Thanksgiving dinner is full of dishes that make the meal feel complete, and the sides are a big part of that. From creamy mashed potatoes to crisp roasted vegetables and fresh salads, these recipes bring flavor and variety to the table. They’re easy to make and show that sometimes the best part of Thanksgiving is what comes alongside the turkey.
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Smoked Brie Potato Gratin
Make a smoked brie potato gratin for a side that’s creamy, rich, and full of flavor. Thinly sliced potatoes bake with melted brie to create a smooth, satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy. Place it on the table to provide a comforting and elegant side that draws attention and adds richness to Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brie Potato Gratin
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Bake a buttery dinner roll for a side that’s soft, warm, and comforting. The fluffy texture soaks up gravy and complements every dish on the table. Serve them fresh to give a classic, satisfying addition that fills the bread basket and disappears quickly.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Make a cheesy scalloped potato for a side that’s creamy, rich, and satisfying. Tender layers of potatoes baked with melted cheese create a comforting taste that balances heavier dishes. Bring it to the table to add a hearty, classic side that completes any Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Prepare a spinach and parmesan quinoa for a side that’s light, filling, and flavorful. Earthy spinach mixes with sharp parmesan and tender quinoa to make a balanced dish that pairs well with richer mains. Add it to the table to provide a colorful, healthy option that brightens the meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Grill a baby bok choy for a side that’s smoky, tender, and full of flavor. The char brings out natural sweetness while keeping the leaves crisp and light. Serve it alongside the main dishes to provide a fresh, flavorful side that balances heavier Thanksgiving foods.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roast a bacon Brussels sprout for a side that’s crispy, savory, and slightly sweet. The sprouts caramelize in the oven while the bacon adds a smoky crunch and bold flavor. Bring it to the table to provide a textured, rich side that is sure to be a favorite on Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Make a grown-up mac and cheese for a side that’s creamy, cheesy, and savory. Crispy bacon and tomatoes mix with the pasta to create a dish full of flavor and texture. Place it on the table to give a comforting, crowd-pleasing side that appeals to every guest.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Spinach Orzo Salad
Prepare a spinach orzo salad for a side that’s light, fresh, and flavorful. Tender orzo pasta combines with spinach and a simple dressing to balance richer dishes. Add it to the table to provide a colorful, refreshing side that brightens Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Roast a ratatouille for a side that’s colorful, tender, and flavorful. Zucchini, squash, and tomatoes cook until soft and naturally sweet, creating a balanced dish that complements heavier foods. Bring it to the table to provide a fresh, vibrant side that adds brightness to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Corn Casserole
Prepare a corn casserole for a side that’s creamy, sweet, and savory. Sweet corn baked with bits of bacon creates a rich, comforting flavor that pairs well with turkey. Place it on the table to provide a warm, hearty side that everyone will reach for more than once.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Roast oven potatoes with spinach and garlic to create a dish that’s hearty, crisp, and full of flavor. Garlic adds depth while spinach brings a fresh, green note that balances heavier plates. Serve it alongside turkey and other dishes to provide a satisfying, homemade option everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Toss together a harvest quinoa salad with roasted squash, feta, and cranberries for a colorful and flavorful dish. Sweet, salty, and tangy flavors combine in every bite to complement richer dishes. Place it on the table to give Thanksgiving a fresh, vibrant option that adds texture and taste.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Lemon Roasted Broccoli
Roast lemon broccoli to add a bright, tangy touch to the meal. Parmesan sprinkles add richness without weighing down the tender, crisp florets. Bring it to the table to provide a fresh, flavorful choice that balances heavier Thanksgiving dishes.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Broccoli
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Roast Brussels sprouts with pine nuts to create a dish that’s crisp outside, tender inside, and full of nutty flavor. The sprouts caramelize naturally while the nuts add crunch in every bite. Serve it with other dishes to add texture and a standout flavor to the Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Mashed Potatoes
Whip up mashed potatoes with butter and cream to create a classic, comforting dish. Smooth and creamy, they pair perfectly with turkey and gravy. Place them on the table to provide a rich, familiar side that everyone will return to again and again.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Dinner Roll Knots
Shape dinner roll knots for soft, warm bread that pairs beautifully with turkey and sides. The light texture makes them perfect for sopping up gravy or enjoying on their own. Bake a fresh batch and fill the table with comforting bread that disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots
Buttery Crescent Rolls
Make buttery crescent rolls with a soft, flaky texture that melts in the mouth and fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. They pair perfectly with turkey, gravy, or any other side dish on the Thanksgiving table. Serve them fresh to provide a comforting, classic bread that everyone will reach for again and again while adding a touch of homemade charm to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls
Challah Bread
Serve challah bread with a soft, rich texture and a golden, inviting crust. Its slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with butter, gravy, or on its own, making every bite comforting and satisfying. Bring it to the Thanksgiving table to add a warm, homemade touch that fills the meal with familiar flavor and makes everyone feel at home.
