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21 Side Dishes That Will Take Your Thanksgiving Dinner Up a Notch

Thanksgiving is all about good food and great company, but the side dishes can really make or break the meal. If you’re looking for something more than the usual mashed potatoes and stuffing, these 21 side dishes will add extra flavor to your holiday table. They’re easy to make, taste amazing, and are sure to impress your guests.

Image shows sprinkling parmesan to the sliced vegetables of ratatouille with an Italian flair.

Ratatouille with an Italian Flair. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cinnamon Apples

Image shows a Fork holding a bite of cinnamon apples with a ramekin holding more in the background.
Cinnamon Apples. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These cinnamon apples offer a sweet, spiced flavor that’s perfect for balancing out the savory dishes on your Thanksgiving table. Their tender texture and comforting taste make them an easy side that adds variety to your spread. They’ll become a go-to side dish that complements everything.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples

Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Image shows an overhead shot of Spinach Parmesan Quinoa in a blue bowl with a sprinkle of cheese on top.
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Spinach and parmesan quinoa bring a light yet flavorful option to the table. The sharpness of parmesan pairs with earthy spinach creating a side that’s easy to prepare but full of protein and flavor. It’s a healthy addition that brings something fresh to your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Corn Casserole

Overhead image of corn casserole in a white dish.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This creamy corn casserole with bacon is a perfect side for anyone who loves a rich, savory dish. The combination of sweetness from the corn and the crispy bacon makes it a great complement to turkey and mashed potatoes. It’s an easy-to-make side that will have everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Harvest Quinoa Salad

Image shows a closeup head on shot of Harvest Quinoa Salad in a glass bowl.
Harvest Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This harvest quinoa salad adds a refreshing touch to your Thanksgiving dinner. The mix of quinoa, roasted squash, feta, and cranberries brings together a variety of textures and flavors. It’s an easy side to make that will stand out for its taste and colorful appearance.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad

Dinner Roll Knots

Image shows basket of yummy homemade dinner rolls.
Dinner Roll Knots. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Soft, buttery dinner roll knots are the perfect side for Thanksgiving. They’re warm, fluffy, and great for pairing with turkey or soaking up gravy. These rolls will be a must-have side that adds a comforting, satisfying element to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots

Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Image shows bacon roasted brussels sprouts recipe.
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Bacon roasted Brussels sprouts are a savory side that will change anyone’s mind about this veggie. The crispy bacon gives them a rich flavor that works perfectly with any main dish. It’s an easy way to bring a flavorful, crunchy side to your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Image shows a bowl filled with Buttery Dinner Rolls.
Buttery Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Buttery dinner rolls are the ultimate side for soaking up gravy or pairing with turkey. These rolls are light, fluffy, and easy to prepare, making them a great addition to any Thanksgiving meal. Their soft texture and delicious taste will make them a favorite at the table.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls

Spinach Orzo Salad

This photo shows a spinach orzo salad in a square glass bowl sitting on a black granite countertop.
Spinach Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Spinach orzo salad is a light yet satisfying side that brings balance to your Thanksgiving spread. The tender orzo mixed with fresh spinach offers a refreshing flavor that pairs well with any dish. It’s simple to make and a great way to add variety to your sides without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad

Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Image shows ratatouille with an Italian flair served and ready to eat.
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

This ratatouille with zucchini, squash, and tomatoes offers a healthy, flavorful option that stands out from the usual Thanksgiving sides. The veggies are roasted to bring out their natural sweetness, offering a fresh, vibrant dish. It’s an easy way to add something unique to your Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Image shows scoop of irresistible cranberry orange sauce.
Cranberry Orange Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cranberry orange sauce gives a fresh twist to the classic cranberry side. The burst of citrus flavor perfectly balances the tartness of cranberries, making it a great complement to turkey and other dishes. This simple, flavorful side will brighten up your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Sauce

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy scalloped potatoes in a casserole dish on a blue wooden table.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These cheesy scalloped potatoes are a comforting side that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The creamy texture and rich flavor make them the perfect complement to turkey and other Thanksgiving dishes. It’s a simple yet indulgent side that’s sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

Overhead shot of a bowl of mashed potatoes in a blue bowl with parsley sprinkled over it.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Instant Pot mashed potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving side that’s easy to make without compromising on flavor. They’re creamy and velvety, making them the perfect pairing with turkey and gravy. This no-fuss side will quickly become a favorite on your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Grilled Baby Bok Choy

Image shows a hand holding a piece of grilled baby bok choy over a bowl containing more bok choy.
Grilled Baby Bok Choy. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Grilled baby bok choy adds a smoky, bold flavor to your Thanksgiving spread. This veggie is simple to prepare but full of flavor, making it a great addition to any meal. It’s a unique, easy side that will make your Thanksgiving dinner stand out.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy

Buttery Crescent Rolls

Image shows an overhead view of homemade Crescent Rolls on a baking sheet.
Buttery Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Buttery crescent rolls are soft and flaky, making them a perfect side to complement turkey and other Thanksgiving dishes. Their simple yet irresistible flavor will quickly make them a favorite on your table. They’re easy to make and add a comforting touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls

Green Bean Casserole

Image shows green bean casserole recipe.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Green bean casserole is a classic side that everyone loves. The creamy texture and crispy topping make it a comforting addition to your Thanksgiving table. This easy side will always be a crowd favorite, offering a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole

Image shows yummy crockpot sweet potato casserole.
Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crock Pot sweet potato casserole is an easy-to-make side that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The marshmallow and pecan topping adds the right amount of sweetness to complement the creamy potatoes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Image shows delicious butternut squash wild rice pilaf.
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Butternut squash wild rice pilaf offers a hearty yet light side that pairs well with turkey. The combination of nutty rice and sweet squash creates a dish that’s flavorful but not too heavy. It’s simple to make and adds variety to your Thanksgiving spread without too much effort.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Image shows easy to make green beans with garlic butter.
Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green beans with garlic butter are a simple yet flavorful side that’s easy to make. The richness of the garlic butter enhances the beans, making them a perfect complement to almost any Thanksgiving dish. It’s a quick side that adds flavor without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Cornbread Stuffing

Image shows homemade cornbread stuffing recipe.
Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Cornbread stuffing combines the richness of bacon and the sweetness of cornbread, making it a side that everyone will love. The crispy top and soft interior offer a perfect balance of textures. This flavorful, easy-to-make side will bring comfort and satisfaction to your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Image shows yummy garlicky green beans with fried onions.
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garlicky green beans with fried onions bring a satisfying crunch and savory flavor to your Thanksgiving spread. The garlic butter adds richness, while the crispy fried onions add texture. This dish offers the perfect balance of flavors in an easy-to-make side everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apples & Cranberries

Image shows delicious baked sweet potatoes with apples and cranberries.
Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apples & Cranberries. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Baked sweet potatoes with apples and cranberries offer a sweet, tangy twist on a classic side. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the tart fruit, adding flavor and color to your meal. This simple dish is sure to be a hit with your guests, adding something special to the table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apples & Cranberries

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