25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Will Make You Forget About the Turkey

I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Thanksgiving is all about the sides! While turkey may be the star, it’s the side dishes that truly make the meal special. From creamy mashed potatoes to tangy cranberry sauce, there’s something for everyone. These tasty sides will have your family and friends asking for seconds and thirds.

Get ready to wow your guests with both classic favorites and new twists on traditional recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying your hand at Thanksgiving dinner for the first time, you’ll find plenty of easy and delicious options. So grab your apron and let’s dive into some mouthwatering Thanksgiving side dishes that will make your holiday feast unforgettable!

Mashed Potatoes

Here’s what you’ll need for creamy, delicious mashed potatoes:

  • 4 lbs russet potatoes
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s make these tasty spuds:


  1. Peel and cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes.



  2. Boil potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes until tender.



  3. Drain potatoes and return to the pot.



  4. Add milk and butter to the potatoes.



  5. Mash until smooth and creamy.



  6. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.



  7. Serve hot and enjoy your perfect mashed potatoes!


For extra flavor, try adding some roasted garlic or shredded cheese. You can also top with chives or crispy bacon bits for a fun twist.

Sweet Potato Casserole

You’ll love this cozy Thanksgiving classic! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 4 large sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the topping:

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows

Directions:


  1. Peel and chop sweet potatoes. Boil until soft, then mash.



  2. Mix in butter, milk, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon.



  3. Spread mixture in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.



  4. In a bowl, mix topping ingredients (except marshmallows) until crumbly.



  5. Sprinkle half the marshmallows over the sweet potatoes, then add the crumb topping.



  6. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.



  7. Add remaining marshmallows and bake 5 more minutes until golden.


Let it cool a bit before serving. Your family will ask for seconds!

Green Bean Casserole

Want to make a tasty green bean casserole for Thanksgiving? Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) green beans, drained
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup French’s fried onions
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Now, let’s get cooking!


  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).



  2. Mix the green beans, soup, half the fried onions, milk, cheese, and pepper in a bowl.



  3. Pour the mixture into a 1.5-quart baking dish.



  4. Bake for 25 minutes.



  5. Take the dish out and sprinkle the rest of the fried onions on top.



  6. Pop it back in the oven for 5 more minutes until the onions are golden brown.


And there you have it! A yummy green bean casserole that’s sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table. Enjoy!

Cranberry Sauce

Ready to make some delicious cranberry sauce? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 orange, zested and juiced
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Directions:


  1. Rinse your cranberries and pick out any stems.



  2. In a saucepan, mix sugar and water. Heat until sugar dissolves.



  3. Add cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, and cloves.



  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.



  5. Stir occasionally. The cranberries will pop and the sauce will thicken.



  6. Remove from heat and let cool. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.



  7. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your homemade cranberry sauce!


Stuffing (or Dressing)

Here’s a tasty stuffing recipe for your Thanksgiving table. You’ll need:

  • 1 loaf of bread, cubed
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth

To make the stuffing:


  1. Toast the bread cubes in the oven until golden brown.



  2. Melt butter in a large pan. Add onion and celery, cooking until soft.



  3. Mix the toasted bread, cooked veggies, and herbs in a large bowl.



  4. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring until the bread is moist.



  5. Transfer to a baking dish and cover with foil.



  6. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10-15 more minutes until the top is crispy.


This stuffing is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving feast!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

You’ll love these crispy, flavorful roasted Brussels sprouts! They’re perfect for your Thanksgiving table. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or maple syrup

Directions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).



  2. Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half.



  3. Toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.



  4. Spread them out on a baking sheet, cut-side down.



  5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.



  6. If you like, drizzle with balsamic vinegar or maple syrup before serving.


Your roasted Brussels sprouts are ready! They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Enjoy this tasty veggie side dish with your Thanksgiving meal.

See also  Pomegranate Glazed Turkey Breast

Creamed Spinach

You’ll need:

  • 2 pounds fresh spinach
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Directions:


  1. Wash the spinach and remove any tough stems.



  2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.



  3. Toss in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.



  4. Add the spinach in batches, stirring until it wilts. This might take a few minutes.



  5. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.



  6. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you like.



  7. Keep cooking until the cream thickens and coats the spinach nicely.


Your creamed spinach is ready to serve! It’s a perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving feast.

Candied Yams

Ready to make a sweet and delicious Thanksgiving side dish? Let’s whip up some candied yams! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Directions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).



