51 Thanksgiving Side Dishes

These Thanksgiving sides include classics like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole, plus seasonal veggies and salad recipes. They'll be the highlight of your holiday menu!

best thanksgiving side dishes

These Thanksgiving side dishes feature everything you need to plan a crowd-pleasing holiday dinner! Of course, you’ll find traditional Thanksgiving recipes like sweet potato casserole, dinner rolls, and cranberry sauce, but I’ve got plenty of fresh, seasonal menu inspiration in here too.

Wow your guests with roasted root vegetables with crispy sage or a lemony shaved Brussels sprout salad. At the end of the meal, everyone will still be talking about the sides—not the pumpkin pie or roast turkey.

I hope this collection of side dishes helps you create a Thanksgiving menu you love!

Our Best Classic Thanksgiving Sides

  1. Best Stuffing

    Based on my grandma’s classic recipe, this rich, savory stuffing is my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner.

    Make this recipe:

    Best Stuffing
  2. Best Mashed Potatoes

    These are the best mashed potatoes I’ve tried! Loaded up with butter, milk, and sour cream, they’re ultra-rich and blissfully creamy.

    Make this recipe:

    Best Mashed Potatoes
  3. Sweet Potato Casserole

    You won’t miss the marshmallows in this sweet potato casserole! It has a flavorful pecan crumble topping, which offers a delicious crunchy contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes.

    Make this recipe:

    Sweet Potato Casserole
  4. Green Bean Casserole

    No canned cream of mushroom soup here! This from-scratch casserole features fresh green beans in a rich, creamy homemade mushroom sauce topped with crispy French-fried onions.

    Make this recipe:

    Green Bean Casserole
  5. Cranberry Sauce

    This homemade cranberry sauce is SO much better than the kind from a can. It’s deliciously tart, scented with orange, and easy to make in 15 minutes.

    Make this recipe:

    Cranberry Sauce
  6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

    A zingy lemon Parmesan dressing takes these crispy roasted Brussels sprouts over the top.

    Make this recipe:

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  7. Homemade Dinner Rolls

    These homemade dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and flavorful. Careful—they might upstage the turkey!

    Make this recipe:

    Homemade Dinner Rolls

Easy Thanksgiving Vegetable Side Dishes

  1. Green Beans Almondine

    Skip the green bean casserole this year, and add these glossy green beans to your Thanksgiving menu instead!

    Make this recipe:

    Green Beans Almondine
  2. Roasted Root Vegetables

    This easy side dish will be a sleeper hit on your Thanksgiving table. A fragrant sage oil adds rich, earthy flavor to the humble medley of roasted root veggies.

    Make this recipe:

    Roasted Root Vegetables
  3. Wild Rice Pilaf

    This simple pilaf is flecked with tender roasted sweet potatoes, shaved Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, and herbs.

    Make this recipe:

    Wild Rice Pilaf
  4. Roasted Acorn Squash

    Roasted with maple syrup, olive oil, herbs, and salt and pepper, this acorn squash is a simple, elegant Thanksgiving side dish.

    Make this recipe:

    Roasted Acorn Squash
  5. Creamed Spinach

    This recipe is the perfect last-minute Thanksgiving side dish. You can make it in 15 minutes on the stovetop, and it’s fresh, creamy, and delicious.

    Make this recipe:

    Creamed Spinach
  6. Sautéed Brussels Sprouts

    Oven at its max? Sauté your Brussels sprouts instead of roasting them.

    Make this recipe:

    Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
  7. Roasted Carrots

    Honey brings out the natural sweetness of these tender, caramelized roasted carrots.

    Make this recipe:

    Roasted Carrots
  8. Mashed Cauliflower

    This creamy mash is lighter than mashed potatoes, but it’s just as delicious.

    Make this recipe:

    Mashed Cauliflower
  9. Mushroom Gravy

    Even meat lovers will fall for this velvety (vegan) mushroom gravy! It’s perfect for ladling over mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more.

    Make this recipe:

    Mushroom Gravy
  10. Delicata Squash with Apples & Sage

    This recipe is one of my all-time favorite Thanksgiving side dishes! It features a sweet and savory combination of roasted squash, apples, kale, and fresh herbs.

