15 Classic Thanksgiving Side Dishes Everyone Will Love
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a spread of delicious side dishes! From creamy mashed potatoes to golden-baked stuffing, these Thanksgiving side dishes bring flavor, warmth, and tradition to the table.
This collection of Thanksgiving recipes includes all the classics that make the holiday meal so special. Whether it’s the buttery richness of scalloped potatoes, the sweet crunch of glazed carrots, or the tangy kick of homemade cranberry sauce, each dish is crafted to bring out the best of fall flavors.
For both seasoned cooks and Thanksgiving first-timers, these recipes are easy to follow, with make-ahead options and plenty of tips to help your day go smoothly. They’re designed to make your kitchen time enjoyable and stress-free, so you can focus on what matters most: sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.
From savory sides to sweet favorites, these Thanksgiving dinner side dishes are sure to satisfy everyone around the table. Dive in, get cooking, and make this Thanksgiving one to remember with these classic, crowd-pleasing dishes!
Related: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Meal Plan: Appetizers, Cocktails, Main Courses, and More
1. Classic Sausage Stuffing
Packed with savory sausage, herbs, and chunks of crusty bread, this classic stuffing is Thanksgiving comfort at its finest. The sausage adds a hearty, flavorful twist that elevates every bite, while fresh herbs bring an aromatic touch. It’s the perfect side to soak up all that delicious gravy and pairs perfectly with the Thanksgiving turkey.
Get the Classic Sausage Stuffing recipe.
2. Rosemary Mashed Potatoes
These rosemary mashed potatoes are an upgrade on the classic, with creamy, buttery potatoes infused with the earthy flavor of fresh rosemary. Each bite is a blend of soft, fluffy potatoes and the fragrant aroma of herbs, making them the perfect complement to all your favorite Thanksgiving dishes. They’re smooth, satisfying, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Rosemary Mashed Potatoes recipe.
3. Healthy Green Bean Casserole
This green bean casserole brings a healthier twist to the classic by swapping in fresh green beans and a creamy, from-scratch sauce. Topped with crispy onions, it’s still rich and savory, with all the textures and flavors you love but with lighter ingredients. It’s a holiday staple that tastes just as good as the original—maybe even better!
Get the Healthy Green Bean Casserole recipe.
4. Cinnamon Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
This cranberry sauce brings a festive twist with a hint of cinnamon and a splash of bourbon, adding depth to the bright, tangy cranberries. It’s sweet, slightly spiced, and the perfect way to balance all the savory dishes on your plate. This sauce is sure to stand out and adds a warm, cozy flavor to the Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Cinnamon Bourbon Cranberry Sauce recipe.
5. Sweet Potato Casserole
Creamy, spiced sweet potatoes topped with a buttery, crunchy pecan topping make this sweet potato casserole a dessert-like side that everyone loves. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a smooth, velvety filling and a golden topping that adds the perfect bit of crunch. An essential part of any Thanksgiving table!
Get the Sweet Potato Casserole recipe.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots
These roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots are caramelized to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness. Lightly seasoned and roasted until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re a flavorful, nutritious side dish that adds beautiful color to the Thanksgiving table.
Get the Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots recipe.
7. Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese
This mac and cheese is everything you want: rich, creamy, and loaded with gooey, melty cheese. Baked with a golden breadcrumb topping, it’s the ultimate comfort food side that’s impossible to resist. With its smooth sauce and satisfying texture, this mac and cheese will be a favorite with kids and adults alike.
Get the Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese recipe.
8. Honey Butter Cornbread
Sweet, soft, and with a hint of honey, this honey butter cornbread is a perfect match for Thanksgiving. Each piece is moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness and a buttery finish that pairs beautifully with savory dishes. It’s a versatile side that adds warmth and a hint of sweetness to your holiday spread.
Get the Honey Butter Cornbread recipe.
9. Honey Maple Roasted Carrots
These roasted carrots are glazed in honey and maple syrup, creating a caramelized finish that’s both sweet and savory. With their tender texture and touch of sweetness, they’re an elegant side dish that adds a pop of color and a bit of fall flavor to your Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Honey Maple Roasted Carrots recipe.
10. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
These scalloped potatoes are thinly sliced, layered with creamy sauce and cheese, and baked until golden brown. The result is a rich, cheesy dish with tender potatoes that melt in your mouth. It’s a decadent side that adds a touch of indulgence to the meal and pairs perfectly with turkey and all the fixings.
Get the Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe.
11. Roasted Butternut Squash with Candied Walnuts and Sage
This roasted butternut squash dish is topped with candied walnuts and crispy sage, giving it a sweet, nutty flavor with a savory touch. The golden squash is tender and slightly caramelized, creating a seasonal side that’s as tasty as it is beautiful. It’s a unique addition to the holiday spread with all the flavors of fall.
Get the Roasted Butternut Squash with Candied Walnuts and Sage recipe.
12. Garlic Rolls
Soft, fluffy, and brushed with garlic butter, these homemade garlic rolls are the perfect addition to Thanksgiving. They’re easy to pull apart and great for soaking up sauces and gravies, adding a warm, homemade touch that’s irresistible.
Get the Garlic Rolls recipe.
13. Creamed Spinach
This creamy, cheesy spinach dish is a decadent side that balances out all the rich, savory flavors of the Thanksgiving meal. It’s smooth, flavorful, and brings a hint of green to the plate, offering both nutrition and indulgence in every bite.
Get the Creamed Spinach recipe.
14. Make-Ahead Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are infused with roasted garlic, adding a depth of flavor that makes them extra special. They’re creamy, buttery, and can be prepared ahead, making Thanksgiving prep that much easier without sacrificing taste. A must-have side that’s full of flavor!
Get the Make-Ahead Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe.
15. Waldorf Salad
This fresh and crunchy Waldorf salad combines crisp apples, celery, and walnuts in a creamy dressing for a refreshing break from the heavier dishes. It’s a unique and classic Thanksgiving side that adds a light, fruity touch to your feast, balancing out the richness on the table.
Get the Waldorf Salad recipe.
More Thanksgiving Recipes:
35+ Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes to Wow Your Guests
25+ Irresistible Thanksgiving Desserts to Sweeten Your Holiday
