34 Thanksgiving Side Dishes for Your Holiday Table

Thanksgiving side dishes are just as important as the turkey, and sometimes they’re the best part of the whole meal. From creamy mashed potatoes and homemade stuffing to roasted vegetables, sweet potato casseroles, and warm cornbread, these 34 Thanksgiving side dishes have something for everyone.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, bringing something to Friendsgiving, or looking for a few new recipes to add to your family traditions, you’ll find plenty of ideas here. I’ve included traditional favorites, easy vegetable sides, comforting casseroles, and a few recipes that bring something different to the holiday table.

Classic Thanksgiving Side Dishes

These are the recipes that make Thanksgiving dinner feel like Thanksgiving. From stuffing and mashed potatoes to green bean casserole, they’re the traditional favorites people look forward to every year.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes belong on every Thanksgiving table. They’re simple, comforting, and perfect for serving with plenty of turkey gravy. This is one side dish I always make sure there’s enough of for seconds.

Sausage Stuffing

Savory sausage, herbs, and tender bread come together in this homemade stuffing. The top gets golden and lightly crisp while the center stays soft and flavorful. It’s a classic pairing with roasted turkey.

Classic Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans and Crispy Onions

Fresh green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy onions make this a Thanksgiving favorite. It’s everything you want from traditional green bean casserole, with plenty of flavor and that golden topping everyone loves.

Herb Bread Stuffing

If you prefer a traditional stuffing without sausage, this herb bread stuffing is a great choice. Toasted bread, onions, celery, butter, and herbs create a savory side that goes perfectly with turkey and gravy.

Cornbread Sausage Stuffing

Cornbread gives this sausage stuffing a slightly different texture and flavor. It’s hearty, savory, and especially good for anyone who loves homemade cornbread dressing at Thanksgiving.

Turkey Gravy

Good turkey gravy brings the entire Thanksgiving plate together. Made with flavorful turkey drippings, it’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, stuffing, and sliced turkey.

Cranberry Chutney

This cranberry chutney adds a sweet, tart, and slightly spicy contrast to all those rich Thanksgiving dishes. Serve it alongside turkey or add a spoonful to your plate with stuffing.

Thanksgiving Potato Side Dishes

Potatoes are always popular at Thanksgiving, and there’s more than one way to serve them. These recipes are rich, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a holiday crowd.

Funeral Potatoes

Creamy, cheesy potatoes with a golden, crunchy topping are always welcome at a holiday dinner. Funeral potatoes are especially good when you need a comforting casserole that can feed several people.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Everything you love about a loaded baked potato comes together in this casserole. With potatoes, cheese, and bacon, it’s a hearty Thanksgiving side that’s easy to serve to a crowd.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce make this a wonderful alternative to mashed potatoes. The top gets golden while the potatoes underneath become tender and rich.

Sweet Potato and Squash Side Dishes

Sweet potatoes and squash bring plenty of fall flavor to Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you prefer something sweet with a crunchy topping or a savory roasted vegetable dish, these recipes give you several options.

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Streusel Topping

These twice baked sweet potatoes have a creamy, warmly spiced filling and a crunchy streusel topping. They’re a fun alternative to serving a traditional sweet potato casserole.

Maple Roasted Sweet Potato with Bacon and Walnuts

Maple syrup, crispy bacon, and crunchy walnuts make these roasted sweet potatoes both sweet and savory. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes, while the bacon adds a smoky finish.

Streusel Sweet Potato Casserole

Tender sweet potatoes topped with a cinnamon-sugar streusel make this a favorite for anyone who loves a little sweetness with Thanksgiving dinner. The crunchy topping is especially good against the soft sweet potatoes.

Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

For a more traditional holiday side, this sweet potato casserole has a golden marshmallow topping, warm spices, and a touch of chipotle. It’s sweet, creamy, and a little different from the usual version.

Sweet Potato Crisp Bites

These individual sweet potato bites are topped with a buttery, crunchy mixture of nuts, oats, and spices. They’re a fun way to serve sweet potatoes without making another large casserole.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Bacon and Pecans

Roasted butternut squash gets tossed with bacon, pecans, honey, and warm spices for a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. This is a great Thanksgiving vegetable side when you want something seasonal that isn’t another potato dish.

Acorn Squash with Moroccan Stuffing

Roasted acorn squash with a flavorful Moroccan-inspired filling brings something different to the holiday menu. The warm spices, grains, and colorful toppings make it a beautiful addition to Thanksgiving dinner.

Easy Thanksgiving Vegetable Side Dishes

With so many rich casseroles and potato dishes on the table, I always like having a few vegetables to balance everything out. These recipes include simple roasted vegetables, cheesy baked favorites, and some unexpected flavor combinations.

Roasted Zucchini with Parmesan

This easy roasted zucchini has tender centers and golden Parmesan around the edges. It’s ready in about 20 minutes, making it a good option when you need a simple Thanksgiving vegetable side without a lot of prep.

5-Ingredient Orange Miso Glazed Carrots

These carrots have a delicious combination of citrusy sweetness and savory miso flavor. They’re tender, lightly caramelized, and add some beautiful color to your Thanksgiving plate.

