The secret to a memorable Thanksgiving is not just the turkey but a spread of outstanding side dishes. Below you’ll find a curated collection of favorite sides—cozy casseroles, bright salads, roasted vegetables, and breads that vanish first. These recipes emphasize fall flavors, are make-ahead friendly, and are dependable whether you’re hosting a crowd or bringing one standout dish.
These suggestions assume you’ll be juggling oven space, timing, and a houseful of hungry guests. Use the tips and recipes here to build a full menu or simply pick one or two crowd-pleasers to round out your table. The goal: family and friends sitting together, sharing food, and complimenting the cook.
- Tips for Making Thanksgiving Side Dishes Ahead of Time
- Bread and Stuffing Side Dish Recipes
- Brussels Sprouts Side Dish Recipes
- Pasta and Rice Side Dish Recipes
- Potato Side Dish Recipes
- Salad Side Dish Recipes
- Vegetable Side Dish Recipes
Tips for Making Thanksgiving Side Dishes Ahead of Time
- One Week Ahead: Stock up on non-perishables—canned goods, boxed items, baking staples—as well as sturdy produce like potatoes, apples, squash, and carrots.
- A Couple of Days Before: Buy the perishable items—greens, herbs, breads—and anything you forgot the first trip (extra onions, broth, bay leaves, etc.).
- Create a Day-Of Timeline: Write down small tasks like reheating mashed potatoes, tossing salads, and warming gravy so nothing is overlooked.
- Do What Can Be Done Ahead: Many sides reheat well on the stovetop, in the microwave, or the oven. Use every heating appliance you have—oven, slow cooker, air fryer—to manage oven space and timing. Dishes like roasted squash, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce can be made a day or more in advance.
- Make the Salad Dressing Ahead: Keep it refrigerated and toss just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Clean and Chop Vegetables: Prep veggies and store them airtight to save time on the big day.
- Peel Potatoes: Store peeled potatoes submerged in cold water in the fridge to prevent browning.
- Make as Many Sides Ahead as Possible: Most side dishes can be prepared in advance and reheated or served at room temperature. Many also freeze well—check each recipe for make-ahead and reheating guidance.
- Don’t Stress Over Piping-Hot Everything: By the time guests serve themselves and sit down, many dishes will be warm rather than boiling. Room-temperature sides are perfectly acceptable and often just as delicious.
Below are tried-and-true recipes that families return to year after year—easy to make ahead, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing.
Bread and Stuffing Side Dish Recipes
Bread Stuffing with Turkey Sausage
Deeply flavored, straightforward stuffing made with turkey sausage—perfect for the holiday table.
Cornbread Dressing
Substantial and moist, this cornbread dressing is full of texture and color—a classic Southern-style favorite.
Easy Homemade Cornbread
Essential accompaniment for dressing; make an extra pan so you have crumbs or a side to share.
Molasses Cornbread
A slightly sweet, robust cornbread variation that complements savory mains.
Best Garlic Bread Ever
Garlic bread is an unexpected but welcome addition—try spreading a spinach-parsley pesto before heating for extra flavor.
Corn Pudding
Fluffy and studded with corn kernels, a comforting baked side that pairs well with everything.
Sweet Potato Spoon Bread
Beautiful color and appealing texture—an elegant alternative to traditional sides.
Brussels Sprouts Side Dish Recipes
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Use your air fryer to save oven space—crisp, roasted-like sprouts in about 15 minutes.
Brussels Sprouts, Apple, and Pomegranate Slaw Salad
A bright, colorful slaw that adds crunch and seasonal fruit to the table.
Cheesy Baked Brussels Sprouts
A rich, popular take on sprouts with a cheesy topping—always a hit.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad
A great mix of textures and autumnal flavors—light and crunchy.
Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Chorizo and Toasted Breadcrumbs
The toasted breadcrumb topping and chorizo add savory depth and crunch.
Best Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Simple, elegant, and ready in minutes with just a few ingredients.
Shredded Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
Once shredded, sprouts cook quickly and become tender with great flavor.
Pasta and Rice Side Dish Recipes
Four Cheese Pasta
Mac-and-cheese style comfort food that’s both a kid-pleaser and a satisfying vegetarian option.
Wild Rice Cranberry Salad
Sweet-tart cranberries and nutty wild rice make a festive, make-ahead salad.
Potato Side Dish Recipes
Bulgur Wheat, Sweet Potato, and Black Bean Casserole
Hearty, colorful, and works as a side or vegetarian main.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Easy way to elevate classic mashed potatoes with added richness and flavor.
Easy Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
Rich, creamy, and always requested—plan for extra portions.
Dutch Oven Idaho Potatoes
A rustic sliced potato dish with great texture and presentation.
Herb-Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Simple, colorful, and easy—use multi-colored fingerlings for a pretty display.
How to Make Perfect Mashed Potatoes
A go-to method that yields silky, fluffy mashed potatoes every time.
Garlic Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Savory and vibrant, a welcome alternative to classic mashed potatoes.
The Best Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Nutty Parmesan transforms simply roasted potatoes into a standout side.
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes add color and a slightly different, comforting flavor to the table.
Simple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Fast, reliable, and delicious when time is short.
Salad Side Dish Recipes
Autumn Salad with Cranberries and Goat Cheese
Dried fruit and goat cheese make this salad a perfect, autumnal Thanksgiving option.
Endive, Radicchio, and Citrus Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette
Bold color and bright citrus balance the richness of the meal.
Endive Salad with Pear and Creamy Herb Dressing
Bitter lettuces, sweet pears, and a herby dressing create a sophisticated salad.
Green Salad with Pears, Parmesan, Pomegranate Seeds, and Puff Pastry Croutons
Puff pastry croutons add a festive touch—cut into squares or seasonal shapes for fun presentation.
Romaine and Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing
Simple, bright, and versatile—goes with everything on the Thanksgiving table.
Romaine, Pear, and Goat Cheese Salad
Quick, elegant, and ready in about 10 minutes—a great last-minute option.
Vegetable Side Dish Recipes
Baby Pattypan Squash Gratin
A lush green sauce with chard, cream, and Gruyère blankets tender squash—unusual and elegant.
Baked Squash with Chili and Maple Syrup
Sweet interior and tender skin contrast with a chili-maple glaze for a balanced, seasonal side.
Black Lentil and Butternut Squash with Provençal Vinaigrette
Protein-rich and flavorful—works as a hearty side or vegetarian main.
Braised Cipollini Onions with Dried Cherries
An agrodolce-style dish that adds sweet-tart charm to the plate—an all-time Thanksgiving favority.
Butternut Squash and White Bean Ragout
Robust and pretty, suitable as a main for vegetarians and a satisfying side for others.
Creamed Pearl Onions
An old-fashioned pearl onion recipe with a delicate, silky sauce—timeless and comforting.
Fresh Green Bean Casserole
A modern, fresher take on a classic that showcases green beans and crisp toppings.
Green Bean Salad with Clementine Oranges and Feta
Served at room temperature, this salad adds color and citrus brightness to the meal.
Green Beans and Mushrooms with Shallots
A classic accompaniment that pairs well with turkey, ham, or roast—umami-rich and simple.
Green Beans with Tarragon Vinaigrette
A herb-forward, room-temperature green bean side that’s elegant and easy.
Honey Mustard Green Beans
Quick to prepare—just a few minutes for a sweet-savory side. Try different mustards to vary the flavor.
Lentils and Carrots with Dried Apricots
Hearty, slightly sweet, and protein-rich—a great addition to vegetarian offerings.
Roasted Broccolini with Lemon
Minimal ingredients, big flavor—roast and finish with lemon for a fresh side.
Roasted Butternut Squash
A Thanksgiving classic—sweet, caramelized, and easy to prepare in large batches.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Creamy Sauce
A simple sauce can elevate roasted vegetables into something memorable—prepare components ahead and assemble before serving.
Roasted Carrots with Tapenade Dressing
A tapenade dressing lends a salty, savory punch to sweet roasted carrots—an easy way to add depth.
Roasted Squash with Salsa Verde and Whipped Feta and Ricotta
Several components can be made ahead, then combined for an elegant, make-ahead-friendly side.
Roasted Fall Vegetables
Versatile, beautiful, make-ahead friendly, and one of the most useful items to have on the Thanksgiving table—leftovers are also excellent.
Whether you choose a few staples or create an entire multi-course feast, these side dishes will help you serve a flavorful, satisfying Thanksgiving meal. Happy cooking—and may your oven timing go smoothly!