20+ Best Sides for Thanksgiving Dinner

It’s that time of year again! Turkey day is almost upon us, but no fall feast is complete without a mouth-watering array of sweet and savory side dishes. From mashed potatoes and green bean casserole to mac ‘n cheese and cranberry sauce, we’ve put together tons of different options that will take your Thanksgiving dinner to the next level.

Method 1
Method 1 of 26:
Mashed Potatoes

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    No plate is complete without a steamy pile of spuds. Pour a little gravy into the center to make a delicious volcano, or just eat them plain—your plate, your rules! [1] Taters, milk, butter, and a little bit of salt is all you need to make this spud-tacular dish, or you can try your hand at a sour cream or slow cooker-style variation. These tasty taters are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your Thanksgiving feast!
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Method 2
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Stuffing

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    Love it or hate it, this iconic side is a staple on many Thanksgiving menus. While some people like to make their stuffing inside the bird, some home chefs prefer to make it separately.[2] If you go for the turkey method, make sure your bird is fully cooked with an internal temperature of over 165 °F (74 °C) before chowing down. Make sure that your stuffing is over 165 °F (74 °C), too![3]

Method 3
Method 3 of 26:
Cranberry Sauce

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    Cranberry sauce and turkey go together like… well, cranberry sauce and turkey. The tart, sweet edge of the cranberry sauce perfectly complements each savory slice of turkey. Plus, it’s really easy to make, as the cranberries will “gel” together independently during the cooking process.[4]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 26:
Green Bean Casserole

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    It doesn’t get much more classic than this. Equal parts creamy and crunchy, green bean casserole takes a few simple ingredients and transforms them into a Thanksgiving staple. Is it time for seconds yet?[5]
    • Green Bean Casserole Recipe
    • This dish takes about 40 minutes to make, but most of that is baking time.
    • The creaminess of this tasty side comes from the cream of mushroom soup that’s mixed with the green beans.

Method 5
Method 5 of 26:
Macaroni and Cheese

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    You don’t wanna miss out on this cheesy delight. A definite crowd-pleaser, mac ‘n cheese is the perfect addition to your standard line-up of Thanksgiving sides. Don’t worry—homemade mac is easy to make, so you don’t need to worry about pulling out the boxed stuff.[6]
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Method 6
Method 6 of 26:
Roasted Sweet Potatoes

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    Sweet, crispy, and caramelized… need we say more? Sweet potatoes are the perfect complement to some of the more savory sides that you have slated on the menu. There’s no such thing as having too many potato dishes, right?[7]
    • Roasted Sweet Potato Recipe
    • Around 3 lbs (1.4 kg) of sweet potatoes are enough to feed 6-8 people. You’re welcome to double or even triple that amount if you plan on having a lot of guests over.

Method 7
Method 7 of 26:
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

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    These sliced, crispy taters won’t be a hassle to make. The Hasselback cooking method involves slicing through a potato width-wise a bunch of times without actually cutting through the tater completely. Just imagine a bunch of thick potato chips strung together—yum![8]
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Method 8
Method 8 of 26:
Potatoes au Gratin

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    Make sure you save room for this rich, savory dish. Potatoes au gratin is everything you could ever ask for in a potato dish. Imagine a layer of potato slices mixed with cream topped with cheese. Is your mouth watering yet?[9]
    • Potatoes au Gratin Recipe
    • This recipe is a great option if you’re feeding a lot of people at once. Just keep in mind that it’s very rich and decadent![10]

Method 9
Method 9 of 26:
Roasted Brussels Sprouts

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    You’ll definitely come back for seconds of this delectable side. This roasted veggie has it all—a caramelized exterior balanced out with a well-cooked center. Best of all, this beloved side is super easy to make.[11]
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Method 10
Method 10 of 26:
Roasted Butternut Squash

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    This simple side is a quintessential part of any fall feast. Butternut squash, oil, and seasoning are all you need to turn this savory recipe into a reality. Just make sure you have enough oven space when the big day rolls around...[12]
    • Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
    • One platter of roasted squash only feeds about 4-5 people, so be prepared to double or triple this recipe for the big day.
    • This side isn’t just super tasty–it’s also a great source of potassium (or potassi-yum)!

Method 11
Method 11 of 26:
Roasted Acorn Squash

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    Roasted acorn squash takes “digging in” to a whole new level. Pick up 1 acorn squash for every 2 guests who will be sitting around the dinner table (or more, if you expect this side to be a big hit). Slice and bake this squash in halves, so your guests can dig out every tasty morsel with their spoons.[13]
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Method 12
Method 12 of 26:
Roasted Carrots

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    Getting your daily dose of vitamin A never tasted so sweet.[15] After a little bit of quality time in a 400 °F (204 °C) oven, your sliced carrots will be tender, delicious, and ready to enjoy.[16] Have something of a sweet tooth? Cook your carrots with a sweet glaze as the perfect complement to your more savory sides.[17]

Method 13
Method 13 of 26:
Roasted Cauliflower

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    Don’t worry about counting calories with this health-conscious side.[18] Cauliflower is notoriously low in carbs, too—just 1 cup (100 g) of cauliflower will only set you back 5 grams of carbs.[19]
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Method 14
Method 14 of 26:
Roasted Beets

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    Nothing can beet this side dish. Add some extra color to your dinner table by cutting this veggie into chunks and baking it in the oven. Just don’t confuse it for the cranberry sauce once you arrange it on the dinner table...[21]

Method 15
Method 15 of 26:
Creamed Spinach

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    Even your spinach-hating relatives might give this side a shot. It’s pretty darn quick to whip up, too—it takes less than 30 minutes for this mouthwatering side to go from the skillet to the serving dish.[22]
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Method 16
Method 16 of 26:
Creamed Corn

