25 Traditional Thanksgiving Sides That Will Make Grandma Proud

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

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. While the turkey often takes center stage, it’s the side dishes that truly make the meal special. Traditional Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce are essential to creating a memorable holiday feast.

These classic dishes have stood the test of time for good reason. They’re comforting, flavorful, and bring back fond memories of past celebrations. Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving or looking to add some new twists to old favorites, you’ll find plenty of ideas to make your holiday table shine. Get ready to discover easy recipes that will have your guests asking for seconds!

Mashed Potatoes

Here’s what you’ll need:

3 pounds russet potatoes
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s make some creamy mashed potatoes!

Peel and cut your potatoes into chunks. Place them in a pot and cover with cold water.

Bring the water to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter.

Mash everything together until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Give your potatoes a final stir and serve them hot. Enjoy your delicious homemade mashed potatoes!

Sweet Potato Casserole

You’ll need:

4 large sweet potatoes
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Salt to taste
1 cup mini marshmallows

For the topping:

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Here’s how to make it:

Peel and chop sweet potatoes. Boil until soft, about 20-25 minutes.
Drain and mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl.
Mix in brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt.
Spread the mixture in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
For the topping, mix brown sugar, flour, and softened butter until crumbly. Add pecans.
Sprinkle half the marshmallows over the sweet potatoes, then add the topping.
Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

Your sweet potato casserole is ready to serve! It’s a perfect blend of creamy and crunchy, sweet and savory. Enjoy this classic Thanksgiving side with your loved ones.

Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

2 cans green beans, drained
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 cup crispy fried onions
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix the green beans, soup, milk, half the fried onions, cheese, and garlic powder in a bowl.
Pour the mixture into a casserole dish. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top.
Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly.
Take the dish out and top with the remaining fried onions.
Bake for 5 more minutes until the onions are golden brown.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Your guests will love this classic side dish! It’s creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor.

Stuffing (Or Dressing)

You’ll need these ingredients for a tasty traditional stuffing:

1 loaf of bread, cubed and dried
1/2 cup butter
1 onion, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cups chicken broth
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Here’s how to make it:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Melt the butter in a skillet. Add onions and celery, cooking until soft.
In a large bowl, mix the bread cubes, cooked veggies, and herbs.
Pour in the broth and eggs. Gently toss until everything is moist.
Spread the mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake for about 30 minutes covered with foil.
Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown.

Your stuffing is now ready to serve! It’s crispy on top and soft inside, perfect for your Thanksgiving feast.

Cranberry Sauce

Want to make your own cranberry sauce this Thanksgiving? It’s easier than you think! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

12 oz fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
Optional: Orange zest, cinnamon, or cloves for extra flavor

Directions:

Rinse your cranberries and pick out any stems or bad berries.
In a medium saucepan, mix the sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves.
Add the cranberries and bring to a boil.
Lower the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
The cranberries will start to pop. Keep cooking until most have burst.
If you want, add a bit of orange zest, cinnamon, or cloves for extra flavor.
Remove from heat and let cool. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.

That’s it! Your homemade cranberry sauce is ready to impress your guests. It’s tangy, sweet, and way better than the canned stuff.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

You’ll love these crispy, flavorful roasted Brussels sprouts! They’re a perfect Thanksgiving side dish that’s easy to make.

Ingredients:

1 pound Brussels sprouts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half.
In a bowl, toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through.
They’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
If you like, drizzle with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with bacon before serving.

Your roasted Brussels sprouts are ready! They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavor. Enjoy your tasty Thanksgiving side dish!

Baked Sweet Potatoes

You’ll need:

4 medium sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional toppings: butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, marshmallows

Here’s how to make them:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Poke them a few times with a fork.
Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, until they’re soft when pierced with a fork.
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Cut a slit in the top of each potato and fluff the insides with a fork.
Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

These baked sweet potatoes are super easy to make. They’re a tasty and healthy addition to your Thanksgiving table. You can prep them ahead of time and pop them in the oven while the turkey rests.

