Turkey might be the star of Thanksgiving, but the sides are what everyone talks about later. These 25 Thanksgiving side dishes bring rich flavor, comforting texture, and something extra that makes the whole meal better. From classics people always ask for to new dishes that might become favorites, these sides prove that the best part of dinner isn’t the turkey.
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Dinner Roll Knots
Try a dinner roll knot for a side that’s soft, warm, and buttery. The tender texture makes it perfect for soaking up gravy or pairing with turkey and other dishes. Bake a fresh batch and enjoy a side that fills the table with comforting flavor and familiar warmth.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots
Smoked Brie Potato Gratin
Make smoked brie potato gratin for a side that’s creamy, rich, and flavorful. Thinly sliced potatoes bake in melted brie for a smooth, satisfying taste that complements richer Thanksgiving dishes. Serve it on the table to add a comforting, elegant touch that will draw everyone’s attention.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brie Potato Gratin
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 option for heavier dishes. Bring it to the table to provide a fresh, vibrant addition that brightens the meal.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Grill a baby bok choy for a side that’s smoky, tender, and full of flavor. The char enhances its natural sweetness while keeping the leaves crisp and light. Place it alongside the main dishes for a fresh twist that balances the richness of Thanksgiving foods.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Roast potatoes in the oven with spinach and garlic for a side that’s hearty, crisp, and flavorful. Garlic adds depth while spinach brings a fresh, green finish to every bite. Serve it with turkey and sides to add a savory, satisfying option that feels homemade.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
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 smoky crunch and bold flavor that hits every bite. Bring it to the table to provide a side that’s full of texture, rich in taste, and sure to be a favorite among everyone at Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Make a harvest quinoa salad for a side that’s colorful, textured, and flavorful. Roasted squash, feta, and cranberries combine to give sweet, salty, and tangy bites in every forkful. Serve it on the table for a fresh, satisfying option that complements richer dishes.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Cinnamon Apples
Prepare a cinnamon apple for a side that’s soft, sweet, and warmly spiced. The tender fruit mixes with cinnamon to create a comforting contrast to savory dishes. Add it to the table for a side that brings warmth and familiar flavor to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Make a spinach and parmesan quinoa for a side that’s light, filling, and full of flavor. Earthy spinach blends with salty Parmesan and tender quinoa to create a dish that feels both satisfying and balanced on the plate. Bring it to the table to provide a healthy, colorful, and versatile option that pairs perfectly with heavier Thanksgiving sides.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Mashed Potatoes
Serve a mashed potato for a side that’s smooth, creamy, and rich in flavor. Its buttery texture pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy to create a classic taste. Place it on the table to give everyone a comforting side that’s always a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Lemon Roasted Broccoli
Roast a lemon broccoli for a side that’s crisp, fresh, and lightly tangy. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds extra flavor and richness while keeping the broccoli tender yet firm, making every bite satisfying. Bring it to the table to provide a bright, flavorful side that cuts through heavier dishes and adds a fresh, colorful touch to Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Broccoli
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Make a grown-up mac and cheese for a side that’s creamy, cheesy, and savory. Tomatoes and crispy bacon give a flavorful twist that adds richness and texture. Place it on the table to create a comforting dish that will appeal to every guest.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Prepare a cranberry orange sauce for a side that’s tart, sweet, and full of bright flavor. The combination of cranberries and fresh citrus adds a lively note that balances the richness of other dishes while keeping every bite interesting. Serve it alongside turkey to provide a colorful, refreshing finishing touch that brings contrast and brightness to the entire Thanksgiving plate.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Sauce
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Bake a buttery dinner roll for a side that’s soft, warm, and comforting. Its fluffy texture soaks up gravy and pairs perfectly with turkey, mashed potatoes, and all your favorite sides. Serve it fresh from the oven to bring a classic, satisfying addition to the table that disappears faster than you expect.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls
Challah Bread
Serve a challah bread for a side that’s soft, rich, and golden brown. Its tender, slightly sweet texture makes it perfect for spreading butter, soaking up gravy, or enjoying on its own alongside other dishes. Bring it to the table to provide a warm, homemade feel that fills the meal with comfort and makes every bite satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Challah Bread
Buttery Crescent Rolls
Make a buttery crescent roll for a side that’s soft, flaky, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They are ideal for soaking up gravy or enjoying with other dishes. Serve them fresh to provide a classic, comforting side that everyone will reach for.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls
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 perfectly with turkey and other Thanksgiving dishes. Bring it to the table to offer a warm, hearty side that everyone will reach for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Spinach Orzo Salad
Serve a spinach orzo salad for a side that’s light, fresh, and full of flavor. Tender orzo pasta combines with spinach and a simple dressing to balance richer dishes. Add it to the table for a colorful, refreshing side that brightens the meal.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Roast a Brussels sprout with pine nuts for a side that’s crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of nutty flavor. The sprouts caramelize as they cook, while the pine nuts add a rich, toasty crunch that makes every bite satisfying. Bring it to the table to provide a flavorful, textured side that balances richer dishes and stands out among Thanksgiving favorites.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Make a cheesy scalloped potato for a side that’s creamy, rich, and comforting. Thin layers of potatoes baked with melted cheese create a smooth, hearty flavor. Serve it on the table to give a classic side that rounds out the meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Baked Sweet Potato
Prepare a baked sweet potato for a side that’s simple, flavorful, and naturally sweet. Its soft, tender texture pairs perfectly with savory dishes and adds a warm, colorful touch to the plate. Include it on the table to provide a versatile, comforting option that brings balance and brightness to the Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon
Make a green bean almondine with bacon for a side that’s buttery, crisp, and full of flavor. The combination of green beans, bacon, and a hint of lemon creates a well-balanced dish. Serve it at the table to add a fresh, savory option that complements heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Roast a whole cauliflower with butter for a side that’s tender, crisp, and flavorful. The outer layer turns golden while the inside stays soft, creating a satisfying texture. Bring it to the table to provide a unique, eye-catching option that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Make a Brussels sprouts casserole for a side that’s creamy, cheesy, and rich in flavor. Tender sprouts combine with a baked cheese topping to create a satisfying dish. Place it on the table for a comforting, classic side that’s perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Creamed Corn
Serve a creamed corn for a side that’s smooth, rich, and naturally sweet. The creamy texture complements savory main dishes while adding warmth to the meal. Add it to the table to give a familiar, comforting side that completes the Thanksgiving plate.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn