Classic, Comforting & Crowd-Pleasing Holiday Side Dishes Everyone Will Love
Looking for the best Thanksgiving side dishes? Discover 21 easy and delicious holiday recipes including mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables, and more.
Why You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Side Dishes
No Thanksgiving feast is complete without an incredible lineup of side dishes. While the turkey may be the centerpiece, it’s the creamy mashed potatoes, buttery stuffing, roasted vegetables, and comforting casseroles that everyone looks forward to.
This collection features:
- ✔ Family favorites
- ✔ Beginner-friendly recipes
- ✔ Make-ahead options
- ✔ Holiday classics
- ✔ Crowd-pleasing comfort foods
- ✔ Perfect dishes for Thanksgiving dinner
Essential Thanksgiving Pantry Ingredients
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Whole milk
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Yellow onions
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh sage
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Green beans
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
- Corn
- Parmesan cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Bread cubes
- Chicken broth
- Cranberries
- Pecans
- Brown sugar
Recipe 1 – Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
6
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Servings
8
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 6 garlic cloves
- ½ cup butter
- ¾ cup warm whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh chives
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add potatoes and garlic cloves.
- Cook for 20–25 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain well.
- Mash potatoes and garlic together.
- Stir in butter until melted.
- Gradually add warm milk and heavy cream.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Garnish with chopped chives and a pat of butter.
Pro Tips
- Warm the milk before adding it to keep the potatoes fluffy.
- Avoid overmixing to prevent a gummy texture.
Make-Ahead
Prepare up to two days in advance and reheat gently with a splash of milk.
Nutrition: Approximately 290 calories per serving.
Recipe 2 – Classic Herb Stuffing
6
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 5 minutes
Servings
10
Ingredients
- 10 cups day-old bread cubes
- ½ cup butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp fresh sage
- 2 tsp rosemary
- 2 tsp thyme
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Cook onion, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Stir in herbs.
- Place bread cubes in a large bowl.
- Add cooked vegetables.
- Pour in broth and beaten eggs.
- Toss until evenly coated.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden.
Pro Tips
- Use stale bread for the best texture.
- Add cooked sausage or mushrooms for variety.
Recipe 3 – Green Bean Casserole
6
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Servings
8
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs fresh green beans
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Blanch green beans for 5 minutes.
- Drain and cool.
- Mix soup, milk, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Add green beans.
- Stir in half of the fried onions.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Top with remaining fried onions.
- Bake another 5 minutes until golden.
Pro Tips
- Fresh green beans provide the best flavor and texture.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for extra richness.
Recipe 4 – Honey Glazed Carrots
7
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
6
Ingredients
- 2 lbs carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Boil carrots until just tender.
- Drain well.
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Stir in honey and thyme.
- Add carrots.
- Toss until evenly coated.
- Cook for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley.
- Serve warm.
Recipe 5 – Sweet Potato Casserole
5
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Servings
10
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Cinnamon
Pecan Topping
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Bake sweet potatoes until soft.
- Scoop flesh into a bowl.
- Mash with butter, sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Spread into a casserole dish.
- Mix topping ingredients.
- Sprinkle evenly over potatoes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips
- Add mini marshmallows during the last 10 minutes if desired.
- Toast the pecans first for extra crunch.
Recipe 6 – Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
6
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Servings
8
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, halved
- 6 bacon slices, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet.
- Scatter bacon pieces over the top.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
- Garnish with cracked black pepper.
Pro Tips
- Roast until the edges are deeply caramelized for the best flavor.
- Add toasted pecans for extra crunch.
Recipe 7 – Creamed Corn Casserole
6
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Servings
8
Ingredients
- 2 cans whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can cream-style corn
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 box corn muffin mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine both types of corn, sour cream, butter, and corn muffin mix.
- Fold in half of the cheddar cheese.
- Pour into a greased casserole dish.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake another 5 minutes until melted.
- Garnish with green onions.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
- Add diced jalapeños for a spicy version.
- Fresh corn can be substituted when in season.
Nutrition: Approximately 320 calories per serving.
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8. Homemade Cranberry Sauce
6
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Servings
8
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine orange juice and sugar in a saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add cranberries.
- Stir in cinnamon and orange zest.
- Simmer for 10–12 minutes until the berries burst.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Remove from heat.
- Cool completely as the sauce thickens.
