35 Side Dishes for Thanksgiving

This holiday, elevate your feast with a show-stopping spread of sides. From timeless classics to modern twists, we’ve rounded up 35 unforgettable Side Dishes for Thanksgiving that might just steal the show from the turkey!

Why serve sides dishes at Thanksgiving? Because they add a variety, elevate the flavor to a traditional roasted turkey meal, making the whole experience more satisfying for the guests! Sides are often more popular than the main turkey, as they provide a range of textures and tastes, from comforting classics like mashed potatoes and stuffing to lighter options like salads and roasted vegetables. They also ensure there are options for guests with different dietary needs and can be prepared ahead of time to reduce stress on the main day.

35 Sides for Thanksgiving

Get ready to explore a sensational collection of side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner or lunch. Whether you’re in the mood for classic sweet potato casserole or a light and refreshing salad, there’s a perfect side dish here for every palate! 

Vidalia Onion Casserole

Sweet, jammy Vidalia onions are baked in a rich, cheesy custard for ultimate comfort. A buttery, seasoned breadcrumb base adds the perfect crunch to this surprisingly easy Southern classic. Bake it ahead to free up oven space when preparing your holiday main meal!

Find the full Vidalia Onion Casserole recipe here. 

Southern Spoon Bread

This side dish is another Southern classic – a creamy, custard-like cross between cornbread and a soufflé. Its delicate, spoonable texture is perfect for soaking up gravy and complements any holiday roast.

Find the full Southern Spoon Bread here.

Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts

Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts get a kick from a drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey. Topped with tangy feta and juicy pomegranate seeds, this side is a vibrant explosion of flavor and texture.

Learn to make Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts here. 

Old Fashioned Green Beans with Bacon

Tender green beans are simmered with savory bacon, onion, and shallot for a timeless Thanksgiving side dish. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that everyone, from kids to adults, will love.

Find the full Old Fashioned Green Beans with Bacon recipe here. 

Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes get a seasonal twist with a swirl of sweet canned pumpkin and warm spices. This gourmet, easy-to-make side adds a beautiful pop of color to your Thanksgiving plate.

Find these Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes here.

Green Beans Au Gratin

Transform green beans into a decadent treat with this creamy, cheesy au gratin recipe. A crispy, golden-brown topping provides a delightful contrast to the tender beans underneath.

Find the full Green Beans Au Gratin recipe here. 

Easy Cornbread Stuffing

This Easy Cornbread Stuffing Recipe combines the sweet and savory charm of cornbread with juicy, seasoned sausage, a medley of aromatic vegetables, and a rich broth that ties everything together. It’s the perfect savory side for your holiday turkey or a roasted chicken.

Find the full Easy Cornbread Stuffing recipe here. 

Marry Me Broccoli

Marry Me Broccoli features tender, browned broccoli smothered in a luxuriously creamy and savory sauce. With tangy sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of garlic, it’s an irresistibly flavorful side dish that you’ll want to add with every main meal.

See the Marry Me Broccoli recipe here. 

Sweet Potato Buttermilk Biscuits

These unbelievably soft, fluffy biscuits are infused with sweet potato, brown sugar, and warm spices. Made with tangy buttermilk, they’re a delightful addition to any holiday meal.

Find the full Sweet Potato Buttermilk Biscuits recipe here.

Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta

Sweet, roasted carrots are served atop a cloud of tangy, whipped feta dip. The combination of caramelized vegetables and creamy cheese is simply unforgettable. 

Find the full Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta recipe here.

Arugula Pear Salad

Peppery arugula, sweet pears, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy pecans create a perfectly balanced salad. A light vinaigrette ties it all together for a refreshing holiday side, especially when paired with a rich main meal.

Find the full Arugula Pear Salad recipe here.

Creamed Kale with Walnut Panko Topping

Tuscan kale is smothered in a rich, creamy sauce brightened with lemon and chiles. A crunchy walnut and panko topping adds the perfect finishing texture to this Thanksgiving side dish.

Find the full Creamed Kale with Walnut Panko Topping recipe here.

Vegetarian Miso Mushroom Stuffing

Umami-rich miso and meaty mushrooms give this vegetarian stuffing a deeply savory flavor. It’s so delicious and satisfying, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Find the full Vegetarian Miso Mushroom Stuffing recipe here.

Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe

Roasted delicata squash is a simple, healthy side – and you don’t even have to peel it! The edible skin becomes tender and delicious, especially when paired with a sweet and spicy yogurt.

Find the full Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe here.

Cauliflower Gratin With Bacon

Tender cauliflower is baked in a rich, cheesy sauce and topped with crispy bacon. This decadent, crowd-pleasing gratin is comfort food at its finest.

Make Cauliflower Gratin With Bacon here.

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

This casserole combines the creaminess of mashed potatoes with all the fixings of a loaded baked potato. Topped with cheese, bacon, and chives, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you won’t want to skip!

Get the full Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole recipe here. 

Kale Salad with Apples and Walnuts

Tender kale, crisp apples, and toasted walnuts are tossed in a sweet maple vinaigrette. Finished with crumbled feta, it’s a simple yet stunning holiday salad.