    Make this recipe:

    Delicata Squash with Apples & Sage
  11. Roasted Vegetables

    Sage, rosemary, and an apple cider vinaigrette add bold autumn flavor to these colorful roasted veggies.

    Make this recipe:

    Roasted Vegetables
  12. Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

    Roasted with honey and balsamic vinegar, these sprouts are crispy, caramelized, and packed with sweet and tangy flavor.

    Make this recipe:

    Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
  13. Roasted Beets

    If you love Thanksgiving sides that you can make ahead, this recipe is for you. Roast the beets up to 3 days before the big meal. Then, toss them with herbs and a squeeze of lemon when you’re ready to eat.

    Make this recipe:

    Roasted Beets
  14. Honeynut Squash

    Roasted with a maple glaze and served over whipped ricotta, this sweet, creamy squash is a stunning Thanksgiving side dish.

    Make this recipe:

    Honeynut Squash
  15. Roasted Cauliflower

    Dressed up with Parmesan and fresh herbs, roasted cauliflower is an easy, delicious Thanksgiving side dish! It’s good warm or at room temperature, so feel free to roast it up to a few hours in advance.

    Make this recipe:

    Roasted Cauliflower
  16. Sautéed Green Beans

    This recipe is one of the simplest Thanksgiving side dishes, and if you ask me, it’s also one of the best. Featuring a lemon dressing and fresh thyme, it’s bright, full of flavor, and easy to make.

    Make this recipe:

    Sautéed Green Beans
  17. Stuffed Acorn Squash

    This stuffed squash is a versatile addition to a Thanksgiving menu. It makes a fantastic meatless main or hearty side dish!

    Make this recipe:

    Stuffed Acorn Squash
  18. Roasted Butternut Squash

    A sprinkle of herbs is all it takes to make roasted butternut squash a Thanksgiving-worthy side dish.

    Make this recipe:

    Roasted Butternut Squash

Salad Recipes for Thanksgiving

  1. Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

    I bring this salad to my family’s Thanksgiving dinner every year. It has 8 ingredients, it’s lemony and bright, and it keeps well if you make it ahead of time. What’s not to love?

    Make this recipe:

    Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
  2. Spinach Salad

    This autumn salad plays well with classic Thanksgiving side dishes like stuffing and sweet potato casserole. It features candied pecans, crisp apples, dried cranberries, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette.

    Make this recipe:

    Spinach Salad
  3. Farro Salad

    Nutty farro plays off sweet apples and dates, a tangy dressing, and bitter greens in this simple, yet unexpected, salad.

    Make this recipe:

    Farro Salad
  4. Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Balsamic

    For a gorgeous Thanksgiving side dish, make this salad with as many types of beets as you can find. Filled with jeweled yellows, pinks, and reds, it’ll be a stunning addition to your holiday menu.

    Make this recipe:

    Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Balsamic
  5. Green Bean Salad

    A simpler, fresher alternative to green bean casserole.

    Make this recipe:

    Green Bean Salad
  6. Wheat Berry Salad

    This salad is basically fall in a bowl! It’s packed with roasted squash, nutty wheat berries, dried cranberries, and fresh sage.

    Make this recipe:

    Wheat Berry Salad
  7. Pear Salad with Balsamic and Walnuts

    Whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette a day or two ahead of time. This salad will be a breeze to assemble right before you eat!

    Make this recipe:

    Pear Salad with Balsamic and Walnuts
  8. Butternut Squash Salad

    A lightly creamy, cumin-spiced dressing adds earthy, aromatic flavor to this roasted squash salad.

    Make this recipe:

    Butternut Squash Salad
  9. Kale Salad

    Add tons of color to your Thanksgiving table with this rainbow kale salad! To get ahead, you can toss the kale with the carrot ginger dressing up to two days in advance. Then, sprinkle on the toppings right before you eat.

    Make this recipe:

    Kale Salad
  10. Best Broccoli Salad

    This recipe only gets better if you make it ahead of time, so it’s a perfect Thanksgiving side dish.

    Make this recipe:

    Best Broccoli Salad
  11. Kohlrabi Slaw

    This sweet and tangy slaw is one of my favorite last-minute holiday sides. The recipe calls for 10 ingredients and comes together in no time.

