkey and vegetable sides.

Tip: Toast the rice slightly before cooking to improve its nutty flavor.

Fold in toasted pecans and dried cranberries just before serving for crunch and a pop of sweetness. Cook the rice in half chicken broth and half water for deeper flavor without extra cost. This pilaf is also excellent at room temperature, making it ideal for a buffet table where dishes sit out. A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the earthy mushrooms.

12. Roasted Butternut Squash

Roasted butternut squash brings a naturally sweet flavor and a soft texture to the holiday menu. Simple seasonings allow the squash to shine.

Seasoning choices: Cinnamon and maple syrup for sweetness, or rosemary and garlic for a savory style.

Tip: Cut squash pieces evenly so they roast at the same rate.

More roasted veggies? See our roasted vegetable recipes.

Cut the cubes at least 1 inch thick so the centers stay creamy while the edges caramelize. Toss with a little maple syrup only in the last 10 minutes to prevent burning. For a savory twist, finish with crumbled feta, pomegranate seeds, and toasted pepitas instead of sweet seasonings. The color contrast makes it as pretty as it is tasty.

13. Creamed Corn

Creamed corn is a smooth and comforting side dish made with sweet corn, butter, and creamy ingredients. It adds a warm and familiar flavor to Thanksgiving meals.

Serving idea: Top with fresh herbs or a little black pepper before serving.

Tip: Use fresh or frozen corn for a better texture than canned options.

For a smoky version, char the corn in a dry cast iron skillet before creaming, and stir in diced roasted poblanos. A pinch of smoked paprika and a squeeze of lime at the end keep the rich sauce from feeling heavy. If the sauce gets too thick, thin it with a splash of the corn cooking liquid rather than more cream.

14. Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes feature thin potato slices baked in a rich, creamy sauce. The layers become tender while the top develops a delicious golden finish.

Preparation steps: Slice potatoes evenly, layer with sauce, and bake until tender.

Tip: Choose firm potatoes so the slices hold their shape during baking.

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Use a mandoline to slice the potatoes 1/8 inch thick for even cooking and elegant layers. Assemble the entire dish a day ahead, press plastic wrap directly on the surface, and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 15 minutes. Letting it rest 15 minutes after baking (not just 10) gives the creamiest, cleanest slices.

15. Apple Walnut Salad

Apple walnut salad adds a fresh and crunchy element to a traditional Thanksgiving menu. Crisp apples, walnuts, greens, and a light dressing create a refreshing balance.

Serving options: Add dried cranberries or cheese for extra flavor and texture.

Tip: Toss apples with lemon juice to prevent browning before serving.

Add crumbled blue cheese and a maple-Dijon vinaigrette to turn this side into a standout course. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for 3 minutes to deepen their flavor, and slice the apples at the last moment for maximum crunch. For a heartier version, add shredded rotisserie chicken and call it lunch the next day.

Final Thought

The right thanksgiving side dishes can turn a simple holiday meal into a memorable gathering. Whether you prefer creamy classics, roasted vegetables, or fresh salads, these recipes offer something delicious for every guest.