26 Thanksgiving Recipes Side Dishes Ideas
Thanksgiving without side dishes is like a pumpkin pie without the whipped cream—it just feels incomplete. The turkey might get the spotlight, but the sides are the real crowd-pleasers.
They’re the dishes that bring everyone back for seconds, the comfort food that warms the soul, and the little surprises that make the holiday unforgettable.
1. Classic Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The undisputed king of Thanksgiving sides. Use Yukon Golds for a buttery flavor, add heavy cream for richness, and don’t skimp on real butter. The secret?
Warm the cream and butter before mixing so the potatoes don’t seize up. According to the National Potato Council, Americans consume over 4 billion pounds of mashed potatoes annually, and Thanksgiving is when a big chunk of that disappears.
2. Brown Butter Green Beans
Skip the canned green bean casserole for fresh beans sautéed in nutty brown butter with garlic. The brown butter adds depth and gives plain beans a gourmet twist. Toss in slivered almonds for crunch.
3. Cornbread Stuffing
Stuffing is non-negotiable, but switching from traditional bread to cornbread adds sweetness and a crumbly texture. Mix in sautéed onions, celery, and sage for a Southern-inspired upgrade. This dish feels like a warm hug from Grandma’s kitchen.
4. Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roast these little cabbages at high heat with olive oil and minced garlic until crispy. For a finishing touch, drizzle with balsamic glaze. Fun fact: Brussels sprouts sales in the U.S. spike nearly 80% in November, proving they’ve gone from hated veggie to Thanksgiving superstar.
5. Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Topping
Forget the marshmallows. A buttery pecan crumble topping balances the sweetness with crunch. It’s dessert disguised as a side dish, which is why it always vanishes first.
6. Butternut Squash Soup
Start the meal with a velvety butternut squash soup topped with a swirl of cream. The natural sweetness pairs perfectly with Thanksgiving spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. It sets a cozy tone for the meal.
7. Honey Glazed Carrots
Carrots roasted in the oven with honey and thyme caramelize beautifully. They’re colorful, slightly sweet, and an easy way to get kids at the table to eat their veggies without a fight.
8. Cranberry Sauce With Orange Zest
Ditch the canned version and simmer fresh cranberries with sugar, orange zest, and a splash of cinnamon. The citrusy brightness cuts through the richness of turkey and gravy.
Cranberries are harvested mainly in Wisconsin and Massachusetts, producing over 8 million barrels annually, much of which ends up on Thanksgiving tables.
9. Mac and Cheese Bake
A bubbling casserole of extra-cheesy macaroni with a golden breadcrumb topping. Some families insist it’s not traditional, but one bite and you’ll understand why it’s become a Southern Thanksgiving staple.
10. Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Mash
For a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, roast cauliflower with garlic until caramelized, then blend it into a smooth mash. It’s low-carb but doesn’t taste like a compromise.
11. Warm Dinner Rolls With Herb Butter
Freshly baked rolls are essential for soaking up gravy. Serve them with whipped herb butter—mix butter with parsley, thyme, and a touch of garlic for a fragrant spread.
12. Apple Pecan Salad
A crisp salad with sliced apples, candied pecans, dried cranberries, and goat cheese brings freshness to the table. Toss it with a cider vinaigrette to balance out all the rich, heavy sides.
13. Roasted Root Vegetables
Carrots, parsnips, and turnips roasted with olive oil and rosemary are a rustic side that tastes like autumn on a pan. They add earthiness to balance the sweet and savory dishes.
14. Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Adding crumbled Italian sausage to stuffing makes it heartier. The savory, slightly spicy sausage pairs perfectly with sage and thyme. It turns stuffing from a side into a star.
15. Creamed Spinach
Rich, velvety, and just indulgent enough. Creamed spinach brings color to the table and feels like a classic steakhouse side, but it’s right at home next to turkey.
16. Baked Acorn Squash With Maple Glaze
Cut acorn squash into halves or rings, drizzle with maple syrup, and roast until tender. The presentation alone makes this a show-stopper.
17. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Small, crispy potatoes roasted with garlic and parmesan are the crunchy cousin to mashed potatoes. Easy to make in big batches and guaranteed to disappear fast.
18. Caramelized Onion Gravy
Technically a topping, but it deserves its own spotlight. Slow-cooked onions give gravy a deep, sweet flavor that beats plain drippings every time.
19. Roasted Mushroom Medley
A mix of shiitake, cremini, and oyster mushrooms roasted with butter and thyme makes a savory, earthy side dish. Mushrooms are loaded with umami, which enhances the entire meal.
20. Wild Rice Pilaf With Cranberries
Nutty wild rice tossed with cranberries and toasted pecans makes a wholesome side. It’s hearty, chewy, and offers a break from the usual starch-heavy lineup.
21. Glazed Pearl Onions
Pearl onions simmered in a sweet-and-savory glaze of butter, sugar, and stock are a forgotten classic. They bring old-school holiday charm back to the table.
22. Roasted Beet Salad With Goat Cheese
Beets add vibrant color and earthy sweetness. Pair them with creamy goat cheese and walnuts for a sophisticated side that balances richness with freshness.
23. Cheddar Chive Biscuits
Instead of plain dinner rolls, bake biscuits studded with sharp cheddar and fresh chives. They’re fluffy, cheesy, and begging to be dunked in gravy.
24. Spinach and Artichoke Gratin
Think spinach-artichoke dip, but baked into a bubbling, cheesy casserole. It’s indulgent, comforting, and an unexpected twist on the usual sides.
25. Roasted Pumpkin With Sage
Pumpkin roasted with olive oil and fresh sage highlights seasonal flavors without needing heavy sauces. It’s rustic, hearty, and perfect for a fall table.
26. Pecan and Cranberry Wild Rice Stuffing
For a creative stuffing alternative, try wild rice with toasted pecans and cranberries. It’s nutty, sweet, and gluten-free—making it a hit for guests with dietary restrictions.
Conclusion On 26 Thanksgiving Recipes Side Dishes Ideas
Thanksgiving side dishes are what transform a simple roast turkey into a memorable feast. Each dish on this list has its own charm—whether it’s the buttery mashed potatoes everyone piles on their plates, or the surprise salads and roasted veggies that balance out the heaviness.
Here’s the truth: your guests may rave about the turkey, but they’ll remember the sides. These recipes aren’t just food; they’re traditions waiting to happen. Mix and match from this list to create a spread that reflects your family’s tastes. And don’t be afraid to experiment—maybe this year it’s wild rice stuffing instead of bread, or brown butter green beans instead of casserole.