    Make this recipe:

    Kohlrabi Slaw

More Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Try

  1. Homemade Mac and Cheese

    Our kiddo LOVES this mac and cheese recipe. It’s a new staple among our family’s Thanksgiving side dishes!

    Make this recipe:

    Homemade Mac and Cheese
  2. Cornbread Stuffing

    I love cornbread, and I love stuffing. So naturally, I’m obsessed with this delicious mashup of the two. It’s SO flavorful, made with fresh herbs, aromatics, and sweet and savory cornbread.

    Make this recipe:

    Cornbread Stuffing
  3. Oven Roasted Potatoes

    Crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle, and tossed in a zingy lemon-rosemary dressing, these easy roasted potatoes are always a hit.

    Make this recipe:

    Oven Roasted Potatoes
  4. Butternut Squash Soup

    Ginger, rosemary, and sage infuse this creamy butternut squash soup with warming autumn flavor.

    Make this recipe:

    Butternut Squash Soup
  5. Scalloped Potatoes

    This comforting potato casserole will give mashed ones a run for their money. The spuds are baked in a creamy sauce with fresh thyme, onions, and cheddar cheese.

    Make this recipe:

    Scalloped Potatoes
  6. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

    Jack goes crazy for regular mashed potatoes, but me, I’m obsessed with these mashed sweets. They’re sweet, savory, smooth, and creamy.

    Make this recipe:

    Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  7. Focaccia Bread

    Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder why it wasn’t one of your go-to Thanksgiving side dishes all along. The focaccia is crisp on the bottom, soft and pillowy in the middle, and full of rich flavor from olive oil and sea salt.

    Make this recipe:

    Focaccia Bread
  8. Au Gratin Potatoes

    Add French flair to your Thanksgiving spread with these luxe potatoes au gratin! They’re baked in a garlicky cream sauce with three types of cheese.

    Make this recipe:

    Au Gratin Potatoes
  9. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

    This ultra-creamy macaroni and cheese will be a HUGE holiday hit! Pureed roasted squash, ground sage, and nutmeg add cozy fall flavor to the luscious sauce.

    Make this recipe:

    Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
  10. Hasselback Potatoes

    These retro potatoes are cut into thin slices most of the way through but left intact at the bottom. They look impressive and taste DELICIOUS, with crisp edges, tender middles, and lots of garlic butter on top.

    Make this recipe:

    Hasselback Potatoes
  11. Garlic Knots

    Keep an eye on these guys when you take them out of the oven. They’re so soft, fluffy, and flavorful that they might all disappear before they reach the Thanksgiving table!

    Make this recipe:

    Garlic Knots
  12. Crispy Smashed Potatoes

    Served hot from the baking sheet, these tasty taters have ultra-crispy edges. Dress them up with sprinkles of Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes for your Thanksgiving meal.

    Make this recipe:

    Crispy Smashed Potatoes
  13. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

    Score yourself some extra space on the stove this Thanksgiving, and make your mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot. They’re rich, creamy, and SO darn convenient. One of our new favorite Thanksgiving side dishes!

    Make this recipe:

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
  14. Corn Casserole

    This sweet and savory casserole has a delicious creamy center and buttery corn flavor, with plenty of whole corn kernels mixed in for texture. Just 9 ingredients!

    Make this recipe:

    Corn Casserole
  15. Twice Baked Potatoes

    Can’t choose between roasted potatoes and mashed potatoes? These twice baked ones combine the best of both.

    Make this recipe:

    Twice Baked Potatoes

More Thanksgiving Recipes

Looking for more holiday menu ideas? Check out these Thanksgiving recipes next:

thanksgiving side dishes

69 comments

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  1. Gloria Sims
    11.02.2026

    WOW! Excellent holiday side dishes!!!!

  2. Jeanine Donofrio
    11.24.2025

    Thank you for your feedback and support!

  3. Lindley Wiener
    11.30.2023

    5 stars
    I made the mashed sweet potatoes! All the other recipes look delicious.

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      12.01.2023

      Hi Lindley, thanks for joining in this month!

  4. Adrienne Lee
    11.28.2023

    5 stars
    I made the No-Knead bread, butternut squash soup, butternut mac & cheese, broccoli salad and roasted beets. These were lots of fun and the butternut squash dishes will likely make it into the fall meal rotation. I have printed out quite a few more of these recipes and may try them before Xmas gets here.