  2. Place the sweet potato slices in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5-10 minutes until slightly tender.



  3. Drain the sweet potatoes and arrange them in a 9×13 inch baking dish.



  4. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves.



  5. Pour this sweet mixture over the sweet potatoes, making sure they’re evenly coated.



  6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.



  7. Remove the foil, baste the yams with the sauce, and bake for another 15-20 minutes until they’re soft and caramelized.


Your candied yams are now ready to serve! They’ll be a hit at your Thanksgiving table.

Roasted Carrots

You’ll love these sweet and savory roasted carrots for Thanksgiving! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds carrots
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).



  2. Wash and peel the carrots. Cut them into 2-3 inch pieces.



  3. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add honey and minced garlic, stirring until combined.



  4. Place the carrots on a baking sheet. Pour the honey-butter mixture over them and toss to coat evenly.



  5. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the carrots.



  6. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. The carrots should be tender and lightly caramelized.



  7. Take them out of the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.


Your family will love these sweet and buttery carrots! They’re the perfect mix of crispy and tender, with a lovely glaze that brings out their natural sweetness.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need for this tasty Thanksgiving side dish:

  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Now, let’s get cooking!


  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).



  2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.



  3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for about a minute.



  4. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens.



  5. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Mix in the sour cream, salt, and pepper.



  6. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni. Pour into a greased baking dish.



  7. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.



  8. Bake for 20-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.


Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Your family will love this creamy, cheesy goodness!

Cornbread

You’ll need:

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg

Here’s how to make it:


  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.



  2. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl: cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.



  3. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, and egg.



  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix!



  5. Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly.



  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.



  7. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.


Enjoy your homemade cornbread! It’s perfect alongside your turkey and other Thanksgiving goodies.

Creamed Corn

You’ll need:

  • 4 cups frozen corn kernels
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, cubed

Here’s how to make it:


  1. In a large saucepan, mix the corn, cream, butter, sugar, salt, and pepper.



  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture starts to bubble.



  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.



  4. Add the cream cheese cubes and stir until they melt completely.



  5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the corn is tender and the sauce is creamy.



  6. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.


Your creamed corn is ready to serve! It’s a perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving feast.

See also  Roasted Grape and Rosemary Focaccia

Sautéed Green Beans

Here’s a tasty recipe for sautéed green beans to add to your Thanksgiving table:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons slivered almonds

Directions:


  1. Wash and trim the green beans.



  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.



  3. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.



  4. Toss in the green beans and stir to coat with oil.



  5. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are bright green and crisp-tender.



  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.



  7. If using almonds, add them in the last minute of cooking for extra crunch.



  8. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy your perfectly sautéed green beans!


This simple recipe lets the natural flavor of the green beans shine through. It’s a quick and easy side dish that’s sure to please your guests.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

You’ll need:

  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Here’s how to make them:


  1. Peel and cut potatoes into chunks.



  2. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender.



  3. Drain potatoes and return to pot.



  4. Add minced garlic, milk, and butter.



  5. Mash everything together until smooth.



  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.



  7. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes!


These mashed potatoes are perfect for your Thanksgiving table. The garlic adds a delicious flavor that your guests will love. You can make them ahead of time and reheat before serving.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, or sage)

Now, let’s get cooking!


  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).



  2. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into 1-inch cubes.



  3. In a large bowl, toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs if using.



  4. Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.



  5. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.



  6. They’re done when golden brown and easily pierced with a fork.


Your roasted sweet potatoes are ready to serve! They’ll be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Enjoy this tasty and easy Thanksgiving side dish.

Honey Glazed Carrots

You’ll love these sweet and tender honey glazed carrots as a Thanksgiving side dish. Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds baby carrots
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).



  2. In a large bowl, mix the honey, melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.



  3. Add the carrots to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.



  4. Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet.



  5. Roast for 20 minutes, then stir and roast for another 10-15 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.



  6. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.


Your family will gobble these up faster than the turkey! The natural sweetness of the carrots shines through, enhanced by the honey glaze. They’re a perfect balance of flavors for your Thanksgiving spread.

Scalloped Potatoes

Want to make creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes for Thanksgiving? Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 3 pounds potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion

Now let’s get cooking!

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

In a saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a boil, stirring often. Remove from heat and stir in 3/4 cup of cheese.

Layer half the potatoes in the baking dish. Pour half the sauce over them. Repeat layers.

