This list of the best Thanksgiving side dishes includes everything from traditional comfort foods to elevated options that will wow your guests.
1. Classic Creamy Mashed Potatoes

These ultra-creamy mashed potatoes are buttery, smooth, and the ultimate Thanksgiving comfort side dish that pairs perfectly with gravy.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Add the chopped russet potatoes to a large pot and cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water.
- Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender (a fork should slide in easily without resistance).
- Drain the potatoes using a colander and return them to the hot pot. Let them sit for 2–3 minutes to release excess steam for fluffier texture.
- In a small saucepan, heat the butter, heavy cream, and garlic over low heat for 3–5 minutes until warm and fragrant (do not boil).
- Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or hand mixer, slowly pouring in the warm cream mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper, mix until smooth, and serve hot.
2. Garlic Butter Green Beans

These garlic butter green beans are crisp-tender, flavorful, and a perfect fresh side to balance richer Thanksgiving dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Immediately transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process, then drain.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not brown).
- Add the green beans and toss for 3–5 minutes until heated through.
- Finish with lemon juice and salt before serving.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

This classic sweet potato casserole is creamy, sweet, and topped with golden toasted marshmallows for the perfect holiday side.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
- Add the sweet potatoes to a pot of water and boil for 15–20 minutes until very soft.
- Drain and mash using a potato masher until smooth.
- Mix in brown sugar, butter, and milk until creamy.
- Spread evenly into the baking dish and top with mini marshmallows.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown.
4. Classic Herb Stuffing

This savory herb stuffing is packed with flavor and baked to golden perfection, making it a must-have Thanksgiving side.
Ingredients
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a casserole dish.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the celery and onion and cook for 6–8 minutes until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine the vegetables with the stuffing mix.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring until evenly moistened.
- Transfer to the baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the top is golden.
5. Honey Glazed Carrots

These tender carrots are coated in a sweet buttery glaze that adds the perfect pop of color and flavor to your Thanksgiving plate.
Ingredients
Directions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the carrots for 8–10 minutes until just tender.
- Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the carrots and drizzle with honey.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the carrots are glossy and coated.
- Season with salt and serve warm.
6. Classic Green Bean Casserole

This creamy, crispy green bean casserole is a must-have Thanksgiving side dish with tender beans, rich sauce, and golden fried onions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed and cut in half
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 ½ cups crispy fried onions
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the green beans and cook for 5–6 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Immediately drain the beans using a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper until smooth.
- Fold in the green beans and ¾ cup of the fried onions.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until hot and bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle remaining fried onions on top, and return to oven for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

These crispy roasted potatoes are golden, flavorful, and loaded with garlic and parmesan for the perfect savory side.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Pat the potatoes dry with paper towels (this helps them crisp up).
- In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread potatoes cut-side down on the sheet pan in a single layer (this is key for crispiness).
- Roast for 25 minutes, then flip using a spatula.
- Sprinkle with parmesan and roast another 10–15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
8. Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

This baked mac and cheese is ultra creamy with a golden, cheesy crust that makes it a Thanksgiving favorite.
Ingredients
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
- Cook macaroni in boiling salted water for 7–8 minutes until al dente, then drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thick (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine sauce with macaroni, transfer to dish, and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

These crispy Brussels sprouts are caramelized and tossed with smoky bacon for bold Thanksgiving flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt and pepper
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a sheet pan and scatter bacon pieces evenly.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy and caramelized.
10. Buttery Herb Dinner Rolls

These soft, fluffy dinner rolls are brushed with butter and herbs, making them perfect for soaking up gravy on Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Place the dinner rolls in a baking dish close together.
- In a small bowl, mix the butter with parsley.
- Brush generously over the rolls using a pastry brush.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until warm and slightly golden on top.
- Serve immediately while soft and warm.
11. Savory Cornbread

This moist cornbread is slightly sweet, buttery, and perfect alongside any Thanksgiving dish.
Ingredients
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a cast iron skillet.
- In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal and flour.
- In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, and butter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Pour into skillet and bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
12. Cranberry Sauce from Scratch

This homemade cranberry sauce is sweet, tangy, and far better than anything canned.
Ingredients
Directions
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low.
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until berries burst and sauce thickens.
- Cool before serving (it thickens more as it cools).
13. Roasted Butternut Squash

This caramelized butternut squash is sweet, tender, and full of fall flavor.
Ingredients
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Toss squash with oil and maple syrup.
- Spread on a sheet pan.
- Roast for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized.
14. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

