We’ve put our most-loved, five-star recipes for Thanksgiving side dishes into one spot! This is THE list to help you round out your Thanksgiving 2024 menu.
Some people may think that Thanksgiving dinner is all about the turkey, but for me? My plate is there for the side dishes! Comforting and delicious sides are the real star of the Thanksgiving day show. Weโve pulled together all of our fan favorite side dishes to make it easy for you to fill out your Thanksgiving menu. Happy cooking!
How many side dishes should I have for Thanksgiving?
There really is no such thing as too much food on Thanksgiving (yay for leftovers!), so we always recommend folks err on the side of more food on the big day. For a small gathering, we recommend you at least have:
- 1 potato side dish
- 1 vegetable side dish
- 1 batch of bread/rolls
- 1 or 2 other side dishes (like cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, or a Thanksgiving salad)
But think of that as the bare minimum! Thanksgiving is really a time to have fun in the kitchen and enjoy the art of cooking with your family. Bring in your family favorite recipes, serve the traditional foods, and maybe even explore some new ideas (from this list, perhaps!).
Wholefully Protip
Most Thanksgiving side dishes freeze beautifully, so get to cooking! You can always freeze up any leftovers you donโt get to for a fun Thanksgiving redux later on.
Can you make Thanksgiving sides ahead of time?
Yes! You can make some of your favorite sides entirely in advance, and you can partially prep even more of them ahead of time. I always prep our bread rolls at least the day before so that I can just pop them in the oven on the big day.
Okay, on to the recipes!
22+ Fan-Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Need to round out your Turkey Day menu? Find some of the best Thanksgiving side dishes here!
Classic Thanksgiving Side Dishes
There are a few side dishes that are always at our Thanksgiving dinners: rolls, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. Here are some of our takes on the classics:
Easy Buttery Yeast Roll Recipe
Think working with yeast is scary? It isn't! This recipe for EASY Buttery Yeast Rolls will make you the star of Thanksgiving dinner!
Classic Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Fresh, crisp beans and a delectable homemade mushroom cream sauce will make this Green Bean Casserole the hit of your Thanksgiving table! No canned soups needed.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
By using your slow cooker to make these easy mashed potatoes, you get creamy, flavorful potatoes for any major holiday with barely any effort at all.
Grain-Free Thanksgiving Stuffing
On a specialty diet and afraid youโll have to miss out on the best parts of big holiday dinners? Have no fearโ this Grain-Free Thanksgiving Stuffing is grain-free, dairy-free, paleo, and totally delicious.
Chunky Cranberry Applesauce
Chunky Cranberry Applesauce is more flavorful and healthier than the typical cranberry sauce, and it really lets the flavor of the cranberries shine through.
Cornbread and Sausage Dressing
Everybody loves a tasty Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, and you can't skip the stuffing! This cornbread dressing is easy to make and tastes great.
Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce
This cranberry orange sauce is a great way to complement a Thanksgiving dinner. It has a nice autumnal flavor and adds a pop of color to the Turkey Day spread.
Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness that is the perfect compliment to a savory Thanksgiving meal. This easy sweet potato casserole recipe is also a great side dish for ham or chicken.
Turkey Gravy Recipe
Just in time for Thanksgiving, learn how to make a delicious turkey gravy with this easy to follow recipeโit makes perfect gravy every time!
Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
You'll be amazed at how easy it is to make Scalloped Potatoes at home! Our kitchen-tested recipe features layers of tender potatoes in a rich, creamy sauce.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Get rich, creamy, delectable mashed potatoes in an instant with our family-favorite Instant Pot mashed potatoes recipe. Perfect for saving time on Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving Vegetable Dishes
While I do love me some carb-tastic dishes with my turkey (looking at you,ย crockpot mashed potatoes), I always like having a handful of vegetable dishes in our Thanksgiving spread. They add a welcome burst of color and fresh flavor to the plate. Here are some of my favorites:
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Apples and Walnuts
This vegan Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Apples and Walnuts is packed full of healthy, in-season flavorโperfect for the cool weather months!
Roasted Beets with Balsamic Glaze
These bright and colorful Roasted Beets with Balsamic Glaze are a tasty and healthy side dish that will convert even the biggest beet hater.
Southern Style Green Beans and Potatoes
Southern Style Green Beans and Potatoes just get better with time, so make them now to savor as a side all week. It also makes the perfect contribution for pitch-ins and other parties!
How to Make Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Perfectly Roasted Brussels Sprouts will convert even the most adamant sprouts-hater. When they are cooked perfectly, sprouts are sweet, a little crisp, and mildly-flavored. Stinky, mushy veggies need not apply!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apples
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Never roasted cauliflower before? You should! Roasted cauliflower is sweet, hearty, and insanely deliciousโespecially when seasoned with garlic, paprika, and nutty Parmesan cheese.
Rosemary Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Parsnips, and Carrots
Rosemary roasted Brussels sprouts, parsnips, and carrots are a super easy and simple healthy side dish for your holiday dinners!
Blender Pumpkin Bisque
Dreamy, creamy, cozy soup in less than five minutes? It's possible with this recipe for Blender Pumpkin Bisque. It's all made in the blender!
Thanksgiving Salads
If you want some super fresh flavors on turkey day, consider adding a salad to your menu. These three are filled with seasonal ingredients:
Persimmon and Pomegranate Salad with Maple Vinaigrette and Candied Walnuts
This colorful Persimmon and Pomegranate Salad is topped with candied walnuts and maple vinaigrette dressing to make a perfect fall and wintertime salad!
Cranberry Apple Pecan Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
This filling Cranberry Apple Pecan Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette is packed with layers of flavor, texture, and color. Serve it as a side dish, or enjoy it as a main.
Spinach Pomegranate Salad with Clementine Vinaigrette
This bright and colorful Spinach Pomegranate Salad is packed with flavor, color, and nutrition! Don't miss that clementine vinaigrette, either.
Other Side Dish Recipes
Round out your Thanksgiving offerings with one of these fall-tastic recipes:
Roasted Apple and Pumpkin Farro Salad
If you're looking for a perfectly autumnal way to try out farro, this sweet-and-savory Roasted Apple and Pumpkin Farro Salad is just for you.
How to Make an Awesome Cheese Board in Minutes
Cheese boards are always crowd-pleasers! Learn how to make a cheese board in just a few minutes with our no-fuss tutorial.
Parmesan and Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
These savory stuffed mushrooms are easy to prepare. Serve them as appetizers during the holidays to be the veggie star of the party.
Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
These mashed sweet potatoes straddle the line between sweet and savory. They are the perfect alternative to the sweet potato casseroles normally served for Thanksgiving.
Butternut Squash Basmati Rice
This quick and easy rice dish is full of Fall flavor! Serve up Butternut Squash Basmati Rice for a weeknight dinner or at the holiday table.
Perfect Instant Pot Applesauce
Instant Pot Applesauce comes together in a snap, taking you from apples to applesauce in just 5 minutes. It is completely customizable to your tastes, too!
Looking for more Thanksgiving recipes?
Weโve got you covered for all things turkey day:
- Turkey Brine: The key to the best turkey youโve ever tasted? A dry brine! We show you how to do this incredibly easy step to elevate your bird.
- Sheet Pan Thanksgiving: Just cooking for 2 or 4 this Thanksgiving? No worries, we have an easy-peasy sheet pan Thanksgiving dinner that is perfect for small gatherings.
- Thanksgiving Cocktails: We are officially declaring 2023 the year of the holiday cocktail. This is our list of the best drinks to serve on Turkey Day.