The turkey may get top billing, but everyone knows the real magic of the holiday table is the spread of Thanksgiving side dishes crowded around it. From cloud-soft mashed potatoes to a bubbling green bean casserole, the sides are what people pile high and go back for seconds of. This is the part of the meal where comfort, tradition, and a little bit of showing off all come together.
We have pulled together 18 of the best Thanksgiving side dishes to build your menu around this year, whether you are feeding a big crowd or keeping things cozy. You will find the classics everyone expects, a few fresh twists to surprise your guests, and plenty of make-ahead friendly options. Scroll through, pick your favorites, and click any recipe to get the full instructions.
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Rich, buttery, and impossibly smooth, this is the mashed potato recipe your Thanksgiving table has been waiting for. It is the ultimate blank canvas for a ladle of gravy and the one side no one will let you skip.
2. Buttery Herb Stuffing
Golden on top, soft in the middle, and packed with fresh sage, thyme, and plenty of butter. This classic herb stuffing tastes like the holidays and comes together with pantry staples you likely already have.
3. Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions
No Thanksgiving spread is complete without this creamy, savory green bean casserole crowned with crispy fried onions. It is the nostalgic side dish that disappears fast every single year.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole with Toasty Marshmallows
Creamy spiced sweet potatoes tucked under a blanket of golden, toasty marshmallows. This crowd favorite blurs the line between side dish and dessert, and that is exactly why everyone loves it.
5. Classic Corn Casserole
Sweet, custardy, and endlessly comforting, this corn casserole strikes the perfect balance between cornbread and pudding. It stirs together in minutes and bakes up into a holiday favorite for all ages.
6. Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Caramelized at the edges and finished with a sweet-tangy balsamic glaze, these brussels sprouts convert even the skeptics. They add a welcome bit of crisp, savory contrast to the richer sides on the table.
7. Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme
Tender roasted carrots glossed in honey and fresh thyme bring a pop of color and natural sweetness to your holiday plate. Simple, elegant, and ready with almost no fuss.
8. Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
Cubes of butternut squash roasted until caramelized and drizzled with maple for a sweet-and-savory finish. It is autumn on a plate and a beautiful way to work more seasonal veggies into the feast.
9. Parmesan Herb Scalloped Potatoes
Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy parmesan-herb sauce until bubbly and golden. This decadent side feels special enough for the holidays yet is easy enough for any Sunday.
10. Buttery Parker House Rolls
Soft, pillowy, and brushed with butter, these homemade Parker House rolls are made for sopping up gravy and cranberry sauce. Warm from the oven, they are guaranteed to steal the show at the bread basket.
11. Cranberry Apple Walnut Stuffing
A festive twist on classic stuffing, studded with tart cranberries, sweet apples, and toasted walnuts. Every bite has a little chew, a little crunch, and a whole lot of holiday flavor.
12. Creamed Spinach with Parmesan
Steakhouse-worthy creamed spinach comes together in about 20 minutes with plenty of parmesan and garlic. It is a rich, velvety green that rounds out the holiday plate beautifully.
13. Cauliflower Gratin with Gruyere
Tender cauliflower baked in a silky gruyere cheese sauce until golden and bubbling on top. This elegant gratin is a lighter, lower-carb alternative to potatoes that still feels indulgent.
14. Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries
Nutty wild rice tossed with dried cranberries and fresh herbs makes a gorgeous, hearty grain side. It adds texture and color to the table and happens to be naturally gluten-free.
15. Creamy Mac and Cheese
Ultra-creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this mac and cheese is a must-have for the kids and grown-ups alike. It bakes up with a golden top and a gooey center that always earns a spot on the holiday menu.
16. Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables
A rustic medley of carrots, parsnips, and beets roasted with balsamic until sweet and tender. This colorful, wholesome side celebrates the best of fall’s harvest with almost no effort.
17. Cranberry Coleslaw
Crisp, crunchy, and dotted with tart cranberries, this fresh slaw is the light, bright contrast a heavy holiday plate craves. Make it ahead and let it chill while everything else bakes.
18. Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits
Tall, flaky, and impossibly tender, these homemade buttermilk biscuits are a Southern holiday staple. Split one open, add a pat of butter, and you have the perfect vehicle for every drizzle on the table.
More Holiday Cooking Inspiration
Ready to build the rest of your menu? Browse more Thanksgiving recipes, find the perfect finish in our side dishes collection, and save room for something sweet from our desserts and baked goods. Happy cooking, and happy Thanksgiving from The Kitchen’s Aid!
Kitchen Gear for This Recipe
- Instant-Read Meat Thermometer
- Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Heavy-Duty Sheet Pan Set
- Glass Mixing Bowl Set
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