Thanksgiving sides are the perfect complement to the main meal, bringing variety, flavor, and tradition to your thanksgiving table. From creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables to stuffing and cranberry sauce, these dishes highlight seasonal ingredients and add depth to the overall feast. They are essential in balancing rich turkey flavors with lighter, savory, or even sweet elements.
Sides not only enhance the meal but also showcase creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re sticking to classics or trying new recipes, Thanksgiving sides offer endless possibilities to celebrate fall flavors while pleasing every palate at the table.
Related Articles –
- 22 Delicious Turkey Breast Recipes You Need to Try Today
- 25 Must-Try No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipes from Around the World
- 20 Yummy Crab Apple Recipes You Need To try
1. Cheesy Caramel Kale – Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Image and Recipe by whatsgabbycooking
Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, a perfect side dish to elevate any meal that needs to be a part of thanksgiving. The tender kale is combined with a luscious cheese sauce that adds just the right amount of indulgence while still keeping it light and nutritious. It’s a comforting twist on a classic green dish that’s sure to please at any gathering.
Did you know kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making this dish not only tasty but packed with health benefits?
2. Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Image and Recipe by loveandlemons
Delve into this creamy, savory, and full of flavor, green bean casserole that brings a fresh twist to the classic dish. With sautéed mushrooms, crispy onions, and tender green beans, it’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. This comforting side dish is a must-have for holiday gatherings, offering a wholesome, homemade version of a family favorite.
Did you know that green beans are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, adding a nutritional boost to this hearty casserole?
3. Easy Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Image and Recipe by onceuponachef
A hearty and flavorful side dish perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal. With a mix of savory sausage, fresh herbs, and bread cubes, it brings together comforting textures and rich flavors. Whether served as a side or used to stuff your turkey, this classic stuffing is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
4. Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Image and Recipe by onceuponachef
Add a refreshing, festive touch to your holiday meal with this bright and tangy cranberry sauce. The mix of whole cranberries, sugar, and a hint of orange zest creates the perfect balance of sweet and tart. It’s quick and easy to make, complementing everything from turkey to stuffing.
Did you know cranberries are naturally rich in vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system?
5. Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Image and Recipe by Sip & Feast
Roasted to perfection, coated in a sweet and tangy honey-balsamic glaze that adds depth and richness to each bite. The combination of caramelized sprouts with the balanced glaze creates a side dish that’s flavorful and nutritious, making it perfect for any meal. With their crispy edges and tender center, they’re sure to become a crowd favorite.
Did you know Brussels sprouts are part of the cruciferous vegetable family, known for their cancer-fighting properties?
6. Cream Cheese Casserole
Image and Recipe by FiveHeartHome
Steal the show with this creamy, mac and cheese corn casserole, a rich and comforting side dish perfect for any holiday meal that needs to be a part of your thanksgiving table. The blend of sweet corn, cream, and cheese creates a satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. It’s an easy-to-make dish that adds warmth and indulgence to the table, whether for a holiday feast or a casual family dinner.
Did you know corn is naturally rich in fiber, supporting healthy digestion?
7. Charred Carrots with Herb Drizzle
Image and Recipe by thedefineddish
You really can’t go wrong with this perfect balance of smoky and fresh flavors, drizzled with a vibrant herb sauce that adds brightness to the dish are these charred carrots. The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs beautifully with the charred edges, while the herb drizzle enhances every bite. This simple yet flavorful side dish is a great way to elevate your vegetable game at the thanksgiving menu.
Did you know carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A for healthy vision?
8. Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
Image and Recipe by diethood
Combining fluffy potatoes with sour cream, cheese, and crispy bacon, creating the ultimate comfort food. It’s a rich, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, offering all the classic flavors of a baked potato in an easy-to-serve casserole form. With its creamy texture and savory toppings, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Did you know potatoes are a great source of potassium, helping support healthy blood pressure?
9. Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Image and Recipe by feelgoodfoodie
Sliced thin and roasted to crispy perfection, these Hasselback sweet potatoes are drizzled with a delicious blend of olive oil, garlic, and herbs. The combination of crispy edges and tender centers makes this dish a flavorful twist on classic sweet potatoes. It’s an elegant side dish that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough for any occasion.
Did you know sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage?
10. Roasted Kabocha Squash
Image and Recipe by loveandlemons
Roasted kabocha squash offers a naturally sweet and nutty flavor with a rich, tender texture. Tossed in olive oil and roasted until caramelized, this simple preparation highlights the squash’s natural goodness. It’s an easy yet flavorful side dish that pairs well with almost any meal, perfect for adding a seasonal touch to your table.
Did you know kabocha squash is packed with vitamins A and C, which support immune health and skin vitality?
11. Garlic Knots
Image and Recipe by sallysbakingaddiction
Soft, buttery, and packed with garlic flavor, hand-tied and brushed with a delicious garlic butter mixture, these knots will make you drool. Their fluffy texture and rich taste make them a perfect side dish for pasta or a tasty snack on their own. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a casual gathering, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone.
