If you're looking for the best side dishes to serve with turkey this Thanksgiving, here are delicious recipe ideas to complete your holiday spread.
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It always feels like Thanksgiving excitement builds around the side dishes. The turkey might be the centerpiece, but it's the familiar sides that people really look forward to. Every family has their own mix of must-haves, and some dishes only make an appearance once a year, which makes them even more special.
Ask anyone what the best side for Thanksgiving dinner is and you'll get a dozen different answers. Some people can't skip the green bean casserole or sweet potatoes, while others swear by stuffing or cranberry sauce. Most cooks end up choosing a few personal favorites that please everyone, especially when there are kids or teens at the table.
Among all the Thanksgiving side dishes, the classics never fail. Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a good cornbread dressing always have a place. A bit of color from carrots, butternut squash, or Brussels sprouts keeps the spread fresh, while touches of cranberry, apple, and herbs like sage and thyme bring that cozy holiday flavor together.
When I plan my sides, I keep a few things in mind before the big day. A little prep and balance make a big difference, especially when I'm managing a full table and a busy kitchen.
Tips for Planning Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Here are the tips I follow to make everything run smoothly:
- I make sure to have something creamy like mashed potatoes or a casserole, something crisp or roasted such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, and one sweet or tangy option like cranberry sauce or sweet potatoes.
- When choosing sides, choose the ones that hold well at room temperature or reheat easily. It really keeps things calm when everything doesn't have to be hot at once.
- Stick to two or three solid favorites instead of trying to make every idea you see online. It's easier to manage, and people always go for their favorites anyway.
- Use seasonal produce to keep things fresh and colorful. Butternut squash, kale, apples, and cranberries always fit the season without needing much extra work. Take advantage of the abundance while they're in season.
- Important! Avoid the stress and the mess. Get ahead by prepping a few sides the day before. It frees up space in the oven and lets you actually enjoy the meal instead of rushing around.
🥔POTATOES
Boursin Mashed Potatoes
Packed with the creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous flavors of Boursin cheese and Greek yogurt. The finishing touch is a satisfyingly crunchy topping of Parmesan breadcrumbs.
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Photo credit: cravingsomethinghealthy.com
Creamy Baked Mashed Potatoes
The ultimate comfort food! Rich, creamy mashed potatoes baked to golden-brown perfection. Perfect for holidays or any family dinner.
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Photo credit: chewoutloud.com
Green Chile au Gratin Potatoes
A cheesy, creamy, and spicy side with a Southwestern taste. Layers of tender potatoes and savory green chiles, baked until bubbly.
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Photo credit: boulderlocavore.com
Savory Potato Galette
A rustic, buttery, and beautifully layered potato galette with a crispy exterior and a tender inside. Simple, elegant, and delicious dihs with basil pesto.
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Photo credit: inthekitch.net
Garlic Roasted Potatoes with Lemon
Crispy roasted potatoes tossed with onion powder, black pepper, fresh garlic, and zesty lemon. So much flavor!
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Photo credit: chewoutloud.com
Chipotle Herbs Muffin Tin Potatoes
Impressive and adorable individual potato stacks, baked until golden and crispy in a muffin tin. Perfect for parties!
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Photo credit: alatinflair.com
The BEST Fluffy Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
The creamiest, fluffiest mashed potatoes, made extra rich and tangy with sour cream. A classic side that's truly unforgettable.
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Photo credit: littlechefwithin.com
🍠SWEET POTATOES
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Streusel
If you can't choose between streusel and marshmallows, this casserole gives you both. Buttery mashed sweet potatoes sit under a crisp topping and soft toasted marshmallows.
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Photo credit: ourlovelanguageisfood.com
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Think of this as the savory version your dinner lineup needs. Garlic and Parmesan turn mashed sweet potatoes into something rich, smooth, and full of taste using fresh herbs without the usual sweetness.
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Photo credit: mrsmadi.com
Crispy Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes
Here's the easiest way to make sweet potatoes stand out. Thinly-sliced and roasted with shallots tucked in between the layers. They turn golden, crisp-edged, and fragrant
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Photo credit: thecomfortofcooking.com
Sweet Potato Soufflé
Light, airy, and softly sweet, this baked recipe is topped with a buttery pecan streusel topping. It puffs up like a custard and melts in your mouth with each serving.
