26 Thanksgiving Sides Ideas
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey—it’s the sides that secretly steal the show.
Think about it: mashed potatoes smothered in gravy, buttery rolls, crispy green beans, and the kind of stuffing that makes you question why we only eat it once a year.
The truth is, while turkey takes the spotlight, it’s the supporting cast of sides that makes the entire feast unforgettable.
1. Classic Mashed Potatoes with a Twist
Mashed potatoes are non-negotiable. But instead of the usual butter-and-cream combo, try adding roasted garlic or a splash of cream cheese. That little tang elevates the dish into something richer.
Here’s a tip I swear by: keep the skins on if you’re using Yukon Golds. Not only does it save peeling time, but the texture feels heartier and more rustic. One Thanksgiving, I did this out of pure laziness, and everyone thought it was an “elevated recipe.” Sometimes shortcuts turn into genius moments.
2. Herb-Loaded Stuffing
Stuffing is like the cozy sweater of the Thanksgiving table—it just feels right. Use fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary for depth. Toss in sautéed onions and celery, then bake it until golden on top and soft inside.
A quick statistic: according to the National Turkey Federation, stuffing (or dressing, depending where you’re from) is the #1 side Americans say they can’t live without on Thanksgiving. So yeah, skip this, and you might have a mutiny at the table.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Topping
Forget just marshmallows. Try topping your sweet potatoes with pecans, brown sugar, and butter crumble. The crunch against the silky sweet potato is magic.
Confession: the first time I made this, I burned the topping because I got distracted by family drama in the kitchen (you know how Thanksgiving goes). But even slightly charred, it disappeared. People love this dish so much they’ll forgive your oven mishaps.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Brussels sprouts have gone from childhood villain to adult favorite. Roast them until crispy, then drizzle with balsamic reduction. That tangy sweetness cuts through the heaviness of the other dishes.
Pro tip: add bacon crumbles if you want people to hover near the serving dish like bees around honey.
5. Green Bean Almondine
Green beans deserve better than being drowned in canned soup. Instead, sauté them with butter, garlic, and sliced almonds. They stay crisp, fresh, and bring brightness to the table.
This dish saved me one year when my turkey came out a little too dry. Guests loaded up on the green beans and barely noticed. Sometimes sides are your best backup plan.
6. Cranberry Sauce That’s Actually Good
Canned cranberry sauce has its nostalgic place, but making your own is shockingly easy. Just simmer fresh cranberries with sugar, orange juice, and zest. The result? A tangy, jewel-red sauce that cuts through the richness of everything else.
Here’s a fun stat: Americans consume 80 million pounds of cranberries during Thanksgiving week alone. That’s about 20% of the year’s entire supply—just for one holiday.
7. Mac and Cheese
Yes, mac and cheese belongs at Thanksgiving. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Bake it with a crispy breadcrumb topping for maximum comfort.
One year, I had cousins from the South bring their family mac and cheese recipe, and it stole the spotlight from the turkey. No regrets.
8. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Roasting carrots with honey, butter, and thyme creates a sweet-savory combo that balances the meal. They look beautiful on the table too—bright orange against all the beige sides.
And they cook quickly, which is a blessing when oven space is as competitive as Black Friday deals.
9. Cornbread
Cornbread is the humble side that quietly disappears before you even realize it. Make it slightly sweet with honey, or keep it savory with jalapeños and cheddar.
I always make a double batch—one for dinner, and one for sneaking bites while cleaning up.
10. Butternut Squash Soup
A warm, velvety soup is the perfect starter before the big plates arrive. Roast your squash first for extra depth, then blend it with cream and nutmeg.
Serve in small cups so it feels festive but doesn’t fill everyone up too early.
11. Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
You need something to mop up all that gravy and cranberry sauce. Fluffy, pull-apart dinner rolls brushed with garlic butter do the job perfectly.
A little secret: if you don’t have time to make rolls from scratch, buy frozen dough and bake it off. Nobody will know unless you tell them.
12. Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan
Cauliflower doesn’t sound exciting until you roast it until crispy and toss it with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. Suddenly, it’s the side people can’t stop eating.
