31 Classic Thanksgiving Sides

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family, reflect on gratitude, and enjoy comforting fall flavors.

Whether you’re hosting a traditional dinner or attending a Thanksgiving potluck, the side dishes can make or break your holiday meal.

Fall dinner ideas often feature seasonal ingredients like sweet potatoes, cranberries, and hearty vegetables that bring warmth and depth to every bite. These dishes highlight the best of fall and transform your Thanksgiving dinner into an unforgettable experience.

A close-up shot of three Thanksgiving side dishes. In the foreground is a dish of creamy mashed potatoes topped with crispy breadcrumbs and fresh herbs. To the left, green beans are roasted with a golden breadcrumb topping, while roasted sweet potato slices in the background are vibrant and caramelized. These dishes showcase the warm, comforting flavors of a holiday feast.

From rich casseroles to savory stuffings, these classic Thanksgiving sides add balance and variety to your meal. Incorporating both traditional flavors and modern twists, these recipes will please any crowd.

So get ready to celebrate the season by trying some of these timeless side dishes that are sure to become a staple on your Thanksgiving table.

1. Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

A white casserole dish filled with creamy Crockpot Green Bean Casserole topped with crispy fried onions, with holiday decorations blurred in the background.

This Crockpot Green Bean Casserole is a holiday favorite that simplifies your cooking process. Slow-cooked to perfection, it offers all the classic flavors with minimal effort. Try this recipe for a stress-free addition to your Thanksgiving spread!

2. Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower

Broccoli and cauliflower florets roasted to perfection, with golden edges and a sprinkle of Parmesan, presented in a white bowl.

Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower bring a deliciously crisp texture and a slightly nutty flavor. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for balancing out richer Thanksgiving dishes. Add this recipe to your meal plan and let your guests enjoy a healthy side!

3. 15-Minute Sausage Stuffing

A close-up of a bowl filled with sausage stuffing, showing well-toasted bread cubes, celery, and sausage. Fresh parsley is sprinkled on top, adding a pop of green, with vibrant celery stalks blurred in the background.

Stuffing is a Thanksgiving essential, and this 15-Minute Sausage Stuffing is the perfect time-saver. Packed with savory flavors, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Be sure to share this quick and delicious recipe with your friends!

4. Honey Roasted Carrots

Honey roasted carrots glistening with a honey glaze and a sprinkling of parsley on a ceramic plate.

These Honey Roasted Carrots combine sweet and savory elements to create a vibrant, crowd-pleasing side. Roasted to a golden caramelization, they’re the perfect complement to your main course. Try them out for your next gathering!

5. Sweet Potato and Sausage Casserole

Golden-browned Sweet Potato and Sausage Casserole in a white baking dish, showcasing the vibrant mix of diced sweet potatoes, ground Italian sausage, and red bell peppers.

The Sweet Potato and Sausage Casserole offers a hearty mix of flavors that everyone will love. With a touch of sweetness and savory sausage, it’s the ultimate comfort food for your Thanksgiving table. Give it a try this season!

6. Easy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Overhead view of a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with chopped fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, with a smooth, rich texture.

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without mashed potatoes! This Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes recipe saves you time and space, leaving your stovetop free for other dishes. Save this recipe for your next holiday meal!

7. Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

A white bowl filled with slow cooker cranberry sauce, garnished with a sprig of mint, with fresh cranberries and an orange in the background.

Skip the canned cranberry sauce this year with this Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce recipe. It’s tangy, sweet, and pairs beautifully with turkey. Save this fresh and easy recipe for a more flavorful Thanksgiving spread!

8. Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes

Golden-brown Crispy Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs, served in a baking dish.

Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes offer a fragrant and flavorful twist to a classic side dish. This recipe is simple yet elevates any Thanksgiving dinner. Add it to your menu and watch it become a favorite!

9. Cherry Tomato Salad

Close-up of the best summer salad, highlighting the juicy red tomatoes and crisp onions, sprinkled with green cilantro, all drizzled with a zesty red wine vinegar and olive oil dressing, ready to be served.

For a light and refreshing side, try this Cherry Tomato Salad. It adds a burst of color and freshness to the rich flavors of Thanksgiving. Be sure to share this quick and vibrant recipe with your friends and family!

10. Keto Garlic Butter Mushrooms

These Keto Garlic Butter Mushrooms are a rich and savory side dish that’s perfect for low-carb diners. Loaded with garlic and butter, they’re the perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving meal. Save this recipe for a flavor-packed option!

11. Sauteed Brussels Sprouts

Closeup view of sautéed Brussels sprouts on a cast iron skillet.

Crispy and full of flavor, these Sauteed Brussels Sprouts are an easy and delicious addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Their slightly charred edges and tender interior make them a must-try side. Give them a try this year!

12. Creamy Cornbread Casserole

A close-up of a creamy cornbread casserole in a white baking dish with a golden brown crust, with a spoonful of the casserole being lifted out.

Creamy Cornbread Casserole combines the classic flavors of cornbread with a creamy, decadent twist. This dish is a true Southern comfort food and a crowd-pleaser at any holiday table. Try this creamy delight this Thanksgiving!

13. Spinach Gratin

Close-up of a serving spoon scooping out a portion of Spinach Gratin, revealing layers of creamy spinach and melted cheese.

If you’re looking for a rich, cheesy side, this Spinach Gratin is the answer. It’s creamy, flavorful, and adds a touch of elegance to your holiday meal. Save this recipe for an easy but impressive side dish!

14. Keto Gravy

Keep your meal low-carb with this Keto Gravy with Arrowroot. It’s thick, savory, and perfect for drizzling over turkey or mashed potatoes. Make sure to save this recipe for a healthier holiday option!