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Photo credit: belleofthekitchen.com
Hasselback Sweet Potato Casserole
Visually striking and easy to make, this casserole fans out thin slices of sweet potatoes baked in a buttery sauce. Each slice turns tender and lightly caramelized.
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Photo credit: cheflindseyfarr.com
Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples
Sweet meets tart in this cozy combo. Chunks of apples and sweet potatoes roast together with warm spices and cinnamon until everything's tender and caramelized. A perfect fall side dish for Thanksgiving dinner.
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Photo credit: blendwithspices.com
Oven Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
These golden wedges are simple but hard to resist. They bake until crisp on the outside, soft inside, and full of natural sweetness.
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Photo credit: happyfoodstube.com
Sweet Potato Casserole
This one's all about that mix of smooth and crunchy. Mashed sweet potatoes bake under a buttery layer of pecans and brown sugar for a nice mix of texture and taste.
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Photo credit: jamjarkitchen.com
Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad
A nutritious salad with quinoa, sweet potatoes, kale, pumpkin seeds & feta. So filling and bright with Fall colors.
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Photo credit: letusmunchlettuce.com
🥬BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts (3 topping options)
Brussels sprouts cooked in the air fryer, choose from 3 flavorful toppings and sauces.
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Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Salad
Fresh and crunchy, this salad uses shaved Brussels sprouts tossed with fresh Parmesan and a light dressing. It's quick to prepare and brings a clean, refreshing taste to the table.
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Photo credit: danastable.com
Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Gratin
When you want something creamy and golden, this gratin delivers. Brussels sprouts bake in a rich cheese sauce until the top turns browned and crisp.
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Photo credit: foodwithfeeling.com
Sweet & Spiced Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots
This one leans on simple oven magic. Brussels sprouts and carrots roast with warm spices and honey until tender and caramelized.
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Photo credit: mychefsapron.com
Crispy & Caramelized Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Here's a side that feels a little bold. The Brussels sprouts roast until browned and mix with crisp pancetta with a simple sauce made of pure maple syrup and mustard.
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Photo credit: playswellwithbutter.com
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Simple yet full of depth, these sprouts roast with a balsamic glaze that adds sweetness and tang. Add pecans for crunch and pomegranates for color.
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Photo credit: livingchirpy.com
Maple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts
A little sweet, a little tart. These roasted Brussels sprouts get coated in maple syrup and tossed with dried cranberries for extra texture and color.
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Photo credit: pureandsimplenourishment.com
🥦GREEN VEGETABLES + MORE
Sautéed Green Beans with Shallots
Simple never goes out of style. Fresh green beans and sliced shallots are sautéed until tender-crisp. You can make this recipe under 30 minutes.
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Photo credit: myradkitchen.com
Fresh Green Bean Casserole
Forget the can, this version brings the real deal to the table. Fresh green beans bake in a creamy mushroom sauce topped with crunchhy fried onions.
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Photo credit: kimschob.com
Creamed Spinach Casserole
If you're into cheesy, creamy comfort, this one delivers. Spinach gets baked in a rich mix of cheese with cheddar and a buttery cracker topping.
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Photo credit: familyfoodonthetable.com
The Best Thanksgiving Salad
Every table needs something fresh among the rich dishes. This salad builds on autumn greens, roasted squash, pomegranate seeds, and a tangy dressing.
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Photo credit: wellandfull.com
Broccoli Pomegranate Salad
Here's proof that broccoli can be bright and interesting. It's tossed with pomegranate seeds, nuts, and a flavorful dressing. Delicious and antioxidant-packed side dish that you can make in 10 minutes!
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Photo credit: heavenlyspiced.com
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans with Bacon
These green beans don't last long once they hit the table. They roast with Parmesan and bacon until crisp and caramelized. So cheesy and tangy. An easy and flavorful 20-minute Thanksgiving side dish.
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Photo credit: thesoccermomblog.com
Southern Green Beans and Potatoes
This is slow-cooked comfort at its finest. Green beans and potatoes simmer with bacon until tender and full of flavor.
