45 Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Steal the Show
Thanksgiving dinner is all about the sides, right?! As much as we love a beautifully roasted turkey, it’s the rolls, potatoes, veggies, and casseroles that truly make the meal unforgettable. These are the tried-and-true Thanksgiving side dishes we make year after year!
Whether you’re hosting for the first time or bringing a dish to share, you’ll find the perfect Thanksgiving sides right here.
Rolls & Breads
Warm, fluffy rolls are a total Thanksgiving MUST. Every one of these is soft, buttery, and perfect for soaking up gravy.
- Potato Rolls
Soft & Buttery Potato Dinner Rolls
These soft, fluffy potato rolls are a longtime family favorite — unbelievably tender, buttery, and perfect for soaking up gravy. A must-make for Thanksgiving!
- Homemade Dinner Rolls
Classic Fluffy Dinner Rolls
These classic homemade dinner rolls bake up golden, soft, and irresistibly fluffy. Easy to make and always crowd-pleasing, they’re the perfect addition to any holiday table.
- Hawaiian Rolls
Sweet Homemade Hawaiian Rolls
These lightly sweet Hawaiian rolls have a soft, tender crumb and a delicious hint of pineapple flavor. Ideal for Thanksgiving dinner — and even better for leftover turkey sandwiches.
- Sweet Potato Rolls
Soft Sweet Potato Yeast Rolls
Sweet potato makes these rolls beautifully soft, lightly sweet, and full of fall flavor. The vibrant color is a bonus on any holiday table.
- Pumpkin Rolls
Perfect Thanksgiving Pumpkin Rolls
These soft, lightly sweet Pumpkin Rolls are a cozy twist on classic dinner rolls. Real pumpkin purée keeps them unbelievably tender, while warm spices add the perfect fall flavor.
- Herb Focaccia Bread
No-Fail Homemade Focaccia
This Herb Focaccia Bread is crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and loaded with fragrant olive oil and fresh herbs. It’s the perfect make-ahead bread for Thanksgiving, great for tearing, dipping, or serving alongside hearty mains.
Potatoes (Mashed, Sweet, & Roasted)
Because is it really Thanksgiving without potatoes?
Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Homemade Mashed Potatoes
Rich, smooth, buttery mashed potatoes made the traditional way for the perfect Thanksgiving side. Comforting, classic, and always a crowd favorite.
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Hands-off, ultra-creamy mashed potatoes made entirely in the Instant Pot. Fast, foolproof, and perfect when stovetop space is limited.
- Steakhouse Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Steakhouse-Style Mashed Potatoes
These Steakhouse Mashed Potatoes are velvety, rich, and packed with buttery flavor—everything you love about a high-end steakhouse side.
Sweet Potato Side Dishes
- Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes topped with melty cheese, bacon, and green onions — a savory twist that balances richness with natural sweetness.
- Sweet Potato Casserole
Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Creamy sweet potatoes topped with golden marshmallows or crunchy pecans — the nostalgic Thanksgiving side everyone looks forward to.
- Sweet Potato Soufflé
Fluffy Sweet Potato Soufflé
A lighter, airier version of the classic casserole with a velvety texture and warmly spiced sweetness.
- Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Citrus-Glazed Sweet Potato Rounds
Bright orange glaze adds citrusy freshness to caramelized sweet potatoes for a sweet, shiny Thanksgiving side.
Roasted Potatoes
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Perfect Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These Roasted Sweet Potatoes are caramelized, tender, and perfectly seasoned. They’re a versatile side dish that pairs well with turkey, chicken, pork, and all your holiday favorites.
- Garlic Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Roasted Fingerlings with Herbs
Crispy, golden, and loaded with garlicky goodness, these Garlic Roasted Fingerling Potatoes look gourmet but require almost no effort. Their naturally creamy texture makes them a standout side dish for Thanksgiving and beyond.
- Herb and Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Easy Oven-Baked Herb Potatoes
These Herb and Garlic Roasted Potatoes are crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and seasoned with the perfect blend of herbs. A crowd-pleasing side that works with everything from turkey to ham.
Baked
- Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes meet a rich, creamy cheese sauce in this Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes recipe. Baked until tender with a gorgeously browned top, it’s a comforting, elegant side dish that pairs beautifully with ham, turkey, or beef.
- Crispy Baked Potatoes
Perfect Crispy Oven-Baked Potatoes
These Crispy Baked Potatoes come out with fluffy interiors and crispy skin. They’re the ideal side dish for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday meals.
Stuffing & Dressing
Classic, cozy, carb-filled goodness — stuffing is the soul of the Thanksgiving table.
- Make-Ahead No-Fuss Stuffing
Easy Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Stuffing
All the classic flavor you love in a stuffing — tender bread, savory herbs, buttery broth — prepared ahead to make Thanksgiving stress-free.
- Sausage Stuffing
Savory Sausage & Herb Stuffing
Rich and hearty stuffing made with browned sausage, aromatic veggies, and toasty bread. A flavorful favorite and total crowd-pleaser.
- Apple Cranberry Stuffing
Harvest Stuffing with Apples & Cranberries
A fruity, festive stuffing filled with tart cranberries and sweet apples for a bright twist on traditional flavors.
Vegetable Sides
Fresh flavors, roasted veggies, and comforting casseroles — these sides bring color and balance to the meal.
Green Beans
- Real Green Bean Casserole
Creamy Green Bean Casserole
A creamy twist on the classic casserole with a crispy topping. Comfort food perfection!
- Classic Green Bean Casserole
Traditional Green Bean Casserole
The beloved Thanksgiving staple — tender green beans in a creamy sauce topped with crunchy fried onions.
