Thanksgiving is all about gathering around a table overflowing with tasty food and warmth. While the turkey often takes center stage, it’s the side dishes that truly complete the holiday spread.
From creamy mashed potatoes to vibrant casseroles, each side brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of tradition.
Here’s a cozy collection of 11 Thanksgiving sides that are both familiar and full of character. They are perfect for sharing with loved ones as you make holiday memories together.
11 Thanksgiving Side Dishes
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Chives
Fluffy potatoes whisked into a silky, garlic- and butter-rich mash, then finished with a sprinkle of fresh chives. It’s classic, comforting, and irresistible. The garlic adds a mellow depth, and chives bring a fresh pop. Serve immediately while piping hot — your guests will go for seconds before the turkey is even carved.
Ingredients
- Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- Butter
- Milk or cream
- Garlic cloves
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
Peel and cut potatoes into chunks, then boil in salted water until fork-tender. Meanwhile, warm milk (or cream) with butter and crushed garlic to gently infuse.
Drain the potatoes and mash them, then slowly stir in the warm butter-milk mixture until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and sprinkle chopped chives on top before serving.
2. Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions
Bright green beans enveloped in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with golden, crispy onions. The onions add crunch as well as flavor, and the mushroom sauce keeps everything rich and cozy.
A beloved classic that balances the richness of everything else on the table.
Ingredients
- Fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
- Cream of mushroom soup or homemade mushroom sauce
- Milk
- Soy sauce or Worcestershire (optional)
- Crispy fried onions
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven, then blanch the green beans until just tender. Mix them with mushroom soup, a splash of milk, and a pinch of soy sauce or Worcestershire for extra depth.
Season with salt and pepper, then transfer into a baking dish. Spread crispy onions on top and bake until bubbling and golden.
3. Sweet Potato Mash with Maple and Pecans
Soft sweet potatoes mashed with syrupy maple, a hint of cinnamon, and crunchy pecans. It’s sweet, nutty, and lush, bringing autumn’s colors and warm flavors to the table in one comforting dish.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes
- Maple syrup
- Butter
- Cinnamon
- Chopped pecans
- Salt
Instructions
Boil peeled sweet potatoes until soft, then drain and mash well. Stir in butter, maple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon until velvety.
Taste and add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top before serving to add texture and nutty notes.
4. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes layered in a creamy cheese sauce, baked until tender and golden. Each bite delivers gooey cheese, soft potato, and savory richness—a creamy, dreamy addition to the feast.
Ingredients
- Potatoes, very thinly sliced
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk or heavy cream
- Cheese (cheddar, gruyère, or your favorite)
- Nutmeg, salt, pepper
Instructions
Prepare a roux by melting butter, whisking in flour, and slowly adding milk or cream to create a smooth sauce.
Stir in grated cheese until melted and silky; season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Layer sliced potatoes in a baking dish, pour the cheese sauce over them, then bake until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
5. Sage and Onion Stuffing
A fragrant mix of soft bread cubes, sautéed onions, and aromatic sage, baked to crisp-tender perfection. Savory, herby, and deeply comforting—this stuffing adds warmth and classic flavor to Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingredients
- Day-old bread, cubed
- Onion, finely chopped
- Butter or oil
- Fresh or dried sage
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Toast bread cubes until lightly crisp. Meanwhile, sauté onions in butter until translucent, then stir in chopped sage.
Toss the bread with onion-sage mixture, and add just enough broth to moisten (but not soggy). Season and bake until the top is golden and the center is just set.
6. Maple-Glazed Roasted Carrots
Sweet baby carrots roasted with maple syrup and a touch of olive oil, garnished with parsley. They become soft, caramel-kissed, and vibrant—a simple side with big autumn flavor and flattering color.
Ingredients
- Baby carrots or carrot sticks
- Olive oil
- Maple syrup
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Toss carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Arrange on a baking sheet and roast until fork-tender and lightly caramelized. Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving to brighten up color and flavor.
7. Creamed Spinach with Nutmeg
Lush spinach leaves enveloped in a creamy, spiced white sauce with a whisper of nutmeg. Rich and silky, this side brings both green goodness and indulgent comfort to the feast.
Ingredients
- Spinach (fresh or frozen, well-drained)
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk or cream
- Nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Start a roux by melting butter, whisking in flour, then gradually adding milk or cream until smooth. Grate a small pinch of nutmeg into the sauce, season with salt and pepper.
Fold in wilted (or thawed and drained) spinach until fully coated and warmed through. Serve immediately.
8. Butternut Squash Gratin with Parmesan
Tender roasted butternut squash slices layered with creamy cheese sauce and a golden Parmesan crust. It’s sweet, savory, and full of autumnal warmth—like a casserole and veggie in one show-stopping dish.
Ingredients
- Butternut squash, peeled and sliced
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk or cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt, pepper, and thyme (optional)
Instructions
Roast squash slices lightly until just starting to soften. Meanwhile, prepare a creamy sauce (butter + flour + milk or cream) and stir in most of the Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme if using.
Layer squash in a casserole, pour cheese sauce over, top with remaining Parmesan, and bake until bubbling and golden.
9. Cornbread Muffins with Honey Butter
Moist, golden cornbread muffins with a crunchy top, served warm with sweet honey butter. The buttery sweetness is nostalgic and pairs well with savory dishes like turkey and gravy.
Ingredients
- Cornmeal
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Egg, milk
- Butter
- Honey
- Sugar
- Salt
Instructions
Combine dry ingredients, then stir in egg, milk, and melted butter to form a smooth batter. Scoop into muffin tins and bake until golden and springy.
To make honey butter, whip softened butter with honey and a pinch of salt until creamy. Serve muffins warm with a dollop of the sweet butter.
10. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Apples
Crisp-roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with savory bacon and sweet apple chunks. The bacon’s smokiness and apples’ natural sweetness elevate the sprouts, adding depth and irresistible balance to the plate.
Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts, halved
- Bacon, chopped
- Apple (e.g., Granny Smith), diced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until starting to brown. In a pan, crisp the chopped bacon, then stir in the apple pieces to warm slightly.
Mix bacon and apples into the roasted sprouts and serve hot.
11. Cranberry-Orange Relish
Tangy cranberries and bright orange pieces pulsed into a fresh, zesty relish. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and full of citrus punch—an uplifting contrast to the heavier dishes on the table.
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries
- Orange, peeled and segmented (or zest + juice)
- Sugar or honey
- Optional: chopped nuts or a pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
Pulse cranberries and orange (segments or both zest and juice) with sugar or honey in a food processor until roughly chopped and combined—some texture is good.
Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
Chill before serving to let flavors meld. Add chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon if you’d like extra texture or warmth.
Conclusion
These 11 Thanksgiving side dishes bring a beautiful tapestry of flavor, color, and comfort to your table.
From creamy mash and cheesy gratins to light, bright relishes and roasted veggies, there’s something here for every taste and gathering style.
Put on your festive apron and get ready to dish up a memorable, mouthwatering holiday.