- Refrigerate until serving.
- Garnish with fresh orange zest.
Pro Tips
- Add chopped pecans for extra texture.
- Make up to one week ahead.
Nutrition
Approximately 110 calories per serving.
9. Baked Mac and Cheese
5
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Servings
10
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- Melt butter and whisk in flour.
- Slowly add warm milk.
- Stir until thickened.
- Add cheeses until melted.
- Mix sauce with pasta.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with buttered breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
- Grate cheese fresh for the creamiest sauce.
- Add crispy bacon for extra flavor.
10. Roasted Butternut Squash
5
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Servings
6
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt
- Black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss squash with olive oil, maple syrup, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 30–35 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Sprinkle with pecans during the last 5 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Pro Tips
- Add dried cranberries for festive color.
- Finish with crumbled goat cheese if desired.
11. Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls
5
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Servings
12
Ingredients
- 12 dinner rolls
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, and seasoning.
- Brush rolls generously.
- Sprinkle Parmesan over the top.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden.
- Serve warm.
Pro Tips
- Brush with extra garlic butter immediately after baking.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt for extra flavor.
12. Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
5
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Servings
6
Ingredients
- 2 lbs asparagus
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Trim asparagus.
- Toss with olive oil and garlic.
- Arrange on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle Parmesan evenly.
- Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Finish with fresh lemon juice before serving.
Pro Tips
- Roast until just tender for the best texture.
- Top with toasted almonds for added crunch.
13. Broccoli Cheese Casserole
6
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Servings
8
Ingredients
- 5 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Steam broccoli until slightly tender.
- Mix soup, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in broccoli and cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Mix cracker crumbs with melted butter.
- Sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips
- Add cooked bacon for a richer version.
- Use fresh broccoli instead of frozen for the best texture.
14. Maple Roasted Acorn Squash
6
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Servings
6
Ingredients
- 2 acorn squash, halved and seeded
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- Salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush squash halves with melted butter.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Drizzle with maple syrup.
- Roast cut-side up for 35–40 minutes.
- Add chopped pecans during the last 10 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Pro Tips
- Add dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
- Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the flavors.
Nutrition
Approximately 220 calories per serving.
15. Classic Homemade Turkey Gravy
5
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Servings
8
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp turkey drippings (or butter)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups turkey or chicken broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh thyme
Instructions
- Heat turkey drippings in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 2–3 minutes until golden.
- Gradually pour in the broth while whisking continuously.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer until thickened, about 8–10 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Strain if you prefer a smoother gravy.
- Garnish with fresh thyme.
- Serve hot over turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing.
Pro Tips
- Whisk constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add a splash of heavy cream for a richer gravy.
Nutrition: Approximately 80 calories per serving.
16. Southern Cornbread Stuffing
5
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 5 minutes
Servings
10
Ingredients
- 8 cups crumbled cornbread
- ½ cup butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onion, celery, and garlic in butter.
- Combine cornbread, vegetables, herbs, broth, and eggs.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes until golden.
Pro Tips
- Use day-old cornbread for the best texture.
- Add cooked sausage for extra flavor.
17. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
7
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour
Total Time
1 hour 20 minutes
Servings
8
Ingredients
- 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butter a baking dish.
- Layer potatoes evenly.
- Mix cream, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour over potatoes.
- Sprinkle with cheddar and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes until golden.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
- Slice potatoes evenly using a mandoline.
- Add Gruyère cheese for extra richness.
18. Roasted Root Vegetables
6
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Servings
8
Ingredients
- Carrots
- Parsnips
- Sweet potatoes
- Beets
- Olive oil
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Peel and chop vegetables into equal-sized pieces.
- Toss with olive oil and seasonings.
- Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 35–40 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Pro Tips
- Roast beets separately if you want to keep the other vegetables from turning pink.
- Finish with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
19. Creamed Spinach
6
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Servings
6
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Nutmeg
Instructions
- Wilt spinach in a large skillet and drain well.
- Melt butter and sauté garlic.
- Whisk in flour.
- Slowly add milk and cream.
- Stir until thickened.
- Mix in Parmesan.
- Fold in spinach.
- Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Pro Tips
- Squeeze excess water from the spinach before adding it to the sauce.
- Fresh spinach creates the best flavor.
20. Brown Butter Green Beans with Almonds
6
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Servings
6
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs fresh green beans
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Blanch green beans for 4–5 minutes.