Creamed Corn

Ready to make a tasty Thanksgiving side? Here’s what you’ll need:

4 cups frozen corn kernels
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s get cooking!

Put the corn in a large saucepan. Add the cream, butter, and sugar.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring often.
Once it starts to simmer, turn the heat down to low. Keep cooking for about 5-7 minutes.
Stir the corn often. You want it to get nice and creamy.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir.
Your creamed corn is ready when it’s hot and creamy. Serve it right away!

This yummy side dish is super easy to make. It’s sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table!

Scalloped Potatoes

Ready to make a classic Thanksgiving side? Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until sauce thickens.
Add salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts.
Layer half the potatoes in the baking dish. Pour half the cheese sauce over them.
Repeat with remaining potatoes and sauce.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake for 1 hour or until potatoes are tender and top is golden brown.

Your scalloped potatoes will come out creamy and delicious. They’re sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table!

Macaroni And Cheese

You’ll love this creamy, cheesy Thanksgiving side dish! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

16 oz elbow macaroni
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder

Directions:

Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
Add the cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese melts.
Mix in the cooked macaroni until well coated.
Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

Your family will gobble up this comforting classic! Feel free to add breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.

Honey Glazed Carrots

You’ll need these simple ingredients:

2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: fresh thyme

Now, let’s make these yummy carrots!

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Mix the honey, melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Toss the sliced carrots with the honey mixture until they’re well coated.
Spread the carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes.
Your carrots are done when they’re tender and golden brown.
If you like, sprinkle some fresh thyme on top before serving.

Enjoy your sweet and savory honey glazed carrots! They’re sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table.

Roasted Vegetables

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
2 carrots, sliced
1 red onion, cut into wedges
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Now, let’s get cooking!

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large bowl, toss all the veggies with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Spread the veggies on a large baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Your veggies are ready when they’re tender and lightly browned.

This colorful mix will brighten up your Thanksgiving table. The sweet potatoes add a pop of orange, while the Brussels sprouts bring a nice green touch.

Cornbread

Ready to make some delicious cornbread for Thanksgiving? Here’s what 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

Now, let’s get baking!

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, and egg.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones. Stir until just combined.
Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Let it cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares.

Your cornbread is now ready to serve! It’s perfect alongside your turkey and other sides.

Dinner Rolls

Want to make delicious homemade rolls for Thanksgiving? Here’s what you’ll need:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 packet active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup warm milk
1 egg

Now let’s get baking! Follow these easy steps:

Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl.
Add butter, milk, and egg. Stir until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth.
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
Punch down dough and shape into 12 balls.
Put rolls in a greased 9×13 pan. Cover and let rise 30 minutes.
Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Brush warm rolls with melted butter and serve!

Your family will love these soft, fluffy rolls. They’re perfect for soaking up gravy or making mini turkey sandwiches the next day!

Collard Greens

Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious collard greens:

2 bunches collard greens, washed and chopped
4 slices bacon, diced
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

To cook your collard greens:

Cook the bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the onion and garlic in the bacon fat until softened.
Add the collard greens and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.
Pour in the chicken broth and vinegar. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes until greens are tender.
Stir in the bacon. Season with salt and pepper.

Your collard greens are now ready to serve! They’ll be a tasty addition to your Thanksgiving table.

Glazed Carrots

Ready to make some yummy glazed carrots for Thanksgiving? Here’s what you’ll need:

2 pounds carrots
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 2 cloves minced garlic

Now, let’s get cooking!

Peel and cut your carrots into 1-2 inch pieces.
Put the carrots in a large skillet with 1 cup of water.
Cover and cook over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until tender.
Drain any remaining water from the pan.
Add butter, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper to the carrots.
If you’re using garlic, toss it in now too.
Stir everything together over low heat until the carrots are nicely coated.
Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Your glazed carrots are now ready to serve! They’ll add a sweet and colorful touch to your Thanksgiving table.

