60 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Thanksgiving side dishes are key to gathering with loved ones, enjoying delicious food, and creating lasting memories. Whether it’s a festive Friendsgiving or a traditional holiday meal, having the perfect sides is essential.
Includes recipes suitable for gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian diets. Weight Watchers points are included in some recipes.
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Thanksgiving is all about gathering with family and friends, enjoying delicious food, and creating lasting memories. Whether you’re hosting a festive Friendsgiving or a traditional holiday meal, we’ve got the perfect Thanksgiving side dishes for you to choose from.
From classic mashed potatoes and fresh salads to sweet potato casserole, Brussels sprouts, and green beans, these sides will make your Thanksgiving feast unforgettable.
We’ve rounded up 60 of the best Thanksgiving side dishes to impress your guests. Now for the hard part choosing your favorites!
Table of Contents
What Mains Should I Serve With These Sides?
Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time to prep your lunch or dinner menu. Turkey and lamb take centre stage, and we also have some additional recipes for you to choose from.
- If you’re short on space, use your trusty air fryer Thanksgiving recipes, saving space in your oven.
- Better yet, enlist your Instant Pot for these Instant Pot Thanksgiving recipes.
- Check out our Thanksgiving casseroles to complete your holiday spread!
And, remember to have a good Thanksgiving breakfast so you have energy for all the festivities and cooking.
Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!
For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.
60 Best Thanksgiving Sides
I’ve compiled a collection of my favorite Thanksgiving sides. This extensive list considers everyone. From Aunties and Grannies to the fussy family members (I see you) and all your guests’ dietary needs. You’ll find plenty of options to simplify your menu planning.
Click on the links in blue to be taken to the recipes.
Savor the creamy goodness of Crockpot Mashed Potatoes, an ideal side dish for any occasion. When you’re gearing up for a Thanksgiving feast, this recipe promises velvety, buttery mashed potatoes with minimal fuss.
Loaded cauliflower casserole is a low carb twist on classic comfort food. Easy to make and ready in 30 minutes, this cauliflower casserole recipe is sure to satisfy for Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving alike!
This Brussel Sprouts Gratin recipe turns humble veggies into a mouthwatering masterpiece. This low-carb side dish is the perfect complement to your favorite festive meals and sides!
This Scalloped Corn recipe is a delicious southern recipe that is a true family favorite. Perfect for holiday gatherings and to pair with your perfect holiday turkey!
Hearty and flavorful slow-cooker cabbage is the ideal fall weather meal. The smells and warmth of aromatic garlic, tender cabbage and bacon bring to mind fond images of nestling down for a fall evening!
Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes are a delicious and versatile make-ahead side dish. It’s so easy to make this scalloped potatoes Instant Pot recipe, so it’s great for casual weekday dinners, Thanksgiving, and special occasions alike.
Easy, sweet, and fuss free, these crockpot sweet potatoes are the perfect side for a busy festive season. See how to make these with minimal prep in the slow cooker.
This Corn Pudding Casserole is a true Southern comfort food staple. Fluffy, flavorful, and versatile, corn pudding is the perfect dish for bringing to potlucks and friendsgiving since it can be enjoyed hot or cold!
Stovetop mac and cheese is flavorful, creamy, and made with real cheese and a fresh bechamel sauce infused with Dijon mustard and onion powder. This traditional dish can be served as a meal but also makes a tasty side to serve for Thanksgiving dinner.
Learn how surprisingly simple it is to make easy yeast rolls! These homemade yeast rolls are the perfect addition to holiday feasts like Thanksgiving and everyday meals alike.
Instant Pot Potato Soup is deliciously creamy, hearty, and satisfying. It’s so easy to make pressure cooker potato soup with just a handful of everyday pantry staples. It's a simple dish to add to your holiday celebration.
Smothered Cabbage is so easy to make and packs a ton of flavor. Pair this southern style dish with your favorite turkey meal and other sides for a festive feast!
Sweet potato casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish. This easy side dish is flavorful, versatile, and kid-approved. Perfect for serving at the big holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter or for Sunday suppers.
This Roasted red cabbage is a simple side dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. You only need 5 everyday ingredients and a few minutes of prep to make this colorful nutritious dish. It's a simple side so you can focus on your other Thanksgiving dishes!
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes is the ultimate easy Thanksgiving food. Making this delicious cheesy potato side dish in your slow cooker is incredibly easy – just dump, set, and forget!
Learn how to cook canned green beans so you can serve up an affordable, nutritious, vegetable side dish in just minutes. Canned goods are so convenient, and this flavorful canned green beans recipe is made with just 3 ingredients!
Enjoy these simple and crispy Smashed Brussel Sprouts with parmesan cheese. They roast in your oven and make the perfect side dish for your festive fall meal.
Veggie lovers, this low carb Green Beans Almondine is a super easy and elegant side dish that combines crisp green beans with fried almonds with an garlicky lemon butter sauce. It's great simple side to pair with other Thanksgiving sides!
Smothered green beans are cooked until tender and tossed with cooked bacon for a wonderful recipe ideal for any family dinner, large gathering, or Thanksgiving table. The whole family will love this tasty smothered green beans recipe.
Savor the simplicity and deliciousness of these Air Fryer Beets. In no time, you’ve got a batch of tender, perfectly roasted beets that are healthy and super versatile. Toss them in a salad or enjoy them just as they are for a delicious and colorful side.
Mexican Potatoes is a zesty side dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite Mexican-inspired main dishes. Whip up this easy baked Mexican Potatoes recipe for a fun Mexican-themed Thanksgiving!
These Garlic Butter Sesame Instant Pot Green Beans really are the perfect side dish! Not only are they affordable, versatile, and flavorful, but they’re incredibly quick and easy to make too.
This easy Sweet Potato Gratin is the perfect make-ahead decadent side for a friendsgiving or Thanksgiving meal. Made with pantry staples in the oven or Instant Pot, this is a rich and delicious twist to the classic sweet potato au gratin casserole.
This Instant Pot Stuffing is incredibly easy and totally delicious! This is the fuss-free side dish recipe you need for the fall holidays and it’s so simple you’ll want to make it year-round!
This is a complete guide to how to boil potatoes so they turn out perfect every time. Potatoes are a Thanksgiving and fall staple, so learn how you can nail the best texture and flavor!
This Air Fryer Baby Potatoes recipe is a simple and versatile side dish everyone will love! Toss baby potatoes with olive oil and Italian seasoning, then roast in the air fryer until crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. It's a perfect side for fall!
Boiled corn on the cob turns out perfectly tender-crisp and juicy without the risk of charring you get when you grill fresh corn. Fresh sweet corn symbolizes summer, and this boiled corn recipe is ready quickly so you can focus on your turkey!
Grilled Baked Potatoes are creamy and fluffy inside, with delicious crispy skin on the outside and a hint of smoky flavor. The perfect side dish for all your fall holiday meals! It's a staple for Thanksgiving.
Candied Sweet Potatoes is a traditional Southern side that pairs with all sorts of classic festive fall dishes. It is easy to make, affordable, and perfect for serving up at Sunday suppers, special occasions, and holiday meals.
Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges are a tasty and easy side dish and appetizer. Tender on the inside and golden and crunchy on the outside, kids and adults will love these potatoes so they're perfect for a holiday spent with family!
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are delicious and nutritious and ready to serve in minutes! This 3-ingredient sweet potato cubes air fryer recipe is not only the perfect holiday side dish, but it’s ideal for any meal from breakfast through dinner.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes turn out so light and fluffy inside and perfectly crispy on the outside, you will never want to make a baked potato any other way again! They're a perfect dish to pair with your Thanksgiving turkey and favorite fall veggies.
These Garlic Smashed Potatoes (made in the oven or Air Fryer) are soft and creamy on the inside and deliciously crispy and crunchy on the outside. They're a fun festive dish!
This simple Crockpot Green Beans recipe boasts a tasty combination of buttery and smoky flavors. It’s a hassle-free, dump-and-start side dish crafted from affordable pantry staples and requires minimal effort to prepare.
These Southern Butter Beans are a classic southern side dish that will pair perfectly with just about any fall meal. They are loaded with smoky bacon flavor and a hint of Cajun spice that gives them a little kick.
