50+ Crowd-Pleasing Thanksgiving Side Dishes (original) (raw)
This post may contain affiliate links.
Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve already started thinking about all the sides you want to make (and more importantly, eat!). This is why I’ve compiled my very extensive list of over 50 Thanksgiving Side Dishes!
Thanksgiving Side Dishes Everyone Will Love
Over many years of countless recipe tests and inspiration, my list of healthy side dishes and Thanksgiving recipes has grown.
These recipes taste INCREDIBLE and THEY WORK!
Holiday meals are special, and these recipes live up to the task.
- Every recipe on this list has received numerous stamps of approval from both adults and kids.
- The ingredients are simple and can be found at any grocery store.
- These Thanksgiving sides are EASY. Even beginner cooks can make them!
- You’ll find both classic Thanksgiving sides for a traditional meal, as well as unique Thanksgiving sides if you’re looking to mix it up.
To make browsing these healthy Thanksgiving sides as easy as possible, I have organized them into categories for you.
If you would like to jump to a specific section, simply click the appropriate link below. Otherwise, keep scrolling to see them all!
Table of Contents
- Thanksgiving Side Dishes Everyone Will Love
- What Should I Cook for Thanksgiving?
- What Are the Most Popular Side Dishes for Thanksgiving?
- How Many Sides Does Thanksgiving Have?
- Sweet Potato Thanksgiving Sides
- Mashed Potato Thanksgiving Sides
- Cheesy Potato Thanksgiving Sides
- Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes
- Thanksgiving Green Beans
- Brussels Sprouts Side Dishes
- Squash Thanksgiving Side Dishes
- Thanksgiving Salad Recipes
- Cranberry Sauce Recipes for Thanksgiving
- Corn Thanksgiving Sides
- Unique, Impressive, and Easy Thanksgiving Sides
- Vegetable Casserole Side Dishes
- Roasted Vegetables
- Breads and Rolls
What Should I Cook for Thanksgiving?
Whether you want to follow a what a traditional Thanksgiving menu is or not, the choice is completely up to you, which is part of the fun!
When preparing a typical Thanksgiving Day menu at our house, here’s my game plan:
- Appetizers. I start with a few of my healthy Thanksgiving appetizers, like Pineapple Cheese Ball, Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms, and Ham and Cheese Pinwheels.
- Main Course. Next, I’ll serve a hearty and delicious main dish with a handful of my healthy Thanksgiving sides from the list below. Make your favorite (we always do Thanksgiving Turkey or Smoked Turkey, but you could also do Crockpot Ham), then surround it with any of the recipes on this list.
- Side Dishes. Pick a mix from this list, ensuring you have classics (stuffing), starches (potatoes), and a green veggie (green beans or Brussels sprouts).
- Desserts. Because no one is ever too full! I like to serve at least two desserts so my guests have options. Sweet Potato Pie, Pecan Pie Bars, and Gluten Free Apple Crisp are tried-and-true favorites.
What Are the Most Popular Side Dishes for Thanksgiving?
The most popular Thanksgiving side dish can vary based on where you live, but you’ll almost always find some version of these top 5 Thanksgiving side dishes:
- Mashed Potatoes (probably the most popular Thanksgiving side dish)
- Stuffing
- Bread
- Cranberry Sauce
- Green Bean Casserole
The best part? You can try them all!
I have a recipe for all of these options in the list below.
How Many Sides Does Thanksgiving Have?
Your Thanksgiving menu can have as many sides as you want/need to feed your guests and meet any dietary requirements. According to this article:
- For sides like mashed potatoes and stuffing, you should have at least one dish for every five people and at least two dishes for 10 people or more.
- If you’re serving a salad, one should be enough unless you’re serving 20 people or more.
- For vegetable sides, you’ll want to serve at least one for five people or less, a minimum of two for 10 people or less, and three for 20 people or more.
