Thanksgiving may be the star of the season, but some dishes stay on the table long after the holiday ends. That’s why these 27 easy Thanksgiving sides stand out, with flavors that fit the big meal yet work just as well on any regular weeknight. They’re simple to make, full of comfort, and never feel out of place, no matter the day. If you want sides that keep giving long after the leftovers are gone, this list has plenty to bring back again and again.
Buttery Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Buttery Crescent Rolls
Start the meal with a soft, buttery roll that fits right into a classic Thanksgiving spread. The flaky layers work with turkey, gravy, and every dish on the table without trying too hard. This simple bread brings that familiar holiday comfort everyone reaches for first.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Dig into creamy, cheesy potatoes that bring steady comfort to any Thanksgiving plate. The tender layers balance the richer foods that always show up on the holiday table. This is the kind of warm, crowd-pleasing dish people return to long after the turkey is carved.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cinnamon Apples
Add a spoonful of tender, lightly spiced apples that bring gentle sweetness to a Thanksgiving meal. The soft fruit blends well with all the savory dishes and adds a familiar, homey touch. This easy side rounds out the holiday plate with a cozy flavor everyone enjoys.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Brighten the Thanksgiving table with a fresh mix of quinoa, roasted squash, and tangy bites that feel lively and light. It brings color and texture to a meal full of rich classics without weighing anything down. This bowl adds balance and a fresh lift that helps complete the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Bring a smoky, fresh touch to your Thanksgiving dinner with tender grilled bok choy. Its light flavor cuts through heavier holiday dishes and adds something bright without any fuss. This simple dish gives the plate a clean boost that fits right in with the rest of the feast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Bring soft, warm rolls to the Thanksgiving table for that classic comfort everyone looks forward to. The fluffy texture makes them perfect for soaking up gravy and filling out a holiday plate. This simple bread always disappears fast and keeps the meal feeling complete.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls
Mashed Potatoes
Add a smooth, creamy scoop of potatoes that fits perfectly beside the turkey on any Thanksgiving plate. The rich texture makes every bite feel warm and steady without being heavy. Serve it on the table as a trusted dish that everyone reaches for again and again during the holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Bring a cozy bowl of creamy, savory pasta that feels right at home on a full Thanksgiving table. The mix of cheese, bacon, and tomatoes adds extra flavor that stands strong next to the holiday favorites. This dish gives the meal a fun, hearty twist that guests always appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Spinach Orzo Salad
Add a fresh, easy side that lightens up a rich Thanksgiving spread with tender orzo and simple greens. The mild flavors balance the heavier dishes without pulling focus. This bright bowl helps round out the meal and brings a clean bite to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Bring crisp, caramelized sprouts to the Thanksgiving feast with a nutty crunch that stands out in every bite. The mix of flavors works well with all the classic dishes and adds the texture the table often needs. This side adds a bold, memorable touch without being fussy.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Corn Casserole
Bring a warm, creamy corn casserole to the table for a dish that’s both sweet and savory. The tender corn baked with bits of bacon makes every bite comforting and full of flavor. This side adds richness to the meal and is one that gets eaten first.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Add a light, flavorful dish of spinach and parmesan quinoa to balance heavier Thanksgiving plates. The tender grains and sharp cheese create a simple but satisfying mix. This is a side that keeps the meal feeling complete and gives everyone a fresh option.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Roast potatoes with garlic and spinach for a dish that’s crisp, hearty, and full of flavor. The garlic adds depth while the spinach brings a bright note to the plate. This side fits right in with the classic dishes and is easy to make for any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Lemon Roasted Broccoli
Bring roasted broccoli with a hint of lemon for a fresh, tangy touch on the Thanksgiving table. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds richness without weighing down the tender florets. This side brightens the meal and balances the heavier dishes beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Broccoli
Dinner Roll Knots
Bake soft dinner roll knots to give the table a comforting bread that pairs well with turkey and sides. Their light texture is perfect for mopping up gravy or enjoying plain. Fresh from the oven, these rolls disappear quickly and keep the meal feeling warm and full.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Mix tart cranberries with sweet orange for a sauce that adds bright flavor to the table. The citrus lifts the dish while keeping the tartness balanced against richer foods. This sauce brings color and freshness to the meal and pairs beautifully with turkey or roasted sides.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Sauce
Smoked Brie Potato Gratin
Layer thinly sliced potatoes with smoked brie to make a dish that’s creamy, rich, and full of flavor. The cheese melts into the potatoes, creating a smooth texture that feels indulgent without being heavy. This gratin adds elegance and depth to the table and is a side everyone will return to more than once.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brie Potato Gratin
Challah Bread
Serve soft challah bread with a golden crust that’s slightly sweet and tender. It pairs easily with butter, gravy, or can be enjoyed on its own. Bringing it to the table adds warmth and a homemade touch that fits perfectly with the Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Challah Bread
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Roast zucchini, squash, and tomatoes until tender to create a colorful, flavorful side. The natural sweetness of the vegetables combines with simple seasoning to make a dish that balances richer foods. This vibrant option adds freshness and texture to the meal while keeping things light and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roast Brussels sprouts with bacon for a side that’s crispy, savory, and slightly sweet. The caramelized sprouts pair with smoky bacon to create a dish that has bold flavor and satisfying texture. Adding this to the table gives a hearty and standout option that complements traditional dishes perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole
Make green bean casserole in the Crock Pot for a creamy, rich dish that requires little effort. The crispy topping adds crunch while the sauce keeps the beans flavorful and satisfying. This hands-off recipe brings a comforting classic to the table that everyone will enjoy during Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Bake twice baked potatoes stuffed with cheese and other tasty ingredients for a side that’s hearty and full of flavor. The soft potatoes hold the melted cheese perfectly, creating a creamy texture in every bite. Place this dish on the table to provide a filling, satisfying option that stands out among other holiday sides.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon
Cook green beans with toasted almonds and bacon for a buttery, crisp dish that balances savory and fresh flavors. A touch of lemon adds brightness while the bacon brings richness to the dish. This recipe delivers a well-rounded, flavorful option that enhances any Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon
Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus
Roast Brussels sprouts and asparagus until tender with a light crisp to maintain natural flavor. A drizzle of olive oil and simple seasoning enhances the vegetables without overpowering them. Adding this dish to the table provides a fresh and healthy choice that complements heavier Thanksgiving foods.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Roast a whole cauliflower with butter to create a tender and flavorful centerpiece side. The outside turns golden and crisp while the inside stays soft for a satisfying bite in every portion. Serving this dish adds a unique, eye-catching option that brings variety and texture to the Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Make slow cooker Southern green beans for a tender, flavorful dish with deep, savory notes. Bacon, pork hock, and seasonings blend to create a rich taste that pairs well with turkey and other hearty dishes. Bring this recipe to the table for a hands-off side that everyone will return to again and again during Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Cabbage Apple Salad
Toss shredded cabbage and sweet apples with a zesty dressing for a crisp, refreshing side. The tangy flavor adds contrast to heavier dishes and keeps the meal balanced. This easy-to-make salad brightens the table and provides a fresh, light option for Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad