Every Thanksgiving table has that one side dish everyone reaches for first. Maybe it’s the creamy potatoes, the crispy Brussels sprouts, or the stuffing that disappears before dinner is even over. While the turkey gets the attention, the side dishes are what bring the comfort, variety, and flavors everyone remembers.
This collection includes Thanksgiving favorites like stuffing and green bean casserole, along with a few fresher options that bring variety, texture, and bright flavors to the holiday table.
1. Green Bean Casserole
A true Thanksgiving classic, green bean casserole combines tender green beans, creamy sauce, and a crispy topping for a side dish that has earned its place on holiday tables for generations.
The contrast between the creamy filling and crunchy topping makes it a favorite alongside turkey, mashed potatoes, and other traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of green beans
- 1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup of milk
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp seasoned salt
- 1 ½ cups French-fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the green beans until just tender. Drain well, then combine with the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, seasoned salt, and ¾ cup of the French-fried onions.
- Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, until hot and bubbling.
- Scatter the remaining French-fried onions over the top and bake for another 5 minutes, until golden and crisp.
2. Potato Gratin
Creamy, layered, and comforting, potato gratin is one of those side dishes I love making for special occasions. Thinly sliced potatoes, rich cream, and a golden cheese topping come together in a dish that feels elegant enough for a holiday table while still being wonderfully comforting. It pairs beautifully with turkey, gravy, or any cozy family-style meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ¾-1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- 1½ cups shredded Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or a combination of both
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Stir together the heavy cream, melted butter, and garlic. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish, seasoning each layer with salt, pepper, and a little nutmeg.
- Sprinkle half of the cheese over the potatoes, then add the remaining potatoes and season again.
- Pour the cream mixture evenly over the potatoes. Cover with foil and bake for 60-75 minutes, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
3. Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy Brussels sprouts get even better when roasted until caramelized and finished with a touch of maple syrup. The maple glaze caramelizes in the oven, giving the Brussels sprouts crispy edges, a touch of sweetness, and a smoky bacon finish.
Ingredients
- 1 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 shallots, sliced
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- ¼ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Toss the halved Brussels sprouts and shallots with the bacon, olive oil, maple syrup, and salt.
- Spread everything evenly on a lined baking sheet, arranging the Brussels sprouts cut-side down when possible.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and deeply caramelized and the bacon is crisp.
4. Classic Herb Stuffing
No Thanksgiving-inspired menu feels complete without a comforting stuffing recipe. This classic side dish combines toasted bread, herbs, and savory vegetables for a flavorful addition to turkey, gravy, and all the holiday favorites.
Ingredients
- 12 cups toasted or stale bread cubes
- 1½ sticks unsalted butter
- 1 large sweet onion, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- ½ tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Up to 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic and cook until softened. Stir in the fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Add the vegetable mixture and toss to combine.
- Gradually add the broth, tossing as you go, until the bread is moist but not soggy. You may not need all 4 cups. Stir in the beaten eggs.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking until the top is golden and slightly crisp.
5. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving classic that always adds something different to the table. The contrast between creamy sweet potatoes, buttery pecans, and a golden marshmallow topping makes it a sweet and nostalgic addition to the holiday spread.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil the sweet potatoes until tender. Drain well, then mash with the brown sugar, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
- Spread the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the pecans over the top and finish with the mini marshmallows.
- Bake for about 25 minutes, until heated through, and the marshmallows are lightly toasted and golden.
6. Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving favorite for good reason. The tart, vibrant cranberries perfectly complement the rich, savory flavors of the turkey, creating that irresistible sweet-and-savory balance.
This homemade version is incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients. For a little extra flavor and crunch, I like adding orange zest and chopped pecans.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- A pinch or two of orange zest
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries and remove any damaged or bruised ones.
- Put the water and sugar in a medium saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
- Add the cranberries and return to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until most of the cranberries have burst.
- Once the cranberries have burst, stir in the chopped pecans and orange zest.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator. The cranberry sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
It’s also a great make-ahead option for Thanksgiving. Make it a day or two ahead and keep it refrigerated until served.
7. Apple Walnut Salad
Fresh apples, toasted walnuts, and a simple vinaigrette make this salad a welcome contrast to the heavier dishes on a Thanksgiving table. The crisp texture and bright flavors help balance out richer holiday favorites.
It’s also easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a practical addition to a busy holiday menu.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, sliced or chopped
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup candied walnuts
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup pepitas
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup apple cider vinaigrette
Instructions
- Add the mixed greens to a large serving bowl or platter.
- Arrange the apples, red onion, walnuts, cranberries, pepitas, and feta over the greens.
- Drizzle with apple cider vinaigrette and toss gently just before serving.
8. Roasted Carrots and Asparagus with Goat Cheese
A simple roasted vegetable side that adds color and freshness to your Thanksgiving spread. Carrots become naturally sweet as they roast, while asparagus adds a crisp texture and lighter flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into thin sticks, about ¼-inch thick
- 1 lbs asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- ½ tsp black pepper, divided
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet.
- Toss the carrots with 1 tbsp of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Spread them evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 5-7 minutes.
- Toss the asparagus with the remaining olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Add it to the baking sheet with the carrots.
- Continue roasting for 10-12 minutes, until the carrots are tender and lightly caramelized and the asparagus is tender with lightly browned edges.
- Sprinkle with goat cheese, drizzle with lemon juice, and finish with fresh parsley.
9. Festive Broccoli Pomegranate Salad
This colorful salad brings a crisp, fresh element to a table filled with traditional Thanksgiving favorites. The crunchy broccoli, sweet pomegranate seeds, nuts, and creamy dressing give this salad the fresh bite that balances out rich Thanksgiving dishes.
It’s also a great make-ahead option because the flavors get even better after sitting for a while.
Ingredients
- 5-6 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup red onion, diced
For the dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup Dijon or stone-ground mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Combine the broccoli, red onion, pomegranate seeds, and walnuts in a large bowl.
- Whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate overnight to let the flavors develop.