Waldorf Salad

You’ll need these ingredients for a yummy Waldorf salad:

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

Here’s how to make it:

Mix the diced apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts in a big bowl.
In a small bowl, blend the mayo, yogurt, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the fruit and veggie mix.
Toss everything together until it’s well coated.
Pop it in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

Your Waldorf salad is ready! It’s a great mix of sweet and crunchy that everyone will love at your Thanksgiving table.

Potato Salad

You’ll need:

2 lbs red potatoes, cubed
4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/2 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill

Directions:

Boil the potatoes until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and let cool.
In a large bowl, mix the cooled potatoes, eggs, celery, and red onion.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar.
Pour the dressing over the potato mixture. Gently stir to coat.
Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with fresh dill.
Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Your potato salad is ready! It’s a tasty addition to your Thanksgiving spread.

Sautéed Green Beans

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: lemon wedges for serving

Let’s get cooking!

Wash and trim the green beans. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the green beans to the hot skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Toss in the minced garlic. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir.
Cook until the beans are bright green and crisp-tender, about 1-2 more minutes.
Transfer to a serving dish. If you like, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top.

Your sautéed green beans are ready to serve! They’ll add a fresh, crisp element to your Thanksgiving spread.

Creamed Spinach

Here’s a yummy creamed spinach recipe for your Thanksgiving table:

Ingredients:

2 pounds fresh spinach
4 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Wash and trim the spinach. Cook it in a large pot of boiling water for 1 minute. Drain and squeeze out excess water.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens.
Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked spinach.
Cook for 3-5 more minutes until everything is hot and well combined.

Your creamed spinach is now ready to serve! It’s a rich, comforting side dish that pairs well with turkey and other Thanksgiving favorites.

Pumpkin Soup

You’ll need:

2 lbs pumpkin, peeled and cubed
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger

Here’s how to make it:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
Add pumpkin cubes and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until pumpkin is tender.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer to a blender in batches.
Stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper. Add spices if you like.
Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Your pumpkin soup is ready! Serve it hot with your favorite toppings or sides. It’s perfect for a chilly fall day.

Fried Onions

Ready to add some crunch to your Thanksgiving table? Let’s make crispy fried onions! Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup milk
Vegetable oil for frying

Directions:

Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Dip onion slices in milk, then coat with the flour mixture.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry coated onions in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

These crispy bits are perfect for topping green bean casserole or sprinkling over mashed potatoes. You can make them a day ahead and reheat in the oven before serving. Enjoy your homemade fried onions!

Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin

Ingredients:

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Gruyère work great)
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of nutmeg

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Steam the cauliflower florets for 5-7 minutes until they’re crisp-tender.
In a saucepan, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for a minute.
Add the cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheese until melted.
Place the cauliflower in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over it.
Mix the remaining cheese with breadcrumbs and sprinkle on top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Your cheesy cauliflower gratin is ready to impress at your Thanksgiving table!

Roasted Butternut Squash

You’ll need:

1 medium butternut squash
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: cinnamon, cumin, or chili powder

Here’s how to make it:

Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
Rub the flesh with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet.
Roast for 40-45 minutes until you can easily pierce the flesh with a fork.
Let it cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh or cut into cubes.

For extra flavor, drizzle with maple syrup before serving. You can also add spices like cinnamon, cumin, or chili powder for variety.

This dish is easy to prepare and goes great with pork. It’s a comforting side that brings a touch of sweetness to your Thanksgiving table.

Pear Salad

Here’s a tasty pear salad recipe for your Thanksgiving table:

Ingredients:

2 ripe pears, sliced
4 cups mixed salad greens
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans
2 oz crumbled blue cheese
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Wash and dry the salad greens. Place them in a large bowl.
Core and slice the pears. Add them to the greens.
Sprinkle cranberries, pecans, and blue cheese over the salad.
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and honey.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious pear salad!