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      12.01.2023

      Hi Adrienne, Amazing! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipes.

  5. Laurie Bettini
    11.28.2023

    5 stars
    I made the Rosemary Focaccia, and it was truly amazing! The dough was a breeze to work with, and the roasted garlic, rosemary, and sprinkle of sea salt took it over the top. I thought it was SO delicious! I also made the Broccoli Salad again, another one of my favorites! And the Cream of Mushroom Soup is calling my name, so that’s on my list to make next! So many choices!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      12.01.2023

      Hi Laurie, I’m so glad you loved the recipes!

  6. Leslie Welky
    11.27.2023

    Made the arugula salad for our Thanksgiving celebration! So good!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      11.28.2023

      Hi Leslie, so glad you loved it!

  7. Caroline Scanlon
    11.27.2023

    5 stars
    I made the wild rice pilaf as a side for Thanksgiving and it was delish!! Will definitely be making again 🙂

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      11.28.2023

      Hi Caroline, I’m so glad you loved the wild rice pilaf! One of our favorites too.

  8. Alison
    11.27.2023

    5 stars
    Sauteed brussel sprouts were delicous! I am newly obsessed with all things brussel sprout. #loveandlemonscookingclub

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      11.28.2023

      Hi Alison, so glad you loved them!

  9. Nicole Smith
    11.27.2023

    I made the cranberry sauce (so good) and roasted Brussels sprouts. They’re amazing together with some lemony Greek yogurt on a baked sweet potato or naan!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      11.28.2023

      Hi Nicole, love the idea of these two recipes on a sweet potato! So glad you enjoyed them.

  10. Ila Knight
    11.26.2023

    5 stars
    We tried the Best Stuffing and it was AMAZING!! We loved the fresh herbs!

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      11.28.2023

      Hi Ila, I’m so glad you loved it!

  11. Ash Sosa
    11.23.2023

    5 stars
    I tried the mushroom gravy for Thanksgiving last year and it was absolutely delicious, so of course I had to make it again this year!

  12. Elizabeth Young
    11.23.2023

    5 stars
    What an incredible compilation of delicious recipes! I made the butternut squash soup today and was wowed by the depth of flavor. The herbs and fresh ginger added amazing taste. So good!

  13. Amanda
    11.23.2023

    5 stars
    So much goodness! All these recipes look amazing and I will definitely be trying more!

  14. Shira
    11.23.2023

    5 stars
    We just made the dinner rolls. They are probably the most important part of the Thanksgiving meal for children. These were so easy and the perfect addition to our meal.

  15. Megan
    11.22.2023

    5 stars
    I made the sweet potato casserole for my husband to take to a work potluck. People really enjoyed it. I’ll make it again for Thanksgiving.

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      11.23.2023

      I’m so glad it was a hit!

  16. Katelyn Willis
    11.20.2023

    5 stars
    Already decided to try about 8 of these recipes for the big day and a few before and after. Love every recipe!

    • Jan
      11.20.2023

      Yes, I found so many I want to try also!
      And not just on Thanksgiving!!!
      Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

      • Jeanine Donofrio
        11.23.2023

        Happy Thanksgiving to you!

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      11.23.2023

      I hope you enjoy!

  17. Ellen
    11.20.2023

    Made the balsamic Brussels Sprouts for Friendsgiving. Loved it! The pomegranate seeds are worth the effort.

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      11.23.2023

      I’m so glad you loved it!

  18. Kim
    11.19.2023

    5 stars
    Wow! Thanks for all of the Thanksgiving recipes! Now to decide which to try! : )

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      11.23.2023

      I hope you find some new favorites!

  19. Joel
    11.19.2023

    5 stars
    Roasted potatoes were delish!

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      11.23.2023

      I’m so happy to hear!

  20. Ashley Johnson
    11.19.2023

    So many easy and delicious recipes in one place. I just made the roasted potatoes as a trial run for thanksgiving and they turned out great!

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      11.23.2023

      I’m so glad you loved them!

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I'm Jeanine, a New York Times bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and founder of Love & Lemons, a trusted recipe resource for millions of home cooks. I create fresh, easy, and delicious vegetarian recipes that celebrate seasonal ingredients and flavors.

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