You Need These 106 Classic (& Not-So-Classic!) Thanksgiving Side Dishes On Your Table
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Though everyone says that Thanksgiving is all about the bird, but real ones know—it's actually all about the SIDES. That turkey, ham, or even a Thanksgiving cauliflower centerpiece would be mighty lonely without a table full of casseroles, sauces, rolls, and lots and lots of potatoes. To ensure your feast is as great as it can be, check out our top 106 best Thanksgiving sides—you might just find a new family favorite among them.
First things first: If you’re going for the most quintessential Thanksgiving, you’ve got to have the classics. We’re talking stuffing, sweet potato casserole, gravy, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce… If you wanted to, you could make all those, stop right there, and have pretty much the perfect meal. If you’ve made those a million times already and want to branch out, but are worried your friends and family might mutiny, we suggest starting small. Try out a new variation on the tried and true recipes, like our cranberry relish instead of sauce, our sweet potato casserole with pecans instead of marshmallows, our loaded green bean casserole with added bacon, our melting potatoes, and more.
If your Thanksgiving crowd is more creative (or forgiving 😉), try adding in more exciting ingredients to your normal fare. Love veggies but looking for something with a little more intrigue? Try our salty-sweet shredded Brussels, our gnocchi stuffing, or our cheesy kale orzo with herbed breadcrumbs—they’re sure to kick your meal up a notch. Big potato fan but want something more interesting than mashed? Try our chili oil smashed potatoes, our mashed sweet potatoes, our fondue mashed potatoes, or our Lyonnaise potatoes. Love the idea of stuffing but never feel like the standard recipes do it for you? We've been there. Try changing it up with our sausage stuffing, our oyster stuffing, or our cornbread dressing. You might just like them so much, you’ll bookmark the recipes for years to come.
Want even more Thanksgiving ideas? Check out our favorite Thanksgiving salads, soups, cocktails, and desserts too.
Roasted Potatoes
When it comes to versatile sides, it’s difficult to beat classic roasted potatoes. They complete practically any main they’re served alongside! In this recipe, the humble potato is transformed into perfectly crispy, herby bites that put any frozen bag to shame.
Get the Roasted Potatoes recipe.
Spinach Salad
We took our favorite things to pair with spinach: crisp apple, sliced red onion, briney feta, and toasted almonds, and tossed everything together for the perfectly balanced bowl. The sharp mustard vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment to rich Thanksgiving flavors, but you might find yourself making it all year round too.
Get the Spinach Salad recipe.
Gnocchi Stuffing
Heading to Friendsgiving and need a fun, different dish? This gnocchi stuffing is a creative twist on classic stuffing everyone will love. Using gnocchi instead of bread gives you dumpling-like bites with all the traditional flavors of Thanksgiving.
Get the Gnocchi Stuffing recipe.
Green Bean Casserole
For this recipe, we ditched canned cream of mushroom soup and went for fresh instead. By sautéing mushrooms with sliced onion in butter, you're building a base with some serious depth of flavor. Cook the mushrooms enough that they get a little caramelized, and you'll really be good to go.
Get the Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Southern Baked Mac & Cheese
This isn't your average mac & cheese. Chef Millie Peartree puts an entire layer of pure cheese in between two layers of (already cheesy) macaroni. Game. Changer. Your Thanksgiving guests will flip.
Get the Southern Baked Mac & Cheese recipe.
Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots
This recipe made us wonder, Why don’t we roast carrots more often? When they roast, their flavor concentrates and sweetens. Pair that with copious amounts of umami-packed Parmesan and just a touch of lemon, and you’ve got a super-irresistible side.
Get the Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots recipe.
Perfect Gravy
Whether you’re drizzling it over your roast turkey, mashed potatoes, or flaky biscuits, homemade gravy is an absolute must-have during the holidays. Since it’s such a staple, it's gotta be perfect—THIS is the recipe you need.
Get the Perfect Gravy recipe.
