Thanksgiving is all about good food and great company, and the sides are what make the meal special. From creamy potatoes to fresh salads and warm, buttery rolls, every dish brings something worth remembering. These 27 delicious side dishes are easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to make your Thanksgiving table unforgettable.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Corn Casserole
A creamy corn casserole brings warmth and comfort to any Thanksgiving table. Sweet corn baked with butter and bits of bacon gives it a rich, savory flavor that feels homemade. It’s simple to prepare, easy to serve, and the kind of side everyone reaches for twice.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy scalloped potatoes make a classic Thanksgiving side that’s always a hit. Tender potato slices bake in layers of creamy cheese until soft, rich, and golden on top. The comforting flavor and smooth texture make this dish one you’ll want on every holiday plate.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Spinach and Parmesan quinoa offers a light yet filling side for Thanksgiving dinner. The mix of earthy spinach and salty cheese creates a simple, balanced flavor that pairs well with richer dishes. It’s easy to make, looks great on the table, and adds variety to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Roasted Brussels sprouts with pine nuts make a side that’s crisp on the outside and tender inside. The roasting brings out their natural sweetness while the nuts add a toasty crunch. It’s a flavorful dish that stands out among Thanksgiving favorites.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Challah Bread
Soft, golden challah bread adds a warm, homemade feel to Thanksgiving dinner. Its rich texture makes it perfect for spreading butter or soaking up gravy from the plate. Whether baked fresh or served warm from the oven, it’s a side that makes every bite comforting.
Get the Recipe: Challah Bread
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Grown-up mac and cheese takes a classic favorite and gives it a rich, savory twist. Crispy bacon and tomatoes mix with creamy pasta to create a dish full of flavor and texture. It’s hearty, easy to make, and a sure favorite on any Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potato is the side that no Thanksgiving meal feels complete without. Smooth, creamy, and buttery, it pairs perfectly with turkey, gravy, and everything else on the plate. It’s easy to make, comforting in every bite, and always the first dish to disappear when dinner is served.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Smoked Brie Potato Gratin
Smoked brie potato gratin turns ordinary potatoes into something special for Thanksgiving. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes bake in melted brie for a creamy and satisfying flavor. It’s an easy, rich side that brings a touch of comfort and style to the table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brie Potato Gratin
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Bacon-roasted Brussels sprouts combine smoky, salty, and sweet flavors in every bite. The bacon crisps up while the sprouts caramelize, creating a side that’s full of texture and taste. It’s a simple recipe that adds bold flavor to any Thanksgiving plate.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Lemon Roasted Broccoli
Lemon-roasted broccoli brings brightness and a hint of tang to balance heavy Thanksgiving dishes. A light sprinkle of Parmesan gives it extra flavor without making it heavy. It’s quick to make, full of color, and adds freshness to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Broccoli
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Buttery dinner rolls bring softness, warmth, and comfort to Thanksgiving dinner. Their fluffy texture soaks up gravy and pairs perfectly with turkey and sides. They’re easy to make ahead and are always the first to disappear from the bread basket.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Harvest quinoa salad mixes roasted squash, feta, and cranberries for a colorful, flavorful dish. The mix of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors adds balance to the table. It’s simple to make, full of texture, and a great choice for Thanksgiving meals.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Grilled baby bok choy offers a smoky, flavorful side that cuts through heavier Thanksgiving dishes. The slight char brings out its natural sweetness while keeping it crisp and tender. It’s quick to cook, easy to serve, and adds a fresh twist to the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Roasted zucchini, squash, and tomatoes combine for a side that’s colorful, tender, and flavorful. The vegetables roast until soft and sweet, creating a balance that pairs well with rich Thanksgiving foods. It’s easy to prepare and brings a fresh, vibrant touch to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Spinach Orzo Salad
Spinach orzo salad brings light flavor and a pop of color to Thanksgiving dinner that everyone will notice. Tender orzo and fresh spinach mix with a simple dressing for a bright and balanced bite that goes well with every dish on the table. It’s quick to make, refreshing to serve, and adds a fresh touch that helps round out the holiday spread beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Cranberry orange sauce adds sweet and tart flavor that brightens the Thanksgiving plate. The orange gives the cranberries a fresh twist and keeps the dish from feeling too heavy. It’s simple, colorful, and the perfect finishing touch for turkey and sides.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Sauce
Dinner Roll Knots
Soft dinner roll knots make a warm and buttery side that fits perfectly on any Thanksgiving table. Their light texture and golden color make them great for pairing with every dish. Bake them fresh before dinner and watch them vanish before dessert arrives.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Oven-roasted potatoes with spinach and garlic make a side that’s hearty, crisp, and full of flavor. The garlic adds depth while the spinach gives a fresh finish that balances the plate. It’s easy to prepare, tastes amazing, and works well with all the Thanksgiving classics.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Buttery Crescent Rolls
Buttery crescent rolls are soft, flaky, and melt in your mouth with every bite, making them a must-have on any Thanksgiving table. They’re perfect for soaking up gravy, pairing with turkey, or enjoying warm straight from the oven. Bake a fresh batch before dinner, and they’ll disappear faster than any side dish on the spread.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls
Cinnamon Apples
Cinnamon apples bring a warm, sweet flavor that fits perfectly beside savory Thanksgiving sides. The gentle spice and tender fruit make every bite comforting and familiar. They’re simple to prepare, easy to serve, and add a cozy touch to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples
Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Brussels sprouts casserole combines tender sprouts and melted cheese for a creamy, satisfying side. The cheesy sauce adds richness while the baked topping gives it texture. It’s quick to make, easy to serve, and always a hit at Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole
Crock Pot sweet potato casserole makes Thanksgiving cooking easier without losing any flavor. The soft potatoes, sweet marshmallows, and crunchy pecans come together perfectly. It’s hands-off, rich, and the kind of dish everyone looks forward to every year.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole
Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Cranberries
Baked sweet potatoes with apples and cranberries mix sweetness and tartness in every bite. The fruit adds color and texture that make the dish stand out on the table. It’s easy to prepare, looks beautiful when served, and brings fresh flavor to Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Cranberries
Cabbage Apple Salad
Cabbage apple salad adds a crisp, tangy contrast to the rich foods of Thanksgiving. The combination of shredded cabbage, sweet apples, and zesty dressing keeps it bright and flavorful. It’s simple to make, refreshing to eat, and brings balance to every plate.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Buttery roasted cauliflower makes an eye-catching and delicious Thanksgiving side that everyone will want to try. The florets turn golden and crisp on the outside while staying soft and tender inside, creating the perfect mix of textures. Simple to prepare and full of rich flavor, this dish adds a fresh twist to classic holiday favorites and looks beautiful on the table.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Cornbread Casserole
Cornbread casserole offers a soft, warm bite that goes perfectly with turkey and gravy. The mix of sweet corn and fluffy texture makes it both comforting and familiar. It’s simple to bake, smells amazing, and always feels right on Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Casserole
Vegan Cranberry Quinoa Salad
Vegan cranberry quinoa salad brings a light, bright flavor that stands out on the Thanksgiving table. The mix of quinoa, cranberries, and herbs creates a fresh balance that pairs perfectly with hearty mains and creamy sides. It’s quick to toss together, full of color and texture, and adds a fresh note that makes the whole meal feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cranberry Quinoa Salad