20 Must-Try Traditional Thanksgiving Sides

August 3, 2024
A beautifully set Thanksgiving table featuring an array of traditional side dishes including mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and sweet potato casserole. The table is decorated with elegant floral arrangements and lit candles, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

Traditional Thanksgiving Sides make your holiday meal complete.

These classic Thanksgiving sides and fall side dishes are essential for any Thanksgiving dinner menu.

From easy Thanksgiving sides to healthy Thanksgiving side dishes, you’ll find everything you need. Add a twist with Thanksgiving vegetable sides or keep it simple with make-ahead Thanksgiving sides.

Whether you’re hosting a friendsgiving, looking for crockpot sides, or planning a holiday potluck, these best Thanksgiving sides will make your feast unforgettable.

Don’t forget to pair these dishes with Thanksgiving appetizers, drinks, and the best holiday desserts.

A close-up of traditional Thanksgiving side dishes showcasing creamy cornbread casserole, mac and cheese, and other classic sides. The table is adorned with greenery, candles, and a small pumpkin, providing a cozy and inviting holiday setting.
A white dinner table showcasing, traditiona Thanksgiving side dishes, beautifully arranged.

Delicious and Classic Thanksgiving Sides

Get ready to impress your guests with these mouth-watering side dishes.

Click on each title to get the full recipe!

1. Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans

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

Bacon-wrapped green beans are a delicious and easy Thanksgiving side. These tasty treats are perfect for a holiday potluck and add a fun twist to classic green bean casserole.

2. Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

A close-up of a spoonful of creamy corn, showcasing the rich and smooth texture of the dish.

Make-ahead sides like this slow cooker creamed corn are a lifesaver. It’s creamy, delicious, and fits perfectly into your traditional Thanksgiving recipes.

3. Mashed Potato Casserole

An image displaying the close-up view of Mashed Potato Casserole with crispy bacon on top.

A rich and creamy mashed potato casserole is a must for any Thanksgiving dinner menu. This dish combines the comfort of mashed potatoes with a casserole twist.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole

A close-up image of sweet potato casserole showing the detailed texture of the caramelized topping.

Sweet potato casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side. Topped with marshmallows or pecans, it’s a sweet addition to your fall side dishes.

5. Mac and Cheese

Top-down shot of a steaming bowl of mac and cheese, highlighting its creamy consistency.

Mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser and a staple at friendsgiving celebrations. This creamy and cheesy dish is a favorite Thanksgiving vegetable side.

6. 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.

Crockpot sides like slow cooker cranberry sauce save time and effort. This tangy sauce pairs perfectly with turkey and other Thanksgiving side dishes.

7. Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes

A serving of Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes on a plate, garnished with parsley.

These cheesy bacon ranch potatoes are a flavorful twist on traditional mashed potatoes. They are easy to make and sure to be a hit.

8. 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.

Brussels sprouts get an upgrade with this cheesy garlic bake. It’s a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving vegetable sides.

9. Spinach Gratin

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

Spinach gratin is a creamy and healthy Thanksgiving side dish. This make-ahead dish is perfect for a holiday potluck.

10. Honey Roasted Carrots

Honey roasted carrots glistening with a honey glaze, garnished with chopped parsley on a white plate.

Honey roasted carrots are a sweet and savory side that adds color and flavor to your Thanksgiving dinner menu.

11. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Quick Thanksgiving sides like Instant Pot mashed potatoes are convenient and delicious. Perfect for busy holiday kitchens.

12. Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes

Side view of Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes in a baking dish, illustrating the layering of the scalloped sweet potatoes and the golden crispiness.

Roasted rosemary sweet potatoes are a healthy and flavorful addition to your classic Thanksgiving sides.

13. 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.

Cornbread casserole is a comforting side that blends the best of cornbread and casserole dishes.

14. Sausage and Sweet Potato Stuffing

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

Add a twist to your stuffing recipes with sausage and sweet potato stuffing. It’s hearty and flavorful.

15. Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Close-up of oven-roasted root veggies, displaying the crispy edges of red potatoes, deep red beets, and tender parsnips.

Oven-roasted root vegetables are a healthy Thanksgiving side dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

16. Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes

A serving bowl filled with Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes, ready to be served as the perfect side dish.

These roasted potatoes with Parmesan and garlic are a savory addition to your Thanksgiving vegetable sides.

17. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

A close-up image of a white enamel pan filled with creamy, golden-colored mashed sweet potatoes, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped green chives.

Mashed sweet potatoes are a creamy and sweet alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.

18. Sautéed Brussels Sprouts

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

Sautéed Brussels sprouts are a quick and healthy side dish perfect for any Thanksgiving dinner.

19. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping, fresh out of the oven, with a serving spoon.

This variation of sweet potato casserole with a pecan topping is a classic and much-loved dish.

20. 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.

Crockpot green bean casserole is a convenient and delicious make-ahead side that saves oven space.

These traditional Thanksgiving sides will make your holiday meal complete.

From appetizers to desserts, ensure your Thanksgiving dinner menu is full of delicious and classic dishes.

Enjoy these best holiday desserts and Thanksgiving drinks to round out your celebration.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Other Thanksgiving Recipes!

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A beautifully set Thanksgiving dinner plate featuring sliced turkey, stuffing, corn, and cranberry sauce, showcasing Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes with a festive table setting in the background including small pumpkins and candles.
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