These cheesy scalloped potatoes are rich, creamy, and layered with tender slices of potato baked in a smooth cheese sauce.
This is one of the best Thanksgiving side dishes when you want something extra comforting and indulgent on the holiday table.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and sliced ⅛ inch thick
- 4 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Peel the russet potatoes and slice them into very thin rounds, about ⅛ inch thick. A mandoline slicer works especially well here because evenly sliced potatoes cook much more evenly.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture looks smooth and lightly golden.
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking the whole time so no lumps form. Continue cooking over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Stir in the garlic powder, salt and pepper, and 1 ½ cups of the cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and spread it gently with a spoon.
- Repeat with the remaining potatoes and the rest of the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a knife.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly and the layers hold together better.
15. Honey Butter Corn

This honey butter corn is sweet, buttery, and incredibly simple, but it tastes so good on a Thanksgiving plate.
It’s one of those easy Thanksgiving side dishes that balances savory foods perfectly.
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen corn
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 3 tablespoon honey
- 2 oz cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Add the frozen corn to a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the butter, honey, and cream cheese.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until the butter and cream cheese melt completely and coat the corn in a glossy sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper, then stir again.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the corn is heated all the way through and the sauce looks smooth.
- Serve warm in a bowl or transfer to a serving dish right away.
16. Roasted Carrots with Thyme

These roasted carrots are tender, lightly caramelized, and flavored with fresh thyme. They’re simple but elegant, which makes them a great addition to a Thanksgiving dinner menu.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into long sticks or diagonal slices
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¾ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Peel the carrots and cut them into evenly sized pieces so they roast at the same rate.
- In a large bowl, toss the carrots with olive oil, honey, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the carrots out in a single layer on the sheet pan. Try not to crowd them too closely, or they will steam instead of roast.
- Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once halfway through with a spatula, until the carrots are tender and lightly browned around the edges.
- Serve warm, spooning any glaze from the pan back over the top.
17. Garlic Butter Mushrooms

These mushrooms are deeply savory, buttery, and packed with garlic flavor. They make an easy but flavorful Thanksgiving side dish that fits in with almost everything on the table.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and halved if large
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the butter and let it melt.
- Add the mushrooms in a single layer as much as possible. Let them cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes so they can brown properly.
- Stir the mushrooms and continue cooking another 5 to 6 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to caramelize.
- Add the remaining butter and the garlic, then cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.
- Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot and glossy.
18. Creamy Spinach Gratin

This creamy spinach gratin is rich, cheesy, and baked until bubbly with a lightly golden top.
It’s a perfect Thanksgiving side dish when you want something a little more elegant than plain greens.
Ingredients
- 2 (10 oz) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 3 tablespoon butter
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a small baking dish.
- Make sure the thawed spinach is squeezed very dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Too much liquid will make the gratin watery.
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until soft.
- Add the spinach, heavy cream, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through.
- Turn off the heat and stir in half of the Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and top with the remaining cheeses.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbly, then broil for 1 to 2 minutes if you want extra browning on top.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
19. Apple Stuffing

This apple stuffing is savory with a little sweetness from tender apples, making it a cozy and flavorful twist on classic Thanksgiving stuffing.
Ingredients
- 8 cups stuffing cubes or day-old bread cubes
- 6 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- If using fresh bread instead of pre-dried cubes, spread the cubes on a sheet pan and bake at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes to dry them slightly.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the celery, onion, and diced apple. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the apples have started to tenderize.
- Stir in the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place the stuffing cubes in a large bowl and pour the cooked vegetable mixture over the top.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, tossing gently until the bread is evenly moistened. The bread should be damp but not soggy.
- Transfer to the baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until the top is lightly crisp and golden.
20. Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

These maple roasted sweet potatoes are tender, caramelized, and full of warm fall flavor, making them one of the best Thanksgiving side dishes for a sweet-savory balance.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt until evenly coated.
- Spread the sweet potatoes out in a single layer on the sheet pan.
- Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the edges are caramelized and the centers are tender.
- Serve warm, scraping any syrupy bits from the pan back over the potatoes.
21. Baked Beans

