Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes Everyone Will Love

Thanksgiving has always been one of those holidays where the kitchen seems to have a mind of its own. Easy Thanksgiving side dishes can make all the difference when there’s a turkey in the oven, pots bubbling on the stove, and hungry family members already asking when dinner will be ready.

I’ve found that the side dishes are often what make the Thanksgiving table feel truly special.

The turkey might be sitting proudly in the center, but once everyone starts passing around the creamy mashed potatoes, warm casseroles, buttery vegetables, stuffing, and sweet potatoes, that’s when the real excitement begins.

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There’s just something comforting about seeing a table filled with homemade dishes that everyone can dig into.

Of course, Thanksgiving cooking can also become overwhelming very quickly. There are only so many burners on the stove, the oven always seems to be needed by two recipes at the same time, and somehow you can spend hours in the kitchen without realizing how much time has passed.

The last thing anyone needs is a complicated side dish that requires ingredients you’ve never heard of or a dozen steps to get it right.

That’s why I’m a big fan of simple, dependable recipes for the holidays. I want sides that taste like I spent all day making them, even when I’m actually trying to juggle several dishes at once.

Even better are recipes that can be prepared ahead, reheated without losing their texture, or quickly finished while the turkey is resting.

And honestly, some of my favorite Thanksgiving memories have nothing to do with the turkey itself.

They’re the little moments around the table, someone going back for another scoop of mashed potatoes, a child asking for more of their favorite casserole, or everyone arguing playfully over who gets the last serving of a dish.

So, if you’re putting together your Thanksgiving menu and need delicious sides that won’t make your day more stressful, you’re in the right place.

From creamy mashed potatoes and cheesy casseroles to roasted vegetables, flavorful stuffing, sweet potatoes, and other comforting favorites, these recipes will give you plenty of options for a Thanksgiving table everyone will want to come back to.

Why You’ll Like These Thanksgiving Side Dishes

They are easy to make:

Simple recipes that won’t keep you in the kitchen all day.

They are also full of flavor:

These sides bring plenty of comforting, delicious flavors to your Thanksgiving table.

These dishes are Something for everyone:

From creamy and savory to sweet and hearty, there are options for different tastes.

They are Perfect for sharing:

They’re made for family dinners, holiday gatherings, and feeding a crowd.

They are Great for any Thanksgiving menu:

Mix and match your favorites to create a table everyone will enjoy.

Let’s get into the recipes and find a few new favorites for your holiday table.

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving classic for a reason.

They’re soft, buttery, rich, and make the perfect side for turkey, chicken, gravy, and other holiday favorites.

Ingredients

2 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
4 tablespoons butter
½ cup whole milk, warmed
¼ cup heavy cream, warmed
½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1–2 cloves garlic, optional
Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Peel and cut the potatoes.Wash the potatoes, peel them if desired, and cut them into evenly sized chunks.

Boil the potatoes. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Drain well. Drain the potatoes and let them sit for a minute or two so excess moisture can evaporate.

Warm the dairy. While the potatoes are cooking, gently warm the milk and cream. Do not boil them.

Mash the potatoes. Return the potatoes to the warm pot and mash until mostly smooth.

Add the butter and milk. Stir in the butter, then gradually add the warm milk and cream until the potatoes reach your preferred creamy consistency.

Season and serve. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with parsley or chives if desired.

Note: Avoid over mixing the potatoes, as this can make them sticky or gluey. For extra-smooth mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or masher instead of a blender or food processor.

2. Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is one of those comforting dishes that practically belongs on every Thanksgiving table.

Tender green beans are combined with a creamy sauce and topped with crispy fried onions.

The crunchy topping provides a delicious contrast to the creamy vegetables underneath.

Ingredients

1½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup milk
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup crispy fried onions, divided
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, optional
½ teaspoon salt

How to make Green Bean Casserole

Cook the green beans.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for about 5 minutes, until tender but still slightly crisp. Drain and set aside

Make the creamy sauce.

In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth.

Combine everything.

Add the cooked green beans and half of the crispy fried onions to the sauce. Stir gently until well coated.

Transfer to a baking dish. Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top of using.

