Join us for an adventure in flavor!

    The 35 BEST Thanksgiving Side Dishes

    This collection of amazing Thanksgiving Side Dishes will help you put on the best spread ever!

    Everyone loves turkey and ham, but for many of us, the sides are the real stars. And there are just so many to choose from.

    From you standards like stuffing and cranberry sauce, to unique casseroles and vegetable preparations, this list will give you a ton of ideas.

    Go through this whole list, your guests will surely go for seconds this year!

    the best thanksgiving side dishes

    The Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes:

    1. Mashed Potatoes

    We’re starting our list of Thanksgiving Side Dishes with the most classic of all… mashed potatoes!

    Mashed potatoes are one of the ultimate comfort foods. They go great with turkey, ham, roast beef, or whatever main you’re serving up.

    Get the Recipe


    2. Creamed Peas with Pearl Onions

    Now here’s a real classic that has been on holiday spreads for generations. Sweet peas are slathered in creamy white sauce, sprinkled with pearl onions.

    This easy side is a great addition to your feast!

    Get the Recipe


    3. Creamed Corn

    Make this amazing homemade creamed corn, and you will never go back to canned. It’s easy, delicious and oh so comforting.

    You can whip up this great recipe in about 20 minutes.

    Get the Recipe


    4. Green Beans Almondine

    Grean Beans Almondine!! Doesn’t it sound fancy? It’s such a big upgrade over your basic beans.

    Vibrant French style green beans tossed with brown butter, toasty almonds (that’s where almondine comes from), shallots, garlic and a squeeze of lemon to brighten it in the end.

    Get the Recipe


    5. Squash Casserole

    This squash casserole is a popular southern side dish that will go great on your spread.

    Mildly flavored sweet squash folded into a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with buttery cracker topping. People will be going for seconds and thirds!

    Get the Recipe


    6. Butternut Squash Blossom

    Now here is one stunning looking dish. This gorgeous Butternut Squash Blossom will be the new star on your Thanksgiving spread.

    Not only will it be the prettiest dish on the table, the flavors are absolutely amazing.

    Get the Recipe


    7. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel

    You’re going to love this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel. The crunchy pecans add so much flavor and texture to the dish. You’ll never go back to marshmallows!

    Get the Recipe


    8. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

    This stunning platter is full of crispy roasted brussels sprouts with sweet caramelized onions, apples, sprinkled with holiday favorites like candied pecans and cranberries, some salty goat cheese, and oh yes… Bacon (don’t forget the bacon).

    A treat for all seasons, this dish is sure to impress!

    Get the Recipe


    9. Succotash

    Succotash is another Thanksgiving side that has been around for generations. With corn and lime beans as the stars, it also features a variety of other veggies.

    Get the Recipe


    10. Thanksgiving Kale Salad

    Add some color and freshness to your Thanksgiving dinner with this delicious kale salad. The wide array of flavors combine for a salad that tastes as beautiful as it looks.

    Get the Recipe


    11. Chili Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans

    These chili maple glazed sweet potatoes with pecans have a nice kick due to being topped with a marvelous maple-chili glaze.

    The maple syrup adds sweetness, and the chili adds spiciness to make for a great sweet and spicy combo.

    Get the Recipe


    12. Saffron Rice

    Elevate your basic side dish with this simple and easy Saffron Rice recipe. You’ll be amazed how much flavor your humble grain can have.

    This beautiful and fragrant rice is a showstopper side dish that will make any meal more special.

    Get the Recipe


    13. Corn Casserole

    This easy 5 ingredient Corn Casserole is a great southern style side dish, and takes next to no effort. Seriously, just mix up the ingredients, then stick it in the oven.

    It’s a versatile dish that would goes great with your other Thanksgiving favorites!

    Get the Recipe


    14. Cherry Tomato Gratin

    This Cherry Tomato gratin is the newest star on your spread. It’s the perfect combination of easy, tasty and pretty.

    Impress everyone with this gorgeous dish!

    Get the Recipe


    15. Green Rice Casserole

    This green rice casserole is a great alternative to your traditional Thanksgiving sides. Creamy, cheesy goodness with spinach and peppers, this might become your new favorite.

    Get the Recipe


    16. Sweet Potato Mash

    Give your feast a healthier twist with this easy Sweet Potato Mash recipe. It’s a great twist on your conventional mashed potatoes, and goes especially good with ham.

    Get the Recipe


    17. Baked Brie with Nuts and Honey

    Who doesn’t love some nice creamy brie? Take your favorite soft cheese to a new level with this fancy yet easy recipe. You are in for a cheesy spectacle!

    Get the Recipe


    18. Bacon Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread

    Add a southwest style twist to your meal with this Bacon Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread. This cheesy and slightly spicy recipe might be the best cornbread ever!

    Get the Recipe


    19. Dirty Rice

    Dirty Rice is a famous dish in Creole and Cajun cuisines. White rice gets a “dirty” color from bits of meat and a generous dose of seasonings.

    It’s a super delicious recipe that will add new layers of flavor to your Thanksgiving.

    Get the Recipe


    20. Cucumber Avocado Tomato Salad with Pesto

    If you want something light and refreshing to pair with all those heavy dishes, try this amazing Cucumber Avocado Tomato Salad with Pesto.

    It’s so good that you might be making it all your round.

    Get the Recipe


    21. Oyster Stew

    Traditionally eaten around Thanksgiving in New England, Oyster Stew is creamy, buttery and sooo delicious. This is a perfect winter warmer.

