Casseroles, salads, vegetables, breads, and beyond! These are the ultimate Thanksgiving accompaniments to include on your spread.
One undeniable truth about Thanksgiving is this: while the turkey may technically take the spotlight, the sides… those sides are where the real delight resides. Creamy, savory, crispy-topped, buttery, with veggies and starches heaped high on a plate – that’s the true Thanksgiving atmosphere we all seek. 🧡
This assortment features a blend of comforting classics along with some playful variations — because Thanksgiving sometimes calls for adherence to tradition, and other times it craves a touch of flair. And what’s even better? Many of these dishes are naturally vegetarian, meaning that your guests skipping the turkey will still be savoring their best Thanksgiving experience. Consider fluffy potatoes, saucy green beans, pillowy gnocchi, warm crusty breads, and salads that actually excite.
These are the sides that elevate the feast to something remarkable. Let’s serve them up!
The Ultimate Thanksgiving Sides
Green Bean Casserole
This Green Bean Casserole stands as a Thanksgiving favorite! Fresh green beans enveloped in a silky, decadent sauce dotted with gruyere and shallots – topped off with crispy onions, naturally!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Topping
That crunchy brown sugar topping will be your spirit lift! It’s an absolute essential for my Thanksgiving table!
7-Layer Beet Salad
This 7-Layer Beet Salad is a stunning centerpiece for fall! Filled with cooked beets, supremed oranges, chopped pistachios, creamy truffle ricotta, and hints of fresh mint. So vibrant, so delightful!
Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad
Undoubtedly, my go-to salad for Thanksgiving! Finely shaved brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and a light citrus dressing.
Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole
Bursting bites of cream-style corn and sweet corn along with garlic, bacon, and cheese throughout – a recipe you can trust will be truly delightful!
House Favorite Roasted Brussels Sprouts
We enjoy these regularly, but they shine especially during Thanksgiving! Enhanced with pops of cranberries and crunchy walnuts.
The Best Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
An excellent way to free up space on your stovetop! Creamy, fluffy Mashed Potatoes made in the Instant Pot! So indulgent, so light, and SO DELICIOUS.
Roasted Carrots with Honey and Garlic Yogurt Sauce
These delightful carrots must be on your table! Deeply roasted rainbow carrots, tangy garlicky yogurt sauce, a rich drizzle of honey, and festive pistachio crunch on top.
Avocado Kale Caesar Salad
Kale, avocado, and crunchy seeds smothered in a quick creamy avocado caesar dressing that can also be made vegan.
Liz’s Roasted Broccoli Salad
Another winner in the roasted veggie category! Bright lemon, crispy bacon, tangy feta, and crunchy roasted broccoli.
Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce
Incredibly soft and delightful, perfect for the holiday. Drizzled with a 5-ingredient sage garlic butter sauce that will amaze you.
Simple Green Salad
Every holiday gathering needs a Simple Green Salad! Fresh spring greens lightly drizzled with a maple balsamic dressing and topped with your choice of crunchies.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi
This dish is a wonderful vegetarian option for the significant day! It’s sweet, rich, buttery, and satisfying.
Brussels Sprouts with Gochujang Butter
Roasted brussels, but with a twist! Shredded roasted brussels sprinkled with toasted walnuts and bites of juicy dried cranberries, all wrapped in a rich layer of gochujang garlic butter sauce.
Baked Mac and Cheese
This Baked Mac and Cheese features a cheesy interior and crispy exterior, packed with flavor that elicits pure delight.
Kale Apple Salad with Crispy Shallots
Adore this salad! Kale, brussels sprouts, rosemary cashews, apples, fried bread cheese, crispy shallots, and a sweet apple maple dressing!
Avocado Caesar Green Beans
Grab some green beans, whip up a quick avocado caesar, toast up some panko, and let’s enjoy! My children rave about this dish!
Brussels & Kale Caesar with Cheezy Garlic Croutons
Thin shreds of brussels and chopped kale, mixed with a creamy, garlicky, avocado-based vegan caesar dressing, and finished with delectable cheezy garlic croutons.
Miracle No Knead Bread
This is SO UNBELIEVABLY DELICIOUS and unbelievably easy to prepare. The ideal dish to bring to any holiday gathering. Crispy outside, soft and chewy inside.
Gingery Cranberry Salsa
This is my favorite holiday appetizer! A finely textured, juicy, zesty, fresh, and sweet Cranberry Salsa, with a hint of heat from jalapeño.
Roasted Sweet Potato, Wild Rice, and Arugula Salad
Roasted Sweet Potato, Wild Rice, and Arugula Salad: finished with a simple lemon and olive oil dressing.
House Favorite Garlic Bread
Ditch the rolls and prepare fresh garlic bread! French bread, butter, fresh garlic, garlic powder, Parmesan, and parsley combine for a simple yet utterly delicious dish.
Autumn Glow Salad with Lemon Dressing
So many delicious elements! Roasted cauliflower, sweet potato, grains, and apples. YUM!
Toasted Bread and Parmesan Kale Salad
This Kale Salad is absolutely THE BEST! It features heaps of shredded kale, Parmesan cheese, homemade croutons, and a lemon olive oil dressing. Simple yet SO TASTY.
Pomegranate, Kale, and Wild Rice Salad with Walnuts and Feta
Pomegranate, Kale, and Wild Rice Salad featuring walnuts and Feta cheese along with a simple homemade dressing. Another beloved holiday salad!
Additional Holiday Recipes and Resources
Should you seek more than mere sides, here are some of my cherished holiday recipes including Thanksgiving dinners, desserts, brunch ideas, and beyond!
**A Guide to 25 Popular Thanksgiving Side Dishes**
Thanksgiving is a celebration of family, gratitude, and, naturally, a plethora of tasty dishes. While the turkey may frequently steal the limelight, the side dishes are what truly elevate the dining experience. Here’s a guide to 25 popular Thanksgiving sides that are destined to enhance your holiday feast.
1. **Mashed Potatoes**
Rich and buttery, mashed potatoes are a mainstay on the Thanksgiving table. They pair wonderfully with gravy and are adored by guests of every age.
2. **Stuffing**
Whether termed stuffing or dressing, this dish is indispensable. Comprised of bread, herbs, and often sausage or nuts, it’s a flavorful addition to the repast.
3. **Green Bean Casserole**
A classic featuring green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. It’s a comforting and savory side.
4. **Cranberry Sauce**
This sweet and tangy sauce offers a refreshing balance to the savory flavors present in the meal. It can be homemade or store-bought.
5. **Sweet Potato Casserole**
Usually topped with marshmallows or pecans, this dish blends sweetness and savoriness, making it a favorite for many.
6. **Roasted Brussels Sprouts**
Typically roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper, sometimes enhanced with bacon or balsamic glaze for additional taste.
7. **Cornbread**
A Southern delight, cornbread is slightly sweet and pairs well with the savory dishes presented.
8. **Macaroni and Cheese**
Creamy, cheesy, and rich, macaroni and cheese is a comforting side dish that’s difficult to resist.
9. **Glazed Carrots**
Carrots coated with honey or brown sugar lend a hint of sweetness and brightness to the meal.
10. **Gravy**
Essential for drizzling over turkey and mashed potatoes, gravy is crafted from turkey drippings and adds depth to the meal.
11. **Roasted Root Vegetables**
A blend of root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, roasted to perfection with herbs.
12. **Butternut Squash Soup**
This creamy soup serves as a warm and inviting starter that brings forward the flavors of the season.
13. **Biscuits**
Light and buttery, biscuits are excellent for soaking up gravy or simply enjoying with a pat of butter.
14. **Cauliflower Gratin**
A cheesy, baked dish that provides a fantastic alternative to potatoes, with a creamy texture and rich flavor.
15. **Spinach and Artichoke Dip**
Often served as an appetizer, this creamy dip is a crowd-favorite that pairs well with bread or crackers.
16. **Wild Rice Pilaf**
A nutty and savory side that commonly incorporates cranberries, nuts, and herbs.
17. **Baked Apples**
A delightful dessert or side option, often spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.
18. **Pumpkin Bread**
A moist and spiced bread that encapsulates the essence of fall.
19. **Brussels Sprouts with Bacon**
A savory side where Brussels sprouts are roasted alongside crispy bacon bits.
20. **Pear and Gorgonzola Salad**
A refreshing salad combining mixed greens, ripe pears, and sharp Gorgonzola cheese.
21. **Garlic Bread**
A straightforward yet flavorful side, perfect for absorbing sauces and gravies.
22. **Coleslaw**
A crunchy and tangy salad that introduces a refreshing aspect to the meal.
23. **Deviled Eggs**
A classic appetizer that is creamy and tangy, frequently garnished with paprika.
24. **Roasted Asparagus**
Simple and sophisticated, roasted asparagus is a healthy and flavor-rich side.
25. **Pecan Pie**
While often enjoyed as dessert, this sweet and nutty pie can also make for a delightful side dish.
These side dishes showcase a variety of flavors and textures, ensuring there’s something for everyone at your Thanksgiving gathering. Whether you adhere to classic recipes or explore something novel, these dishes are bound to enrich your holiday celebration.
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