27+ Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes that are easy to make and sure to impress. From classic stuffing and creamy mashed potatoes to unique twists on traditional sides, these recipes will complete your holiday feast!
Whether you’re looking for classic comfort foods like buttery mashed potatoes and green bean casserole or unique new recipes to try, you’ll find inspiration here to make your Thanksgiving meal unforgettable. Each dish is simple to prepare with everyday ingredients, so you can spend more time enjoying the holiday with loved ones. Dive into these mouthwatering sides and get ready to create a feast that everyone will love!
Pin this recipe now to save it for later
Pin RecipeWhen it comes to Thanksgiving, the food is always front and center. Sure, the turkey is the main portion of the meal, but the side dishes are just as important. The Thanksgiving side dish recipe ideas add all of the excitement to the traditional meal.
All of these recipes will be a hit on your Thanksgiving table. They are traditional, full of flavor, and perfect for the fall season. Whatever side dishes you choose to add to your plate, it will be the perfect pairing with your Thanksgiving turkey.
Delicious Thanksgiving Side Dishes
1. Roasted Broccoli
With all of the heavy food on Thanksgiving, you’ll be extra thankful for this roasted broccoli side dish. The roasted veggies will break up the creamy, cheesy food on your plate and add a nice touch of green. The char on the broccoli will have you going back for seconds and thirds.
2. Potatoes Au Gratin
There are always multiple types of potatoes when it comes to Thanksgiving. These potatoes au gratin are so tasty that they will give the classic mashed potatoes a run for their money. The thick slices layered with a creamy sauce will be a true party in your mouth.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet dishes on Thanksgiving don’t normally come out until dessert. However, this sweet potato casserole is the exception to the rule. This Thanksgiving side dish adds a sweetness to your plate that you didn’t know you needed. The sweet potato casserole is the perfect companion to the juicy turkey.
4. Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin
Sometimes, you make a side dish on Thanksgiving that is almost too pretty to eat. That is exactly the case with this cheesy root vegetable gratin. Show off your skills in the kitchen and add this vegetable dish to your menu. Your guest will be super impressed by both the look and taste of the dish.
5. Maple Bacon Carrots
Take your carrots to the next level this Thanksgiving and give them a maple bacon flavor. The bacon gets wrapped around the carrots in this side dish to give them another layer of flavor. The sweet and savory flavor combination is perfect for a Thanksgiving side dish.
6. Corn Pudding
If you are looking to put a side dish out on Thanksgiving that everyone will approve of, look no further than this corn pudding. The corn pudding has all of the flavors that everyone loves. It’s a little sweet, slightly crunchy, and overall just delicious. It is also a dish that you can make ahead of time and serve at room temperature.
7. Creamed Spinach
Turn your spinach dish into a Thanksgiving side dish everyone will want seconds and thirds of it with this creamed spinach side dish. This creamed spinach takes its name seriously and does not lack when it comes to creaminess. It is a dish that will surprise you with how tasty it is on each and every bite.
8. Homemade Creamed Corn
Forget going to the store and buying creamed corn. This recipe is so good you’ll never return to the storebought version again. Not only is the recipe delicious, but it is also so easy to make. You can even make it in your crockpot. The secret to getting the corn so creamy is all in the sauce. The mixture combines butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream for a luscious sauce.
9. Southern Sweet Onion Casserole
If you’ve never had sweet onion casserole, get ready for your tastebuds to be blown away. This casserole isn’t your typical casserole, but it will quickly be one that you add to your everyday menu rotation. The sweet onion gets cooked down and topped with sour cream, crackers, and cheese to make the ultimate flavor combination and a great Thanksgiving side dish.
10. Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
These subtle twists give it a not so subtle flavor. The sautéed mushrooms and onions infuse the green beans with a delicious flavor while the pepper jack cheese kicks it up a notch with a bit of spiciness.
11. Cranberry Sauce
It is basically a requirement to have cranberry sauce on your Thanksgiving table. Stick with the traditional dish and serve up this cranberry sauce. The best part about making this dish is the aromas it gives off when cooking on the stove. It will fill your kitchen with loads of amazing fall scents.
12. Cornbread Dressing
Switch up your traditional dressing this Thanksgiving and make this cornbread dressing instead. The cornbread takes the place of regular bread in the dressing to give it a slightly sweeter flavor. The cornbread does an amazing job pairing with all of the other ingredients in the dressing to make it the perfect side for the turkey.