Bake. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, until hot and bubbling.

Add the crispy topping. Sprinkle the remaining fried onions over the top and return the casserole to the oven for another 5–10 minutes, until the onions are golden and crispy.

Serve. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and other favorite sides.

3. Honey-Glazed Carrots

It’s Sweet, colorful, and incredibly easy to prepare, honey-glazed carrots are a wonderful way to add vegetables to your Thanksgiving spread.

You can toss cooked or roasted carrots with honey, butter, and a little cinnamon or fresh thyme to produce a simple side dish with plenty of flavor.

Ingredients

1½ pounds carrots, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

How to Make Honey-Glazed Carrots

Cook the carrots. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the carrots and cook for about 5–7 minutes, until tender but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside.

Make the glaze. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the honey, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.

Combine everything. Add the cooked carrots to the skillet and toss gently until they are evenly coated with the glaze.

Cook the carrots. Continue cooking for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly and the carrots are heated through.

Garnish. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if using.

Serve. Transfer the carrots to a serving dish and serve warm alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and other favorite sides.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole brings a naturally sweet and comforting flavor to the Thanksgiving table.

You can top it with toasted pecans for crunch or marshmallows for a sweeter, festive finish. Either way, it’s a side dish that’s likely to disappear quickly.

Ingredients

- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows or chopped pecans, optional

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

- Cook the sweet potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes, until tender. Drain well.

- Mash the sweet potatoes: Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a large bowl and mash until smooth.

- Make the filling: Stir in the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased baking dish. Top with mini marshmallows or chopped pecans if using.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, until heated through and lightly golden on top.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then serve warm alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and other favorite sides.

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for a simple vegetable side, roasted Brussels sprouts are an excellent choice.

Roasting gives them crispy edges while keeping the centers tender. A little olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and Parmesan can take them from ordinary to delicious.

Ingredients

1½ pounds Brussels sprouts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, optional
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional

How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Prepare the Brussels sprouts: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash the Brussels sprouts, trim the ends, and cut them in half.
Season: Place the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Add olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Toss until evenly coated.
Arrange on a baking sheet: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet, placing the cut sides down for better browning.
Roast: Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender inside and golden brown and crispy around the edges.
Add Parmesan: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese while they are still hot, if desired.
Serve: Serve immediately as a simple and flavorful Thanksgiving side dish.

6. Homemade Cranberry Sauce for Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Home made cranberry sauce for thanksgiving side dishes

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Homemade cranberry sauce takes surprisingly little effort. Fresh cranberries are simmered with sugar and orange juice until they become a thick, flavorful sauce.

Its sweet-tart flavor provides a refreshing contrast to savory turkey, stuffing, and gravy.

Ingredients

12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon orange zest
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
A pinch of salt

How to Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Combine the ingredients: Add the cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, orange juice, and salt to a medium saucepan.
Bring to a boil: Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10–15 minutes. The cranberries will begin to burst and the sauce will thicken.
Add vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract if using.
Cool: Let the cranberry sauce cool for about 15–20 minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Serve: Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled alongside turkey and your other Thanksgiving dishes.

7. Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing for Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

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Stuffing is one of the most comforting Thanksgiving side dishes. Cubes of bread are combined with onion, celery, butter, herbs, and broth before being baked until golden.

Sage, thyme, and rosemary give it that unmistakable holiday flavor.

Ingredients

10 cups cubed day-old bread
½ cup unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing

Toast the bread: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 10–15 minutes, until dry and lightly golden.
Cook the vegetables: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook for 6–8 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic, sage, thyme, and rosemary, and cook for 1 minute.
Combine the ingredients: Place the toasted bread in a large bowl. Add the cooked vegetables and herbs, parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour in the broth and beaten egg, tossing gently until the bread is evenly moistened.
Transfer to a baking dish: Spread the stuffing into a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp.
Serve: Let the stuffing rest for 5–10 minutes before serving alongside turkey and your other Thanksgiving dishes.

8. Garlic Parmesan Green Beans for Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

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For a lighter alternative to green bean casserole, try garlic Parmesan green beans.