Sweet Potato Thanksgiving Sides
A classic, beloved part of our Thanksgiving dinner! You can go sweet or savory with Thanksgiving sweet potato recipes.
Glazed Sweet Potatoes
With a sticky honey glaze, candied pecans, and tender apples, these glazed sweet potatoes are an easy make-ahead side dish for any holiday!
Sweet Potato Casserole
My family's favorite sweet potato casserole! It's creamy and decadent, a balance of sweet and savory, with an irresistible pecan topping.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
These air fryer sweet potato cubes are ready in under 20 minutes! They're an easy side dish that's sweet, smoky, garlicky, and irresistible.
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
These healthy twice baked sweet potatoes are creamy and light, thanks to cream cheese and Greek yogurt, and have an irresistible crunchy pecan topping!
Sweet Potato Souffle
Southern sweet potato soufflé is an easy Thanksgiving side dish! Roasted sweet potato filling is topped with an irresistible pecan streusel.
Crockpot Sweet Potatoes
Use these crockpot sweet potatoes as a starting point for mashed sweet potatoes or casseroles, or just slice them open and serve them with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Oven roasted sweet potatoes are crispy outside, tender inside and seasoned to perfection. Jazz them up with toasted pecans or fresh herbs!
Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
This easy method makes perfect mashed sweet potatoes in half the time for a hassle free, healthy side dish.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
These easy mashed sweet potatoes are creamy, full of cozy spices, and sweetened with a touch of maple syrup. Make-ahead option too!
Candied Sweet Potatoes
With butter, maple syrup, and cozy spices, these old-fashioned Southern candied sweet potatoes are a stellar addition to any holiday table!
Mashed Potato Thanksgiving Sides
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser of the Thanksgiving table. Use the slow cooker or Instant Pot to free up space on the stovetop.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
These easy, creamy garlic mashed potatoes give the classic a little upgrade with a heavy dose of delicious garlic!
Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Readers agree: this is BEST mashed potatoes recipe ever! Creamy, buttery, and delicious, they're perfect for holiday dinners.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
These Instant Pot mashed potatoes are perfect for a crowd! With herbs, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan, they're creamy and full of flavor.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Free up oven space with make ahead crockpot mashed potatoes. Unbelievably rich and creamy, they'll be everyone's favorite Thanksgiving side!
Cheesy Potato Thanksgiving Sides
Cheese + potatoes = happy guests!
Homemade Scalloped Potatoes
It doesn't get any better than cheesy homemade scalloped potatoes! This easy recipe is a holiday crowd pleaser—and great for making ahead too.
Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes
Save oven space by making these easy, creamy Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes. They're tender and perfect!
Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Crispy on top and creamy inside, this cheesy hash brown casserole recipe turns simple frozen potatoes into a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish!
Scalloped Potatoes with Goat Cheese
Scalloped potatoes are layered with creamy goat cheese, garlic, and rosemary, for an irresistible side dish and spin on scalloped potatoes.
Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes
Forget the soggy, bland stuffing recipes from your past (and ditch the box!). These flavorful and fun stuffings will become a star on your table.
Chestnut Stuffing
This rustic chestnut stuffing recipe with bacon, mushrooms, and prunes is the BEST Thanksgiving side dish for turkey, chicken, or duck.
Sausage Stuffing
With meaty sausage, herbs, and crusty bread, this is the best sausage stuffing—and it's also great for making ahead!
Cornbread Stuffing
This savory cornbread stuffing with sausage, apple, and herbs will steal the show at your Thanksgiving. It's easy to make ahead too!
Crockpot Wild Rice Stuffing with Cranberries
This savory Wild Rice Stuffing with Cranberries is a gluten free and vegan stuffing, made easy in the slow cooker!
Crock Pot Stuffing
The slow cooker keeps stuffing warm, frees up the oven, and is great for a crowd. What's not to love?!
Stuffing Muffins
These individual stuffing muffins with cranberries, apples, and sausage update classic Thanksgiving stuffing by baking it in a muffin tin.
