25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Will Steal the Show
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and of course, indulging in delicious food. While the turkey often takes center stage, it’s the side dishes that truly enrich the feast. Here’s a collection of 25 Thanksgiving side dishes designed to complement your main course and delight your guests.
1. Classic Stuffing
Stuffing is a quintessential Thanksgiving side that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Made with bread cubes, celery, onions, and a blend of aromatic herbs, this dish captures the essence of a cozy family gathering.
The savory flavors meld together perfectly, making each bite a delightful experience. Pair it with turkey or enjoy it on its own; stuffing is versatile enough to satisfy everyone’s palate.
Experiment with adding apples or sausage for a unique twist that will have guests reaching for seconds. Stuffing is more than a side; it’s a tradition.
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a staple at any Thanksgiving table, offering a rich and velvety texture that complements any main course.
Whipped to perfection with butter and cream, these potatoes are seasoned with a hint of garlic and salt, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
For added flair, consider topping with chives or a drizzle of gravy. Whether served alongside turkey or ham, creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting addition that never goes out of style.
3. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a beloved Thanksgiving side dish that combines the freshness of green beans with the rich flavor of a creamy mushroom sauce.
Topped with crispy fried onions, this casserole provides a satisfying crunch with every bite. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate vegetables into your meal without sacrificing taste.
Ideal for both kids and adults, green bean casserole is a classic that continues to win hearts year after year, making it a must-have at the holiday table.
4. Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce brings a burst of color and tangy flavor to your Thanksgiving spread. Made with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a touch of sugar, this sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
It’s an excellent complement to savory dishes, adding a refreshing contrast that brightens the palate.
Whether you prefer it smooth or chunky, cranberry sauce is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, giving you more freedom on the big day. This vibrant side dish is as beautiful as it is delicious.
5. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with golden marshmallows.
The natural sweetness of the potatoes is enhanced by a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.
This casserole is a favorite among both children and adults, offering a sweet contrast to the savory elements of the meal. Perfect for those with a sweet tooth, it’s a side dish that often feels like a dessert.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a delectable way to enjoy this often-misunderstood vegetable. By roasting them, you bring out their natural sweetness and achieve a crispy exterior.
A balsamic glaze adds a layer of depth, while toasted almonds provide a satisfying crunch.
This dish not only adds a pop of green to your table but also delivers a sophisticated flavor profile that pairs beautifully with turkey or ham. Roasted Brussels sprouts are sure to surprise and delight your guests.
7. Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is a warm and inviting addition to your Thanksgiving feast, offering a smooth and velvety texture that’s hard to resist.
This soup is seasoned with hints of nutmeg and ginger, providing a fragrant aroma that sets the mood for the holiday meal.
Served as a starter or a side, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread. Its vibrant orange color and comforting taste make it a standout dish that embodies the essence of fall.
8. Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic Southern side dish that adds a touch of rustic charm to your Thanksgiving table. Its crumbly texture and subtly sweet flavor make it a perfect match for savory dishes.
Whether you enjoy it plain or with a pat of butter and drizzle of honey, cornbread is versatile and easy to prepare.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead and reheated, saving you time and effort on the big day. Perfect for pairing with soups or stews, cornbread is always a welcome addition.
9. Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots are a vibrant and delicious side dish that brings a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving spread.
Cooked to perfection in a sweet glaze made from brown sugar and butter, these carrots are tender and flavorful.
Garnished with fresh parsley, they add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the table. Glazed carrots are a simple yet sophisticated way to incorporate vegetables into your meal, appealing to both young and old alike.
10. Pumpkin Risotto
Pumpkin risotto is an indulgent and flavorful side dish that captures the essence of autumn. The creamy Arborio rice is infused with pumpkin puree and seasoned with sage, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Parmesan cheese adds richness, while a sprinkle of nutmeg enhances the overall taste.
This risotto is a perfect match for turkey or any roasted meat, offering a gourmet touch to your holiday meal. Its vibrant color and luxurious texture make it a show-stopping side that guests will rave about.
11. Apple and Walnut Salad
Apple and walnut salad is a refreshing side dish that adds a crisp and crunchy contrast to your Thanksgiving feast.
The combination of sliced apples, toasted walnuts, and mixed greens creates a vibrant medley of flavors and textures.
Drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette, this salad is both light and satisfying, providing a welcome break from the heavier dishes. It’s a versatile option that complements any main course, making it a delightful addition to the holiday table.
12. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Cheesy broccoli casserole is a comforting side dish that combines the wholesome goodness of broccoli with a rich cheese sauce.
Topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, this casserole provides a delightful contrast between creamy and crispy textures.
It’s a great way to encourage kids to eat their vegetables, while adults will appreciate the nostalgic charm of this classic dish. Perfect for pairing with turkey or ham, cheesy broccoli casserole is a crowd-favorite that never disappoints.
13. Garlic Parmesan Rolls
Garlic Parmesan rolls are a savory and aromatic addition to your Thanksgiving meal. Soft and fluffy, these rolls are infused with the flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese, making them irresistible.