Scalloped Potatoes
Unlike potatoes au gratin, which typically contain cheese, traditional scalloped potatoes are very simple: just thinly sliced potatoes cooked in a mixture of milk and heavy cream that’s infused with aromatics, such as shallots, garlic, and herbs. Our only add-on? A bit of finely shredded Parmesan.
Get the Scalloped Potatoes recipe.
Creamed Brussels Sprouts
We'll take Brussels any which way, but we especially love giving them the traditional Thanksgiving treatment—with plenty of butter, cream, and cheese. This method upgrades even the most humble vegetables while still allowing them to be the star of the show—even skeptics will be asking for seconds.
Get the Creamed Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Sweet Potato Casserole
This recipe is for everyone who hates marshmallows atop their sweet potato casserole—in their place is a buttery, brown sugar pecan topping that is still perfectly sweet and Thanksgiving-worthy.
Get the Sweet Potato Casserole recipe.
Pear Salad
This simple yet satisfying wintery salad packs a flavorful punch with slightly smoky seared pears, creamy blue cheese, and ultra-crunchy candied pumpkin seeds. Tied together by a sweet-sour honey vinaigrette, it’s the perfect holiday side (or add some protein to make it a main!).
Get the Pear Salad recipe.
Cheesy Kale Orzo With Herbed Bread Crumbs
To make this side dish, we treat orzo like risotto, then top it with crunchy herbed breadcrumbs for added texture. The orzo soaks up the cheese sauce, and you get an incredible sauce to pasta ratio with multitudes of creaminess in every bite.
Get the Cheesy Kale Orzo With Herbed Bread Crumbs recipe.
Cornbread Stuffing
Also known as cornbread dressing, this dish is a classic in the South, where you’ll often find it mixed with sausage, bacon, jalapeños, nuts, even chopped oysters. We kept ours simple with flavors you’d find in classic stuffing, but don't let us stop you from jazzing up yours.
Get the Cornbread Stuffing recipe.
Melting Potatoes
These melt-in-your-mouth potatoes got their name for good reason: With a tender, soft middle and an herby topping, one bite and you'll get it. Smothered in butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, they really are amazing with everything, from weeknight dinners to romantic special occasions.
Get the Melting Potatoes recipe.
Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples
You may have seen crisp, anise-y fennel bulbs dotting the famers' market stands, nuzzling up alongside sweet delicata squash and tart apples. The three find their way into this healthy side dish that's perfect for elegant dinner party menus, simple weeknight meals, or paired with richer, holiday spreads.
Get the Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples recipe.
Classic Stuffing
When it comes to the big Thanksgiving feast, we consider the roast turkey and the sweet potato casserole as sides to the STUFFING. A good stuffing makes or breaks Thanksgiving dinner, so follow our tips to make it the best you can.
Get the Classic Stuffing recipe.
Potato Gratin Stacks
These cute apps make classic potatoes au gratin more fun, and infinitely poppable. The trick to getting the perfect stack? Muffin tins!
Get the Potato Gratin Stacks recipe.
Cranberry Bacon Green Beans
It takes just a little effort to take eating your vegetables from a “have to” to a “want to,” and this green beans recipe is a perfect example. Some crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and creamy goat cheese enhance green beans into a Thanksgiving side dish that your family will be cheering for.
Get the Cranberry Bacon Green Beans recipe.
Mashed Potato Casserole
This recipe begins—as you might expect—with classic mashed potatoes. We then add herb-infused milk and some cream cheese, then fold in the secret ingredient—eggs! Eggs are stirred in before baking to lighten up the potatoes, and they help the mixture “soufflé” a bit in the oven.
Get the Mashed Potato Casserole recipe.
Cranberry Sauce
This sweet-tart sauce is almost as easy as opening up the canned stuff, and you know your Thanksgiving spread deserves better. This is one of the Thanksgiving dishes you can make up to a week in advance. (Bonus: The flavors will meld and deepen while it hangs out in the fridge.)
Get the Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Quick: Name one thing better than creamy, buttery, steamy, perfect mashed potatoes! See? You can't! So put down the instant potatoes, grab your favorite spuds, a large pot, a masher, and let's get ready for comfort in a bowl.