Thanksgiving Green Beans
Green bean casserole with mushrooms is tradition for a reason (spoiler: it’s DELISH!). Not a fan of the casserole version? My easy Roasted Green Beans are a simple swap.
Healthy Green Bean Casserole
No cans here! This green bean casserole is a delicious made from scratch recipe with incredible flavor.
French Onion Green Bean Casserole
This French Onion Green Bean Casserole swaps traditional fried onions for caramelized onions, a buttery crouton topping, and gruyere cheese!
Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
Fresh green beans and an easy homemade cream sauce make this my family's favorite way to make green bean casserole!
Brussels Sprouts Side Dishes
The vegetable that has found redemption in recent years. There’s nothing sad or soggy about the plethora of Brussels sprouts recipes on my site.
Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Crispy, caramelized bacon Brussels sprouts with maple syrup are irresistible! The perfect easy side dish to dress up any dinner menu.
Sheet Pan Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad
This sheet pan Brussels sprouts salad with bacon, shallots, pecans, and Parmesan is easy to make and tastes totally elevated.
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Crispy roasted balsamic Brussels sprouts are the perfect easy side dish! A touch of honey balances the tangy vinegar for maximum flavor.
Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Smashed Brussel Sprouts are one of the most delicious ways to cook Brussels sprouts! The sprouts are pressed flat then roasted, so they have lots of crispy edges.
Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
Pan sautéed Brussels sprouts are a quick, easy way to make delicious Brussels sprouts you'll want to eat every night! They're crispy, caramelized, and addictive!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Just add olive oil, salt and pepper and you can enjoy crispy, caramelized roasted Brussels sprouts for Thanksgiving dinner. This easy recipe is so delish!
Crockpot Brussels Sprouts
Crockpot Brussels Sprouts are an easy slow cooker recipe that frees your oven and tastes DELICIOUS!
Fall’s favorite veggies! These butternut squash and acorn squash recipes are perfect for a holiday spread.
Roasted Butternut Squash
Cubes of butternut squash are tossed with maple syrup, cinnamon, and rosemary, then roasted to caramelized perfection.
Butternut Squash Casserole
Savory butternut squash casserole pairs cozy caramelized squash with kale and a cheesy Parmesan topping. Perfect for holidays or a vegetarian main dish!
Roasted Butternut Squash Parmesan
This easy Roasted Butternut Squash with Parmesan and Garlic is simple and always a hit.
Baked Acorn Squash Slices
For a quick roasted acorn squash side dish that's ready in 30 minutes, try baked acorn squash slices with brown sugar and pecans.
Instant Pot Stuffed Acorn Squash
Instant pot stuffed acorn squash with wild rice, cranberries, and chickpeas is a healthy and filling vegan recipe for any occasion.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
This easy butternut squash mac and cheese sneaks butternut squash into the sauce for a healthy twist. Great for toddlers and picky eaters!
Slow Cooker Risotto
Slow Cooker Risotto with Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese, and Brown Rice. This easy risotto recipe is as creamy as traditional risotto. NO stirring required!
Thanksgiving Salad Recipes
Salad recipes this flavorful can hold their own at a table full of other tantalizing sides. From kale salad to classic broccoli salad, each brings beautiful color and freshness.
Winter Slaw
This crisp, colorful winter coleslaw is made with red and green cabbage, apples, and cranberries for a simple, refreshing, and quick Thanksgiving side dish.
Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
This cozy, healthy butternut squash salad is filled with fall flavors. You can make it ahead too!
Broccoli Bacon Salad
Broccoli bacon salad is a classic! With crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, sweet-tart cranberries in a creamy dressing, it's easy and always a hit.
Winter Salad
This simple winter salad recipe combines kale, pomegranate, feta, and pecans in a zippy vinaigrette.
Sweet Potato Salad
This easy sweet potato salad recipe is the best! Made with smoky bacon and a zippy vinaigrette instead of mayo, it's perfect for potlucks.
Grape Salad
Red and green grapes, apples, and pecans are tossed in a sweet, creamy Greek yogurt dressing to make this Midwest favorite.
Beet Salad Recipe
This delicious roasted beet salad with arugula, apple, cranberries, and feta looks stunning and is tossed in an easy balsamic dressing.
Apple Walnut Salad
Crisp apples, toasty walnuts and creamy feta or blue cheese make this apple walnut salad ideal for holidays and parties. Simple and beautiful!
Pear Salad
Introducing the perfect fall side: pear salad with walnuts, feta, and cranberries, tossed in a maple apple cider vinaigrette. Easy and delish!
Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad
This Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad with maple vinaigrette, walnuts, and Parmesan is stunning and absolutely delicious. It keeps well in the refrigerator, so it's great for meal prep and entertaining.
Arugula Salad
This simple, perfect arugula salad with lemon balsamic dressing and Parmesan is easy, flavorful, and ready in minutes.
Cranberry Sauce Recipes for Thanksgiving
From classic cranberry sauce to a refreshing relish, these recipes will add brightness to your spread.
Cranberry Orange Relish
Made with fresh cranberries, oranges, apples, and nuts, this easy cranberry orange relish is the perfect fresh side for Thanksgiving!
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Homemade cranberry orange sauce that’s bright, fresh and ready in minutes! This easy Thanksgiving recipe has the perfect sweet-tart flavor.
Corn Thanksgiving Sides
I know some people enjoy having cheesy corn casserole at Thanksgiving, but I’m partial to luscious creamed corn!
Corn Pudding
This corn pudding recipe is creamy and delicious and so easy that it requires only 5 minutes of prep and a handful of ingredients!
Creamed Corn
You won't believe how easy it is to make this homemade creamed corn recipe! It's rich, creamy, and a secret ingredient makes it extra delish.
Corn Casserole
This cheesy, creamy Corn Casserole is made without Jiffy but is still super easy! Ditch the mix for this delicious homemade version.
Crock Pot Creamed Corn
This is the most incredible cheesy crock pot creamed corn you will ever taste! A delicious made from scratch recipe that's even easier thanks to the slow cooker.
Unique, Impressive, and Easy Thanksgiving Sides
While traditional side dishes are tasty, these unique dishes will surprise and delight your guests.
Pineapple Casserole
Pineapple casserole with cheese and buttery crackers is an easy sweet and savory side to pair with ham, turkey, and more!
Braised Cabbage
Braised cabbage is seared to build flavor, then simmered to make it tender. Parmesan, herbs and lemon make this easy side extra delicious!
Crockpot Applesauce
This crockpot applesauce is made with the peels and naturally sweetened with honey (NO sugar!), so it's extra nutritious and super easy too!
Instant Pot Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot cauliflower mac and cheese is creamy, easy, and healthy—and you can’t taste the veggies!
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
This healthy pumpkin mac and cheese is made with Greek yogurt to lighten it up, but bacon and caramelized onions make it DELISH!
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is one of my favorite recipes for easy entertaining because it never fails to impress!
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Kids will love this thick and creamy Instant Pot mac and cheese and you'll love how easy it is to make!
Air Fryer Asparagus
Crispy air fryer asparagus is a fast, healthy side dish that requires just 7 minutes of cooking and 5 ingredients. Don't skip the Parmesan!
Beet Risotto
This easy beet risotto recipe is made with roasted beets for extra depth of flavor.
Honey Glazed Carrots
With 5 minutes prep time, these honey glazed carrots are an easy side dish you'll make again and again! Roasted to caramelized perfection.
Vegetable Casserole Side Dishes
Vegetables baked in a creamy sauce with a crispy topping? Add some to my plate!
Spinach Casserole With Crispy Garlic Panko
This easy spinach casserole recipe has a creamy sauce, plenty of cheese, and a crispy panko topping for a toasty finishing touch!
