20 Irresistible Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Complete Your Feast

Discover 20 easy, flavorful Thanksgiving side dishes to make your holiday table unforgettable. Quick, no-mess recipes everyone will love!

Thanksgiving is all about family, gratitude, laughter, and let’s be honest, amazing food. Sure, the turkey might steal the spotlight, but the real magic happens on the side. Those creamy mashed potatoes, sweet potato casseroles, buttery rolls, and perfectly roasted veggies? They’re the Thanksgiving side dishes everyone remembers long after the plates are cleared.

In this post, we’re diving into the best Thanksgiving side dishes that will turn your holiday table into something truly special. From comforting classics to lighter, veggie-packed options, every recipe here is designed to be simple, stress-free, and delicious. No complicated techniques, no extra mess, just quick, flavorful sides that taste like they took hours to make (even though they didn’t!).

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just a few loved ones, you’ll find plenty of dishes to mix, match, and enjoy. Each Thanksgiving side dishes are easy to follow, full of cozy fall flavors, and guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters.

So grab your apron, turn up the holiday music, and get ready to discover your new favorite Thanksgiving side dishes. Pick a few (or all!) of these recipes, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking because no feast is complete without a table full of irresistible sides made with love. Make sure to checkout my main Thanksgiving appetizers.

🍽️ The Ultimate List of Thanksgiving Side Dishes

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
2. Traditional Bread Stuffing
3. Sweet Potato Casserole
4. Baked Mac and Cheese
5. Classic Turkey Gravy
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
7. Green Bean Casserole
8. Maple-Glazed Carrots
9. Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob
10. Roasted Root Vegetables
11. Homemade Dinner Rolls
12. Cornbread Muffins
13. Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries
14. Buttery Herb Biscuits
15. Cranberry Walnut Bread
16. Fresh Cranberry Sauce
17. Harvest Salad with Roasted Squash
18. Apple Pecan Coleslaw
19. Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan
20. Cucumber Dill Yogurt Salad

🥔 1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon gold or russet)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup warm milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Peel and cube potatoes. Boil in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
2. While potatoes cook, melt butter in a small pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Mash potatoes, add garlic butter and warm milk gradually.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm, garnished with parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Pro Tip: Use a potato ricer for ultra-smooth, restaurant-style mashed potatoes.

Serve these creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes warm alongside your turkey for one of the most comforting Thanksgiving side dishes your family will love.

🍞 2. Traditional Bread Stuffing

This classic stuffing is soft, flavorful, and full of holiday aroma — a must-have on your list of Thanksgiving side dishes

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed bread (day-old)
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tsp poultry seasoning
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast bread cubes if not day-old.
2. Melt butter, sauté onion and celery until soft.
3. Combine bread, vegetables, and poultry seasoning. Pour in broth gradually until bread is moist.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake in a greased dish covered with foil 25 minutes, then uncover 10–15 minutes until golden.

Variation: Add cooked sausage, cranberries, or nuts for extra flavor..

🍠 3. Sweet Potato Casserole

With its sweet, buttery base and crunchy topping, this sweet potato casserole is a standout among your Thanksgiving side dishes.

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, drain.
2. Mash with sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla.
3. Spread in a greased baking dish. Top with pecans and marshmallows.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden.

Pro Tip: Make ahead by preparing the base and adding toppings just before baking.

🧀 4. Baked Mac and Cheese

Rich, cheesy, and golden on top, this mac and cheese makes a perfect indulgent addition to your Thanksgiving side dishes spread.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni and drain.
2. Make a roux with butter and flour, slowly whisk in milk until thickened.
3. Stir in cheese until melted. Combine with pasta.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Tip: Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a golden, crunchy finish.

🍗 5. Classic Turkey Gravy

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp turkey drippings or butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups chicken stock
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk flour into hot drippings to make a roux.
2. Slowly add stock while stirring.
3. Simmer until thickened. Season and serve warm.

Pour this velvety, flavorful gravy over your turkey or mashed potatoes to complete your collection of essential Thanksgiving side dishes.

🥦 6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Crispy, caramelized, and slightly sweet from balsamic, these sprouts are a tasty green addition to your Thanksgiving side dishes lineup.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss sprouts in oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes until crispy.
3. Drizzle balsamic glaze before serving.

🥘 7. Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups green beans, blanched
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup fried onions

Instructions:

1. Mix green beans, soup, and milk.
2. Bake 25 minutes at 350°F.
3. Top with fried onions, bake another 5 minutes until golden.

Creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor, this green bean casserole is a must-try among your Thanksgiving side dishes this year.

🥕 8. Maple-Glazed Carrots

Sweet, buttery, and easy to make, these maple-glazed carrots are a bright, delicious choice for your Thanksgiving side dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sliced carrots
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Steam carrots until tender.
2. Toss with butter, maple syrup, and salt. Cook 5 minutes until glossy.