Roasted Root Veggies with Pumpkin Hummus

Roasted carrots, potatoes, and parsnips pair with creamy pumpkin hummus for a seasonal vegetable dish. It’s a nice option when you want something a little different from traditional roasted vegetables.

Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Carrot Gratin

Broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots are baked with cheddar cheese and a golden breadcrumb topping. It’s a comforting vegetable casserole that fits right in with the rest of your Thanksgiving favorites.

Roasted Broccoli Bacon Salad with Hot Honey Mustard Dressing

Roasted broccoli and crispy bacon are tossed with a sweet and spicy hot honey mustard dressing. This side brings plenty of savory flavor and a little heat to the Thanksgiving table.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice

Tender broccoli, creamy rice, and melted cheese make this a comforting side dish that’s easy to pair with turkey. It’s also a great option for anyone who loves cheesy vegetable casseroles.

Thanksgiving Pasta, Rice, and Casserole Sides

These hearty Thanksgiving sides are especially good for larger gatherings. They’re filling, comforting, and give guests something beyond the traditional potatoes and stuffing.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a golden baked topping make macaroni and cheese a favorite for Thanksgiving. It’s one of those dishes that works just as well for a holiday dinner as it does for Sunday supper.

Creamy Feta Dill Orzo

This creamy orzo has tangy feta and fresh dill for a flavorful change from traditional Thanksgiving sides. The herbs give it a fresh finish that pairs nicely with richer dishes.

Pumpkin Risotto with Sage

Pumpkin and sage give this creamy risotto a wonderful fall flavor. It’s a savory rice dish with just a little natural sweetness from the pumpkin, making it a lovely addition to Thanksgiving dinner.

BBQ Baked Beans

Sweet, smoky baked beans are a hearty addition to the Thanksgiving menu. They’re especially good for casual holiday gatherings or when you’re serving a large group with plenty of different side dishes.

Thanksgiving Breads, Cornbread, and Biscuits

You can’t have Thanksgiving dinner without something to serve with butter or use to soak up the gravy. These homemade breads are perfect for adding to the holiday bread basket.

Moist Tender Cornbread

This homemade cornbread has a golden top and a soft, moist center thanks to creamed corn and buttermilk. It’s a great addition to Thanksgiving dinner, especially served warm with butter or honey.

Easy Pumpkin Cornbread

Pumpkin purée, cornmeal, brown sugar, and warm fall spices make this cornbread a little different from the classic version. It’s moist, lightly sweet, and especially good served alongside turkey or a bowl of savory stuffing.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Soft, flaky buttermilk biscuits are always a good idea for Thanksgiving. Serve them warm with butter, honey, or a generous spoonful of turkey gravy.

Pumpkin Spice Honey Butter

This pumpkin spice honey butter is a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving bread basket. Spread it over warm biscuits or cornbread for a little sweetness and seasonal spice.

More Thanksgiving Sides to Try

These last few recipes are great when you want to add something unexpected to the menu or bring a dish to a holiday potluck.

Pretzel Sausage Stuffing

Soft pretzel pieces give this savory sausage stuffing a different texture and flavor from traditional bread stuffing. It’s a fun option for anyone who wants to try a new version of a Thanksgiving favorite.

Cranberry Fluff Jello Salad

Sweet, tart cranberries and a creamy, fluffy mixture make this a refreshing addition to the holiday table. It’s a nice contrast to the heavier casseroles and savory sides.

Warm Roasted Vegetable Fall Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

This warm roasted vegetable salad is a great way to add something fresh and colorful to your Thanksgiving table. Roasted sweet potatoes and beets are tossed with crisp apples, toasted pecans, hearty grains, and baby spinach. The homemade apple cider vinaigrette brings everything together with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a delicious option when you want something lighter alongside all those rich holiday casseroles.

Tips for Planning Your Thanksgiving Side Dishes

• Choose a mix of dishes. I like having at least one potato dish, a stuffing, a vegetable, and something from the bread basket. From there, you can add family favorites or try something new.
• Make what you can ahead of time. Look through each recipe for its storage and reheating instructions. Getting some of the prep done before Thanksgiving makes cooking on the actual holiday much easier.
• Think about oven space. If your turkey is taking up most of the oven, plan a few sides that can be made on the stovetop or reheated after the turkey comes out.
• Include something lighter. With mashed potatoes, stuffing, and casseroles on the table, roasted vegetables are a nice way to balance the meal.
• Don’t forget the gravy and bread. They’re easy to overlook when you’re planning the main dishes, but they’re always part of my Thanksgiving menu.

Let’s Make Thanksgiving Delicious

Whether your Thanksgiving menu is filled with family traditions or you’re trying a few new recipes this year, the side dishes are what bring the whole meal together. From creamy mashed potatoes and homemade stuffing to roasted vegetables and warm pumpkin cornbread, there’s plenty here to help you plan a dinner everyone will enjoy.

Pick your favorites, get a little prep done ahead of time, and enjoy the holiday with the people around your table.