Show-Stopping Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Steal the Spotlight

39 Must-Try Side Dishes for Thanksgiving Dinner

Let’s be honest: the sides are often the stars of Thanksgiving. The turkey deserves the center of attention, but the real excitement comes from the variety of side dishes—creamy, crispy, sweet, savory, and everything in between.

This list organizes the best Thanksgiving sides by category so you can build a balanced menu: comforting carbs, cheesy bakes, vibrant vegetables, bright salads, and flavorful sauces. Use it to plan a show-stopping table that covers texture, color, and flavor.

Stuffing and Bread Recipes

Classic stuffing and fresh bread are essential. From savory herb stuffing to soft dinner rolls, these recipes pair perfectly with turkey and gravy.

Bacon, Sage and Onion Stuffing (Dressing)

A family favorite—savory, aromatic, and loaded with crispy bacon and sage. A must on many holiday tables.

Salted Maple Dinner Rolls

Soft, fluffy rolls with a touch of maple sweetness and salted maple butter—perfect for mopping up gravy.

Cornbread Dressing

Buttery, moist cornbread dressing with a crisp top—comforting and full of southern flavor.

Sourdough Dinner Rolls with Rosemary

Pull-apart sourdough rolls flavored with rosemary—crusty outside, tender inside, and perfect with butter.

Potato Side Dishes

Potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple: rich, creamy, and entirely satisfying. Choose from mashed, roasted, au gratin, and more.

Creamy Whipped Mashed Potatoes

Rich, buttery, and silky smooth—these mashed potatoes are classic comfort food and a crowd-pleaser.

Cheesy Potatoes

A triple-cheese bake with tender potatoes and a golden, bubbly top—rich and irresistible.

Parmesan Truffle Roasted Fingerlings

Roasted fingerlings with truffle oil, parmesan, and lemon zest—elevated and elegant.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Creamy sweet potato filling topped with a crunchy pecan streusel—comforting and festive.

Potatoes Au Gratin

Thinly sliced potatoes layered with onions and baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce—utterly comforting.

Fondant Sweet Potatoes

Crisp on the outside, tender inside, glazed with maple and thyme—flavorful and elegant.

Brown Butter Mashed White Sweet Potatoes

Creamy mashed sweet potatoes tossed with browned butter, sage, and a hint of nutmeg—warm and cozy.

Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes with a bright orange glaze—balanced sweetness and citrus brightness.

Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

Starchy russets mashed with sour cream for a tangy, rich twist on traditional mashed potatoes.

Mac and Cheese Sides

Cheesy and indulgent—mac and cheese is a must for many Thanksgiving tables. Try a baked version with a crunchy topping or a creamy stovetop classic.

Gouda Mac and Cheese

Smoky gouda creates a rich sauce that bakes up with a buttery, crisp topping—comfort food with depth.

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

A sharp white cheddar sauce that can be served creamy or baked with a crunchy chip topping for texture.

Three Cheese Mac and Cheese

A cheese lover’s dream—layers of melty cheese and a golden, bubbly top make this a table favorite.

Vegetable Side Dishes

Showcase seasonal produce—roasted squash, crisp green beans, glazed carrots, and inventive Brussels sprouts all bring color and balance to the plate.

Maple Roasted Delicata Squash

Easy to prep and roast—no peeling needed. A sweet maple glaze highlights the natural flavor of delicata.

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Sautéed green beans tossed in garlic butter and parmesan—simple, bright, and addictive.

Honey Thyme Roasted Carrots

A mostly hands-off side—toss, roast, and let the oven caramelize these sweet, aromatic carrots.

Instant Pot Acorn Squash

A quick way to get tender acorn squash when the oven space is limited—serve halves or mash them.

Turkey Veggie Tray

A fun, no-cook centerpiece that adds fresh color—great for snacking before the main meal.

Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

Sweet, roasted root vegetables caramelized to perfection—simple and beloved by all ages.

Southern-Style Creamed Corn

Fresh-sweet corn in a rich, creamy sauce—far superior to canned versions and deeply comforting.

Candied Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Sweet, savory, and crispy—brussels sprouts glazed with maple and tossed with bacon for ultimate flavor.

Skillet Cajun Green Bean Casserole

A fresh twist on the classic: homemade creamy mushroom sauce and crispy shallots, made on the stovetop.

Cheesy Broccoli Au Gratin

Fresh broccoli baked in a creamy cheese sauce—an easy, crowd-pleasing vegetable side.

Maple Glazed Roasted Carrots

Sweet, sticky, and perfectly caramelized—maple-glazed carrots make a gorgeous side.

Mixed Vegetable Casserole

Frozen vegetables baked in a creamy Mornay sauce—simple, comforting, and easily doubled for a crowd.

Miso Brussels Sprouts

Umami-forward miso glaze gives brussels sprouts a sweet-savory finish and crisp edges.

Creamy Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

A fresh green bean casserole made with homemade sauce and crispy bacon—no canned soup required.

Maple Bourbon Glazed Carrots and Pears

An elegant combination—sweet maple glaze with a hint of bourbon, balanced by roasted pears.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans

A great pairing—roasted sweet potatoes bring sweetness while green beans add a crisp, savory contrast.

Thanksgiving Salads

Bright, fresh salads add color and balance to a heavy holiday meal. These salads feature seasonal fruits, nuts, and tangy dressings to complement richer sides.

Roasted Pumpkin and Beetroot Salad

A hearty fall salad with roasted pumpkin, beets, feta, and a maple vinaigrette—bold flavors and great texture.

Holiday Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Baby greens, pear, pomegranate seeds, pistachios, and goat cheese with a sweet-tart pomegranate vinaigrette—beautiful and bright.

Adorable Thanksgiving Salad

A fun salad centerpiece featuring roasted butternut squash—cute, seasonal, and tasty.

Harvest Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

Apples, pears, sweet potatoes, cranberries, bacon, pecans, and feta tossed in a poppy seed vinaigrette—sweet, savory, and textured.

Fall Roasted Vegetable Salad

Roasted butternut squash, green beans, pancetta, cranberries, and pecans with apple cider vinaigrette—seasonal and hearty.

Sauces

Don’t forget sauces: gravy, chutneys, and flavored pestos elevate every bite and tie the whole plate together.

Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

Prep gravy ahead of time to save stress on the big day—rich, savory, and perfectly seasoned.

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Bright and cozy, with orange and cinnamon—make it ahead for convenience and great flavor.

Sage Pesto

A fall-forward pesto that pairs beautifully with turkey, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

Mushroom Cream Sauce

Creamy mushroom sauce for drizzling over meats, potatoes, or pasta—umami-rich and versatile.

Looking for more sauce ideas? Consider make-ahead gravies and bright fruit-based sauces to add contrast and freshness to your plate.

Helpful Tips

A Few Tips

• Balance rich dishes with lighter options: Add veggie-packed sides and salads to offset heavier, carb-forward dishes.
• Vary colors, flavors, and textures: Aim for a mix of bright, crunchy, creamy, and savory items to keep the spread interesting.
• Use every appliance: Free up oven space by finishing some sides on the stovetop, in the Instant Pot, or the air fryer.
• Plan and prep ahead: Chop vegetables, make sauces, and assemble casseroles in advance to reduce day-of stress.

FAQ: Thanksgiving Sides