    Get the Recipe


    22. Sausage and Sweet Potato Stuffing

    It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without stuffing, and this recipe is the absolute best! It combines sweet and savory ingredients for a flavor masterpiece.

    Get the Recipe @ gimmesomeoven


    23. Asparagus Gratin

    Up next on our list is this scrumptious asparagus gratin. It’s easy to make, and perfect for a fancy feast! It uses fresh milk, cream, nutty aged cheese, and amazingly crisp panko breadcrumbs toasted to perfection.

    Get the Recipe @ theviewfromgreatisland


    24. Classic Dinner Rolls

    These homemade Dinner Rolls are fluffy, soft and buttery. They are super easy to make, and pair great with all of your favorite Thanksgiving mains.

    Get the Recipe @ jocooks


    25. Honey Roasted Carrots

    These perfectly roasted carrots are very easy to make, with honey and basic seasonings, and are caramelized to perfection. Serve this delicious side dish to any of your favorite protein mains.

    Get the Recipe @ dinneratthezoo


    26. Mashed Turnips

    Mashed Turnips are a popular Thanksgiving side dish, and are so easy to make. They are also a great low carb alternative to mashed potatoes.

    Get the Recipe @ masalaherb


    27. Scalloped Potatoes

    Beautiful, perfectly cooked Scalloped Potatoes are a classic that you’ll fall in love with after just one bite!

    Tender, thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a rich, creamy sauce for a side dish that’s excellent to serve alongside any main course, and is a must-make for the holidays.

    Get the Recipe @ asouthernsoul


    28. Cranberry Sauce

    Cranberry sauce is a must alongside your turkey feast. Skip the canned stuff, this easy recipe only takes 10 minutes and tastes so much better.

    Get the Recipe @ cookieandkate


    29. Pull-Apart Garlic Butter Bread Wreath

    This Pull-Apart Garlic Butter Bread Wreath is an absolutely gorgeous addition to your Thanksgiving dinner.

    It may be the star of your spread!

    Get the Recipe @ halfbakedharvest


    30. Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Shallots

    This green bean casserole with crispy fried shallots will make for an amazing dinner or holiday side. It’s a simple dish, an easy-to-make casserole, and it’s made entirely from scratch.

    Get the Recipe @ damndelicious


    31. Ambrosia Salad

    Ambrosia salad is a vintage recipe. It has sour cream, miniature marshmallows, sweetened coconut, pineapple, mandarin and maraschino cherries.

    It is a popular holiday recipe in the south.

    Get the Recipe @ jocooks


    32. Spaghetti Squash Casserole

    Making for a great comfort food, this spaghetti squash casserole is a great dish to try when you want something easy, cheesy, and low-carb.

    It’s an easy way to make a healthy side dish that still feels indulgent.

    Get the Recipe @ wellplated


    33. Twice Baked Butternut Squash

    Looking for some new delicious holiday side dish? Try this twice baked butternut squash.

    It has all the flavors of perfectly baked butternut squash with Greek yogurt, parmesan cheese, bacon and salted maple pecans.

    Get the Recipe @ ambitiouskitchen


    34. Brown Rice Risotto with Mushrooms and Fresh Oregano

    Risotto is a popular Italian rice preparation, though some find it intimidating.

    This recipe shows you how to make perfect brown rice risotto, which is enhanced with mushrooms and fresh oregano.

    Get the Recipe @ cookieandkate


    35. Turkey Gravy

    Wrapping up our list is an absolute MUST. This recipe will show you how to make the best turkey gravy to slather over your turkey and mashed potatoes.

    Get the Recipe @ damndelicious


    So there you go, thirty five amazing Thanksgiving side dishes. With all of these recipes, you are ready to cook the ultimate feast.

    Save or pin this collection of great recipes so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new easy recipes for you!

    Check out these other great recipe collections!
    Green Bean Recipes
    Mashed Potato Recipes
    Asparagus Recipes
    Casserole Recipes
    Gravy Recipes
    Leftover Mashed Potato Recipes
    Leftover Ham Recipes

    featured image for thanksgiving side dishes post

    35 BEST Thanksgiving Side Dishes

    This collection of amazing Thanksgiving Side Dishes will help you put on the best spread ever! For starters, here is a recipe for basic mashed potatoes:

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and quartered
    • 2 Tbsp butter, melted
    • 1/2 cup milk, warmed
    • Salt, to taste
    • Pepper, to taste

    Instructions

    1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into same size pieces and place them in a large pot full of cold water.
    2. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 15-20 minutes.
    3. Drain the potatoes and mash them with a hand masher or electric beater. Add in warm milk a little at a time, along with melted butter. Continue mashing until smooth.
    4. Add salt and pepper to taste.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

    Picture of Alpana, blogger and recipe developer at GypsyPlate

    Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.

    Get griddling! Try these Blackstone Recipes!

    Never miss a recipe!

    Join the GypsyPlate mailing list and get easy dinner recipes right in your mailbox. From homestyle comfort food to exotic dishes from around the world.



      1 thought on “The 35 BEST Thanksgiving Side Dishes”

      • I’m tempted to just bring a baked brie for Thanksgiving since it would be pretty easy, but seeing how gorgeous Butternut Squash Blossom looks, it makes me want to impress my in-laws hahaha

      Leave a Reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Search by Cuisine

      Travel a word of flavors with GypsyPlate. Sort our recpes by regions:

      GypsyPlate logo.
      Skip to Recipe