When Thanksgiving rolls around, the turkey usually gets all the attention. But the side dishes? They can make or break the meal. These 25 irresistible sides will do more than just fill the plate—they’ll have everyone talking. Whether you’re looking for something fresh, hearty, or a little unexpected, these dishes are sure to stand out.
Buttery Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Roasted zucchini, squash, and tomatoes come together to create a flavorful and healthy side that stands out on your Thanksgiving table. This dish is easy to make, offering a light and vibrant option that balances out heavier sides. Its fresh taste and simplicity make it a perfect addition to any Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Grilled baby bok choy adds a smoky and bold touch to your Thanksgiving meal without requiring much prep. It’s a simple dish that pairs perfectly with turkey and offers a fresh, unique option on your plate. This easy-to-make side brings a variety of flavors to the table, making it a standout choice.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Spinach and parmesan quinoa is a light, healthy side that adds both protein and flavor to your Thanksgiving meal. The earthy spinach and sharp parmesan create a delicious, satisfying dish that complements your main course. Quick to prepare, this quinoa is an easy, flavorful side everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Dinner Roll Knots
Soft, buttery dinner roll knots are perfect for soaking up gravy and pairing with turkey. Their light, fluffy texture makes them an irresistible addition to your Thanksgiving spread. These rolls are easy to make and will be a crowd favorite on the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy bacon and roasted Brussels sprouts make for a savory and satisfying side that’s sure to impress. The natural sweetness of the sprouts shines through, while the bacon adds a crunchy, smoky element. It’s an easy-to-make side that brings bold flavor to your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Fluffy, buttery dinner rolls are the perfect side to complement any Thanksgiving meal. Their soft texture makes them ideal for soaking up all the delicious sauces on your plate. This simple, quick-to-make side will quickly become a favorite at your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls
Buttery Crescent Rolls
These soft and flaky crescent rolls melt in your mouth, making them a perfect pairing for turkey or gravy. The buttery flavor and light texture add a comforting touch to your Thanksgiving spread. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’re sure to be the talk of the table.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls
Spinach Orzo Salad
A light and refreshing spinach and orzo salad offers a perfect balance to the richer sides on your Thanksgiving table. The tender orzo and fresh spinach blend together for a satisfying dish that complements your main course. This simple, flavorful salad is an easy addition to any Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Mashed Potatoes
Smooth, creamy mashed potatoes made in the Instant Pot are a classic side that everyone loves. Their rich texture and flavor make them the ideal pairing for turkey and gravy. This simple dish takes the hassle out of cooking, making it an easy and comforting addition to your Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Cinnamon Apples
Tender cinnamon apples provide a sweet contrast to the savory dishes on your Thanksgiving plate. Their rich, spiced flavor and soft texture make them an irresistible side that complements any main dish. Easy to prepare, these apples add a touch of sweetness to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples
Corn Casserole
Corn casserole with bacon brings together a comforting, savory dish that pairs perfectly with turkey. The creamy texture and crispy bacon combine to create a side everyone will love. This easy-to-make dish is sure to become a favorite at your Thanksgiving dinner.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Harvest Quinoa Salad
A mix of quinoa, roasted squash, feta, and cranberries creates a colorful, flavorful side that’s both light and filling. The variety of textures makes it a standout dish that complements turkey and other sides. Quick to make, this healthy salad is a great addition to your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Rich, creamy scalloped potatoes topped with melted cheese are the perfect side to serve alongside turkey. The velvety texture and savory flavor make this dish a crowd-pleaser. It’s an easy-to-make side that will have everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cranberry Orange Sauce
The tartness of cranberries and the burst of citrus from orange come together to create a fresh, flavorful side. This sauce is a perfect complement to turkey, offering a bright contrast to the savory dishes on your plate. It’s easy to prepare and adds a burst of flavor to your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Sauce
Vegan Cranberry Quinoa Salad
Cranberry quinoa salad is a light and vibrant option that adds a burst of color and flavor to your Thanksgiving meal. The combination of quinoa, dried cranberries, and fresh herbs creates a refreshing dish everyone can enjoy. This simple side is a great choice for guests with dietary preferences.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cranberry Quinoa Salad
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Roasted honey glazed carrots offer a sweet and savory side that’s perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. The honey glaze brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots, making them a favorite at the table. Simple to make, these carrots add a touch of elegance to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Butternut squash and wild rice pilaf is a hearty, yet light side that pairs beautifully with turkey. The nutty rice and sweet squash create a flavorful dish that complements any main course. It’s a simple, flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving meal that everyone will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Cornbread Stuffing
Cornbread stuffing with bacon brings rich flavor and texture to your Thanksgiving spread. The sweet cornbread and savory bacon combine to create a comforting side everyone will enjoy. This easy-to-make stuffing is perfect for soaking up turkey juices and gravy.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing
Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apples & Cranberries
The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the tartness of apples and cranberries. This dish adds a colorful touch to your Thanksgiving table while offering a delicious balance of flavors. It’s an easy-to-make side that’s sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apples & Cranberries
Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole made in the Crock Pot is a stress-free way to serve up a classic Thanksgiving side. The creamy sauce and crispy topping bring comforting flavors that pair perfectly with turkey. This simple dish frees up oven space without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole
Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole in the Crock Pot is rich, comforting, and easy to prepare. The marshmallow and pecan topping adds sweetness, balancing out the creamy potatoes. This dish takes the hassle out of cooking while delivering a flavor-packed addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Roasting a whole cauliflower with butter creates a dramatic and flavorful side for your Thanksgiving table. The crispy outer layer and tender interior make this dish a satisfying option to pair with turkey. It’s simple to make and adds a unique touch to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Green beans sautéed in garlic butter and topped with crispy fried onions make a savory, crunchy side that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The rich garlic flavor enhances the beans, while the fried onions add texture. This quick and easy dish is a great addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Creamed Corn
Homemade creamed corn brings a rich, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with turkey and other Thanksgiving sides. It’s a simple yet comforting dish that adds a touch of indulgence to your meal. This easy-to-make side will have everyone asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Baked Sweet Potato
Baked sweet potatoes are a simple, flavorful side with a crispy skin and tender interior. Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with turkey and other Thanksgiving dishes. This easy-to-make side is both comforting and versatile, making it a great addition to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato
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