Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Thanksgiving is the ultimate celebration of food, and while the turkey often gets top billing, it’s the side dishes that truly complete the feast. From classic comfort foods to fresh, modern takes, here’s a delicious roundup of Thanksgiving side dish ideas to complement your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe Collection

• Offers both traditional and creative side dish options
• Balances flavors and textures—from creamy to crisp, savory to sweet
• Includes make-ahead and dietary-friendly ideas
• Easy to scale for gatherings big or small
• Sure to please a wide variety of palates
• Adds color and variety to your Thanksgiving spread
• Perfect for potlucks, Friendsgiving, or formal dinners
• Includes both rich indulgences and light, fresh choices
• Great way to showcase fall produce
• Time-tested crowd favorites

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Some common ingredients found across many side dishes include:

• potatoes (russet, Yukon Gold, or sweet potatoes)
• fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage, parsley)
• garlic and onions
• heavy cream, butter, or milk
• broth (vegetable or chicken)
• cheeses (cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyère)
• olive oil
• seasonal vegetables (green beans, Brussels sprouts, carrots, squash)
• bread (for stuffing)
• cranberries, nuts, citrus, and fall spices

directions

this recipe

These are general preparation tips, as each dish varies:

1. Roast vegetables at 400°F for 25–45 minutes with olive oil and seasonings.
2. Boil potatoes, mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Prepare casseroles by combining pre-cooked ingredients and baking until bubbly.
4. Assemble stuffing by sautéing aromatics, tossing with bread cubes and broth, then baking.
5. Whisk salad dressings and toss with hearty greens, fruits, and nuts.
6. For mac and cheese, make a roux-based cheese sauce and bake with pasta.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Each dish typically serves 4–8
• Prep Time: 10–30 minutes per dish
• Cook Time: 25–60 minutes depending on recipe
• Total Time: Varies; many are ready in under an hour

Variations

• Use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes for a low-carb option
• Add bacon or sausage to stuffing for extra flavor
• Make Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze and cranberries
• Swap green bean casserole for a fresh green bean almondine
• Top sweet potatoes with pecan crumble instead of marshmallows
• Make dairy-free or vegan versions using plant-based substitutes

storage/reheating

• Most sides can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture
• Microwaving works for quicker reheating, but use short bursts
• Freeze casseroles or mashed potatoes for longer storage
• Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to prevent drying out

FAQs

What are the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes?

Mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and sweet potato casserole.

Can I make side dishes ahead of time?

Yes, many can be prepped or fully cooked the day before—like stuffing, casseroles, and mashed potatoes.

How many sides should I serve?

Aim for 4–6 sides for a group of 6–8 people, including a mix of starches, veggies, and salads.

What are good vegetarian side dish options?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, Brussels sprouts, and salads are all great.

Are there gluten-free Thanksgiving side dishes?

Yes—roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, sautéed greens, and gluten-free stuffing options.

How do I reheat sides without drying them out?

Add a little broth, milk, or butter when reheating in the oven and cover with foil.

Can I freeze Thanksgiving sides?

Most casseroles and mashed dishes freeze well. Avoid freezing salads or dishes with fresh herbs on top.

What’s an easy way to add a fresh element?

Serve a crisp fall salad with kale, apple, pomegranate, and nuts.

What sides pair best with turkey?

Classic pairings include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, and roasted carrots.

How can I make Thanksgiving sides healthier?

Use olive oil instead of butter, reduce added sugar, and add more roasted or steamed veggies.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving side dishes bring warmth, color, and comfort to your holiday table. Whether you’re going all-in on tradition or trying new twists, a well-rounded selection of sides is the key to a memorable meal. Mix and match favorites, plan ahead, and enjoy the bounty of the season with dishes that everyone will love.

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