Top Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Thanksgiving is here, and while turkey might be the star of the show, we all know it’s the side dishes that often steal the spotlight.
In fact, a 2025 Campbell’s State of the Sides study shows that a whopping 63 percent of Americans prefer eating the side dishes to the entree at Thanksgiving. And get this, nearly half of Americans, specifically 47 percent, admit they’d be happy with a Thanksgiving plate full of sides and nothing else. So, there’s no question, Thanksgiving side dishes are winning. From creamy mashed potatoes to golden baked mac and cheese, the sides are what everyone goes back for seconds of.
So, if you’re wondering which side dishes are truly worth making this year, the ones your guests will appreciate long after the leftovers are gone and the holiday season is over, then you’re in the right place.
These 15 recipes include a good mix of all-time classics that never fail, and a few fresh, flavorful favorites that definitely deserve a spot on your table.
This list is perfect if you’re hosting or just bringing a side dish to share.
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Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Side Dishes
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15 Top Thanksgiving Side Dishes
1. Classic Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Stuffing remains the gold standard of Thanksgiving sides, and that’s why this classic sausage and herb stuffing is the number 1 side on our list.
This traditional stuffing combines toasted bread cubes, savory Italian sausage, onions, celery, and a mix of fresh herbs that make for a great classic Thanksgiving flavor. The edges bake up pretty crispy while the inside stays soft and flavorful, making it a timeless side dish that will never disappoint.
Check out this simple recipe from Once Upon A Chef, which uses store-bought stuffing cubes, making this dish much easier to prepare.
2. Buttery Herbed Mashed Potatoes
Some version of mashed potatoes always shows up on nearly every Thanksgiving table. And these buttery mashed potatoes from Half Baked Harvest take the classic to a whole new level. Yukon Golds are whipped until creamy with roasted garlic, creme fraiche, and plenty of fresh herbs, then topped with a drizzle of sage-infused brown butter for a rich, aromatic finish that is hard to beat.
These buttery herb mashed potatoes are the kind of sides that often steal the spotlight.
And you can make them ahead so you can have an easy time entertaining. The perfect side dish.
3. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are the perfect creamy and classic alternative or complement to mashed potatoes.
This indulgent version from I Am Baker layers thick-cut russet potatoes in a rich cream sauce, then blankets them in melted cheddar before baking until tender and golden on top.
These bring total comfort to your Thanksgiving table.
And as a plus, you can prep the scalloped potatoes in advance and bake them when it is time to eat, making Thanksgiving a little easier.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Pecan Crumble
Sweet potatoes are another very popular side dish for Thanksgiving. And this casserole, featuring a brown sugar pecan crumble, is a particularly beloved take.
This version from Allrecipes keeps it perfectly classic, creamy mashed potatoes flavored with a hint of vanilla and butter, then topped with a golden brown-sugar and pecan crumble that adds the ideal crunch. It’s warm, cozy, and irresistibly nostalgic, exactly what you need for Thanksgiving.
And you can also make it a day or two early to save time on Thanksgiving. To make ahead, simply prepare the filling and topping separately. On Thanksgiving, you can sprinkle the topping over the filling and then bake.
5. Honey Butter Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls are another popular Thanksgiving side dish, and many consider them a staple. Yes, you need dinner rolls to soak up the gravy and for sandwiches with the leftovers. And I must admit, nothing beats the smell of freshly baked rolls coming out of the oven.
These honey butter rolls from Sally’s Baking Addiction are pure comfort. And you only need 7 ingredients. You start by making a simple but rich dough with milk, butter, and some honey. Once baked, you brush them generously with warm honey butter that melts right into the soft, golden tops.
This will turn out tender, fluffy, and slightly sweet. The kind of rolls you want on your Thanksgiving table.
6. Southern Baked Mac & Cheese
Mac and cheese is another super popular side dish on many Thanksgiving tables. And this recipe from Divas Can Cook is rich, comforting, and delivers all the soul of a Southern holiday table.
With a creamy blend of cheeses, including smoked cheddar, folded into tender elbow macaroni and baked until golden on top, this dish hits the sweet spot between nostalgic and indulgent.
This is the kind of side you want because everyone will be going in for seconds.