13. Mashed Potatoes
Would it really be Thanksgiving if there were no mashed potatoes on the table? Add the traditional food to your Thanksgiving table this year with this mashed potato recipe. The creamy potatoes never get old, no matter how often you make them.
14. Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes
If you’ve somehow grown tired of mashed potatoes or want to add another potato dish to your Thanksgiving feast, turn to these rosemary garlic-smashed potatoes. These potatoes are not lacking when it comes to flavor. They are loaded with rosemary and garlic to make for a true party in your mouth. The crispiness of these potatoes is out of this world. It will be a recipe you will want to make long after Thanksgiving is over.
15. Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Take your mashed potatoes to the next level this Thanksgiving with this loaded mashed potato casserole. This loaded mashed potato casserole doesn’t mess around. When it says loaded, it is truly loaded. Along with potatoes, the casserole is stuffed with bacon and cheese. What is not to like?
Mouthwatering Thanksgiving Side Dishes
16. Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
This cheesy cauliflower casserole knows how to pack in the flavor. The veggie-forward casserole is loaded with bacon and green onions and topped with a garlicky cheese sauce for an irresistible bite. Do yourself a favor and make two of these casseroles for Thanksgiving dish dishes. That way, everyone can go back for seconds, and you can have leftovers to snack on the next day.
17. Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
Save some space in the oven this Thanksgiving, and take out the air fryer to make Brussels sprouts. Don’t underestimate the air fryer when making this recipe. The little device can make the Brussels sprouts super crispy and roast them perfectly. It will be one recipe that you will keep making after the holiday has passed.
18. Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese
When it comes to Thanksgiving, there are no rules for side dishes. This is why this creamy bacon mac and cheese, which can basically be a meal in itself, is considered a side dish. The best part about this dish, besides the super creamy cheese sauce, is that it can be made ahead of time. Make it a few days before the holiday and place it in the freeze. Thaw and warm it up in the oven right before you are ready to eat super cheesy mac and cheese.
19. Roasted Fall Vegetables
Fall vegetables taste so much better when they are roasted. No matter what fall vegetables you choose to roast, they will be a hit. From squash, beets, or carrots, you really cannot go wrong with any choice as a Thanksgiving side dish. The vegetables will also add some bright and pretty colors to your plate.
20. Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole
Upgrade your classic sweet potato casserole with this gorgeous copycat Paula Deen Sweet Potato Casserole recipe instead! Featuring a fluffy base of sweet potatoes, it uses a toasted nut topping instead of marshmallows for an elevated recipe that’s picture-perfect and easy to make.
21. Cheesy Potatoes
Cheese and potatoes are a true match made in heaven. The combination is always a hit and will have everyone going back for seconds and thirds. You might as well double this recipe for your Thanksgiving feast, as everyone will want to have a scoop on their plate.
22. Homemade Cornbread
Skip the classic dinner rolls this Thanksgiving and make homemade cornbread instead. Don’t be intimidated to make cornbread from scratch. It is actually pretty simple and will taste so much better than anything you would buy in the store. If you have any extra cornbread, throw it in the freezer and save it for your Thanksgiving leftovers.
23. Savory Monkey Bread
Switch up the classic bread dish this Thanksgiving and go with savory monkey bread for a Thanksgiving side dish. Not only does this bread taste good, but it is also incredibly fun to make. All of the different pieces have different flavors, so it is always a surprise as to which one you are going to get.
24. Amish Funeral Potatoes Recipe
You can never have too many potatoes when it comes to Thanksgiving. Add these Amish funeral potatoes to your menu as a welcome addition to the mashed potatoes. These potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery cornflake topping for a great crunch.
25. Parker House Rolls
Thanksgiving is all about a carb overload in the best way possible, so having these Parker house rolls on the table is a must. The rolls are great to sop up all the extras from your Thanksgiving plate. They also are great with a cinnamon butter spread if you are craving something sweet!
26. Ina Garten Mac and Cheese Recipe
If you’ve never had Ina Garten’s mac and cheese recipe, get ready to fall in love. This recipe elevates the classic mac and cheese dish in the best way possible. Rich gruyere and cheddar cheese mix together for the cheese base and get topped with a refreshing base of tomatoes. It’s the addition you never knew you needed.
27. Corn Casserole Recipe
If you are looking for a dish to bring to a friend’s house this Thanksgiving, look no further than this corn soufflé recipe. This dish is very transportable and couldn’t be easier to make. It combines whole corn, creamed corn, and a cornbread box mix for a simple yet tasty side.
