15 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Steal The Show

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and gathering around the table with loved ones. While the turkey often gets the spotlight, side dishes are the unsung heroes that complete the feast. Explore these 15 easy-to-make sides that promise to impress your guests and steal the show this Thanksgiving. From classic to innovative, these dishes will add flavor and variety to your holiday meal.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, but adding garlic takes them to another level. Start by boiling peeled potatoes until tender. Mash them with roasted garlic, a touch of butter, and cream for richness. The result is a creamy, flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy.

Serve these potatoes warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a hint of color. The aromatic garlic adds a subtle zing that surprises and delights the taste buds. This dish is easy to prepare in advance, allowing you to relax and enjoy the holiday festivities.

2. Cranberry Orange Relish

Brighten up your Thanksgiving table with cranberry orange relish. This refreshing dish combines tart cranberries with the citrusy zest of oranges. Simply pulse the ingredients in a food processor, adding a touch of sugar to balance the tartness.

The result is a vibrant, colorful relish that complements turkey beautifully. It’s a no-cook dish that can be made ahead of time, saving you precious moments on the big day. The tangy flavors add a burst of freshness, making each bite an exciting experience for your guests.

3. Honey Glazed Carrots

Sweet and savory honey glazed carrots are a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving menu. Start by roasting fresh carrots until tender. Drizzle them with honey, adding a sprinkle of salt and pepper for balance.

The glaze caramelizes as it cooks, creating a deliciously sweet exterior while keeping the inside tender. Garnish with fresh dill for an extra pop of flavor and color. These carrots are not only easy to prepare but also a visually appealing side that’s sure to impress.

4. Savory Stuffing with Herbs

No Thanksgiving is complete without stuffing, and this herb-laden version is a crowd-pleaser. Use day-old bread, cubed and toasted, as the base. Mix with sautéed onions, celery, and a medley of herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary.

Moisten with broth and bake until golden. The herbs infuse the stuffing with a fragrant aroma that fills your home. Serve warm from the oven, with its crisp top and soft, flavorful interior. This stuffing is a perfect complement to any Thanksgiving main dish.

5. Green Bean Almondine

Green bean almondine is a classic side that adds elegance to your Thanksgiving spread. Sauté green beans until they are crisp-tender, then toss with toasted almonds and a squeeze of lemon.

The almonds provide a crunchy contrast to the tender beans, while the lemon adds a touch of brightness. Garnish with parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. This dish is quick to make and adds a healthy green to your table, balancing the richer dishes.

6. Butternut Squash Soup

Warm your guests with a bowl of creamy butternut squash soup. Roast cubed butternut squash until tender, then blend with sautéed onions and a hint of nutmeg. Add cream for a smooth finish.

The result is a comforting soup that’s both sweet and savory. Serve hot, with a swirl of cream and a sprig of rosemary for garnish. This soup is a perfect starter, setting the tone for a cozy Thanksgiving meal.

7. Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Maple roasted Brussels sprouts are a sweet and savory side that will convert even the pickiest eaters. Halve the sprouts and roast them until golden and crispy. Drizzle with maple syrup for a caramelized finish.

The natural bitterness of the sprouts is balanced by the sweetness of the syrup, creating a delightful combination. Serve them hot, straight from the oven, as a tempting addition to your Thanksgiving feast. Their crispy texture and sweet glaze are sure to be a hit.

8. Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Indulgent and comforting, baked macaroni and cheese is a favorite on Thanksgiving. Cook macaroni until al dente, then mix with a creamy cheese sauce. Pour into a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden.

The result is a deliciously cheesy casserole with a crunchy top and gooey interior. Serve warm, letting the creamy cheese stretch with every bite. This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both kids and adults alike.

9. Cornbread with Jalapeños

Add a kick to your Thanksgiving meal with cornbread spiced up with jalapeños. Mix cornmeal with flour, sugar, milk, and eggs, folding in freshly chopped jalapeños for heat.

Bake until golden brown, then serve warm with a drizzle of honey. The sweetness of the cornbread is perfectly balanced by the spicy jalapeños, making each bite exciting. This dish is a perfect fusion of sweet and spicy, adding a twist to the traditional Thanksgiving bread.

10. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes are a simple yet flavorful side that captures the essence of fall. Cube sweet potatoes and toss them with olive oil, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Roast until they’re caramelized and tender.

The sweet aroma will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table. Serve them hot as a sweet and savory complement to your holiday spread. With their rich flavor and vibrant color, these sweet potatoes are a delightful addition to any Thanksgiving feast.

11. Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Creamy spinach and artichoke dip is a crowd-favorite appetizer for Thanksgiving. Mix sautéed spinach and artichokes with cream cheese and Parmesan. Bake until bubbly and golden.

Serve in a bread bowl with crispy bread pieces for dipping. The rich, cheesy dip is a perfect start to your meal, offering a delicious contrast to the lighter dishes. This dip is not only easy to make but also an interactive and fun option for guests.

12. Roasted Beet Salad

Roasted beet salad is a vibrant addition to your Thanksgiving table. Roast beets until tender, then slice and toss with goat cheese and walnuts. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a tangy touch.

The combination of earthy beets, creamy cheese, and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful medley of textures and flavors. Serve chilled or at room temperature, letting the colors and tastes shine. This salad provides a refreshing break from heavier dishes, adding variety to your menu.

13. Classic Dinner Rolls

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without classic dinner rolls. These soft, buttery rolls are easy to make and perfect for mopping up gravy. Mix flour, yeast, milk, and butter to form a dough, then bake until golden.

Serve warm, straight from the oven, with a pat of butter melting on top. The rolls’ airy texture and rich flavor make them a beloved addition to any holiday table. Your guests will appreciate this homemade touch, savoring each bite.

14. Sautéed Mushrooms with Thyme

Sautéed mushrooms with thyme add a rich, earthy flavor to your Thanksgiving meal. Cook mushrooms with garlic and fresh thyme until tender and aromatic. The mushrooms absorb the savory flavors, creating a delicious side dish.

Serve them warm, letting the aroma fill the room. This dish is easy to prepare and adds a sophisticated touch to your spread. Its simplicity and depth of flavor make it a versatile addition to your holiday menu.

15. Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar

Sweet and tender, acorn squash with brown sugar is a delightful side for Thanksgiving. Halve the squash and remove seeds. Roast with butter, brown sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

The natural sweetness of the squash is enhanced by the sugar, creating a caramelized, aromatic dish. Serve hot, straight from the oven, as an inviting addition to your meal. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, with its vibrant orange hue.