- Drain and transfer to an ice bath.
- Melt butter until it turns golden brown.
- Add garlic and almonds.
- Cook until almonds are toasted.
- Toss in green beans.
- Add lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Pro Tips
- Toast almonds separately for even browning.
- Finish with grated lemon zest for extra freshness.
21. Pecan Sweet Potato Mash
6
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Servings
8
Ingredients
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup chopped toasted pecans
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender.
- Drain thoroughly.
- Mash with butter and maple syrup.
- Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Fold in half of the toasted pecans.
- Transfer to a serving bowl.
- Top with the remaining pecans.
- Drizzle with a little maple syrup if desired.
- Serve warm.
Pro Tips
- Toast the pecans before adding them for a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Garnish with fresh thyme for an elegant holiday presentation.
Nutrition: Approximately 260 calories per serving.
Thanksgiving Meal Planning Timeline
3–4 Days Before
- Buy groceries.
- Bake cornbread for stuffing.
- Prepare cranberry sauce.
- Chop vegetables.
2 Days Before
- Assemble casseroles.
- Prepare mashed potatoes (without reheating).
- Make gravy base.
- Toast pecans.
1 Day Before
- Roast vegetables (slightly undercook).
- Assemble stuffing.
- Prepare dessert.
- Set the table.
Thanksgiving Day
- Roast the turkey.
- Bake casseroles.
- Reheat prepared side dishes.
- Finish fresh vegetable sides.
- Warm dinner rolls and gravy.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare casseroles 1–2 days ahead.
- Refrigerate mashed potatoes and reheat with extra milk.
- Make cranberry sauce up to one week ahead.
- Roast squash and root vegetables in advance, then reheat before serving.
- Chop herbs and vegetables the day before to save time.
Storage & Reheating Guide
| Dish | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | 4 Days | 2 Months |
| Stuffing | 4 Days | 2 Months |
| Green Bean Casserole | 4 Days | 2 Months |
| Sweet Potato Casserole | 4 Days | 2 Months |
| Mac and Cheese | 4 Days | 2 Months |
| Roasted Vegetables | 4 Days | 2 Months |
| Turkey Gravy | 4 Days | 3 Months |
Reheating Tips
- Reheat casseroles in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
- Add a splash of milk to mashed potatoes before reheating.
- Warm gravy gently over low heat while whisking.
- Roast vegetables for 10–15 minutes to restore crisp edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes?
Mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, mac and cheese, and roasted vegetables are holiday favorites.
How many side dishes should I serve?
For a typical Thanksgiving meal, plan 6–8 side dishes for a group of 8–10 guests.
Can I prepare Thanksgiving side dishes ahead of time?
Yes. Most casseroles, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes can be made 1–2 days in advance.
Which side dishes freeze well?
Mashed potatoes, stuffing, casseroles, gravy, and roasted vegetables all freeze well when stored properly.
What vegetables are best for Thanksgiving?
Green beans, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots, parsnips, asparagus, spinach, and broccoli are all excellent choices.
What bread goes well with Thanksgiving dinner?
Dinner rolls, garlic rolls, cornbread, biscuits, focaccia, and sourdough are all great options.
How do I keep side dishes warm?
Use a warming drawer, slow cooker, or cover dishes with foil and keep them in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F / 95°C).
Can I make these recipes vegetarian?
Many of these recipes are naturally vegetarian or can be adapted by using vegetable broth and omitting meat-based ingredients.
Conclusion
A memorable Thanksgiving feast is about more than just the turkey—it’s the delicious side dishes that bring the meal together. From creamy mashed potatoes and savory stuffing to roasted vegetables, sweet potato casserole, and buttery dinner rolls, these 21 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes offer something for every guest at your table.
Many of these recipes can be prepared ahead of time, helping you spend less time in the kitchen and more time celebrating with family and friends. Mix classic favorites with a few new additions to create a balanced, colorful, and unforgettable holiday menu.
Save & Share
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📌 Save this collection on Pinterest so you can easily find these side dishes when it’s time to cook.
📤 Share this guide with family and friends to help them build the perfect Thanksgiving feast.
⭐ Tried one of the recipes? Leave a comment below and tell us which side dish was the biggest hit at your holiday table!
Happy Thanksgiving and happy cooking! 🍂🥔🧡