Smothered Potatoes are a very versatile Southern side dish that goes with just about any Thanksgiving meal. Made entirely from pantry staples with minimal prep and effort in less than 25 minutes it's perfect for a holiday party!
This Southern Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers is a classic addition to any dining table. The buttery and flavorful yellow squash casserole is perfect for entertaining but easy enough to enjoy for a delicious holiday meal!
Your whole family will love this Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes!!! It is a simple and easy comfort food treat makes a great side dish for holiday meals like Thanksgiving, weeknight suppers, and even breakfast.
This dish is so easy to prepare for Thanksgiving!!! It is a great comfort food side dish for every fall holiday. This warm and comforting dish is a perfect use of potatoes!
Instant Pot Rutabaga Mash is the perfect side dish for your meal. It is quick and easy to make in the Instant Pot. Delicious and satisfying, the whole family will enjoy this tasty dish. Serve at a Friendsgiving party or for a delicious Thanksgiving meal.
This sweet Jamaican Cabbage Recipe is one of those perfect side dishes that goes with almost everything. Quick and easy to prepare and bursting with everyday fresh vegetables and herbs, it’s a fun festive dish for the holidays!
These golden and effortlessly simple Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes are an ideal side dish or delicious main course. Picture crispy yet fluffy, creamy sliced baked potatoes drizzled with seasoned oil and adorned with fresh herbs and so undeniably delicious.
Indulge in a quick and flavorful culinary escape with our Creamy Carrot Soup Recipe—where the comforting blend of sweet potatoes, carrots, and Chinese Five Spice creates a velvety, soul-soothing masterpiece in just minutes! It's a delicious warm side to pair with a fall meal.
Dreaming of creamy, fluffy, and easy-to-make mashed potatoes? Try this Instant Pot Mashed Potato recipe. A vegan version of the recipe is also shown. It's a healthy dish to pair with all the sides and turkey of Thanksgiving!
Sweet Potato Tater Tots are fun, flavorful and totally delicious! Packed with healthy goodness, this sweet potato tater tots recipe is easy to make and perfect to serve with your fall holiday meals.
Instant Pot Cabbage is an easy and affordable side dish that is full of flavor! This is the buttered cabbage recipe that will keep both its shape and delectable buttery flavor each and every time you make it. It's a easy dish for a affordable friendsgiving party!
Tender and flavorful microwave carrots are a great side dish that the whole family will love. Ready to serve in under 10 minutes, pair them with your favorite main dishes for easy and effortless meals on busy weeknights, or serve as part of your Thanksgiving spread.
These Instant Pot Glazed Carrot make an easy fast, tasty and colorful side dish. Made with fresh carrots and pantry staples, this is ready in less than 15 minutes so it's a simple dish to pair with all the complex Thanksgiving fare.
Learn how to microwave corn on the cob to easily remove the husks and get perfectly steamed corn simultaneously. This simple microwave method for corn yields delicious corn on the cob every time. This dish is an alternative way to prep food when your oven is full of turkey!
Canned corn is not only inexpensive, but it’s also good for you. This post will show you everything you need to know about how to cook canned sweet corn so it’s tender-crisp and delicious and makes a great fall side.
Jamaican Pumpkin Soup is full of Caribbean flavor. This is a deliciously quick and easy Jamaican soup recipe that is ready to serve in about 30 minutes! Serve with your variety of other Thanksgiving dishes!
This creamy Beet Soup recipe is a vibrant silky smooth soup made with minimal prep and simple ingredients you probably have on hand. The rich flavor of the beets combines with Thai red curry and coconut milk for an unforgettable and healthy soup recipe. This dish will add a splash of color to your fall parties!
Crockpot Mashed Butternut Squash is the perfect cozy side dish to complement your Thanksgiving dinner, plus all of your other holiday meals. It is a family-friendly, colorful, vibrant, delicious and healthy mash that is easy to make as a side for your holidays!
Here is how to make an easy and delicious vegan and gluten-free butternut squash soup with star anise. Light up your fires, fill up a bowl and make this along side your Thanksgiving turkey!
This Vegan Instant Pot Pumpkin Soup is a simple yet impressive soup that is easy on the prep, but big on flavour and ready in less than 20 mins. It's a delicious and easy side to add into the mix of all your Thanksgiving dishes!