It’s also one of the few sides that feels a little lighter—because by plate three, your guests will need it.
13. Wild Rice Pilaf
Rice at Thanksgiving? Yes, and it works beautifully. Cook wild rice with vegetable broth, mushrooms, onions, and cranberries for a nutty, festive side.
It’s naturally gluten-free, which is a life-saver if you have dietary restrictions at the table.
14. Deviled Eggs
Unexpected? Maybe. But deviled eggs are always the first thing to vanish. Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or crispy bacon bits to elevate them.
Trust me, put them out as an appetizer, and they’ll be gone before the turkey comes out of the oven.
15. Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese
Roasted beets add earthy sweetness, and pairing them with tangy goat cheese makes the dish restaurant-level good.
Bonus: they look like holiday jewels on the plate, bringing color to the table.
16. Creamed Spinach
This side has old-school steakhouse vibes, but it fits perfectly on a Thanksgiving spread. Spinach cooked with cream, nutmeg, and Parmesan is indulgent without being overwhelming.
It also sneaks in greens for those who claim Thanksgiving is “too heavy.”
17. Apple Walnut Salad
Balance out the heavy dishes with something fresh. A salad of crisp apples, walnuts, dried cranberries, and goat cheese feels seasonal and refreshing.
Dress it with a light vinaigrette, and you’ve got the palate cleanser everyone secretly needs between bites of stuffing.
18. Scalloped Potatoes
If you want to go extra with your potatoes, make scalloped. Thinly sliced potatoes layered with cream, butter, and cheese—it’s basically edible happiness.
The crispy edges are the best part, so fight for them.
19. Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms
These make the perfect bite-sized addition to the table. Mushrooms stuffed with sausage, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan are savory little flavor bombs.
Every time I bring these, they disappear faster than I can plate them.
20. Roasted Asparagus with Lemon
Simple, elegant, and quick. Roasting asparagus with olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice keeps it bright and zesty.
This is one of those sides that makes you feel slightly less guilty about the mountain of carbs you just ate.
21. Pumpkin Risotto
If you want to impress, serve pumpkin risotto. Creamy, slightly sweet, and full of fall flavor—it feels fancy but cozy.
Risotto takes stirring patience, but honestly, it’s therapeutic while waiting for the turkey timer.
22. Glazed Pearl Onions
These are a nod to classic Thanksgiving tables. Simmer pearl onions in butter and sugar until glossy and caramelized.
They may look small, but they pack a punch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory meats.
23. Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Pudding
This is cornbread’s richer cousin. Creamy, cheesy, with a little kick from jalapeños—it’s addictive.
Every Thanksgiving I serve it, someone asks me for the recipe before dessert even comes out.
24. Fried Okra
A Southern favorite that deserves a place on more tables. Crispy fried okra brings crunch and personality to the spread.
Warning: it’s dangerously snackable. You might eat half before serving.
25. Roasted Garlic Gravy
Okay, technically gravy is a sauce, not a side—but it transforms every dish it touches. Roast garlic first for a deeper flavor, then whisk it into your pan drippings.
A good gravy can save a dry turkey. Trust me, I’ve been there.
26. Pecan Pie Bars (as a Sneaky Side)
Yes, technically dessert, but serving pecan pie bars alongside sides lets people nibble early. They’re less formal than a full pie but still bring that nutty sweetness.
Thanksgiving isn’t about rules—it’s about abundance. So why not bend tradition a little?
Conclusion on 26 Thanksgiving Sides Ideas
Here’s the real truth: while the turkey might get carved with ceremony, it’s the sides that define Thanksgiving memories. From creamy potatoes to tangy cranberry sauce, crunchy green beans to sweet casseroles, these dishes tell stories, spark nostalgia, and keep people coming back for seconds (and thirds).
The beauty of these 26 Thanksgiving sides is that you can mix tradition with creativity. Maybe you stick to your grandma’s stuffing recipe but experiment with pumpkin risotto. Or maybe you sneak mac and cheese onto the table and watch it outshine the bird.
