Thanksgiving is a big deal. Not just because of the turkey—though yes, it’s the star—but because of the side dishes. Oh man, the side dishes. They’re the warm hugs of the meal. The ones you remember long after the turkey’s gone.
You don’t need to be a pro chef to nail them. You just need a few simple ingredients, a bit of patience, and the willingness to get a little messy. That’s it. The magic’s in the mess anyway.
Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into 20 easy Thanksgiving side dishes that’ll have everyone licking their plates. Yes, even Aunt Margaret who swore she’d eat light this year.
1. Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are already amazing. But browning the butter? That’s just unfair to other foods. It adds this nutty depth that makes you wanna eat ‘em by the spoonful before they even hit the table.
Just boil your peeled potatoes till soft. Mash ‘em with warm milk and a big ol’ dollop of browned butter. Salt, pepper, done. You’ll be lucky if they make it past the kitchen.
2. Classic Green Bean Casserole (but Make It Fresh)
Throw out the can. Seriously. Fresh green beans and homemade mushroom sauce are worth the tiny bit of effort. It still tastes like the casserole you grew up with—just better.
Sauté mushrooms in butter, add cream, garlic, and a splash of soy. Toss in blanched green beans and bake with crispy fried onions. Your mouth’s watering, isn’t it?
3. Honey-Roasted Carrots with Thyme
These look fancy, but they’re sneaky simple. Slice carrots, toss with olive oil, a spoonful of honey, and a few sprigs of thyme. Roast till caramelized.
You’ll hear that little sizzling crackle from the pan and know it’s working. Sweet, earthy, soft but with a little bite.
4. Sausage and Apple Stuffing
Stuffing doesn’t belong in the turkey. That’s just a moisture nightmare. Bake it on the side where it gets golden and crisp.
Brown sausage with onion and celery. Add diced apples, cubed bread, herbs, chicken broth, and bake. The flavors scream autumn. And it fills your kitchen with this cozy aroma that says, “Yep, it’s Thanksgiving alright.”
5. Buttery Cornbread Muffins
Cornbread belongs on the Thanksgiving table. It just does. These muffins are the easiest way to serve it—no slicing, no crumbs, no complaints.
Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and buttermilk. Pour into muffin tins and bake. Bonus points if you throw in some corn kernels or jalapeños.
6. Cranberry Sauce That Isn’t Canned (Please)
Canned cranberry sauce wiggles in a weird way. Like, scientifically confusing. Make your own—it’s just boiling berries with sugar and orange juice.
The berries pop as they cook. It’s fun. And the result is tangy, sweet, and a million miles better than that gelatinous tube.
7. Roasted Garlic Brussels Sprouts
If someone says they don’t like Brussels sprouts, they’ve never had them roasted. Garlic + olive oil + high heat = crispy, caramelized heaven.
Toss ‘em on a sheet pan and roast till they’ve got little golden charred bits. Sprinkle with sea salt. People will fight over the last one.
8. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
This one divides families. Are you Team Marshmallow or Team No Marshmallow? Either way, the base is the same—mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter.
If you’re brave, go with the marshmallows. Let ‘em puff and brown. It’s dessert pretending to be a side dish. And we love that.
9. Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus doesn’t always get a seat at the Thanksgiving table, but maybe it should. Especially when you roast it with parmesan till crispy.
Drizzle the stalks with olive oil. Sprinkle cheese, salt, pepper. Roast. It’s earthy, sharp, and pairs beautifully with everything else on your plate.
10. Mac and Cheese for Grown-Ups
Kids love it. Adults sneak seconds. The key is a super creamy cheese sauce with a bit of sharp cheddar and maybe a pinch of cayenne.
Elbow pasta, butter, flour, milk, cheese. Mix and bake till bubbly and golden on top. Someone will say, “This isn’t traditional,” then immediately go back for more.
11. Maple Glazed Roasted Squash
Roasted squash is one of those sides that feels like fall in a bite. Use butternut or acorn, whatever’s in season.
Toss with maple syrup, olive oil, and a dash of cinnamon. Roast till caramelized. It’s sweet, soft, and a little smoky if you’re lucky.
12. Creamed Spinach (Don’t Knock It)
Spinach lovers rejoice. Even spinach haters might cave on this one. It’s rich, garlicky, and full of creamy goodness.
Cook down your spinach, stir in a white sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and garlic. Finish with grated nutmeg. It’s humble, but it slaps.
13. Herbed Wild Rice Pilaf
This one’s for folks who want a lighter carb. Wild rice has chew and character. Like the jazz musician of grains.
Sauté onion and garlic, stir in wild rice and broth. Simmer till fluffy. Add toasted almonds and fresh herbs for a little razzle-dazzle.
14. Deviled Eggs with a Twist
Who says deviled eggs are just for spring? These bite-sized flavor bombs belong at every holiday gathering.
Mash yolks with mayo, Dijon, a dash of paprika, maybe even some crispy bacon bits. Pipe ’em back in and boom—gone in 5 minutes.
15. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Mashed potatoes have a cousin. And she’s fancy. Thinly sliced spuds, layered with cheese and cream, then baked till bubbly.
Use a mandolin if you’ve got it. The thinner the better. This dish is rich, cheesy, and crispy on the edges. It will steal the spotlight.
16. Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
There is no Thanksgiving without rolls. No argument. And if they’re brushed with garlic butter? Even better.
Use store-bought dough if you’re short on time. Let them rise, bake, then hit ’em with a swipe of garlic-parsley butter. Soft, fluffy, irresistible.
17. Balsamic Roasted Red Onions
These are the sleeper hit. Sweet, tangy, and beautifully purple. People don’t expect them, but they’ll remember them.
Cut red onions into wedges, toss with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and roast until soft and jammy. They melt right into the plate. No leftovers guaranteed.
18. Broccoli Cheese Bake
This is comfort food in a casserole dish. Think warm broccoli in a cheesy, creamy sauce topped with something crunchy.
Blanch the broccoli, make a cheese sauce, combine and bake. Finish with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Even the pickiest eater will dig in.
19. Harvest Salad with Pecans and Apples
You gotta have something fresh. A salad breaks up all the heavy stuff and makes you feel like you’re being healthy. Even if it’s covered in dressing.
Mix greens with sliced apples, toasted pecans, goat cheese, and a maple vinaigrette. Sweet, salty, crunchy, and light.
20. Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes
These are like if baked potatoes had a glow-up. Scoop out the flesh, mash with sour cream, cheese, and green onions, then bake it all back in the skins.
You get crispy skins, creamy filling, melty cheese on top. It’s like a mini meal. People will hoard them.
So there you have it—20 Thanksgiving side dishes that aren’t just easy, but downright delightful.
And look, no one’s saying you need to make all of these. Pick a few. Or a lot. Let the dishes reflect the kind of Thanksgiving you want to have. Loud, soft, simple, over-the-top—doesn’t matter.
What matters is sharing something warm with people you love. Maybe it’s messy. Maybe the rolls burn a little. Maybe someone forgets the cranberry sauce in the fridge.
That’s okay.
Because what you’re really serving—underneath the butter, the gravy, the layers of cheese—is comfort. Memory. Home.
And no one’s ever complained about too many sides.