7. Creamy Corn Casserole
Corn casserole is another popular Thanksgiving side dish because it is comforting, easy to make, and can also be made ahead of time. It ticks all the boxes. Not to mention it pairs super well with turkey and other holiday foods.
And this easy recipe from Allrecipes blends whole kernel corn and creamed corn with sour cream, melted butter, eggs, and cornbread mix to create a rich, slightly sweet casserole that feels part pudding, and part soufflé.
To make your Thanksgiving super easy, prepare it ahead and pop it into the oven when guests arrive.
8. Classic Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Onions
Green bean casserole remains an iconic Thanksgiving tradition. And we all know that a holiday staple, which has stood the test of time since 1955, never goes out of style.
This time-honored side dish combines tender green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with a crisp layer of golden-fried onions for a must-have crunch.
This classic green bean casserole is comforting, easy to prep, and the kind of recipe that will get passed down year after year. So, it is perfect for anchoring your Thanksgiving spread.
Check out this simple recipe from Allrecipes.
9. Maple Glazed Carrots
You can never go wrong with these maple-glazed carrots. Indeed, they are a super easy side dish, making them perfect for a busy holiday like Thanksgiving.
Bright, sweet baby carrots are coated in melted butter and real maple syrup, then seasoned with a pinch of salt and finished with some fresh parsley for color and flavor.
And you can use honey instead of maple syrup if you prefer.
It is the perfect mix of comfort and elegance.
Here is a simple maple-glazed carrots recipe from Allrecipes.
10. Cranberry Orange Sauce
This is another make-ahead-friendly Thanksgiving side dish that is a must-have on every table. And this homemade cranberry sauce from Once Upon a Chef is bright and tangy and brings just the right amount of zest and sweetness to the table.
To make, simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar and orange zest and juice, then lightly mash so that every bite bursts with the perfect cranberry-orange flavor.
Make it ahead and chill it, and it will be perfect on Thanksgiving.
11. Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are in season in the Fall and Winter, making them a natural vegetable choice for Thanksgiving. And you can never go wrong with roasted Brussels sprouts. I’d argue roasted is the best way to eat Brussels sprouts.
To make, simply toss halved sprouts with olive oil, garlic, freshly grated parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs, then roast them until the leaves turn golden and crispy.
You can check the full recipe at RecipeTin Eats.
12. Maple Bacon Roasted Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a common side dish on many Thanksgiving menus due to its natural sweetness and versatility.
This roasted recipe from The Paleo Running Momma features golden-cubed butternut squash, crispy bacon pieces, and a simple maple and cinnamon drizzle.
And it works perfectly as a premade make-ahead option.
13. Balsamic Glazed Roasted Vegetables
It’d be amiss not to mention vegetables on this list. After all, they are the perfect side dish. They are simple, healthy, and a flavorful way to bring some color to your Thanksgiving spread.
To make, simply toss your favorite mix of veggies such as carrots, peppers, zucchini, and onions in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs, then roast until caramelized and tender.
The balsamic glaze adds a rich tang that is a must-try for Thanksgiving.
Check out this simple recipe from Jessica in the Kitchen, plus get tips for roasting vegetables.
14. Garlic Butter Green Beans
If you want to enjoy some green beans but don’t particularly like green bean casserole, then this simpler recipe for garlic butter green beans is what you need.
In this version from Allrecipes, you bring fresh green beans to a boil, then saute them in melted butter with minced garlic and lemon-pepper seasoning until they’re bright, crisp-tender, and deeply flavorful.
This is a vibrant, no-fuss Thanksgiving side dish that can be ready in about 15 minutes.
15. Herbed Mushroom Gravy
Gravy is another Thanksgiving must-have. I mean, you need it for your stuffing, mashed potatoes, and even the turkey itself.
And this savory mushroom gravy from Love & Lemons is totally vegan, but it’ll give any gravy made with meat or butter a run for its money. And providing food that is totally vegan is important in case any of your guests are vegan.
To make, sauté mushrooms with garlic, shallots, thyme, and rosemary, then whisk in vegetable broth and a touch of tamari for an added layer of flavor.
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Final Thoughts
Whether you stick to the classics or try something new, these Thanksgiving side dishes will add warmth, color, and comfort to your spread.
So go ahead and start planning your menu, pick a few favorites, and let your guests enjoy your Thanksgiving table.
Happy Thanksgiving, Loves.