Cover and bake for 1 hour. Uncover, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and bake 15 more minutes until golden and bubbly.

Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes!

Collard Greens

Here’s a tasty collard greens recipe for your Thanksgiving table:

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs collard greens, cleaned and chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:


  1. Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove and set aside.



  2. Sauté onion and garlic in bacon fat until soft.



  3. Add collard greens and cook until wilted.



  4. Pour in chicken broth, vinegar, and sugar. Stir well.



  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours.



  6. Season with salt and pepper. Add bacon back in.



  7. Serve hot and enjoy your Southern-style collard greens!


This dish will add a delicious touch to your Thanksgiving spread. The long cooking time makes the greens tender and flavorful.

Potato Rolls

Here’s what you’ll need for these delicious potato rolls:

  • 1 cup mashed potatoes
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 egg

Now, let’s make these rolls!


  1. Mix the mashed potatoes, milk, and melted butter in a large bowl.



  2. In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.



  3. Add the dry ingredients to the potato mixture. Knead until you have a soft dough.



  4. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour.



  5. Shape the dough into small rolls and place them on a baking sheet.



  6. Let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes.



  7. Brush the tops with beaten egg.



  8. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.


See also  25 Winter Smoothies That Will Make You Forget It's Cold Outside

Your potato rolls are ready! Serve them warm with butter for a tasty Thanksgiving side.

Waldorf Salad

Ready to make a tasty Waldorf salad for Thanksgiving? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 apples, diced
  • 1 cup red grapes, halved
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:


  1. Mix the diced apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts in a large bowl.



  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and sugar.



  3. Pour the dressing over the fruit and nut mixture. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.



  4. Add salt and pepper to taste.



  5. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.


That’s it! Your Waldorf salad is ready to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table. Enjoy the crisp, creamy, and fruity flavors!

Roasted Cauliflower

You’ll need:

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).



  2. Place the cauliflower florets on a large baking sheet.



  3. Drizzle olive oil over the florets. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper on top.



  4. Use your hands to toss everything together, making sure the florets are evenly coated.



  5. Spread the cauliflower out in a single layer on the baking sheet.



  6. Pop the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes.



  7. Halfway through cooking, give the pan a shake or use tongs to flip the florets.



  8. Your cauliflower is done when it’s golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.



  9. Take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.


This simple side dish is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table!

Glazed Carrots

You’ll love these sweet and buttery glazed carrots as a tasty Thanksgiving side dish. Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut diagonally into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:


  1. Put the carrots in a large skillet with 1/2 cup water.



  2. Add the butter, honey, orange juice, salt, and pepper.



  3. Cover and cook over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes, until the carrots are tender.



  4. Uncover and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces to a glaze.



  5. The carrots should be fork-tender and coated in a shiny glaze.


Your family will gobble up these delicious glazed carrots alongside the turkey and stuffing. They’re so easy to make, you’ll want to serve them all year round!

Butternut Squash Soup

You’ll love this creamy and comforting soup for your Thanksgiving feast! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: sage leaves, nutmeg

Directions:


  1. In a large pot, sauté onions, carrots, and garlic until soft.



  2. Add squash and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.



  3. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.



  4. Stir in cream and season with salt and pepper.



  5. If you like, add a pinch of nutmeg or some crispy sage leaves on top.


Your guests will love dipping crusty bread or sandwiches into this velvety soup. It pairs well with many sides, from salads to rice dishes. Enjoy your cozy Thanksgiving meal!

Cheesy Potato Casserole

You’ll love this easy, comforting side dish for your Thanksgiving feast! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 bag (30 oz) frozen hash browns, thawed
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1/3 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups crushed corn flakes

Directions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.



  2. In a large bowl, mix the hash browns, cheese, soup, sour cream, melted butter, green onions, salt, and pepper.



  3. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.



  4. Top with crushed corn flakes.



  5. Bake for 45-50 minutes until hot and bubbly.



  6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.


This cheesy potato casserole is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table!

Vegetable Medley

You’ll love this colorful mix of veggies for your Thanksgiving table! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 cups baby carrots
  • 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).



  2. Toss all the veggies in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.



  3. Spread the veggie mix on a baking sheet in a single layer.



  4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.



  5. Your veggies are ready when they’re tender and lightly browned.


Serve this warm, vibrant medley alongside your turkey. It’s a simple way to add color and nutrition to your holiday meal!