Casseroles, salads, vegetables, breads, and beyond! These comprise the finest Thanksgiving accompaniments to enhance your feast.
One undeniable truth about Thanksgiving is this: while the turkey might be seen as the main attraction, the sides… the sides are where the true enjoyment resides. Creamy, flavorful, crispy-topped, buttery vegetables and carbohydrates piled high on a plate – that’s the Thanksgiving vibe we’re all truly here for. 🧡
This assortment includes a blend of traditional favorites and a few creative variations — because Thanksgiving sometimes demands customs, and other times a little flair. And the best part? Many of these dishes cater to vegetarian preferences, ensuring that those at your gathering who skip the turkey will still indulge in a delightful Thanksgiving experience. Think light and fluffy potatoes, zesty green beans, soft gnocchi, warm crusty breads, and salads that are truly exhilarating.
These are the accompaniments that elevate the feast to something extraordinary. Let’s serve them up!
The Top Thanksgiving Sides
Green Bean Casserole
This Green Bean Casserole is a staple for Thanksgiving! Fresh green beans in a smooth, luxurious sauce sprinkled with gruyere and shallots – topped with crispy onions, of course!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Brown Sugar Topping
That crispy brown sugar topping will revive your spirit! Certainly a necessity for my Thanksgiving spread!
7-Layer Beet Salad
This 7-Layer Beet Salad is a stunner fit for fall! Punctuated with cooked beets, supremed oranges, chopped pistachios, creamy truffle ricotta, and a hint of fresh mint. So refreshing, so delightful!
Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad
By far, my most treasured salad to serve on Thanksgiving! Finely shaved brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and a light citrus vinaigrette.
Everybody’s Favorite Corn Casserole
Bursting with creamy-style corn and sweet corn along with garlic, bacon, and cheese mixed throughout – you know it’s bound to be delicious!
House Favorite Roasted Brussels Sprouts
We enjoy these constantly, but they are particularly superb for Thanksgiving! Dotting with bright cranberries and nutty walnuts.
The Best Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
The ultimate solution for freeing up your stove! Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes! Super creamy, fluffy, and SO DELICIOUS.
Roasted Carrots with Honey and Garlic Yogurt Sauce
These beauties deserve a spot at your table! Richly roasted rainbow carrots, complemented by tangy garlic yogurt sauce, a golden drizzle of honey, and festive pistachio crunch on top.
Avocado Kale Caesar Salad
Kale, avocado, and crunchy seeds coated in a quick creamy avocado caesar dressing that can easily be adapted to vegan as well.
Liz’s Roasted Broccoli Salad
Another beloved roasted vegetable treat! Bright lemon, crispy bacon, tangy feta, and crunchy roasted broccoli.
Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce
Incredibly soft and delicious, this dish feels perfectly suited for a holiday occasion. Finished with a 5-ingredient sage garlic butter sauce that will amaze you.
Simple Green Salad
Every meal deserves a Simple Green Salad! Fresh spring greens lightly dressed with a maple balsamic vinaigrette and sprinkled with your favorite crunchy toppings.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Adore this dish as a vegetarian main course or side for the occasion! It’s sweet, rich, buttery, and satisfying.
Brussels Sprouts with Gochujang Butter
Roasted brussels, but taken to the next level! Shredded roasted brussels sprouts accented with toasted walnuts and bites of plumped dried cranberries, and enveloped in a luscious layer of gochujang garlic butter sauce.
Baked Mac and Cheese
This Baked Mac and Cheese is gooey on the inside, crunchy on the outside, bursting with the OMG yum factor.
Kale Apple Salad with Crispy Shallots
I admire this salad immensely! Kale, brussels sprouts, rosemary cashews, apples, fried bread cheese, crispy shallots, and a crisp apple maple vinaigrette!
Avocado Caesar Green Beans
Grab a bag of fresh green beans, whip up a quick avocado caesar, toast some panko, and let’s dig in! My kids cherish this one!
Brussels & Kale Caesar with Cheezy Garlic Croutons
Delicate shreds of brussels sprouts and chopped kale, tossed with a creamy, garlicky, avocado-based vegan caesar dressing, crowned with irresistible cheezy garlic croutons.
Miracle No Knead Bread
This is SO INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS and unbelievably simple to prepare. The ideal item to bring to a holiday gathering. Perfectly crusty outside, soft and chewy within.
Gingery Cranberry Salsa
This is my top holiday appetizer! Cranberry Salsa that is finely minced, juicy, zesty, fresh, and sweet, with a kick from the jalapeño.
Roasted Sweet Potato, Wild Rice, and Arugula Salad
Roasted Sweet Potato, Wild Rice, and Arugula Salad: dressed with a straightforward lemon and olive oil dressing.