Fresh green beans are sautéed or roasted with garlic and finished with Parmesan cheese. They’re quick, flavorful, and easy enough for a busy Thanksgiving kitchen.

Ingredients

1½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3–4 minutes, until bright green and crisp-tender. Drain and transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain again and pat dry.
Cook the garlic: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Add the green beans: Add the green beans to the skillet and toss to coat. Season with the salt and black pepper, and cook for 3–5 minutes, until heated through.
Add the Parmesan: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the green beans and toss gently until melted and evenly distributed.
Serve: Transfer the green beans to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

9. Creamed Corn for Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

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Creamed corn is rich, creamy, and comforting. It pairs beautifully with turkey and other savory Thanksgiving dishes.

You can prepare it on the stovetop using corn, butter, cream, and seasonings for a side dish that comes together quickly.

Ingredients

4 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder, optional
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, optional

How to Make Creamed Corn

Melt the butter: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Make the base: Add the flour and whisk for about 1 minute to form a smooth paste.
Add the milk and cream: Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Add the corn: Stir in the corn, sugar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder if using.
Simmer: Cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is tender and the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
Add Parmesan: Stir in the Parmesan cheese if using and cook for another minute.
Serve: Remove from the heat and serve the creamed corn warm alongside your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.

10. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes for Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

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Crispy roasted potatoes are an easy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.

Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and herbs, then roast until golden and crispy on the outside.

Ingredients

2 pounds baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

Prepare the potatoes: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash the potatoes and cut them into halves or bite-sized pieces.
Season the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
Add the Parmesan: Sprinkle about half of the Parmesan cheese over the potatoes and toss gently to combine.
Arrange on a baking sheet: Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, cut side down when possible.
Roast: Roast for 30–40 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the potatoes are tender and golden brown with crispy edges.
Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the hot potatoes and return them to the oven for 2–3 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your Thanksgiving meal.

11. Mac and Cheese

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Creamy macaroni and cheese can be a crowd-pleasing addition to your Thanksgiving menu, especially when children are joining the celebration.

A combination of cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère can create a rich and cheesy baked dish.

Ingredients

12 ounces elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika

How to Make Mac and Cheese

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
Add the milk and cream: Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue cooking for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce starts to thicken.
Add the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
Season: Stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is well coated.
Serve: Serve immediately while hot and creamy. For a baked version, transfer to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes.

12. Dinner Rolls with Garlic Butter

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Warm dinner rolls are perfect for scooping up gravy and sauces.

You can make homemade rolls or use store-bought rolls and brush them with melted butter, garlic, and parsley before serving.

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

For the Garlic Butter

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
A pinch of salt

How to Make Dinner Rolls with Garlic Butter

Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes, until foamy.
Make the dough: Add the melted butter, egg, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the rolls: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball and arrange them in a greased baking dish.
Let them rise again: Cover the rolls and let them rest for another 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for about 18–22 minutes, until lightly golden.
Make the garlic butter: While the rolls are baking, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt.
Brush and serve: Brush the warm rolls generously with the garlic butter and serve immediately.

13. Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

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Asparagus is a simple way to add a bright green vegetable to a heavy Thanksgiving meal.

Roast it with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until tender with lightly crisp edges.

Ingredients

1½ pounds fresh asparagus
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, optional

How to Make Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

Prepare the asparagus: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash the asparagus and trim off the tough ends.
Season: Place the asparagus on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss until evenly coated.
Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the asparagus.
Roast: Arrange the asparagus in a single layer and roast for 10–15 minutes, depending on the thickness, until tender and lightly browned.
Add lemon juice: Drizzle with fresh lemon juice if desired for a little brightness.
Serve: Serve the asparagus warm, preferably straight from the oven, alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and other favorite sides.

14. Cornbread

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Golden cornbread is delicious alongside turkey, stuffing, and gravy.

Serve it warm with butter, or add a touch of honey to the batter if you enjoy a slightly sweeter version.

Ingredients

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons honey, optional

How to Make Cornbread

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or cast-iron skillet.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and honey if using.
Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Pour into the pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the cornbread cool for a few minutes, then cut into squares and serve warm with butter.