🌽 9. Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

• 4 ears corn
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Boil or grill corn.
2. Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle salt. Serve hot.

Golden, buttery, and garlicky, this corn on the cob is a simple yet crowd-pleasing entry in your Thanksgiving side dishes.

🥕 10. Roasted Root Vegetables

Ingredients:

• Carrots, parsnips, beets, potatoes (chopped)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss veggies with oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast at 400°F for 35 minutes until caramelized.

Colorful, caramelized, and packed with flavor, these roasted root vegetables are a hearty addition to your Thanksgiving side dishes.

🥖 11. Homemade Dinner Rolls

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 1 packet yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients, knead, let rise 1 hour.
2. Shape into rolls, bake 20 minutes at 375°F.

Soft, buttery, and perfect for mopping up gravy, these dinner rolls are an essential part of your Thanksgiving side dishes.

🌽 12. Cornbread Muffins

Sweet, moist, and lightly crumbly, these cornbread muffins are a charming complement to your Thanksgiving side dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• ¼ cup butter

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients, pour into muffin tin.
2. Bake 18 minutes at 400°F.

🍚 13. Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries

Nutty, fruity, and full of texture, this wild rice pilaf is a flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving side dishes spread.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice
• 2 cups broth
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup toasted almonds
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook rice in broth.
2. Mix in cranberries, almonds, and olive oil.

🧈 14. Buttery Herb Biscuits

Fluffy, fragrant, and golden, these biscuits bring warmth and charm to your list of Thanksgiving side dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ cup butter
• ¾ cup milk
• 1 tsp dried herbs

Instructions:

1. Combine dry ingredients. Cut in butter, add milk and herbs.
2. Bake 12 minutes at 425°F until golden.

🍞 15. Cranberry Walnut Bread

Sweet, tart, and nutty, this cranberry walnut bread is a festive treat to include among your Thanksgiving side dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup cranberries
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 egg
• 1 cup orange juice

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients, pour into loaf pan.
2. Bake 50 minutes at 350°F.

🍒 16. Fresh Cranberry Sauce

Bright, tangy, and easy to make, this cranberry sauce is the perfect classic addition to your Thanksgiving side dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cranberries
• ½ cup sugar
• ½ cup orange juice

Instructions:

1. Simmer cranberries, sugar, and orange juice 10–15 minutes until thickened.
2. Cool before serving.

🥗 17. Harvest Salad with Roasted Squash

Fresh, colorful, and packed with seasonal flavors, this harvest salad is a light and tasty Thanksgiving side dish.

Ingredients:

• Mixed greens
• Roasted butternut squash cubes
• Goat cheese
• Pecans
• Apple slices
• Apple cider vinaigrette

Instructions:

1. Toss all ingredients with vinaigrette. Serve chilled.

🥬 18. Apple Pecan Coleslaw

Ingredients:

• Shredded cabbage
• 1 apple, julienned
• ¼ cup pecans
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Mix cabbage, apple, and pecans.
2. Stir in mayo and honey. Chill before serving.

Crunchy, sweet, and creamy, this apple pecan coleslaw adds a refreshing twist to your Thanksgiving side dishes.

🧀 19. Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan

Tender, golden, and flavorful, this roasted cauliflower is a simple but impressive choice for your Thanksgiving side dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup parmesan
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes.
2. Sprinkle parmesan before serving.

🥒 20. Cucumber Dill Yogurt Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cucumbers, sliced
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dill
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Chill 30 minutes before serving.

Cool, tangy, and refreshing, this cucumber dill yogurt salad is a crisp addition to balance your Thanksgiving side dishes spread.

🍽️ Final Thoughts

There you have it! 20 quick, no-extra-mess Thanksgiving side dishes to elevate your holiday table and make this year’s feast unforgettable. From comforting classics like garlic mashed potatoes and stuffing to light, fresh options like harvest salads and roasted vegetables, there’s something here for every taste and every guest. Each recipe is designed to be simple, flavorful, and ready in time for your celebration, so you can spend less time stressing in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match, a few crispy, buttery rolls here, a creamy casserole there, and a colorful salad or two will make your table look as good as it tastes. Pick your favorites, plan ahead, and get cooking! These Thanksgiving side dishes aren’t just delicious — they’re crowd-pleasers that will have your family and friends talking long after the last slice of pie disappears.

And if you’re looking for tips on how to present your Thanksgiving side dishes table beautifully, with plating ideas and festive decor that makes every Thanksgiving side dishes shine, check out this helpful guide from BBC Good Food. A little extra attention to presentation can make your Thanksgiving side dishes even more impressive and your holiday meal feel truly magical.