12. Cranberry Salad
Image and Recipe by tastesbetterfromscratch
Light, sweet, and tangy cranberry fluff salad is the perfect combination of fresh cranberries, pineapple, whipped cream and won’t miss the marshmallows. It’s a refreshing, easy-to-make side dish that adds a pop of color and flavor to your holiday table. Whether as a dessert or a side, it’s a crowd-pleaser with its unique blend of textures and flavors.
13. Gochujang Browned Butter Brussels Sprouts
Image and Recipe by hungryali
Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts meet the bold, spicy kick of gochujang and the rich depth of browned butter in this unique dish. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors takes Brussels sprouts to the next level, making them an unforgettable side dish or snack. This recipe is perfect for those who love bold flavors with a hint of heat.
14. Pear Salad
Image and Recipe by delish
Refreshing combination of juicy pears, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese, all tossed in a light vinaigrette. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors makes it a delightful side dish when it comes to thanksgiving side dishes, especially during fall when pears are in season. It’s an elegant yet simple dish that adds brightness to any table.
Did you know pears are rich in dietary fiber, supporting digestive health and offering a sweet, nutritious boost to any meal?
15. Broccoli Casserole
Image and Recipe by tastesbetterfromscratch
Combining tender broccoli with a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer for the perfect balance of textures. It’s a classic comfort dish that works well as a side for any family dinner or holiday gathering. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this casserole is sure to be a crowd favorite.
Did you know broccoli is packed with vitamins C and K, making it a nutritious addition to your meals?
16. Brown Rice Stuffed Butternut Squash
Image and Recipe by orchidsandsweettea
Roasted butternut squash stuffed with a flavorful mix of wild brown rice, dried cranberries, pecans, and fresh herbs. It’s a hearty, plant-based option that’s perfect for a cozy fall meal or a festive holiday side dish. The combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors makes it a satisfying and nutritious dish that stands out on any table.
17. Quinoa and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash
Image and Recipe by The Pioneer Woman
Roasted acorn squash is filled with a savory mix of quinoa, mushrooms, and herbs, creating a deliciously hearty dish perfect for fall. The earthy mushrooms and fluffy quinoa provide the perfect contrast to the tender, slightly sweet squash. This plant-based recipe makes for a comforting and nutritious meal or side, ideal for cozy dinners or festive gatherings.
Did you know acorn squash is packed with fiber and vitamin C, making it not only delicious but also a great boost for your immune system?
18. Buttermilk Ranch Angel Biscuits
Image and Recipe by The Pioneer Woman
Fluffy and buttery, combining the rich tang of buttermilk with the herbaceous flavor of ranch seasoning. The result is a light, tender biscuit with a delicious twist, perfect as a side for any meal. These biscuits are easy to make and bring a flavorful, homemade touch to the table.
Did you know the acidity in buttermilk helps biscuits rise better by activating the baking soda, resulting in extra fluffiness?
19. Pumpkin Risotto
Image and Recipe by The Pioneer Woman
Satisfy your cravings with this creamy and comforting pumpkin risotto that blends the subtle sweetness of pumpkin with savory flavors for a rich and hearty dish. The creamy, gravy-like texture of the risotto is enhanced by the parmesan, making it an ideal meal for fall evenings or as a show-stopping side dish for gatherings. It’s a satisfying, warming dish perfect for cool weather.
Did you know pumpkins are packed with beta-carotene, which supports healthy vision and boosts your immune system?
20. Cauliflower Stuffing
Image and Recipe by delish
Offering a low-carb alternative to traditional stuffing, this cauliflower-based version is packed with roasted vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. It maintains all the comforting flavors of classic stuffing while lightening up the dish with nutrient-rich cauliflower. Perfect for holiday meals or whenever you want a healthier twist, it’s a deliciously savory side that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Did you know cauliflower contains compounds that have been shown to reduce inflammation and support digestion?
FAQS
Q. What are some classic Thanksgiving Side Dishes to make?
A. When it comes to thanksgiving side dishes, traditional options include mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes casserole or Roasted Brussels sprouts, such an integral part of the thanksgiving menu.
Q. Can these Thanksgiving sides be made ahead of time?
A. Yes! Many sides like casseroles, stuffing, and mashed sweet potatoes can be prepared hours in advance or a day or two and reheated on Thanksgiving Day.
Q. What are some healthy Thanksgiving sides?
A. Roasted vegetables, thanksgiving salads, and dishes like cauliflower stuffing, quinoa-based sides, cornbread stuffing, walnut, shallot and roasted carrots offer lighter, nutritious alternatives.
Q. Are there gluten-free Thanksgiving side options?
Absolutely! Gluten-free stuffing, mashed sweet potatoes, pomegranate seeds and roasted vegetables are popular options.
Q. How do I add seasonal flavors to my Thanksgiving sides?
A. Incorporate seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, cranberries, delicata squash, gratin, chive, wild rice and plenty of fresh herbs such as sage and thyme to your thanksgiving meal to add fall flavors to your dishes.
If you love these thanksgiving side dishes ideas, don’t forget to pin the above image to your “Recipes” board.