15. Butternut Squash for Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

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Butternut squash is naturally sweet and makes an excellent fall side dish.

Roast cubes of squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs. For extra sweetness, add a drizzle of maple syrup before roasting.

Ingredients

1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley,[ optional]

How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash

Prepare the squash: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into evenly sized cubes.
Season: Place the squash in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss until the pieces are evenly coated.
Arrange on a baking sheet: Spread the squash in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan so the edges can brown properly.
Roast: Roast for 30–40 minutes, turning the squash halfway through, until tender and caramelized around the edges.
Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve: Serve warm alongside turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and your other favorite Thanksgiving dishes.

16. Creamy Garlic Mushrooms for Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

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Creamy garlic mushrooms are rich, savory, and surprisingly simple.

Sauté mushrooms with butter and garlic, then add cream and Parmesan for a luxurious side dish that works beautifully with turkey.

Ingredients

1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Creamy Garlic Mushrooms

Clean the mushrooms: Gently wipe the mushrooms clean and slice them evenly.
Cook the mushrooms: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and tender.
Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, until fragrant.
Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the broth and heavy cream. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Add the Parmesan: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and other favorite sides.

17. Roasted Cauliflower for Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

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Roasted cauliflower is an easy vegetable option that requires very little preparation.

Season florets with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan before roasting until golden.

Ingredients

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, optional

How to Make Roasted Cauliflower

Prepare the cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash the cauliflower, pat it dry, and cut it into evenly sized florets.
Season: Place the cauliflower in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss until evenly coated.
Arrange on a baking sheet: Spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding so they roast instead of steam.
Roast: Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning the cauliflower halfway through, until tender and golden brown around the edges.
Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the roasted cauliflower and return it to the oven for another 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is lightly melted and golden.
Finish and serve: Drizzle with lemon juice if desired, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm with your Thanksgiving meal.

18. Broccoli Casserole for Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

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Cheesy broccoli casserole is a great option for guests who enjoy creamy vegetable dishes.

Tender broccoli is combined with a creamy sauce and cheese before being baked until bubbling and golden.

Ingredients

5 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup milk
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter

How to Make Broccoli Casserole

Cook the broccoli: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Steam or boil the broccoli for about 3–4 minutes, until slightly tender. Drain well.
Make the creamy mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Combine: Add the broccoli to the mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer to a baking dish: Spoon the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
Add the topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving warm alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and other favorite dishes.

19. Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes

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Maple-glazed sweet potatoes highlight the natural sweetness of this popular fall vegetable.

Roast sweet potato chunks with butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt for an easy holiday side.

Ingredients

3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons chopped pecans, optional

How to Make Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Prepare the sweet potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized cubes.
Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and vanilla extract.
Coat the sweet potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes in a large bowl and pour the maple mixture over them. Toss until evenly coated.
Arrange on a baking sheet: Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Roast: Roast for 30–40 minutes, turning them halfway through, until tender and caramelized around the edges.
Add pecans: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the sweet potatoes during the last 5 minutes of roasting if desired.
Serve: Serve warm as a sweet and savory side dish alongside your Thanksgiving turkey and other holiday favorites.

20. Thanksgiving Salad for Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

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A fresh salad can balance out the richer dishes on your Thanksgiving table.

Try combining mixed greens with dried cranberries, apples, pecans, feta cheese, and a simple maple vinaigrette.

Ingredients

6 cups mixed greens or chopped romaine lettuce
1 apple, thinly sliced
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup sliced red onion
½ cup pomegranate seeds, optional

For the Dressing

¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Thanksgiving Salad

Prepare the salad ingredients: Wash and dry the greens thoroughly. Slice the apple and red onion, and chop the nuts.
Make the dressing: Add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake until well combined.
Combine the salad: Add the greens, apple slices, dried cranberries, nuts, feta cheese, red onion, and pomegranate seeds to a large salad bowl.
Add the dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
Toss and serve: Gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Serve immediately alongside your Thanksgiving meal.

21. Garlic Butter Corn

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Garlic butter corn is quick, inexpensive, and family-friendly.