Get the Recipe: Challah Bread
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Mix cranberry orange sauce to add tart, sweet, and bright flavor to the meal. The citrus lifts the cranberries and balances richer dishes with a lively note. Serve it alongside turkey to provide a colorful finishing touch that brightens every plate.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Sauce
Cinnamon Apples
Cook cinnamon apples to bring tender, sweet, and gently spiced fruit to the table. The warmth of cinnamon pairs perfectly with savory dishes and adds a comforting contrast. Place it on the table to give Thanksgiving a cozy, familiar side that complements every bite.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples
Buttermilk Biscuits
Bake buttermilk biscuits for a light, fluffy, and buttery addition to the table. Their tender texture makes them perfect for soaking up gravy or pairing with other dishes. Place them alongside the main courses to provide a comforting, reliable choice that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Prepare cheesy loaded twice baked potatoes for a hearty, creamy dish that packs flavor in every bite. Soft potatoes are filled with melted cheese and other tasty ingredients to create a satisfying texture. Serve them on the table to give Thanksgiving a rich, filling option that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Creamed Corn
Cook creamed corn to add a smooth, naturally sweet dish that complements savory mains. The creamy texture and mild flavor create a comforting bite that works well with richer sides. Place it on the table to provide a familiar, warm addition that completes the Thanksgiving plate.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Make Brussels sprouts casserole with tender sprouts and melted cheese for a rich, flavorful dish. The baked topping adds a slightly crisp texture that balances the creamy interior. Bring it to the table to give Thanksgiving a classic, satisfying option everyone will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Roast a whole cauliflower with butter to create a tender, flavorful centerpiece side. The outside turns golden and crisp while the inside remains soft, giving a satisfying bite. Serve it on the table to provide a unique, eye-catching dish that adds variety to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Cornbread Casserole
Bake a cornbread casserole with sweet corn and a soft, fluffy base for a warm, comforting dish. The combination of flavors pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy. Place it on the table to provide a classic, familiar side that rounds out Thanksgiving perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Casserole
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Make slow cooker Southern green beans for a tender, savory side with rich, deep flavors. Bacon, pork hock, and seasonings create a dish that pairs well with turkey and hearty mains. Bring it to the table to offer a hands-off, flavorful option that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon
Cook green beans almondine with bacon for a buttery, crisp side that balances savory and fresh flavors. Lemon adds a light touch that keeps the dish lively, while the bacon adds richness. Serve it on the table to provide a well-rounded, flavorful option for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon
Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole
Prepare sweet potato casserole in the Crock Pot for a creamy, sweet, and easy dish. Marshmallows and pecans top the potatoes, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite. Bring it to the table to provide a hands-off, rich option that pleases the entire crowd.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole
Vegan Cranberry Quinoa Salad
Mix vegan cranberry quinoa salad to create a light, bright, and flavorful addition to the meal. Quinoa, cranberries, and herbs combine to balance heavier dishes while adding color and texture. Serve it on the table to provide a fresh, versatile option that complements Thanksgiving classics.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cranberry Quinoa Salad
Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole
Prepare green bean casserole in the Crock Pot to create a creamy, rich, and comforting addition to the table. The crispy topping adds crunch while the sauce keeps every bite flavorful and satisfying. Bring it to Thanksgiving dinner to provide a hands-off, reliable dish that will please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole