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Thanksgiving side dishes bring variety, color, and comfort to the holiday table. This collection features more than 40 ideas, including casseroles, salads, vegetables, breads, and appetizers that can round out a traditional or meatless menu.
When planning, choose a mix of rich and lighter dishes, and consider how much oven space each one needs. Slow-cooker options, salads, and make-ahead items can help ease the last-minute rush.
How to Plan Thanksgiving Side Dishes
A balanced menu does not need every dish on the list. Pick a few favorites, then add options that suit your guests’ preferences. For example, combine a hearty casserole with a fresh salad and a bread or roll accompaniment.
Check ingredients ahead of time if guests have dietary needs. The roundup includes a gluten-free bread option and a vegan-friendly lentil dish, but always review the recipe ingredients before serving.
Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Try
Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans
Fresh green beans and pepper jack cheese give this casserole a savory, cheesy character. It’s a good choice when you want a familiar vegetable side with a little extra kick.
Jello Salad
This nostalgic salad layers a pretzel crust, a cream cheese center, and strawberry-cranberry Jello. Chill it until set so the layers hold together when served.
Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese
A classic baked macaroni and cheese topped with homemade breadcrumbs. Serve it alongside lighter vegetable dishes to balance its rich, comforting flavors.
Best Stuffing Recipe
A traditional stuffing option for a holiday spread. Consider preparing it as one of the menu’s hearty, savory sides.
Corn Casserole
This savory, bread-pudding-like casserole brings a soft texture and corn flavor to the table. It pairs well with roasted vegetables and other classic sides.
Bruschetta
Ripe tomatoes, basil, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar make this Italian-inspired option bright and flavorful. Serve it as a starter or a lighter side.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Choose between a brown sugar and pecan topping or toasted marshmallows for this sweet-and-savory casserole. Decide on the topping before preparing it to keep the flavor profile consistent.
7 Layer Salad
A generous layered salad suited to a holiday meal. Keep it chilled until serving, especially if it is prepared ahead.
Garlic Butter
Pair garlic butter with homemade or store-bought rolls for an easy addition to the bread basket. Set it out shortly before the meal so it is easy to spread.
Broccoli Casserole
This creamy, cheesy broccoli casserole has a Ritz cracker topping. Its crisp topping makes it a satisfying contrast to softer dishes.
Chanterelle Mushroom Risotto
Dried chanterelle mushrooms bring their distinctive flavor to this risotto. Plan to serve it warm, as risotto is best enjoyed soon after preparation.
Funeral Potatoes
A comforting potato casserole with a creamy, cheesy center and a cornflake topping. It is a hearty choice for a crowd-friendly holiday table.
Stuffed Mushrooms
These can work as either an appetizer or a side dish. Their small size makes them convenient to serve alongside larger casseroles.
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Prepare mashed potatoes in a slow cooker to free up stovetop space. The recipe is designed to be started on Thanksgiving morning, making it useful when the kitchen is busy.
Crab Cakes
Maryland-style crab cakes use lump crab with very little filler. Serve them as a seafood option among the more traditional holiday sides.
Stuffing Meatballs
These meatballs offer a different way to serve stuffing flavors. They are described as juicy and can be made the night before, which may help with holiday meal prep.
Creamy Kale, Brussels Sprouts, and Cranberry Salad
Crunchy kale and Brussels sprouts combine with sliced almonds and fresh cranberries. The tart fruit adds a bright note to a creamy, crunchy salad.
Honey Butter
Serve honey butter with rolls, croissants, or crackers. A small spread placed beside the bread basket gives guests an easy way to customize each bite.
Garlic and Miso Green Beans
Garlic, soy sauce, and miso paste bring savory depth to green beans. This is a flavorful alternative to a more traditional green bean preparation.
Bacon and Bourbon Stuffing
Bread, bacon, and bourbon give this stuffing a distinctive savory profile. If serving several rich dishes, balance the plate with a fresh salad or vegetable.
Macaroni Salad
A creamy macaroni pasta salad offers a familiar, chilled option for the spread. Keep it refrigerated until it is time to serve.
Easy Jalapeño Popper Dip
This hot dip is a gathering-friendly choice with a spicy, creamy flavor. Serve it with suitable dippers as an appetizer before the main meal.
Cocktail Sauce
This dipping sauce uses five ingredients and is intended for shrimp cocktail. Prepare it ahead and refrigerate it until serving.
Caprese Skewers
Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze make these colorful skewers. Their small portions are convenient for guests to pick up and enjoy.
Butternut Squash Soup
A creamy, silky soup can be served as a starter or a smaller side. Serve it warm and portion it according to the size of the rest of the meal.
Easy Broccoli Salad
This salad uses three main ingredients plus a creamy dressing, with room to customize it with additional ingredients. Keep any additions in mind when accommodating guests’ dietary needs.
All the Herbs Popovers
These herb-filled popovers require no yeast or rising time, making them an approachable bread option. Serve them soon after baking for the best texture.
Homemade Pretzel Pizza Bites
Pretzel bites filled with pizza toppings add a playful option to the table. Their bite-sized format works especially well as a snack or appetizer.
Creamy Garlic Mac and Cheese
This creamy garlic macaroni and cheese can be made in a slow cooker. It also makes leftovers, so have a container ready if there is extra after the meal.
Parmesan Baked Brussels Sprouts
These Brussels sprouts are baked until crisp and finished with Parmesan and lemon juice. The citrus provides a bright contrast to the cheese.
Duchess Sweet Potato Casserole
This rich, creamy casserole combines sweet potato with a savory note from bacon. It brings a polished look as well as a hearty flavor to the menu.
Overnight Pumpkin Butter
Make pumpkin butter from scratch in a slow cooker overnight. Serve it as a spread, and plan ahead for the cooking time.
Tuna Casserole
A classic tuna casserole offers an alternative to the usual holiday vegetables and starches. Consider it when you want a filling, familiar dish on the menu.
Cauliflower Au Gratin
This take on potatoes au gratin uses cauliflower with butter, milk, and cheese. It is a useful option for guests who enjoy a creamy, cheese-topped vegetable dish.
Easy Gluten-Free Bread
This bread provides a gluten-free option for guests who want something to serve alongside the meal. Check the full ingredient list and avoid cross-contact when preparing food for someone with dietary restrictions.
Pumpkin Pasties
Pie crust, pumpkin puree, honey, vanilla, spices, and egg wash make these pumpkin pasties. Their hand-held shape makes them easy to serve as a small side or snack.
Creamy Kale Harvest Salad
Pecans, apples, and dried cranberries bring seasonal flavors to this kale salad, which is served with homemade avocado dressing. Add the dressing close to serving time to help keep the salad fresh.
Lentil Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce
These meatless lentil meatballs are topped with homemade cranberry sauce. They offer a vegan-friendly choice for a holiday menu; check the ingredients in the sauce and other components to confirm they suit your guests.
Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet potato pie adds a dessert-like option to a collection of sides. If serving it with the meal, allow room for it alongside other sweet dishes.
Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushroom steaks can be made with five to six basic ingredients. They offer a simple mushroom-centered option for guests looking for a savory alternative.
Build a Thanksgiving Menu That Works for You
The best Thanksgiving side dishes are the ones that fit your guests, kitchen space, and schedule. Choose a manageable mix of make-ahead items, oven-baked favorites, and fresh options, then check dietary needs and serving times before the holiday. A thoughtful selection makes it easier to serve a varied meal without preparing every dish on the list.