Get the Perfect Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Miso Roasted Carrots
These sweet-savory carrots are topped with the most delicious mix of crunchy nuts and spices. We like pistachios and black and white sesame seeds, but feel free to swap in your favorites (like everything bagel seasoning, perhaps?).
Get the Miso Roasted Carrots recipe.
Shredded Brussels Sprouts
We love classic sautéed Brussels sprouts paired with our turkey, but sometimes we crave something with a bit more kick. These slightly spicy salty-sweet sprouts make for a unique and easy fall salad that can be served warm or cold (so you can prep them ahead of time!).
Get the Shredded Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Sweet Potato Gratin
Just like the OG potatoes au gratin, these sweet potatoes (including purple AND orange ones) are layered with plenty of cheese and herby cream sauce and baked until golden brown and bubbly. 😍
Get the Sweet Potato Gratin recipe.
Green Beans Almondine
Sautéed with shallots and garlic, tossed with buttery, toasted almonds, and finished with lemon, these French green beans are quick enough to serve for a weeknight dinner while also being fancy enough for holiday meals and dinner parties.
Get the Green Beans Almondine recipe.
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
We don’t believe in boring salads, and crunchy apples and tart cranberries bring a lot of life to this one. The slightly sweet and lemony dressing is easy to make, so do yourself a favor and make extra to pour over everything.
Get the Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad recipe.
Baked Pumpkin Risotto
Baked, not stirred, this recipe for pumpkin risotto takes some of the work off the chef without sacrificing that classic risotto flavor and texture. A sprinkle of goat cheese, parsley, and the tart-sweet touch of dried cranberries round out the earthy autumnal vibes.
Get the Baked Pumpkin Risotto recipe.
Homemade Mac & Cheese
This best-ever mac and cheese is perfect for any occasion, from family weeknight dinners to holiday spreads. In our book, the perfect macaroni and cheese recipe has to nail three things: be extra creamy, plenty cheesy, and paired with a golden, crunchy topping.
Get the Homemade Mac & Cheese recipe.
Corn Casserole
This classic Southern side is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you prefer, drained and rinsed canned corn can be used instead of frozen, and you could substitute more milk in for the heavy cream. The finished casserole won't be quite as decadent, but it will still be delicious.
Get the Classic Corn Casserole recipe.
Creamy Kale & Gnocchi Bake
Fans of creamed spinach will absolutely love this hearty, creamy kale and gnocchi bake that puts the classic side dish front-and-center on your plate with gnocchi as the main attraction. It's quick to put together since the gnocchi cook right in the sauce, making them extra creamy and delicious.
Get the Creamy Kale & Gnocchi Bake recipe.
Cornbread Dressing
Craving something a little different than classic stuffing this year? Our cornbread dressing has all of the beloved, classic Thanksgiving flavors, plus Italian sausage for a heartier touch. It has a perfect crumbly texture, isn’t dry, and pairs well with all the rest of our savory (and sweet!) sides.
Get the Cornbread Dressing recipe.
Thanksgiving Rolls
If you’ve never tried your hand at making Thanksgiving bread from scratch, this straightforward, easy recipe is for you. With only a few simple ingredients and a little bit of hands-off time, you can have soft, buttery dinner rolls not only for Thanksgiving dinner, but any time of the year.
Get the Thanksgiving Rolls recipe.
Chili Oil Smashed Potatoes
This recipe is a spicy take on our favorite crispy potato method—smashed potatoes. Some chili oils have more solids in them than others, so for best results, just make sure you are getting a good ratio of oil to crisp when measuring it out to brush on your potatoes.
Get the Chili Oil Smashed Potatoes recipe.
Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts
Whether you’re a die-hard Brussels sprouts lover or a hater, it’s hard not to see the appeal of these irresistible crispy, cheesy bites. We coat them in a cheesy, garlicky mixture before baking, giving them an ultra-crispy crust perfect for dunking in homemade Caesar dressing.