These baked beans are sweet, savory, and hearty, adding a comforting and slightly smoky flavor to your Thanksgiving side dish lineup.
Ingredients
- 2 (28 oz) cans baked beans
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- ½ onion, finely diced
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a medium casserole dish.
- Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes until it starts to crisp. Add the diced onion and cook another 3 minutes until softened.
- In a bowl, mix the baked beans, brown sugar, and yellow mustard.
- Stir in the bacon and onion mixture, then pour everything into the casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes until hot, bubbling, and slightly thickened.
22. Parmesan Asparagus

This roasted Parmesan asparagus is simple, elegant, and quick to make, which is perfect when your Thanksgiving oven is already busy.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with parchment.
- Toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread it in a single layer on the pan.
- Roast for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.
- Return to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes until the asparagus is tender and the cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately.
23. Creamy Coleslaw

This creamy coleslaw adds a cool, crunchy contrast to all the warm Thanksgiving side dishes on the table.
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw mix
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the coleslaw mix and toss until fully coated.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving so the flavors can blend and the slaw softens slightly.
- Stir again before serving.
24. Stuffed Mushrooms

These stuffed mushrooms are savory, cheesy, and full of rich flavor, making them a delicious Thanksgiving side or appetizer-style side dish.
Ingredients
- 24 button mushrooms
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoon chopped parsley
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp paper towel and remove the stems.
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and parsley until combined.
- Spoon the filling into each mushroom cap, mounding it slightly.
- Arrange on the pan and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden.
- Serve warm.
25. Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

These soft pumpkin dinner rolls are fluffy, lightly sweet, and perfect for adding a seasonal twist to your Thanksgiving bread basket.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoon active dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, egg, and salt. Stir until combined.
- Add the flour one cup at a time, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch the dough down and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them in a greased 9x13 baking pan.
- Cover and let rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake the rolls for 18 to 20 minutes until lightly golden on top.
- Brush with extra melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven and serve warm.
FAQ
What are the best Thanksgiving side dishes to make every year?
Some of the best Thanksgiving side dishes to make every year are mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and roasted vegetables.
These classic Thanksgiving side dishes work well together because they give your table a mix of creamy, savory, sweet, and fresh flavors.
Keeping a few reliable staples on hand, plus using tools like a 9x13 baking dish or a sturdy sheet pan, makes holiday cooking feel much more manageable.
How many Thanksgiving side dishes should I serve?
For a traditional holiday meal, most hosts serve about 5 to 8 Thanksgiving side dishes, depending on the number of guests and the size of the main course.
A good mix usually includes a potato dish, a bread or stuffing option, one or two vegetable sides, sweet potatoes or cranberry sauce, and a bread basket with warm dinner rolls.
If you are hosting a larger gathering, adding a few extra sides helps the table feel more generous and gives everyone more variety.
Can I make Thanksgiving side dishes ahead of time?
Yes, many Thanksgiving side dishes can absolutely be made ahead, which is one of the best ways to make holiday cooking less stressful.
Casseroles, sauces, stuffing, and roasted vegetable prep can often be done the day before and stored in food storage containers in the refrigerator.
On Thanksgiving Day, you can reheat them in a baking dish while focusing on the turkey and any last-minute finishing touches.
What Thanksgiving side dishes pair best with turkey?
The best Thanksgiving side dishes to pair with turkey are mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and buttery rolls.
Turkey works best with side dishes that offer different textures and flavors, like creamy potatoes, tart cranberries, and crisp roasted vegetables.
Keeping staples like cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, and russet potatoes on hand helps you build a balanced holiday plate.
What are easy Thanksgiving side dishes for beginners?
If you are new to holiday cooking, some of the easiest Thanksgiving side dishes are honey glazed carrots, green bean casserole, roasted sweet potatoes, and dinner rolls.
These recipes usually use simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and basic kitchen tools like a large pot, skillet, or sheet pan.
Starting with a few easy Thanksgiving side dishes is a great way to feel confident without getting overwhelmed.
How do I keep Thanksgiving side dishes warm before serving?
To keep Thanksgiving side dishes warm before serving, you can cover casseroles with foil, place cooked foods in a low oven, or use warm settings on slow cookers.
Serving dishes that hold heat well, like a ceramic casserole dish or insulated serving bowl, can also help keep food warm longer.
Planning your oven timing ahead of time makes a huge difference when juggling multiple Thanksgiving side dishes at once.
Thanksgiving Dishes
These best Thanksgiving side dishes are the kind of recipes that make the whole holiday meal feel complete.
From creamy mashed potatoes to savory stuffing to roasted vegetables, the right mix of side dishes can turn your table into a warm, comforting feast everyone remembers.
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