Topped with melted butter and fresh parsley, they offer a delightful aroma that fills the room.
Perfect for mopping up gravy or accompanying any dish, these rolls are a must-have for bread lovers. They can be made ahead and reheated, making them a convenient and delicious choice for the holiday feast.
14. Maple Roasted Pecans
Maple roasted pecans are a sweet and crunchy side dish that adds a touch of sophistication to your Thanksgiving spread.
Coated in a rich maple glaze, these pecans offer a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness.
They are perfect for snacking or as a topping for salads and desserts, providing a versatile and flavorful addition to your meal. Easy to prepare and store, maple roasted pecans are a simple yet elegant side that will impress your guests.
15. Herbed Quinoa Pilaf
Herbed quinoa pilaf is a nutritious and flavorful side dish that adds a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving meal.
Cooked with herbs and vegetables, quinoa offers a light and fluffy texture that’s both satisfying and healthy.
This pilaf is a great alternative to traditional stuffing, providing a gluten-free option that everyone can enjoy. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with any main course, making it a delightful addition to your holiday spread.
16. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Baked macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food that makes a delightful side dish for Thanksgiving.
Creamy cheese sauce envelops tender macaroni, creating a rich and indulgent experience.
Topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, this dish offers a satisfying contrast between creamy and crunchy textures. It’s a family favorite that appeals to both kids and adults, adding a touch of nostalgia and warmth to the holiday table.
17. Cranberry Walnut Bread
Cranberry walnut bread is a delightful side dish that combines the tartness of cranberries with the nutty flavor of walnuts.
This bread is perfect for spreading with butter or enjoying on its own, offering a delicious contrast to savory dishes.
Its vibrant color and festive flavor make it a wonderful addition to the holiday spread, complementing both sweet and savory elements. Easy to bake and even easier to enjoy, cranberry walnut bread is a must-try for Thanksgiving.
18. Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms are a savory and aromatic side dish that adds depth and richness to your Thanksgiving meal.
Cooked with garlic and thyme, these mushrooms offer a delightful umami flavor that pairs beautifully with any main course.
Their earthy taste and tender texture make them a versatile addition to the table, appealing to both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Sautéed mushrooms are easy to prepare and can be made ahead, making them a convenient choice for busy cooks.
19. Honey Glazed Ham
Honey glazed ham is a sweet and savory side dish that adds a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving spread.
The succulent ham is coated in a rich honey glaze, creating a beautiful caramelized crust that enchants the senses.
Garnished with rosemary, this dish not only looks stunning but also delivers a burst of flavor with every bite. Perfect as a side or a main, honey glazed ham is a versatile and delicious choice that complements any Thanksgiving feast.
20. Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Roasted garlic mashed cauliflower is a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
This dish offers a creamy and smooth texture, infused with the rich taste of roasted garlic.
Seasoned with salt and pepper, it provides a guilt-free indulgence that complements any main course. Perfect for those looking to lighten up their meal, roasted garlic mashed cauliflower is a delightful and nutritious side that everyone can enjoy.
21. Cranberry Apple Chutney
Cranberry apple chutney is a sweet and tangy side dish that adds a burst of flavor to your Thanksgiving meal.
Made with fresh cranberries and apples, this chutney offers a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Infused with spices like cinnamon and cloves, it provides a fragrant aroma that enhances any dish. Ideal for pairing with turkey or ham, cranberry apple chutney is a versatile and delicious addition to the holiday table.
22. Green Salad with Pomegranate
Green salad with pomegranate is a refreshing and vibrant side dish that adds a pop of color to your Thanksgiving table.
The combination of mixed greens, juicy pomegranate seeds, and creamy feta cheese creates a delightful medley of flavors and textures.
Drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette, this salad is both light and satisfying, providing a welcome contrast to the heavier dishes. It’s a healthy and delicious option that complements any main course.
23. Skillet Corn
Skillet corn is a simple yet delicious side dish that brings a touch of sweetness to your Thanksgiving meal.
Cooked with butter and herbs, the corn kernels offer a burst of flavor with every bite.
This dish is easy to prepare and can be made in just minutes, saving you time and effort on the big day. Perfect for pairing with any main course, skillet corn is a versatile and tasty addition to the holiday spread.
24. Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Spicy roasted pumpkin seeds are a crunchy and flavorful side dish that adds a touch of spice to your Thanksgiving spread.
Coated in a blend of spices, these seeds offer a satisfying crunch and a kick of heat.
They are perfect for snacking or as a topping for salads and soups, providing a versatile and delicious addition to your meal. Easy to prepare and store, spicy roasted pumpkin seeds are a simple yet exciting side that will impress your guests.
25. Herb-Infused Gravy
Herb-infused gravy is a rich and flavorful side dish that enhances any Thanksgiving meal.
Made with fresh herbs and savory stock, this gravy offers a depth of flavor that elevates any dish it’s paired with.
Perfect for drizzling over turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing, herb-infused gravy is a versatile and delicious choice that brings warmth and comfort to the holiday table. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it’s a must-have accompaniment for Thanksgiving.