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Photo credit: wellfedbaker.com
Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli and Garlic Cashews
Broccolini earns its spot with this simple combo. It roasts alongside garlic-seasoned cashews for an easy, savory side.
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Photo credit: thesidesmith.com
Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad (With Bacon & Cheddar)
Cold pasta salads don't get much more satisfying. Broccoli, bacon, and cheddar, all my faovrite ingredients in one dish. It's creamy, tangy, perfect for make-ahead dinners, potlucks, get-togethers, or weekday lunches.
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Photo credit: packedforlife.com
Sautéed Mushrooms With Garlic, Herbs & Balsamic
Garlic and mushrooms are always a winning pair. A quick toss in balsamic gives them a rich, glossy finish. Enjoy the garlicky and herby flavors.
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Photo credit: cravingsomethinghealthy.com
Roasted Cauliflower
This one's for people who like vegetables that actually taste good. Cauliflower roasts until golden, tossed with garlic, spices, and Parmesan cheese.
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Photo credit: chefsavvy.com
🥕ROOT VEGETABLES, SQUASH & PUMPKIN
Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
Some sides just have that effortless charm. These carrots roast until tender in a buttery honey-garlic glaze, with just enough sweetness to keep you coming back for more.
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Photo credit: ohsweetbasil.com
Herb Roasted Root Vegetables
You can always count on roasted roots to make a table feel complete. A mix of potatoes, carrots, and beets bake with herbs and olive oil until crisp-edged and golden. Add more of your favorite fall root veggies.
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Photo credit: tastefullygrace.com
Stuffed Mini Pumpkins
Tiny pumpkins with a big personality what's not to like? Filled with mushrooms, walnuts, garlic, cream, cheese and herbs, they bake until soft and taste both savory and a little sweet.
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Photo credit: madaboutmacarons.com
Rosemary & Cinnamon Balsamic Glazed Beets
Beets don't have to hide in the corner. Roasted and glazed with rosemary, cinnamon, and balsamic, they carry a rich depth that is tasty and bold.
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Photo credit: beetofthewild.com
Roasted Acorn Squash
No tricks here, just good, simple roasting. The squash turns soft and golden in the oven, with a mellow avory sweetness that fits right in on any fall table.
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Photo credit: smalltownwoman.com
Butternut Squash au Gratin
This one wins hearts without trying. Layers of butternut squash bake in agruyere cheese sauce with a crisp buttery, toasted breadcrumb topping that's hard to resist.
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Photo credit: thesageapron.com
Butternut Squash Soup
Some soups are made for slow evenings. Creamy and velvety soup made of butternut squash and your favorite Fall spices. Silky and deeply soothing.
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Celery Root and Parsnip Puree
When you're ready to change up your usual sides, start here. Celery root and parsnips blend into a buttery, smooth mash that tastes clean and balanced.
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Photo credit: coleycooks.com
Stovetop Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
I've made these more times than I can count. They simmer in brown sugar and butter until glossy and tender, perfect when you need something quick. Ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect to make right before Thanksgiving dinner.
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Photo credit: homebodyeats.com
🧈STUFFING
Make Ahead Stuffing
Smart planning pays off during the holidays. This is a whole wheat, make-ahead stuffing combining savory herbs, onions, sweet apples, and dried cranberries. The mix can be prepared in advance, then baked on the holiday until golden and crispy on top while remaining soft inside.
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Photo credit: theoregondietitian.com
Apple Sausage Stuffing
Some recipes just feel right for the season. This stuffing pairs Italian sausage with thick cubes of rustic bread, crisp apple pieces, fresh herbs and toppings then baked in a spice-filled, savory broth.
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Photo credit: lovefromtheoven.com
Sourdough Stuffing
If you're a sourdough fan, this stuffing might become your new go-to. It's packed with savory sausage, fresh herbs, and golden bread cubes that turn crisp on the edges and soft in the center.
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Photo credit: tessiestable.com
Chestnut Stuffing
I've always thought this one feels a bit old-fashioned in the best way. Roasted chestnuts add sweetness and texture to a bread base seasoned with herbs and butter. Also loaded with sausage and veggies.
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Photo credit: hildaskitchenblog.com
Buckwheat Stuffing
If you're skipping bread this year, this version earns its place. Made with roasted buckwheat, gluten-free bowties, vegetables, and poultry seasoning. Adds something unique to your Thanksgiving table.
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Photo credit: cookinginthekeys.com
Cauliflower Stuffing
Cutting back on carbs doesn't mean giving up your favorites. This version swaps bread for cauliflower, cooked with bacon and vegetables. So hearty!
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Photo credit: hiphipgourmet.com
Herb Stuffing
The aroma alone tells you this one belongs on the table. A simple mix of bread, onions, and fresh herbs like sage and thyme. So moist and flavorful!
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Photo credit: thesoccermomblog.com
Gluten Free Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage
Cubes of cornbread and breakfast sausage make such a satisfying pair. This gluten-free stuffing bakes up moist with crisp edges and all the familiar holiday flavors.
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Photo credit: wellfedbaker.com
Cornbread Dressing
No Southern table feels complete without this. Homemade sweet cornbread, mild Italian sausage, sautéed vegetables, and fresh herbs bake into a soft, cakelike dressing that's rich and savory from top to bottom.
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Photo credit: theforkedspoon.com
🍞BREAD & ROLLS
Jiffy Cornbread
Sometimes simple really is best. This golden cornbread bakes up dense and slightly sweet, thanks to the beloved boxed mix that never fails. A Southern favorite savory dish with just 7 ingredients!
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Photo credit: thecookinchicks.com
Soft Sourdough Discard Rolls
These rolls make good use of sourdough discard, baking up soft, buttery, and just tangy enough to stand out on the table. Expert tip: Begin these easy sourdough rolls in the afternoon, and by dinnertime you'll have soft, golden rolls ready to serve: they only need a few hours to rise.
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Photo credit: gingerhomemaking.com
Sourdough Discard Garlic Pull Apart Bread
It's the kind of bread everyone reaches for first. Layered dough and garlic butter bake into soft, tear-apart sections that disappear fast.
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Photo credit: thisjess.com
Sourdough Garlic Knots
Golden, chewy, and brushed with garlic butter, these knots bring that bakery-style charm right out of your oven. Perfect for Thanksgiving soups!
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Photo credit: plumbranchhome.com
Homemade Crescent Rolls
There's no matching the smell of these fresh from the oven. Light, flaky, and buttery, they're everything you want in a holiday roll. This recipe makes 24 crescent rolls.
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Photo credit: thenovicechefblog.com
🍎GRAVIES & SAUCES
Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy
Getting the gravy done early means one less thing to stress about. This rich make-ahead version uses roasted turkey parts and vegetables for deep, savory flavor.
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Photo credit: butteryourbiscuit.com
Sage Butter Turkey Gravy
Butter, sage, and turkey drippings come together in this smooth, aromatic gravy that feels just right for the holidays.
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Photo credit: ontysplate.com
Red Wine Onion Gravy
A rich gravy for those who like a little depth. Caramelized onions, thyme, and a splash of red wine give it a bold, savory edge.
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Photo credit: platingsandpairings.com
Cranberry Sauce
This one always brings color to the plate. Fresh cranberries simmer with sugar and water until thick and perfectly sweet-tart. Only 3 ingredients to complete the Turkey feast.
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Photo credit: heartwoodholler.com
Apple Cranberry Chutney
It's like cranberry sauce that went to finishing school. Apples, cranberries, onions, and spices cook down into a tangy, slightly sweet spread that goes with nearly everything. Can be made ahead.
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Photo credit: rightathome.blog
🧀SOMETHING CHEESY
Three Cheese Bacon Mac and Cheese
Three kinds of cheese (Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Cheddar Cheese!) and crisp bacon make this mac richer and heartier than most. Ssimple, familiar, and always good.
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Photo credit: sugarandsoul.co
Creamy Cheese Tortellini
Tortellini and cheese, 2 of my favorite things in a dish. Each pasta pocket holds a soft cheese filling that melts into a rich, velvety sauce.
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Photo credit: giangiskitchen.com
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake
Think of your favorite spinach artichoke dip, only heartier. Baked rigatoni pasta, with garlic, red pepper flakes, and three cheeses make it an easy crowd-pleaser. A perfect side pasta for Thanksgiving dinner.
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Photo credit: beyondthenoms.com
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