15. Honey Roasted Carrots in Air Fryer

Glistening Honey Roasted Carrots in an air fryer tray, caramelized to perfection with a honey glaze. Herbs, salt, and pepper sprinkle the golden-brown slices, emphasizing the carrots' vibrant orange against the tray's dark surface.

Get the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch with these Air Fryer Honey Roasted Carrots. Quick to prepare and deliciously crisp, these carrots will steal the show at your Thanksgiving table. Try them today!

16. Garden Salad

Inviting bowl of Garden Salad filled with a variety of fresh, leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, beautifully tossed in a simple, flavorful dressing, epitomizing a nutritious and easy-to-prepare summer side or meal.

A fresh Garden Salad provides a light, crunchy contrast to heavier Thanksgiving dishes. Packed with vegetables, it’s a refreshing way to balance out the rich holiday flavors. Save this recipe for a colorful side dish!

17. Cilantro Lime Rice

This Cilantro Lime Rice brings a zesty twist to the Thanksgiving table. It’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and pairs well with many main dishes. Add this vibrant side to your Thanksgiving meal!

18. Sausage and Sweet Potato Stuffing

Close-up of Sausage and Sweet Potato Stuffing in a white baking dish.

Sausage and Sweet Potato Stuffing is a delicious combination of savory and sweet. This modern take on traditional stuffing will be a hit at any Thanksgiving feast. Try it out this year and impress your guests!

19. Sweet Potato Casserole

Close-up view of a sweet potato casserole, showing the golden-brown pecan topping and vibrant orange filling beneath.

This Sweet Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with its creamy texture and sweet, crunchy topping. It’s a Thanksgiving classic that never disappoints. Make sure to share this must-have side dish with family and friends!

20. Bacon Wrapped Green Beans

Close-Up: Bacon Wrapped Green Beans, a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Elevate your green beans with this Bacon Wrapped Green Beans recipe. The smoky bacon adds a rich flavor, making this side dish irresistible. Add it to your Thanksgiving menu and watch it disappear fast!

21. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Zucchini, Squash, and Tomatoes

A baking dish filled with colorful, roasted zucchini, yellow squash, and tomatoes, topped with melted Parmesan and fresh basil.

This Roasted Garlic Parmesan Zucchini, Squash, and Tomatoes recipe combines fresh vegetables with savory garlic and Parmesan for a delicious, colorful side. It’s a great way to add vibrant flavors to your Thanksgiving meal. Be sure to try it this season!

22. Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta

Delicious Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta, garnished with fresh herbs, served as a vibrant, sweet, and savory side dish on a white plate.

This Honey Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries and Feta is a sweet and tangy side that perfectly complements the heartier dishes on your Thanksgiving table. The mix of flavors is simply irresistible. Save this recipe for an impressive and flavorful addition!

23. Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them a crowd-pleasing side. Their bold garlic and Parmesan flavor make them a must-try for any holiday spread. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your guests!

24. Potatoes Romanoff

A close-up of a serving of Potatoes Romanoff on a white plate, being lifted by a fork. The cheesy, creamy potatoes are garnished with fresh parsley, showing the melted cheese and soft potato texture, ready to be enjoyed.

Rich, creamy, and indulgent, Potatoes Romanoff is a classic side dish that will impress your guests. This dish is perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your Thanksgiving meal. Give this decadent potato dish a try this year!

25. Cheesy Garlic Brussels Sprout Bake

A golden-brown Cheesy Garlic Brussels Sprout Bake scooped up with a spoon fresh out of the oven, with melted cheese on top and crispy edges.

For a cheesy, comforting side, this Cheesy Garlic Brussels Sprout Bake is the way to go. It’s loaded with flavor and makes even Brussels sprouts a beloved dish at the Thanksgiving table. Try it out and let your guests savor the cheesy goodness!

26. Low Carb Stuffing for Thanksgiving

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, this Low Carb Stuffing is perfect for keeping your meal guilt-free without compromising on flavor. It’s packed with all the savory stuffing flavors you love. Add this to your low-carb Thanksgiving lineup!

27. Mini Stacked Potato Gratins with Cheese

A plate of Mini Stacked Potato Gratins With Cheese, garnished with fresh thyme, displaying the beautifully golden, crisp tops and perfectly stacked potato layers.

These Mini Stacked Potato Gratins with Cheese are both elegant and delicious. Each bite is full of creamy, cheesy goodness, making them a standout side dish. Be sure to add this recipe to your holiday menu for a touch of sophistication!

28. Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

For a low-carb twist on a classic, try this Creamy Mashed Cauliflower. It’s rich, velvety, and pairs perfectly with Thanksgiving entrees like turkey and gravy. Save this recipe for a healthier, yet satisfying side!

29. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

A pot filled with creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese, topped with a sprinkle of black pepper, with a spoon ready to serve.

This Pumpkin Mac and Cheese brings a seasonal twist to a favorite comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and with a hint of pumpkin flavor, it’s sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering. Try it out and delight your guests with this unique dish!

30. Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes

Overhead shot of a baking dish filled with Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes, ready to be served.

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes are a loaded side dish that combines crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and flavorful ranch seasoning. It’s a decadent addition to your holiday meal that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Be sure to save this recipe for the ultimate indulgence!

31. Honey Mustard Carrots

These Honey Mustard Carrots offer a sweet and tangy flavor combination that adds a unique touch to your Thanksgiving spread. Roasted to perfection, they are the perfect balance of flavors to complement your meal. Share this recipe for a side dish that’s sure to stand out!

These classic Thanksgiving sides are sure to make your holiday meal memorable. From traditional comfort foods to modern takes on beloved recipes, these sides are sure to please everyone around the table.

Save, share, and enjoy these delicious additions to your Thanksgiving feast!