10 Thanksgiving Side Dishes You Need This Year

Thanksgiving dinner isn’t complete with turkey alone. Let’s be honest—the Thanksgiving side dishes are usually the first things to disappear from the table.

A creamy scoop of mashed potatoes, a spoonful of buttery stuffing, crispy roasted vegetables, and something sweet on the side can turn an ordinary holiday meal into the dinner everyone remembers. And if someone asks for seconds before you’ve even sat down? That’s how you know you picked the right recipes.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving for the first time or you’re the person your family automatically trusts with the holiday menu, these 10 Thanksgiving recipes for side dishes bring plenty of flavor without making your kitchen feel like a restaurant kitchen during rush hour.

I’ve included classic favorites, cozy casseroles, colorful vegetables, and a few dishes that can save you precious oven space. Because yes, the turkey needs the oven too.

1. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

If Thanksgiving had an official comfort-food champion, mashed potatoes would probably win by a landslide.

This version combines fluffy potatoes with butter, cream, and garlic for a side dish that practically begs for gravy. Make a generous batch because someone will absolutely “just taste” them three or four times.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the potatoes and garlic in a large pot.
2. Cover them with cold water and add a generous pinch of salt.
3. Bring the water to a boil.
4. Cook for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes become fork-tender.
5. Drain the potatoes thoroughly.
6. Return them to the warm pot and mash them with the garlic.
7. Warm the butter and cream together until the butter melts.
8. Slowly pour the warm mixture into the potatoes while mashing.
9. Season with salt and black pepper.
10. Stir in fresh parsley and serve warm.

Why You’ll Love It

Yukon Gold potatoes create an naturally creamy texture without requiring a ridiculous amount of cream.

Don’t overmix them. A few small lumps make them feel homemade, while overworking potatoes can turn them gluey. Nobody wants mashed potatoes that fight back.

2. Classic Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole has earned its place at Thanksgiving dinner for generations. Creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions make green beans considerably more exciting than they have any right to be.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups crispy fried onions
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3. Add the green beans and cook for 4–5 minutes.
4. Drain and rinse them under cold water.
5. Mix the mushroom soup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper in a large bowl.
6. Add the green beans and toss until coated.
7. Stir in half of the crispy onions.
8. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
9. Sprinkle Parmesan over the top.
10. Bake for 20 minutes.
11. Add the remaining crispy onions.
12. Bake for another 5–7 minutes until golden and crunchy.

Why You’ll Love It

Fresh green beans give this casserole more texture than canned beans, while the crispy onions create the crunch everyone secretly wants.

You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and bake it shortly before dinner. That’s one less thing to panic about when guests arrive.

3. Southern Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread dressing brings that cozy, old-fashioned flavor that makes Thanksgiving feel like Thanksgiving.

The combination of crumbly cornbread, celery, onion, sage, and broth creates a savory side dish that tastes fantastic next to turkey and gravy.

Ingredients

• 6 cups crumbled cornbread
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and celery.
4. Cook for 5–7 minutes until soft.
5. Place the crumbled cornbread in a large mixing bowl.
6. Add the cooked vegetables, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Gradually pour in the broth and stir gently.
8. Add the beaten eggs and mix until combined.
9. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
10. Bake for 35–45 minutes until golden on top.
11. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Why You’ll Love It

The slightly sweet cornbread balances the savory herbs beautifully.

Add broth gradually instead of dumping it all in at once. You want moist dressing with enough structure to scoop, not something that needs a straw.

4. Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese might not appear on every traditional Thanksgiving menu, but once you put a bubbling dish of it on the table, nobody complains.

This baked version gives you tender pasta, a creamy cheese sauce, and a golden crust.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan, grated
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup breadcrumbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
4. Melt butter in a large saucepan.
5. Whisk in flour and cook for one minute.
6. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream.
7. Cook until the sauce thickens.
8. Reduce the heat and add the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan.
9. Season with garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
10. Stir the pasta into the cheese sauce.
11. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish.
12. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
13. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Why You’ll Love It

Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor, while Monterey Jack keeps the sauce creamy.

For a little extra richness, add a spoonful of cream cheese. Is it over the top? Maybe. Is Thanksgiving the correct time for over-the-top cheese? Absolutely.

5. Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole sits somewhere between a vegetable side and dessert, and nobody seems interested in making it choose a career.

Creamy sweet potatoes, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and crunchy pecans create a warm and cozy holiday favorite.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds sweet potatoes
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup brown sugar for topping
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes.
3. Boil them in salted water until tender.
4. Drain and mash until smooth.
5. Add butter, brown sugar, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt.
6. Mix until creamy.
7. Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.
8. Mix the pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter.
9. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potatoes.
10. Bake for 25–30 minutes until hot and golden.

Why You’ll Love It

The creamy potatoes taste naturally sweet and comforting, while the pecan topping adds a wonderful crunch.

If your family loves marshmallows, add them during the final few minutes of baking. If you’re team pecan, keep that crunchy topping and don’t apologize.

6. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts have come a long way from the overcooked vegetables many of us remember from childhood.

Roast them at high heat with garlic and Parmesan, and you get crisp edges, tender centers, and serious savory flavor.

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts.
3. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Arrange them cut-side down on a large baking sheet.
5. Roast for 20–25 minutes.
6. Sprinkle Parmesan over the Brussels sprouts.
7. Roast for another 3–5 minutes.
8. Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.

Why You’ll Love It

High heat creates those gorgeous caramelized edges while keeping the inside tender.

Don’t overcrowd the pan. Brussels sprouts need space to roast properly. Otherwise, they’ll steam, and nobody invited steamed Brussels sprouts to the Thanksgiving party.

7. Honey Butter Roasted Carrots

Thanksgiving tables can become very beige very quickly. These honey butter roasted carrots bring bright color and sweet-savory flavor to the plate.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds carrots, peeled
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. Cut the carrots into evenly sized pieces.
3. Place them on a baking sheet.
4. Combine melted butter, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the mixture over the carrots.
6. Toss until evenly coated.
7. Arrange the carrots in one layer.
8. Roast for 25–35 minutes, turning halfway through.
9. Remove them once tender and caramelized.
10. Garnish with fresh thyme and parsley.

Why You’ll Love It

The honey helps the carrots caramelize while butter gives them a rich finish.

For a little kick, add red pepper flakes. The sweet-and-spicy combination tastes surprisingly good next to turkey.

8. Creamy Scalloped Potatoes

Can’t decide between potatoes and cheese? Good news: you don’t have to.

Thinly sliced potatoes bake in a creamy garlic sauce with Gruyere and Parmesan until the edges turn golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Grease a baking dish with butter.
3. Arrange the potato slices in overlapping layers.
4. Whisk together the cream, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme.
5. Pour the mixture over the potatoes.
6. Sprinkle Gruyere and Parmesan throughout the layers and over the top.
7. Cover the dish with foil.
8. Bake for 45 minutes.
9. Remove the foil.
10. Bake for another 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
11. Let the potatoes rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Why You’ll Love It

These scalloped potatoes deliver creamy centers and crispy, cheesy edges in every serving.

Slice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate. A mandoliner makes this easier, but please keep your fingers out of the recipe.

9. Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish

After all those creamy, buttery dishes, Thanksgiving dinner needs something bright and tart.

Fresh cranberries, orange, and apple create a refreshing relish that cuts through rich food and adds a beautiful burst of color.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 1 large orange
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 small apple, chopped
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Rinse the cranberries and remove any damaged berries.
2. Cut the orange into chunks and remove the seeds.
3. Add cranberries, orange, apple, sugar, and orange juice to a food processor.
4. Pulse until finely chopped but still slightly chunky.
5. Stir in orange zest and a pinch of salt.
6. Taste and adjust the sweetness.
7. Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Why You’ll Love It

The cranberries provide tartness while orange adds fresh citrus flavor.

You can make this relish a day or two ahead, which makes it a lifesaver when Thanksgiving cooking starts getting chaotic.

10. Maple Pecan Roasted Acorn Squash

Want a Thanksgiving side dish that looks impressive without requiring complicated cooking skills? Roasted acorn squash checks both boxes.

The squash turns tender and caramelized while maple syrup and pecans add sweet, nutty flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 acorn squash
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Carefully cut the acorn squash in half.
3. Scoop out the seeds.
4. Place the squash cut-side up on a baking sheet.
5. Brush each half with melted butter.
6. Drizzle maple syrup over the squash.
7. Sprinkle with cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
8. Roast for 35–45 minutes until tender.
9. Add the pecans during the final 10 minutes.
10. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

Why You’ll Love It

This dish brings something different to the Thanksgiving table. The squash has an earthy sweetness, while maple syrup and pecans add warm holiday flavor.

The roasted squash also looks gorgeous served straight from the oven, so you get maximum presentation points with very little effort.

How to Plan Your Thanksgiving Side Dish Menu

You don’t need all ten recipes on your table unless you’re feeding an entire football team.

For most Thanksgiving dinners, choose 4–6 side dishes that offer different flavors and textures.

A balanced menu could include:

• Mashed potatoes for creamy comfort
• Cornbread dressing for a classic savory flavor
• Green bean casserole for vegetables and crunch
• Sweet potato casserole for something sweet
• Cranberry relish for a tart, refreshing bite
• Roasted Brussels sprouts for crispy vegetables

This combination gives everyone something to love without making you cook twelve dishes at once.

Easy Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Thanksgiving cooking gets much easier when you prepare a few things ahead.

You can make cranberry orange relish one or two days early. The flavor actually improves after the ingredients have time to mingle.

Prepare sweet potato casserole and cornbread dressing earlier in the day, then bake them shortly before dinner.

You can also make mashed potatoes several hours ahead and keep them warm. Add a little extra butter or cream before serving to bring back their silky texture.

For roasted vegetables, wash and cut everything ahead of time. Toss them with oil and seasonings right before they go into the oven.

How to Make Thanksgiving Side Dishes Taste Better

Great Thanksgiving food doesn’t always require expensive ingredients. Small details make a huge difference.

Season as you cook. Don’t wait until the very end to add salt.

Use fresh herbs. Parsley, thyme, sage, and rosemary can make familiar dishes taste fresher.

Add contrasting textures. Crispy onions, toasted pecans, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan can turn a soft casserole into something much more exciting.

Balance rich dishes with fresh ones. If you’re serving mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and scalloped potatoes, cranberry relish or roasted vegetables can keep the meal from feeling too heavy.

Taste before serving. This sounds obvious, but it’s one of the easiest ways to improve holiday cooking. Your guests won’t know you made three seasoning adjustments behind the scenes. That’s the beauty of being the cook.

FAQ’s

What are the best Thanksgiving side dishes?

Some of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes include mashed potatoes, stuffing or dressing, green bean casserole, mac and cheese, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, and scalloped potatoes.

How many Thanksgiving side dishes should I make?

Most families can comfortably serve 4–6 side dishes. Larger gatherings may benefit from 6–8 options, especially when you want to accommodate different tastes.

What Thanksgiving sides can I make ahead?

Cranberry relish, sweet potato casserole, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole all work well as make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes.

What side dishes go well with turkey?

Turkey pairs especially well with mashed potatoes, gravy, cornbread dressing, cranberry relish, roasted vegetables, green bean casserole, and sweet potatoes.

How do I keep Thanksgiving side dishes warm?

Cover cooked casseroles with foil and keep them in a low-temperature oven until serving. You can also use a slow cooker for mashed potatoes and other suitable sides.

Can I customize these Thanksgiving recipes?

Absolutely. Change the herbs, cheeses, toppings, or seasonings to match your family’s preferences. The best Thanksgiving recipes are the ones your family actually wants to eat.

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Final Thoughts

The turkey may sit in the center of the Thanksgiving table, but Thanksgiving side dishes often get the biggest reactions.

Creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy mac and cheese, classic cornbread dressing, sweet potato casserole, crisp Brussels sprouts, and bright cranberry relish give your holiday meal the variety it needs.

Choose a few favorites, prepare what you can ahead of time, and don’t forget to make enough for seconds.

Because Thanksgiving has one very important rule: never underestimate how much people will eat when there’s good food on the table.