Check out the full Kale Salad with Apples and Walnuts here.

Best Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe

These fluffy, soft biscuits are infused with the warm, cozy flavor of pumpkin. Brushed with butter and honey, they’re an irresistible addition to any fall dinner spread.

Follow the full Best Pumpkin Biscuits Recipe here.

Poached Pear Salad

Elegant pears, poached in maple and spices, rest on a bed of fresh greens with goat cheese. This sophisticated salad is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s the type of side dish you bring out to impress your dinner guests!

Find the full Poached Pear Salad here.

Smashed Potatoes with Sour Cream

These potatoes are boiled, smashed, and roasted until the edges are wonderfully crispy. Stirred with sour cream and chives, they’re a rustic and flavorful side that doesn’t require any potato peeling. 

Find the full Smashed Potatoes with Sour Cream recipe here.

Apple and Blue Cheese Salad

Crisp apples, bold blue cheese, and crunchy bacon come together in a tangy-sweet dressing. It’s a festive and flavorful salad perfect for cooler weather.

Find the full Apple and Blue Cheese Salad recipe here.

Carrot Souffle

This stunning side dish is a light, fluffy, and savory twist on a classic soufflé. Its beautiful color and amazing flavor will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Read the full Carrot Souffle recipe here.

Green Beans with Bacon and Onions

This quick and easy side dish features green beans simmered with savory bacon and sweet onions. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a budget-friendly Southern classic you’ll want to add to your side dishes for Thanksgiving. 

See the Green Beans with Bacon and Onions recipe here.

Ina Gartin’s Potatoes Au Gratin

This Potatoes Au Gratin recipe is made with Russet potatoes, fennel, and Gruyere cheese–the perfect side dish for a dinner party or holiday gathering!  

Find this Potatoes Au Gratin recipe here.

Baked Beans with Ground Turkey

These baked beans are meaty, tangy, and sweet, with hearty ground turkey adding extra protein. Using canned beans makes this flavorful dish a convenient side dish for your busy holiday preparations. 

Check out this Baked Beans with Ground Turkey recipe here.

Mashed Potato Cups

These golden-brown, bite-sized potato cups are made with instant mashed potatoes for a quick and easy side. Loaded with cheese, they’re perfect for snatching off a platter. They also look super cute!

Discover these Mashed Potato Cups here.

Fresh Cranberry Salad (thank you, Millie!)

Loaded with the tangy flavor of fresh cranberries, succulent grapes, and crunchy walnuts, this festive salad is perfectly balanced and oh-so-delicious! Easy, impressive, and colorful, this is a must-try side dish at your festive feast! 

Find the Fresh Cranberry Salad here. 

Sweet Potato Fritters

Shredded sweet potatoes are pan-fried into crispy, golden fritters with warm spices. They make a delicious appetizer or a unique side dish for any fall meal.

Find the Sweet Potato Fritters here. 

Tennessee Onions

Sweet Vidalia onions are baked under a blanket of melted, bubbly cheese and savory spices. This effortless Southern casserole is irresistibly rich and comforting, pairing with an endless option of mains. 

Find these Tennessee Onions here. 

Orzo Salad with Lemon and Butternut

This hearty salad features orzo pasta, sweet roasted butternut squash, and creamy goat cheese. A bright lemon dressing ties all the vibrant flavors together. It’s also a stunning side pasta salad to look at on your table. 

Find the Orzo Salad with Lemon and Butternut recipe here. 

Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is an all-time favorite for Thanksgiving, but have you tried a dairy-free version? This creamy sweet potato casserole is completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly! Topped with a crunchy cashew-pecan streusel, it’s a festive and inclusive holiday side. 

Check out the Dairy Free Sweet Potato Casserole here. 

Corn Au Gratin

Corn Au Gratin is a creamy, cheesy dream dish with a buttery cracker crust, and the addition of eggs gives it a lovely, souffle-like texture. It’s perfect for the holidays, but the leftovers might just become your new favorite brunch option!

Read the Corn Au Gratin recipe here. 

Mushroom Farrotto

This creamy, savory dish is a hearty twist on risotto, using nutty farro instead of rice. Packed with earthy mushrooms and cheese, it’s a satisfying side dish I highly recommend you try for your Thanksgiving gatherings. 

Follow the Mushroom Farrotto here. 

Fried Parsnips with Sage

Parsnips are fried until tender and caramelized in a honey-butter glaze with fragrant sage. This unique side dish brings a sweet and earthy flavor to your holiday table.

Find the Fried Parsnips with Sage recipe here. 

Cranberry-Apple Coleslaw

This vibrant coleslaw is a fruity twist on the classic, loaded with apples, grapes, and dried cranberries. A tangy-sweet dressing is irresistible and a lovely way to balance the rich and savory notes of your main dish. 

Follow the Cranberry-Apple Coleslaw recipe here. 

While a juicy Orange Spiced Spatchcocked Turkey or an elegant Cranberry Pear Turkey Crescent Braid is a fantastic centerpiece, these sides also pair wonderfully with other mains. Consider a simple Roasted Chicken, a savory Pork Roast, or an elegant Roast Beef for a memorable Thanksgiving feast.