Get the Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Pumpkin Soup
Nothing goes the distance all fall and winter long quite like pumpkin soup. It's warming and welcoming whether you're enjoying it as a casual weeknight dinner or serving it alongside turkey for Thanksgiving.
Get the Pumpkin Soup recipe.
Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins
The flavor squad is here to provide standard corn muffins with a mega boost. The result is pimiento cheese corn muffins, which take their cues from the classic Southern cheese dip. Packed with shredded cheddar, diced pimiento peppers, garlic powder, and a generous amount of cayenne, the result is a savory delight.
Get the Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins recipe.
Funeral Potatoes
The story goes that these bubbling beauties were named so after becoming a traditional comfort food for post-funeral gatherings. They are basically comfort in a pan, but we prefer (and suggest we all) eat them on happier occasions, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time comfort food is an absolute necessity.
Get the Funeral Potatoes recipe.
Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse prepares their killer casserole with layers of mashed, soufflé-like sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy, sweet brown sugar and pecan crust and baked into a winning combination of textures. Pssst: You can also turn this into Thanksgiving dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Get the Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole recipe.
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
This going to be your new go-to potato side. The secret to the ultra-crispy skin? A cornstarch slurry! For some flavor we added rosemary and garlic, but just like our other roasted potatoes, feel free to add any herbs or flavors your heart desires.
Get the Roasted Fingerling Potatoes recipe.
Candied Carrots
Just a heads up: Any dish that features the word “candied” is bound to be on the sweet side and more than likely something you won’t be eating every day. Don’t be shy about the amount of butter and brown sugar that goes into these candied carrots. Decadence is the goal here!
Get the Candied Carrots recipe.
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Most sweet potato casseroles have only marshmallows or pecans. Don't even think about making this mistake. Topping with a pecan streusel and then marshmallows helps this Thanksgiving casserole stand out above all the rest.
Get the Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows recipe.
Cauliflower Stuffing
This low-carb cauliflower stuffing proves that you don’t always need bread to make an amazing stuffing. Cauliflower is basically a sponge: it’ll soak up the flavor of whatever you cook it with, so we recommend going heavy on the herbs (and the butter! 😈).
Get the Cauliflower Stuffing recipe.
Brussels Sprouts Salad
When we want to incorporate this veggie into our Thanksgiving dinner, we turn to this fresh, seasonal salad. With toasted almonds, shaved Parmesan, and pomegranate seeds, this is the holiday side that will convert even the biggest Brussels sprout haters.
Get the Brussels Sprout Salad recipe.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries can sometimes have a bad reputation—especially the oven-baked ones. They’re usually a floppy, bland pile of under-seasoned sadness, but it doesn’t have to be that way! We've got all the tips to guarantee crisp and savory sweet potato fries fresh out of the oven.
Get the Sweet Potato Fries recipe.
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
Inspired by the popular Chinese takeout dish Kung Pao chicken, these saucy Brussels sprouts are dangerously delicious. If you want to up the spice level, feel free to add red chiles with the garlic.
Get the Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Fennel Salad With Apples & Radishes
When you're looking for a side dish that tastes extremely fresh even in the depth of winter, look no further than fennel salad. It’s crunchy, slightly sweet, and perfectly light and refreshing, especially if you serve it alongside heavier cold weather comfort foods (like turkey!).
Get the Fennel Salad With Apples & Radishes recipe.
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
This side is like if green beans dressed up as cheesy garlic bread. 😍 Tossed in garlic and black pepper and showered with cheese, this simple yet irresistible side will steal the spotlight at every holiday table.
Get the Parmesan Roasted Green Beans recipe.
Smashed Brussels Sprouts
In order to smash the Brussels sprouts, you need to boil them first. (Just like smashed potatoes!) Make sure to pat them realllll dry, even after you smashed them, so that they crisp up in the oven. And don't skimp on the cheese!