Asparagus Casserole
This creamy asparagus casserole recipe is made from scratch with mushrooms, cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. So easy too!
Broccoli Casserole
This cheesy broccoli casserole is a lightened up version of the classic and a total crowd-pleaser. The crispy panko topping is irresistible!
Broccoli Rice Casserole
This cheesy broccoli rice casserole is made without canned soup for an easy, healthy, and a family favorite side dish for holidays.
Cauliflower Casserole
This cheesy roasted cauliflower casserole with cream cheese and bacon is an easy, low-carb side dish perfect for holidays and gatherings!
Vegetable Casserole
This creamy and cheesy mixed vegetable casserole recipe is super easy and knock-your-socks-off delicious! Only needs 5 minutes of prep!
Cabbage Casserole
This easy cabbage casserole recipe is the perfect holiday side! Tender cabbage baked with a rich, creamy sauce and crispy topping, it's delicious!
Roasted Vegetables
Simple yet delicious! Roasted veggies are ideal, especially if you’ll be serving any guests with dietary restrictions.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Caramelized, tender, and just a little bit crispy, you’ll love these easy roasted root vegetables. A colorful and delicious side dish!
Simple Roasted Cabbage
This roasted cabbage recipe takes 5 minutes of prep for a crispy, caramelized, garlicky and slightly sweet side dish. Best cabbage ever!
Roasted Carrots
Delicious honey roasted carrots are incredibly easy and also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
Tender, caramelized and absolutely delicious, this easy side pairs with turkey and practically any sides on the table!
Oven Roasted Vegetables
Can't choose which veggies to roast for Thanksgiving? Make a bunch!
Roasted Broccolini
Oven roasted broccolini with garlic is ready in just 15 minutes. That's a win!
Roasted Broccoli and Carrots
Roasted Broccoli and Carrots with Parmesan is tender inside and crispy outside, with awesome caramelized flavor.
Roasted Beets Recipe
The best easy roasted beet recipe, with no peeling and no foil! Tender and sweet, use this fuss-free method for sides, salads, and more!
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
This fast, versatile side dish is perfect for healthy weeknight dinners but also just as great for holiday meals!
Roasted Onions
Roasted onions are an easy side that goes with just about anything! They're tender with crispy edges and the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Breads and Rolls
A side that’s sure to please! (And also one that’s great for sopping up any extra gravy on your plate.)
Rosemary Olive Oil Bread
This easy rosemary olive oil bread recipe is simple to make, even for beginners! Soft, tender, and perfect for soups and dipping!
Homemade Dinner Rolls
These easy homemade dinner rolls take just 1 hour to make from scratch! Big, soft, fluffy and a bit little sweet, they make any meal special!
Easy Drop Biscuits
This easy drop biscuit recipe yields biscuits that are tender, fluffy and perfect for customizing with cheese and herbs. Ready in 30 minutes!
No-Knead Bread
This no-knead bread recipe is easy, even if you’ve never baked a loaf before. It’s crusty on the outside and springy-soft on the inside!
Roasted Garlic Potato Rolls
These are the softest, fluffiest roasted garlic potato rolls! Made with instant potato flakes, roasted garlic and sage, they're packed with flavor too.
Crock Pot Bread
Easy, healthy homemade whole wheat crock pot bread is a fool-proof recipe that requires no rising.
No Knead Focaccia
This easy no knead focaccia recipe can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Beer Bread
This quick and easy beer bread recipe is moist, buttery, and uses a few simple ingredients (no yeast)! Add cheese, hot honey or enjoy as is.
Popular Side Dishes
You May Also Like
Hi, I’m Erin Clarke, cookbook author and the home cook behind Well Plated. I’ve helped millions of people cook healthier meals that actually taste amazing and sold over 200,000 books! I’m here to help you save time, dirty fewer dishes, and feel great about what you’re eating, without overthinking it. Welcome!