Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table and indulging in a feast to start the holiday season, and while the roast turkey often takes center stage (or check out these Roasted Turkey Legs), it’s the sides that are usually the star of the show. From creamy, comforting casseroles to fresh, vibrant, roasted vegetables and fresh salads, the perfect side dishes bring balance, flavor, and memories that you will carry from season to season. Whether you love classic side dishes for Thanksgiving or you want to try new recipes with unexpected flavors this year, these carefully thought-out recipes will ensure your Thanksgiving menu is full of color, texture, and irresistible taste. So, don’t jump straight to the pumpkin pie…you are going to love these delicious sides!
Tips for Creating the Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes:
- Where you see butternut squash, you can exchange or add sweet potatoes if you aren’t serving sweet potato casserole (or if you just want more).
- To prep ahead, chop vegetables, make casseroles, or assemble components a day or two before to save time on the big day.
- Don’t forget garnishes! Chop herbs, prep lemon zest, or toast nuts ahead of time so they’re ready to sprinkle on.
- All of the dishes below are compliant with almost all diets. To tweak for anyone who is dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter. These offer a mix of vegetarian, gluten-free, or lighter sides so everyone at the table has options.
1
The BEST Mashed Cauliflower
This truly is the BEST Cauliflower Mash recipe. Thanks to two simple steps, this creamy mashed cauliflower has a nice depth of flavor while also being ridiculously creamy and smooth. Even if you don't have creamy mashed potatoes, this mashed cauliflower is sure to win over mashed potato fans, too! Keep them warm in the slow cooker for easy transport and serving.
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2
Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Butter Squash, Bacon and Red Onion
This Sheet Pan Brussels Sprouts, Butternut Squash, Bacon, and Red Onion is an easy-to-make, all-in-one side dish with big flavor. The veggies and bacon are tossed in a simple balsamic and Dijon sauce and then roasted in the oven to make this delicious side dish crispy and tender.
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3
Caramelized Fennel, Leek and Onion Gratin
This Caramelized Leek, Onion & Fennel Gratin is an easy one-pan side dish that is creamy and so delicious. Though not your traditional au gratin with heavy cream, it is dairy-free, and one of my favorite Thanksgiving sides because I adore leeks and fennel together.
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4
Roasted Carrots
This simple Roasted Carrot side dish is easy to prepare and requires just a few ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. The carrots are tossed in a honey, butter, garlic, and coriander sauce and roasted until tender, slightly charred, and caramelized around the edges until golden brown. These will work wonderfully in the air fryer, too.
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5
Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
These Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans are a fun spin on one of my favorite side dish combinations, bacon and green beans. They look fancy but are incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for a Thanksgiving meal.
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6
Roasted Pumpkin with Thyme, Honey and Pecans
This Roasted Pumpkin is my favorite side dish for Autumn and Winter, and the perfect addition to the Thanksgiving table. Wedges of pumpkin are topped with a honey, cinnamon, thyme, and chili powder sauce and roasted until tender.
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7
One-Pan Green Beans with Bacon
This simple One Pan Green Beans & Bacon is the perfect side dish for any meal (and a step up from the traditional green bean casserole, in my opinion). The fresh green beans are cooked in a chunky onion and garlic sauce and then tossed with crunchy pine nuts and crispy bacon.
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8
Hasselback Butternut Squash
This Hasselback Butternut Squash is a gorgeous side dish that is a spin on hasselback potatoes and guaranteed to be a big hit with guests. The butternut squash is coated in a delicious mixture of honey, sage, and thyme and then cooked in the oven until perfectly tender.
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9
Carrot and Butternut Squash Mash
This Carrot and Butternut Squash Mash is creamy and has a wonderful, rich flavor. It takes just 30 minutes to make and is definitely worthy of a spot on your Thanksgiving dinner table.
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10
Homemade 3-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce
This 3-Ingredient Homemade Cranberry Sauce couldn’t be any easier to make. All you need is 15 minutes, cranberries, an orange, and honey (or maple syrup), and a pot! This is a great alternative to store-bought cranberry sauce, which is usually packed with sugar!
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11
Brussels Sprouts, Kale and Bacon Gratin
This deliciously creamy Brussels Sprouts, Kale & Bacon Gratin is a great winter side dish that tastes like it's packed with cream and cheese but is actually dairy-free! It's an easy side dish to prepare ahead of time and have ready to just pop in the oven to warm up.
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12
Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing
This Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad is a great alternative to your typical lettuce salad. It has a base of finely shredded Brussels Sprouts and Kale that are tossed with crispy bacon and crunchy walnuts, all coated in a creamy lemon dressing. Your holiday table will shine with this one!
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13
Cauliflower Stuffing
This Cauliflower Stuffing is a tasty low-carb alternative to traditional Thanksgiving stuffing that uses cauliflower florets in place of bread. It is packed with chunks of pork, mushrooms, and celery and is an excellent addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
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14
Roasted Fennel with Garlic and Herbs
This Roasted Fennel is buttery, caramelized on the edges, and deliciously sweet in flavor. This easy-to-prepare side dish goes fantastically well with roast chicken, turkey, or ham and is sure to impress and is a personal favorite.
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15
Brussels Sprout, Apple and Walnut Slaw
Thanksgiving sides can be an endless line of filling hot dishes, so why not add a refreshing Brussels Sprout, Apple, and Walnut Slaw to cut through all of the heaviness? This salad has a base of shredded brussels sprouts and cabbage and is topped with walnuts, apple, and tossed in a honey and lemon vinaigrette. So fresh and so easy!
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