Get the Smashed Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Fondue Mashed Potatoes
Fondue mashed potatoes, or more classically known as pommes aligot, are super-creamy, silky mashed potatoes that have a starchy, cheesy pull like you’ve never seen before. The buttery potato mixed with fresh garlic, white wine, and mild Gruyère is really an experience you're going to love.
Get the Fondue Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Goat Cheese-Stuffed Rolls
Just when we thought dinner rolls couldn't get any better—we stuffed them with goat cheese. These golden brown beauties are rich, soft, and full of honey and herby goat cheese. Best part of a cheese-stuffed roll? It doesn’t need any butter.
Get the Goat Cheese-Stuffed Rolls recipe.
Mashed Cauliflower
This cauliflower mash recipe is the perfect low-carb substitute to mashed potatoes. The secret to making steamed cauliflower smooth and creamy? CREAM CHEESE! (We're big fans, if you hadn't noticed 😉.)
Get the Mashed Cauliflower recipe.
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Tossed in a honey and vinegar dressing and roasted until glazed and crisp, these sweet and tangy sprouts will steal the (side) show wherever they go. Roasting at high heat on a bare metal sheet pan is key to getting gorgeously browned, crackling-crisp sprouts.
Get the Caramelized Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Garlic & Feta Mashed Potatoes
For these mashed potatoes, we decided to go with feta but kept the other add-ins standard so the tanginess of the cheese could really shine through. Fresh garlic and parsley complement without distraction for a Thanksgiving side that is anything but boring.
Get the Garlic & Feta Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Smashed Potatoes
If you usually only roast your potatoes, you've got to try smashing them—it makes them super crispy while also having an unbelievably buttery, tender center. 😍
Get the Smashed Potatoes recipe.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
What dish is the most indicative of leaves falling and the chilly autumn breeze? Some might say it's pumpkin pie, others might say warm apple cider, but to us, nothing fits better with Thanksgiving's sweater weather than a delicious bowl of butternut squash soup.
Get the Roasted Butternut Squash Soup recipe.
Sweet Potato Pudding
This silky smooth sweet potato pudding is a lighter, simplified cousin of sweet potato casserole without the topping or crust. It's essentially the filling of sweet potato pie with an optional whipped cream or marshmallow fluff topping. No crust or crimping fuss required!
Get the Sweet Potato Pudding recipe.
Roasted Green Beans
For a vegetable side to reach the regular weeknight (or holiday!) rotation, it has to be delicious and a no-brainer—just like these shallot-y roasted green beans. Simply toss fresh beans in olive oil and season with some salt and pepper before roasting on high heat, then finish under the broiler.
Get the Roasted Green Beans recipe.
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
Creamy, sweet, and conveniently orange, butternut squash adds extra body, richness, and color to mac & cheese. A little thyme does some heavy lifting, making the homey comfort classic a little fancy, and bringing some fall flavors to the table that are *chef’s kiss*.
Get the Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese recipe.
Pumpkin Cornbread
Cornbread is a crumbly, savory side we love anytime of the year, but this pumpkin version is a fall dream. Classic cornbread gets an autumn upgrade with the addition of pumpkin puree and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making it an ideal side for Thanksgiving (or a base for cornbread stuffing!).
Get the Pumpkin Cornbread recipe.
Candied Yams
Though candied yams might be super sweet on their own, they're the perfect complement to a plateful of savory dishes (like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole). Our version gets an added kick from bourbon—we think once you try them you might never want yams without it.
Get the Candied Yams recipe.
Cranberry Stuffing
You don't need meat to make a stuffing everyone will love. This vegetarian option is filled with everyone's favorite Thanksgiving flavors—apples! cranberries! sage! thyme!—if anyone complains about meatless stuffing, just send them home without dessert. 😉
Get the Cranberry Stuffing recipe.
Cheesy Bacon Butternut Squash
No matter what the centerpiece of your meal is, this cheesy butternut squash skillet is sure to steal the show. The balance of sweet, salty, and creamy is EXTREMELY delicious.
Get the Cheesy Bacon Butternut Squash recipe.
Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
There’s your average casserole, and then there’s this cheesy loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole. Filled with plenty of veggies and feel-good flavors, there’s something in this dish for everyone. Hot tip: This goes over like gangbusters at Thanksgiving potlucks.
Get the Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole recipe.
Fluffy Potato Rolls
Have a leftover baked potato? The only logical thing to do is to mash the insides and make dinner rolls. These are truly the Fluffiest. Dinner. Rolls. Ever. Fresh out of the oven, each roll has a crispy bottom, buttery top, and unbelievably soft center.
Get the Fluffy Potato Rolls recipe.
Fresh Cranberry Relish
Unlike traditional cranberry sauce, this easy relish doesn't require any cooking and can be made entirely in the food processor—which means one more free burner and one less dirty saucepan to clean. Win-win!
Get the Fresh Cranberry Relish recipe.
Oyster Stuffing
Homemade stuffing is a must on the Thanksgiving table. If you're new to the oyster stuffing game, let us tell you, you're in for a treat. Oysters lend a briny, super-savory flavor to your stuffing that will keep your guests coming back for second and third helpings.
Get the Oyster Stuffing recipe.
Sweet Potato Salad
This sweet potato salad is the perfect way to lighten up any autumnal dinner, and especially your Thanksgiving spread. Feta, dried cranberries, and red onions pair really nicely with the earthy sweetness of the orange super food. Did we mention it's great warm or cold (which means you can make it ahead!)?
Get the Sweet Potato Salad recipe.
Creamed Spinach
If you're looking for an easy side dish—or the perfect way to use up any dying spinach you have sitting in the fridge—creamed spinach is the way to go. With plenty of cheese, this is our favorite way to transform leafy greens into the most irresistibly creamy side.
Get the Creamed Spinach recipe.
Wild Rice
Move over white or brown rice, wild rice is here to add variety, flavor, and texture to your Thanksgiving table. This recipe uses slowly cooked onions and chicken stock to add a punch of savoriness, but the vegetal, toasty flavor of the rice itself is definitely the star.
Get the Wild Rice recipe.
Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is an American classic everyone knows but not everyone gets the opportunity to enjoy due to dietary restrictions or eating lifestyles. We love this gluten-free version because it gets more forks involved, but even more for its rich, punchy flavors that everyone will love.
Get the Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Kale Salad With Apples & Toasted Almonds
Need something else to do with your apple orchard haul? Kale yeah you do! Pair apples and kale with dried cherries, toasty almonds, and feta for a salad everyone will love this Thanksgiving.
Get the Kale Salad With Apples & Toasted Almonds recipe.
Skillet Cornbread
Not only does this cornbread involve less cleanup, but it promotes the ideal texture of crackly crust around moist, decadent corn cake. Pouring the batter into a preheated cast-iron creates a sear to the batter and speeds up the bake time. Wins ALL around.
Get the Skillet Cornbread recipe.
Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese
This is the creamiest, dreamiest stovetop mac & cheese. It's uncomplicated, comforting, and will bring back childhood memories (especially when paired with your family's classic Thanksgiving recipes).
Get the Creamy Stovetop Mac & Cheese recipe.
Homemade Cornbread
We believe that cornbread should be simple, a side you can whip up quickly to serve with chili or smoky beans that takes way less time than making homemade rolls. This tried-and-tested recipe checks off ALL the boxes.
Get the Homemade Cornbread recipe.
Holiday Roasted Vegetables
The dried cranberries and balsamic vinegar add some sweetness and tartness while the pecans add an extra crunch to these holiday-worthy vegetables. We use Brussels sprouts and carrots, but feel free to add extra vegetables or swap in some of your favorites.
Get the Holiday Roasted Vegetables recipe.
Crockpot Stuffing
Oven real estate is a big deal on Thanksgiving day. Utilizing your slow cooker is one of the best ways to keep your oven free for the major players like turkey and pie. Follow our tips for making this stuffing in yours, and you'll be cool as a cucumber on the big day.
Get the Crockpot Stuffing recipe.
Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Salad
Beet lovers rejoice! This is the ideal fall salad: creamy goat cheese (sub feta if you prefer it), roasted beets, avocado, and arugula. The secret is that instead of buying precooked beets, you simply wrap them in foil and bake them like a baked potato.
Get the Roasted Beet Goat Cheese Salad recipe.
Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
Is it even Thanksgiving without this cozy side? This recipe makes green bean casserole even simpler; instead of using an oven (save it for the turkey!), it can be mixed and cooked in your slow cooker.
Get the Crockpot Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower can take the center stage in many of our favorite recipes, but it's also the vegetable we turn to again and again when we need a simple roasted side. Our recipe adds just a touch of color and zesty flavor with Old Bay seasoning, but feel free to get creative!
Get the Roasted Cauliflower recipe.
Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Rich, buttery mashed potatoes are definitely in the comfort food hall of fame, and we think not much could improve them...until we made them hands-off in our slow-cooker.
Get the Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
All our favorite fall flavors come together in this surprisingly easy and super-flavorful stuffed acorn squash. The kale adds a heartiness that only a good cruciferous green can provide, and it pairs perfectly with the tender, sweet flesh of the squash. Yum!
Get the Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe.
Mashed Butternut Squash
Instead of the added milk or cream, like in mashed potatoes, the butternut squash gets blended with just a little butter for a velvety smooth side dish. It's one of our favorite ways to serve the vegetable, and it takes very little effort!
Get the Mashed Butternut Squash recipe.
Lyonnaise Potatoes
This French variety of pan-fried potatoes elevates them even FURTHER with the addition of caramelized onions and lots of butter. What's not to love?
Get the Lyonnaise Potatoes recipe.
Southern Collard Greens
Southern cooking can sometimes appear intimidating or too involved, but this recipe is anything but. All you need are a couple of hours, a handful of staple ingredients, smoked turkey, and your collard greens (the star of the show) for an easy side that pairs incredibly with turkey.
Get the Southern Collard Greens recipe.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
You know what’s great? Mashed potatoes. You know what’s even better? Roasted garlic mashed potatoes! That extra-savory flavor from melty, roasted garlic adds the perfect kick to classic mashed spuds. (We also add a splash of tangy balsamic vinegar to kick them up a notch.)
Get the Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Kabocha Squash
Sure people love apples, pumpkin and butternut squash, but kabocha has a more complex flavor than its gourd cousins. This makes it a perfect match for the caramelized umami-sweet flavor of this maple-soy brown butter. And, despite how fancy it sounds, it's also incredibly easy to make, perfect for Thanksgiving.
Get the Kabocha Squash recipe.
Butternut Squash Casserole
This savory casserole is packed with butternut squash, bacon, and two types of cheese and just enough kale to lend the dish a healthy-ish twist. Equally versatile as a side dish or a main, this vegetable casserole is a hearty, easy, and delicious way to eat your greens.
Get the Butternut Squash Casserole recipe.
Roasted Parsnips
Looking for a simple side dish to make this Thanksgiving? Parsnips are your answer. They don't get nearly the attention they deserve, but that ends now. Roasting them makes them slightly sweet and perfectly tender for a quick side dish you might just love more than the turkey.
Get the Roasted Parsnips recipe.
Honey Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
The hardest part of making these Brussels sprouts is leaving them alone. If you're anything like us, you're going to be popping these in your mouth like they're popcorn.
Get the Honey Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Crockpot Garlicky Mashed Potatoes
The most stress-free way to cook mashed potatoes? In the crock-pot! Simply toss everything in your slow-cooker and let it do the work, then get ready to come back to the creamiest, garlicky mashed potatoes ever.
Get the Crockpot Garlicky Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Sausage Stuffing
If you’re looking to bulk up the classic Thanksgiving side (or if your ideal stuffing just isn’t complete without a protein), then this stuffing is here for you. Cranberries add a bit of sweetness to balance out our sausage in this recipe that’s baked until toasty-yet-soft perfection.
Get the Sausage Stuffing recipe.