- Heritage Green Bean Casserole
From-Scratch Green Bean Casserole
A fully homemade version featuring fresh green beans, real cream sauce, and golden crispy shallot topping.
Carrots & Root Veggies
- Honey Roasted Carrots
Garlic Roasted Thanksgiving Carrots
Tender roasted carrots tossed in rich garlic butter — simple, elegant, and always a hit.
- Lemon Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
Lemon Herb Roasted Root Vegetables
Bright, tangy lemon brings fresh flavor to caramelized carrots and parsnips.
- Slow Cooker Orange Glazed Carrots
Slow Cooker Holiday Carrots
Let your slow cooker handle the sides! These Orange Glazed Carrots simmer to tender perfection in a sweet, citrusy glaze. They’re hands-off, flavorful, and ideal for busy holiday cooking.
Corn
- Creamed Corn Recipe
Homestyle Creamed Corn
Sweet, creamy, buttery corn that tastes like pure comfort — a nostalgic Thanksgiving classic.
- Cheesy Corn Casserole
Creamy Cheesy Corn Bake
This Cheesy Corn Casserole is warm, creamy, and irresistibly comforting. With melty cheese and sweet corn in every bite, it’s the ultimate potluck and holiday side dish.
Mixed Vegetables
- Candied Pecan Bacon and Brussel Sprouts
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Candied Pecans
Crispy sprouts, smoky bacon, and sweet candied pecans create the perfect sweet-savory holiday side.
- Oven Roasted Vegetables
Easy Roasted Veggies
Colorful roasted veggies seasoned simply to let their natural sweetness shine. A healthy, hearty addition to the table.
Salads & Pasta
A fresh bite to balance the feast — crisp, colorful, and festive!
- Broccoli Salad
Creamy Cranberry Broccoli Salad
Crunchy, sweet, and tangy broccoli salad with bacon, cranberries, and a creamy dressing.
- 7 Layer Pea Salad
Old-Fashioned Pea Salad
A retro favorite that never disappoints! This 7 Layer Pea Salad combines sweet peas, crispy bacon, cheese, and fresh veggies under a creamy dressing. It’s crunchy, fresh, and perfect for buffet-style holiday meals.
- Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta
Fresh Strawberry Spinach Salad
Sweet berries, salty feta, and crisp spinach — a refreshing, colorful option to balance heavier dishes.
- Roasted Butternut Squash Kale Salad
Warm Kale & Butternut Squash Salad
A beautiful seasonal salad with roasted squash, tender kale, and fall flavors that brighten your plate.
- Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Holiday Spinach Salad
Bright, refreshing, and lightly sweet, this Spinach Salad is tossed with fruit, nuts, and a homemade poppy seed dressing. It’s the perfect fresh contrast to heavier holiday dishes.
- Southern Baked Mac & Cheese
Old-Fashioned Southern Mac
This Southern Baked Mac & Cheese is rich, creamy, and loaded with layers of real cheese. The baked, golden top gives it that irresistible Southern-style comfort, while the tender noodles stay perfectly coated in a velvety sauce.
- Best Macaroni and Cheese
Ultimate Homemade Mac & Cheese
This truly is the Best Macaroni and Cheese—ultra creamy, perfectly cheesy, and simple enough for any day of the week. Made with a smooth, homemade cheese sauce and breadcrumb topping, it’s guaranteed to win over both kids and adults.
Jello Salads
The nostalgic Thanksgiving sides that always disappear first.
- Raspberry Pretzel Jello Salad
Classic Raspberry Pretzel Dessert Salad
Sweet raspberry Jello, creamy filling, and a salty pretzel crust — the iconic sweet side everyone loves.
- Strawberry Pretzel Jello Salad
Strawberry Pretzel Jello Squares
A festive variation with fresh strawberry flavor and that irresistible salty-sweet combo.
- Cranberry Jello Salad
Festive Cranberry Jello Salad
This Cranberry Jello Salad is a nostalgic treat made with tart cranberries, sweet gelatin, and fresh fruit. Easy, vibrant, and ideal for adding a pop of color to your Thanksgiving spread.
- Lemon Mandarin Orange Jello Salad
Lemon-Orange Jello Salad
Light, citrusy, and incredibly refreshing, this Lemon Mandarin Orange Jello Salad is a simple, make-ahead side that brightens up any holiday table. Kids and adults both love it!
Sauces & Condiments
You can’t plate a Thanksgiving dinner without them.
- Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Bright, tart, and perfectly sweet — homemade cranberry sauce that complements every Thanksgiving bite.
- Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce
Holiday Citrus Cranberry Sauce
Take your cranberry sauce to the next level with warm spices and fresh orange. This bright, aromatic sauce adds the perfect balance of sweet and tart to your Thanksgiving plate.
- How to Make Turkey Gravy
Foolproof Turkey Gravy
This step-by-step Turkey Gravy recipe shows you how to turn pan drippings into a silky, flavorful gravy every single time. Whether you’re a gravy pro or it’s your first Thanksgiving, this guide makes it easy.
Thanksgiving is all about gathering the people you love around a table filled with comforting, memory-making food, and these Thanksgiving side dishes are the recipes we come back to year after year. Whether you’re craving classic mashed potatoes, fluffy rolls, cozy casseroles, or bright and fresh veggie sides, each dish brings something special to the feast.
Mix and match your favorites, prep a few ahead of time, and enjoy a holiday meal that feels warm, effortless, and absolutely delicious. Happy Thanksgiving from our kitchen to yours!