House Favorite Garlic Bread
Skip the rolls and opt for freshly made garlic bread! French bread, butter, fresh garlic, garlic powder, Parmesan, and parsley. It’s incredibly simple and unbelievably delicious.
Autumn Glow Salad with Lemon Dressing
There’s an abundance of delicious ingredients here! Roasted cauliflower, sweet potato, grains, and apples. YUM.
Toasted Bread and Parmesan Kale Salad
This is THE ULTIMATE Kale Salad! Plenty of shredded kale, Parmesan cheese, homemade breadcrumbs, and a lemon olive oil vinaigrette. So simple, SO DELICIOUS.
Pomegranate, Kale, and Wild Rice Salad with Walnuts and Feta
Pomegranate, Kale, and Wild Rice Salad, featuring walnuts and Feta cheese and a simple homemade dressing. A favorite holiday salad!
Additional Holiday Recipes and Resources
If you seek more than just accompaniments, here are several of my favorite holiday and Thanksgiving dinners, desserts, brunch recipes, and more!
**A Guide to 25 Timeless Thanksgiving Side Dishes**
Thanksgiving is a moment for family, appreciation, and, naturally, a banquet that unites everyone. While the turkey frequently steals the spotlight, it’s the side dishes that render the meal truly extraordinary. Here’s a guide to 25 iconic Thanksgiving side dishes guaranteed to enhance your holiday spread.
1. **Mashed Potatoes**
Smooth and buttery, mashed potatoes are an essential on any Thanksgiving table. They pair exquisitely with gravy and are adored by all ages.
2. **Stuffing**
Whether you favor it cooked inside the turkey or baked separately, stuffing is indispensable. Traditional recipes often feature bread, celery, onions, and herbs.
3. **Green Bean Casserole**
This well-loved dish combines green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crunchy fried onions for a comforting side.
4. **Cranberry Sauce**
Tart and sweet, cranberry sauce introduces a splash of flavor and color to the meal. It can be homemade or bought.
5. **Sweet Potato Casserole**
Adorned with marshmallows or a pecan crumble, sweet potato casserole offers a delightful mix of sweetness and richness.
6. **Roasted Brussels Sprouts**
These can be roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper, sometimes with added bacon or balsamic glaze for enhanced flavor.
7. **Gravy**
A luscious, savory gravy crafted from turkey drippings is essential for showering over mashed potatoes and stuffing.
8. **Cornbread**
Moist and slightly sweet, cornbread is a Southern classic that complements the meal superbly.
9. **Macaroni and Cheese**
Rich and cheesy, this dish is favored by both kids and adults, serving as a comforting element on the table.
10. **Glazed Carrots**
Carrots garnished with honey or brown sugar contribute a touch of sweetness and vibrant hues to the meal.
11. **Roasted Butternut Squash**
This dish is uncomplicated yet flavorful, frequently seasoned with cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, autumnal taste.
12. **Baked Beans**
Sweet and savory baked beans can serve as a filling addition, often enhanced with bacon or molasses.
13. **Cauliflower Gratin**
A cheesy, creamy alternative to potatoes, often topped with breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch.
14. **Brussels Sprouts with Bacon**
A variation on roasted Brussels sprouts, including bacon adds a smoky, savory dimension to the dish.
15. **Dinner Rolls**
Soft, fluffy rolls are ideal for sopping up gravy and other sauces, rounding out the meal.
16. **Pumpkin Soup**
A warm, spiced pumpkin soup can act as a starter or a side, delivering a taste of fall in each spoonful.
17. **Coleslaw**
A fresh, crunchy coleslaw can present a refreshing contrast to the heavier dishes served.
18. **Spinach Salad**
A light salad featuring spinach, cranberries, nuts, and a zesty vinaigrette can provide a refreshing touch.
19. **Garlic Bread**
Crunchy and buttery, garlic bread is a flavorful addition that complements many dishes.
20. **Roasted Root Vegetables**
A blend of carrots, parsnips, and beets roasted to perfection delivers a rustic and hearty side.
21. **Creamed Corn**
Sweet corn in a rich cream sauce is a comforting, traditional side that brings a hint of sweetness.
22. **Apple Salad**
A crisp apple salad with walnuts and a light dressing can add a fresh, fruity contrast.
23. **Deviled Eggs**
These are a delightful appetizer or side, featuring a creamy filling that can be seasoned as desired.
24. **Pear and Blue Cheese Salad**
A refined salad with pears, blue cheese, and walnuts presents a mix of sweet and savory tastes.
25. **Ratatouille**
This vegetable medley, including zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes, can introduce Mediterranean flair to your Thanksgiving feast.
These side dishes offer a diverse array of flavors and textures, ensuring there’s something for every palate at your Thanksgiving celebration. Whether you adhere to the classics or opt for something new, these dishes will ensure your holiday meal is unforgettable.