Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Introduction
Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table with family and friends to share a meal that’s as comforting as it is memorable. While the turkey often takes center stage, the side dishes are the true unsung heroes of the feast. From creamy mashed potatoes to crisp green bean casseroles and inventive new twists on classics, these Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes are guaranteed to create buzz at your table. With their perfect balance of tradition and bold flavor, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest guests.
Why These Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes Stand Out
A great Thanksgiving spread is all about variety and harmony—the buttery, the tangy, the sweet, and the savory. This curated collection of side dishes offers a blend of comfort classics and modern must-haves. Whether you prefer something rich and decadent or light and refreshing, you’ll find the right dish to complement your main course and satisfy every palate gathered around your holiday table.
Simplifying Your Thanksgiving Prep
The key to a stress-free holiday is smart preparation. With so many dishes to juggle, having a strategic plan for cooking and serving is crucial. These recipes include make-ahead options, dishes that come together in minutes, and even those that are designed to be served straight from the oven or fridge. A little prep goes a long way toward a relaxed and joyful Thanksgiving meal.
Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes You’ll Love
1. Classic Creamy Mashed Potatoes
2. Sausage and Herb Stuffing
3. Traditional Green Bean Casserole
4. Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
5. Brown Sugar Candied Yams
6. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
7. Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
8. Cranberry-Orange Relish
9. Buttery Parker House Rolls
10. Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts
11. Honey Glazed Carrots
12. Rustic Herbed Cornbread
13. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
14. Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Mash
15. Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables
16. Macaroni and Cheese
17. Pear & Gorgonzola Salad
18. Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds
19. Corn Pudding
20. Wild Rice Pilaf
21. Creamed Spinach
22. Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage
23. Apple and Celery Salad
24. Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole
25. Classic Gravy
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe collection to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and seamless holiday meal planning.
Instructions
- Choose your favorite sides from the list to create your custom Thanksgiving menu.
- For each recipe, prep ingredients ahead whenever possible (chop vegetables, pre-make sauces, mix dry and wet ingredients separately).
- Start with dishes that can be made ahead:
- Mashed potatoes and casseroles can often be prepped and refrigerated before baking.
- Cold salads and cranberry sauces can be made the day before.
- On Thanksgiving Day, bake or reheat oven-based dishes while preparing any stovetop sides (like gravy or sautéed green beans) just before serving.
- Finish with fresh garnishes—herbs, a squeeze of citrus, or a dusting of cheese—to brighten flavors and add festive color.
- Arrange dishes family-style so guests can try a bit of everything.
Weekly Meal Planning
This side dish roundup is a meal planner’s dream, making holiday prep smoother than ever. Save and schedule your chosen recipes to plan which dishes to make (and when), and let the smart shopping list feature consolidate all ingredients—eliminating duplicates and ensuring nothing gets forgotten.
Planning Benefits:
- Calculates total ingredients needed across multiple recipes
- Organizes shopping lists by grocery store aisle for faster shopping
- Helps avoid buying too much or too little
- Makes holiday meal prep more organized and efficient
Pro tip: By scheduling your sides and mains together, you’ll see ingredient overlap (like shared herbs or cream), saving money and reducing waste.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 45-60 minutes (for several dishes; make-ahead options reduce day-of tasks)
Cook Time: 1–2 hours (varies by dish)
Total Time: 2–3 hours (for preparing and baking multiple sides; dishes may be made ahead as noted)
Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes (Recap)
A well-planned selection of Thanksgiving side dishes adds flavor, color, and excitement to the holiday meal. With these Top 25 recipes—ranging from comfort classics to bold new favorites—your table will be both stunning and satisfying, ensuring everyone leaves happy and full. Happy cooking and happy Thanksgiving!