Vegetarian Mushroom Gravy
Vegans and meat-eaters alike will be piling this flavor-packed gravy on top of all the Thanksgiving sides. This gravy comes together in minutes—and you won't miss roasting a whole turkey or chicken to make it.
Get the Vegetarian Mushroom Gravy recipe.
Sweet Potato Biscuits
When it comes to biscuits and other bread products, sweet potatoes are magical. Adding them to dough results yields softer and fluffier results. This recipe benefit from minimal handling and is just as easy as preparing traditional buttermilk biscuits.
Get the Sweet Potato Biscuits recipe.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
We all love classic sweet potato casserole, but sometimes it feels like the marshmallows steal the spotlight. So this year, why not mix it up—literally—and try mashing them instead?
Get the Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Balsamic Roasted Baby Carrots
Sweet baby carrots are the perfect match for this tangy balsamic glaze. Fancy enough for a holiday meal, but easy enough for a weeknight, this recipe is endlessly riffable and guaranteed to deliver crisp-tender carrots every time.
Get the Roasted Baby Carrots recipe.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
One of the best ways to prepare Brussels sprouts is to roast them. The oven’s high dry heat will bring out all those delicious nutty flavors, rendering the sprouts soft and tender in the middle and leaving the outer leaves super crispy and delicious.
Get the Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Plant-based eaters don't have to miss out on classic green bean casserole, thanks to this simple recipe. We're super into the onion topping on this casserole—it's SO much better than the fried ones that come in a can.
Get the Vegan Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Brussels Sprout Casserole
This is one side dish that will make everyone freak out (and run for seconds). If you have vegetarian guests, feel free to skip the bacon. We're usually all about the smoky flavor, but for this dish, it's all about the CHEESE.
Get the Brussels Sprout Casserole recipe.
Roasted Red Potatoes
The trick to roasting these potatoes red potatoes are cooking at a high temp and making sure they're cut side down. ALSO! Be sure to not overcrowd your pan and roast in batches if necessary.
Get the Roasted Red Potatoes recipe.
Instant Pot Mac & Cheese
Homemade mac & cheese is usually a lengthy process. You need to shred a ton of cheese, make a roux, make a cheese sauce, cook the pasta, then bake it with bread crumbs (if you want a crispy topping). But this recipe seriously cuts down on the process. Everything—pasta and sauce—cooks together in the pot.
Get the Instant Pot Mac & Cheese recipe.
Harvest Chicken Casserole
This satisfying casserole has ALL of your fall favorites—Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, cranberries. Make it for a big crowd for Thanksgiving, then make it all fall long—it's a prep-ahead DREAM.
Get the Harvest Chicken Casserole recipe.
Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Amazing, creamy mashed potatoes are still possible while being completely dairy-free, and these are here to prove it! Top these with our vegan mushroom gravy and you won't even miss the turkey.
Get the Vegan Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Cauliflower Au Gratin
Potatoes au gratin is a creamy, decadent dish that no matter how hard we try, we can never give it up. This version made with cauliflower lets us have the decadence, and leave more room for all the Thanksgiving pies. 😉
Get the Cauliflower Au Gratin recipe.
Loaded Green Bean Casserole
Wave goodbye to that can of cream of mushroom soup and meet your new favorite green bean casserole! It's got bacon, chives, and SO much cheese. If you've got vegetarian company, feel free to leave the bacon out—it's got plenty of cheese to make up for it. 😏
Get the Loaded Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole
We take any chance we can get to free up oven space on Thanksgiving. Like crockpot stuffing and crockpot mashed potatoes, this crock-pot sweet potato casserole is every bit as delicious as the one you make in the oven.
Get the Crockpot Sweet Potato Casserole recipe.
Gravy Without Drippings
Drippings are obviously ideal, but they aren't totally necessary to make a really good gravy. Quick and easy, this is the perfect way to make gravy if you aren't cooking a whole roast turkey or chicken. What you do need: butter, onion, garlic, and all the favorite Thanksgiving herbs.
Get the Gravy Without Drippings recipe.
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