Everyone loves a layered salad, and this cornbread salad recipe is perfect for holidays, family reunions, picnics, and especially Thanksgiving! A great way to use up leftovers, cornbread salad is a Southern-style recipe that everyone will enjoy.
Get ready to wrangle some serious flavor with this downright delicious Cornbread Casserole. Whether you’re craving a savory Thanksgiving dinner or a zesty taco twist, this Jiffy-based recipe will become your new weeknight dinner go-to.
You will love this creamy, indulgent Instant Pot Carrot Soup that is packed full of great flavors but light on the calories. Quick and easy to make, it will become your go-to holiday side dish!
This savory spiced golden crispy Instant Pot Cornbread will be the best homemade cornbread you have ever had. It is simple to make and a great side for fall to alongside a hearty soup and for serving up during the holidays.
You will love this warming, velvety and over-the-top delicious Kabocha Squash Soup. It is full of healthy pantry staples and delicious goodness. It’s so easy to prepare for a holiday party of friendsgiving.
Holiday Tips
- Create a timeline: Whether it’s a dinner for 4 or brunch for 20, identifying when certain tasks need to be done helps ensure your meal comes together smoothly.
- Get a jump on the prep work: Defrosting, chopping, slicing, and assembling certain dishes in advance means you’ll have less work to do on the day of your event.
- Set your table in advance: Get your dishes, glassware, serving platters, and utensils set out the night before to make sure you have all you need and can check that task off your list.
More Thanksgiving Recipes
- Thanksgiving fruit salad
- 20 Thanksgiving Casseroles
- Easy Thanksgiving Breakfast Recipes
- Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes
- Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes Menu
Recommended Tools
- A sharp knife can make chopping fresh ingredients a quick process.
- Have a good set of measuring cups and spoons.
- An Instant Pot and Air Fryer can make your sides cook faster.
- For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.
Thank you for reading my Thanksgiving side dishes. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.
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60 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Ingredients
- Easy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
- Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
- Brussel Sprouts Gratin
- Scalloped Corn Recipe
- Slow Cooker Cabbage
- Scalloped Potatoes + Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes
- Crockpot Sweet Potatoes
- Easy Corn Pudding Casserole
- Stovetop Mac and Cheese
- Easy Yeast Rolls
- Creamy Easy Instant Pot Potato Soup
- Smothered Cabbage
- Easy Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Roasted Red Cabbage – An Easy Recipe
- Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
- Easy Canned Green Beans
- Smashed Brussel Sprouts
- Green Beans Almondine Recipe
- Smothered Green Beans
- Air Fryer Beets
- Mexican Potatoes
- Garlic Butter Sesame Instant Pot Green Beans
- Sweet Potato Gratin
- Easy Instant Pot Stuffing
- Simple Boiled Potatoes
- Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
- Boiled Corn On The Cob
- Baked Potato On The Grill
- Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
- Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
- Crispy Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Garlic Smashed Potatoes + Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
- Crockpot Green Beans
- Easy Southern Butter Beans
- Easy Smothered Potatoes
- Easy Southern Squash Casserole
- Cinnamon Maple Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Maple Slow Cooker Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Instant Pot Rutabaga Mash
- Jamaican Cabbage
- Hasselback Potatoes
- Easy Carrot Soup
- Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potato Recipe {Gluten-Free}
- Sweet Potato Tater Tots
- Buttered Instant Pot Cabbage
- Microwave Carrots
- Glazed Instant Pot Carrots
- Easy Microwaved Corn On The Cob
- Easy Canned Corn
- Easy Jamaican Pumpkin Soup + Instant Pot Version
- Easy Beet Soup
- Crockpot Mashed Butternut Squash
- Butternut Squash Soup with Star Anise
- Easy Pumpkin Soup + Instant Pot Version
- Cornbread Salad
- Cornbread Casserole
- Instant Pot Carrot Soup
- Skillet Cornbread + Instant Pot Version
- Kabocha Squash Soup
Instructions
- Pick your favorite traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
- Prepare your shopping list and head to the store.
- Put together your delicious Thanksgiving feast!
I absolutely loved the squash soup. thank you for sharing all these!