Cook corn until tender, then toss it with melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.

Ingredients

4 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika, optional
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional

How to Make Garlic Butter Corn

Cook the corn: If using frozen corn, thaw it first. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the corn. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Add the butter and garlic: Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 1–2 minutes, until the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Season: Add the salt, black pepper, and paprika if using. Stir well so the seasonings coat the corn evenly.
Add Parmesan: Stir in the Parmesan cheese if desired and cook for another minute until slightly melted.
Garnish: Remove from the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Serve: Serve the garlic butter corn warm as an easy Thanksgiving side dish.

22. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

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Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce make a wonderfully indulgent Thanksgiving side.

The potatoes become tender while the top develops a delicious golden crust.

Ingredients

2 pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Prepare the potatoes: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel the potatoes and slice them very thinly and evenly.
Make the cheese sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Add the milk and cream: Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue stirring until the mixture begins to thicken.
Add the cheese: Reduce the heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and thyme.
Layer the potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish. Pour over half of the cheese sauce. Add the remaining potatoes and cover with the rest of the sauce.
Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Rest and serve: Let the potatoes rest for about 10 minutes before serving warm.

23. Southern-Style Collard Greens

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Slow-cooked collard greens are packed with savory flavor and make a hearty addition to a Thanksgiving spread.

Season them with garlic, onion, broth, and your preferred herbs and spices.

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh collard greens
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
4 ounces smoked turkey or bacon, optional

How to Make Southern-Style Collard Greens

Prepare the collard greens: Wash the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt. Remove the tough stems and cut the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the onion and garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
Add the collard greens: Add the collard greens to the pot, along with the smoked turkey or bacon if using. Stir until the greens begin to wilt.
Simmer: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender.
Taste and adjust: Taste the greens and add more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
Serve: Serve the collard greens warm with some of the flavorful cooking liquid spooned over the top.

24. Parmesan Roasted Carrots

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Parmesan roasted carrots are another easy way to make vegetables exciting.

Roast carrots until tender and caramelized, then finish them with Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

1½ pounds carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Prepare the carrots: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel the carrots and cut them into evenly sized sticks.
Season the carrots: Place the carrots in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss until evenly coated.
Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the carrots and toss gently to coat.
Arrange on a baking sheet: Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Leave a little space between them so they roast properly.
Roast: Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning the carrots halfway through, until tender and golden around the edges.
Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley while the carrots are still warm.
Serve: Serve immediately as a flavorful side dish with turkey, ham, or your other Thanksgiving favorites.

25. Easy Homemade Gravy

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Homemade gravy is a Thanksgiving essential that makes everything on the plate taste even better. This easy version is rich, smooth, and savory, and it can be made with turkey drippings or simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken or turkey broth
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, optional
2 tablespoons turkey drippings, optional

How to Make Homemade Gravy

Melt the butter: Heat the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. If using turkey drippings, add them with the butter.
Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes, until smooth and lightly golden.
Add the broth: Slowly pour in the broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Season: Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce if using.
Simmer: Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Adjust the consistency: If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a little more broth. If it is too thin, let it simmer for a few additional minutes.
Taste and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the gravy warm over turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes?

Some of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes include mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, macaroni and cheese, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, and dinner rolls.

How many side dishes should I serve for Thanksgiving?

The number of side dishes depends on how many people you are serving. For a small gathering, 4 to 6 side dishes may be enough. For a larger Thanksgiving dinner, you can serve 8 or more options.

What are some easy Thanksgiving side dishes to make ahead?

Mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, macaroni and cheese, and many vegetable casseroles can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving.

What Thanksgiving side dishes are good for a crowd?

Casseroles, baked macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, and large salads are great choices when serving a crowd.

How can I make Thanksgiving side dishes easier to prepare?

Choose simple recipes with easy-to-find ingredients, prepare dishes ahead of time when possible, and select recipes that can bake or cook at the same time.

What side dishes go well with Thanksgiving turkey?

Classic options such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, green beans, sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables, and dinner rolls all pair beautifully with Thanksgiving turkey.