Thanksgiving is all about the food, and these 19 sides might just steal the show. While the turkey is important, these dishes are so good that they might just have everyone forgetting about the main course. Simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing, these sides will make your meal stand out.
Cinnamon Apples. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Dinner Roll Knots
Who can resist soft, buttery dinner roll knots that practically melt in your mouth? These rolls are warm, fluffy, and perfect for scooping up gravy or pairing with any dish. Once they’re on your Thanksgiving table, they’ll quickly become a must-have side, making every bite feel like a little celebration.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots
Corn Casserole
Looking for a side that balances both sweet and savory? This rich, creamy corn casserole with crispy bacon is an irresistible addition to Thanksgiving dinner. The perfect complement to turkey and mashed potatoes, it’s a dish that’ll leave your guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Want to add something fresh and vibrant to your Thanksgiving spread? This colorful ratatouille features zucchini, squash, and tomatoes, bringing out the natural sweetness of the veggies. It’s a great way to serve up a healthy, flavorful alternative that will brighten up the table.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Buttery Dinner Rolls
What’s better than soft, buttery dinner rolls at Thanksgiving? These rolls are light, fluffy, and just the right texture for pairing with turkey or mopping up gravy. With every bite, they add a comforting touch to the meal that’s bound to be a favorite with everyone.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Looking for a Brussels sprouts dish that everyone will actually enjoy? Roasting them with bacon transforms these veggies into a crispy, savory side that steals the show. This side brings rich flavor to your Thanksgiving feast, turning a traditional veggie into something special.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Mashed Potatoes
Do mashed potatoes really need an introduction at Thanksgiving? Made in the Instant Pot, these creamy mashed potatoes are just as rich and velvety as the classic version but ready in no time. A comforting, easy-to-make side that’s sure to be a crowd favorite, they’ll be the perfect addition to the table.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Why settle for regular cranberry sauce when you can add a fresh twist? This cranberry orange sauce brings a vibrant burst of citrus flavor, perfectly complementing turkey and other Thanksgiving dishes. It’s the ideal balance of tart and sweet, giving your table a lively pop of color.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Sauce
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Need a colorful and satisfying side that isn’t just another salad? This harvest quinoa salad mixes quinoa, roasted squash, feta, and cranberries, creating a sweet and savory dish that adds texture and flavor to your Thanksgiving meal. It’s a simple but impressive way to add a fresh touch to the spread.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Cinnamon Apples
Looking for a sweet side to balance out all the savory dishes? These tender cinnamon apples offer a warm, spiced flavor that makes them a comforting addition to your Thanksgiving table. Perfect as a sweet contrast to the rich dishes, they’ll quickly become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples
Buttery Crescent Rolls
Craving a side that’s soft and buttery but easy to make? These crescent rolls are light, flaky, and melt in your mouth, making them perfect for pairing with turkey or any dish. They’re simple yet irresistible, and will quickly find a spot at every Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Looking to spice up your usual Thanksgiving sides? Grilled baby bok choy brings a bold, smoky flavor that’s a refreshing twist on the standard vegetables. This simple dish packs a punch and will make your Thanksgiving meal stand out with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Need a healthy side that doesn’t skimp on flavor? Spinach and parmesan quinoa combines the sharpness of parmesan with earthy spinach for a satisfying yet light dish. It’s the perfect fresh addition to any Thanksgiving spread, offering protein and flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Spinach Orzo Salad
Searching for a side that’s both light and delicious? This spinach orzo salad blends tender orzo with fresh spinach, offering a refreshing option for your Thanksgiving table. It’s an easy-to-make side that brings a satisfying balance of flavors to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Want a comforting side that’s sure to impress? These cheesy scalloped potatoes have a smooth, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with turkey and other Thanksgiving mains. They’re the type of side everyone will keep coming back to, making them a staple on the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Baked Sweet Potato
Looking for a simple yet flavorful side that goes with just about anything? Baked sweet potatoes offer a crispy skin and tender inside, bringing natural sweetness to your Thanksgiving meal. Easy to prepare, they’re a comforting addition to any feast.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Want a hearty side that’s full of flavor but not too heavy? Butternut squash wild rice pilaf combines nutty rice and sweet squash into a satisfying dish that pairs beautifully with turkey. Simple to prepare, it’s an easy way to add variety to your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Vegan Cranberry Quinoa Salad
Looking for a light, refreshing side to brighten up your Thanksgiving spread? This vegan cranberry quinoa salad features a burst of vibrant flavors from dried cranberries, fresh herbs, and quinoa. It’s a healthy and satisfying dish that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cranberry Quinoa Salad
Creamed Corn
Want to take creamed corn to the next level? This homemade version offers a rich, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with turkey and other Thanksgiving staples. It’s a simple yet indulgent side that adds comfort and flavor to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Green Bean Casserole
Want to bring something familiar and comforting to the table? This creamy, cheesy green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side that’s always a hit. The crispy topping adds a satisfying crunch, and the creamy sauce balances the green beans beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole