24 Best Thanksgiving Sides You’ll Make Every Year
Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t feel complete without a table full of side dishes.
Sometimes they’re the first things to disappear, even before the turkey.
I’ll be honest, the sides are usually what I look forward to most.
A plate with turkey is great, but it’s the mashed potatoes, stuffing, casseroles, roasted vegetables, and warm dinner rolls that keep everyone going back for seconds.
Every family has that one side dish that has to be on the table every year.
Maybe it’s a recipe that’s been passed around for decades, or maybe it’s the one everyone asks you to bring because nobody else makes it quite the same.
Either way, Thanksgiving just doesn’t feel right without those familiar favorites.
Of course, it’s also fun to mix in something new. One fresh recipe is usually all it takes to start a new tradition, especially when people keep asking who made it before the meal is over.
Whether you’re planning a big family feast or a smaller holiday dinner, these Thanksgiving side dishes are the kind of recipes people actually remember.
Don’t be surprised if a few of them end up on your table year after year.
1. Honey Bacon Roasted Potatoes
These honey bacon roasted potatoes are the perfect mix of sweet, smoky, and savory.
The potatoes roast until golden and crispy, while the honey glaze adds a delicious caramelized finish.
Crispy bacon brings even more flavor and texture to every bite.
It’s an easy side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, or any Thanksgiving dinner.
2. Stuffed Butternut Squash
Stuffed butternut squash is a beautiful side that brings plenty of fall flavor to the table.
Tender roasted squash is filled with a hearty mixture that’s both comforting and satisfying.
The combination of sweet squash and savory filling makes every bite delicious.
It’s a great option for holiday dinners and vegetarian guests alike.
3. Whipped Feta Roasted Potatoes
Roasted potatoes get a flavorful upgrade with creamy whipped feta.
The crispy potatoes pair perfectly with the rich, tangy cheese for a side that’s both simple and impressive.
Fresh herbs add brightness and make the flavors pop. This recipe is a fun alternative to classic mashed potatoes.
4. Easy Pumpkin Risotto
Creamy pumpkin risotto is a comforting side that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
Pumpkin puree gives the rice a rich texture and subtle fall flavor without overpowering the dish.
Parmesan cheese adds extra creaminess and a savory finish. It’s an elegant side that pairs beautifully with roasted turkey.
5. Mashed Potato Casserole
This mashed potato casserole is everything you love about mashed potatoes in one baked dish.
It’s creamy, buttery, and topped with a golden layer that adds extra flavor.
You can prepare it ahead of time, making holiday cooking much easier.
It’s always a crowd favorite at Thanksgiving dinner.
6. Mashed Butternut Squash
Mashed butternut squash is a simple side with a naturally sweet flavor.
It has a smooth, creamy texture that makes it a great alternative to mashed potatoes.
Butter and seasonings bring out the squash’s rich flavor without overpowering it. This colorful side looks beautiful on any holiday table.
7. Honey Mustard Potatoes
These honey mustard potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
A sweet and tangy glaze coats every bite with plenty of flavor.
They’re easy to make but special enough for holiday meals. Serve them with turkey, chicken, or your favorite roast.
8. Butternut Squash Salad
This butternut squash salad adds freshness to a rich Thanksgiving menu.
Roasted squash pairs with crisp greens and seasonal toppings for the perfect balance of flavors.
It’s light, colorful, and packed with texture. This salad makes a refreshing addition to any holiday spread.
9. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with garlic and Parmesan
These roasted sweet potatoes combine savory garlic with rich Parmesan cheese for a delicious twist on a classic side.
Roasting brings out the potatoes’ natural sweetness while creating crispy edges.
Fresh herbs add even more flavor to every bite. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
10. Maple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
Maple cinnamon sweet potatoes are full of cozy fall flavor.
Maple syrup and cinnamon enhance the natural sweetness without making the dish overly rich.
The potatoes become soft, buttery, and perfectly caramelized in the oven.
It’s a classic Thanksgiving side everyone will enjoy.
11. Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
Garlic herb roasted potatoes are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.
Fresh herbs and roasted garlic coat every bite with savory flavor. The crispy edges and fluffy centers make them hard to resist.
They pair well with turkey, ham, beef, or almost any holiday main course.
12. Roasted Acorn Squash
Roasted acorn squash is one of the easiest ways to enjoy seasonal produce.
Roasting brings out its natural sweetness while creating tender, caramelized edges.
Simple seasonings let the squash shine without much effort. It’s an elegant side dish that belongs on every Thanksgiving table.
13. Balsamic Baby Potatoes With Asparagus
This colorful side dish combines crispy baby potatoes with tender roasted asparagus.
A garlic balsamic glaze adds just the right balance of savory and tangy flavor.
Everything roasts together on one pan, making cleanup quick and easy.
It’s a fresh and flavorful addition to any Thanksgiving menu.
14. Cranberry Bacon Green Beans
These cranberry bacon green beans are packed with sweet and savory flavors.
Crispy bacon adds richness, while dried cranberries bring a festive touch and a hint of sweetness.
Fresh green beans keep the dish bright and colorful. It’s an easy holiday side that looks as good as it tastes.
15. Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots become even more delicious with a simple honey balsamic glaze.
The carrots caramelize beautifully in the oven, creating tender centers and lightly crisp edges.
The sweet and tangy flavors make this side dish anything but ordinary. It’s an elegant addition to any Thanksgiving dinner.
16. Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
Homemade cornbread stuffing is a Thanksgiving classic that never disappoints.
Soft cornbread cubes soak up buttery herbs and savory broth for incredible flavor in every bite.
The crisp golden top adds the perfect texture contrast. It’s a comforting side dish every holiday table needs.
17. Holiday Roasted Vegetables
A tray of roasted vegetables adds color and freshness to your Thanksgiving spread.
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of each vegetable while creating delicious caramelized edges.
The mix of seasonal vegetables makes every serving different. This versatile side pairs well with any holiday main course.
18. Garlic Butter Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
These roasted potatoes are coated in rich garlic butter and plenty of Parmesan cheese.
The outside becomes perfectly crispy while the inside stays soft and fluffy. Fresh herbs finish the dish with extra flavor.
They’re guaranteed to become one of the most popular sides on the table.
19. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a holiday favorite that’s always worth making from scratch.
Tender green beans are baked in a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy fried onions.
Every bite is creamy, crunchy, and full of comforting flavor. It’s a Thanksgiving classic that guests always expect.
20. Sweet Potatoes Lentil Salad
This sweet potato lentil salad brings something fresh to the holiday table.
Roasted sweet potatoes and hearty lentils create a satisfying mix of flavors and textures.
A light dressing ties everything together without feeling heavy. It’s a colorful side that’s both wholesome and filling.
21. Creamy Brussels Sprouts Gratin
If you think Brussels sprouts are boring, this creamy gratin will change your mind.
Tender sprouts are baked in a rich, cheesy sauce until bubbly and golden.
The crispy topping adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s a comforting side dish that’s perfect for holiday dinners.
22. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes.
This recipe creates a smooth, buttery texture that’s rich without feeling too heavy.
It’s the perfect side for soaking up gravy and pairing with roasted turkey. Simple ingredients come together to make a timeless holiday favorite.
23. Creamed Brussels Sprouts
Creamed Brussels sprouts are rich, comforting, and full of flavor.
The creamy sauce softens the sprouts while adding a delicious cheesy finish.
It’s a great way to turn a simple vegetable into a standout side dish. Even Brussels sprouts skeptics may find themselves asking for seconds.
24. Potatoes Au Gratin
Potatoes au gratin are layered with cream, cheese, and thinly sliced potatoes for the ultimate comfort food.
As the casserole bakes, the top becomes golden while the inside stays rich and creamy.
Every bite is packed with cheesy goodness. It’s a classic holiday side that’s always a crowd favorite.