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    This Southern classic is a delicious addition to your dinner table. It may be tempting to pick up a can of creamed corn during your next grocery run, but this creamy side is worth making from scratch. You can even add in some bacon or chives to put a unique spin on this classic dish.[23]

Method 17
Method 17 of 26:
Sauteed Mushrooms

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    It only takes a few minutes to whip up this scrumptious side. Oil, mushrooms, and seasoning… yup, it really is that simple. Pick up your favorite pack of mushrooms, grab some butter, and go to town! Your mushroom-loving guests will thank you.[24]
    • Sauteed Mushrooms Recipe
    • Sauteeing works with all mushroom varieties, so don’t be afraid to load up on your favorites.[25]
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Method 18
Method 18 of 26:
Green Beans

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    Easy to make, healthy, and delicious? You heard us right. Fresh green beans offer a nice, crunchy alternative to the canned green beans that are traditionally used in green bean casserole.[26] Try your hand at a few different cooking methods and see which one you like the best.

Method 19
Method 19 of 26:
Collard Greens

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    Add some Southern flavor to your Thanksgiving spread. Cook them up with bacon to pay homage to the classic recipe, or add in some extra veggies for a vegetarian take on this savory side.
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Method 20
Method 20 of 26:
Kale Salad

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    Who said some of your Thanksgiving sides couldn’t be healthy? This crunchy, leafy superfood is the perfect base for your Thanksgiving salad. Plus, it’ll provide a nice palette cleanser from some of the richer sides on your menu.[28]
    • Kale Salad Recipe
    • Feel free to play around with different varieties of kale, like Dinosaur, Russian, and Redbor.[29]

Method 21
Method 21 of 26:
Broccoli Salad

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    Broccoli salad offers a refreshing change of pace to your Thanksgiving meal. Toss together a salad that’s equal parts salty and sweet by adding some bacon and dried fruit into the mix.[30]
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Method 22
Method 22 of 26:
Pumpkin Soup

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    Pumpkin is good for more than just pie. Soups may not be as well-known as some of the more traditional Thanksgiving sides, but they add so many delicious possibilities to your menu. Take pumpkin soup, for instance—this sweet, warm dish goes hand-in-hand with the other savory sides on the menu.[31]

Method 23
Method 23 of 26:
Dinner Rolls

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    Your Thanksgiving is about to be on a roll. Yes, dinner rolls are as delicious as they are pun-derful. Prepare to make multiple batches, since everyone is sure to come back for seconds![32]
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Method 24
Method 24 of 26:
Cornbread

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    Cornbread is the unsung hero of the dinner table. This slightly sweet bread is the perfect complement to just about everything on the menu, from the turkey and stuffing to the mashed potatoes and cranberry.[33] Feel free to change things up with a tasty, sour cream variation, too.

Method 25
Method 25 of 26:
Biscuits

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    Biscuits are a great alternative to the usual dinner roll. Whip up a traditional batch for your friends and relatives, or make a dairy-free version for any guests with special dietary preferences.
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Method 26
Method 26 of 26:
Gravy

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    It’s not technically a side dish, but leaving it off the menu would be a grave mistake. Feel free to keep it classic by making a savory sauce with your turkey drippings.[35] If you’re a little more crunched for time, flour, butter, and broth can also work in a pinch.
    • Homemade Gravy Recipe
    • Mushroom gravy is an excellent alternative if you have any vegan or vegetarian guests at the table.[36]

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/thanksgiving/recipes/thanksgiving-side-dishes/?slide=slide_a38c37c7-7b55-478f-9da8-6c5e9755b658#slide_a38c37c7-7b55-478f-9da8-6c5e9755b658
  2. ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/to_stuff_or_not_to_stuff_thats_the_thanksgiving_turkey_question
  3. ↑ https://www.psu.edu/news/agricultural-sciences/story/stuffing-turkey-and-other-thanksgiving-food-safety-mistakes/
  4. ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/the-food-lab-thanksgiving-special-the-worlds-easiest-cranberry-sauce
  5. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/classic-green-bean-casserole-70179
  6. ↑ https://whatscookingamerica.net/pasta_rice_main/macandcheese.htm
  7. ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/the-best-roasted-sweet-potatoes-thanksgiving-sides-the-food-lab-recipe
  8. ↑ https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a28942812/roasted-hasselback-sweet-potatoes-recipe/
  9. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/classic-potato-gratin
  1. ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/classic-potato-gratin-recipe
  2. ↑ https://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipes/6831-roasted-brussels-sprouts
  3. ↑ https://www.ucihealth.org/blog/2016/09/roasted-butternut-squash-with-shiitake-mushrooms
  4. ↑ https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/classic-brown-sugar-roasted-acorn-squash
  5. ↑ https://whatscookingamerica.net/squash.htm
  6. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/reasons-why-carrots-of-all-colors-are-healthy-for-you/
  7. ↑ https://www.womansday.com/food-recipes/food-drinks/a29430217/honey-glazed-roasted-carrots-recipe/
  8. ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/quatre-epices-glazed-carrots-recipe
  9. ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/cauliflower-the-new-nutrition-superstar
  10. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/pizza/cauliflower-pizza-crust-review-healthy-pizza-crust/
  11. ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/cauliflower-the-new-nutrition-superstar
  12. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/recipe-roasted-beets-with-oranges/
  13. ↑ https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/creamed-spinach
  14. ↑ https://www.pauladeenmagazine.com/creamed-corn-recipe/
  15. ↑ https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a34465136/sauteed-mushrooms-recipe/
  16. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/recipes/how-to/cooking-basics/how-to-saute-mushrooms/
  17. ↑ https://www.latimes.com/recipe/list/green-bean-recipes-youll-love-for-thanksgiving
  18. ↑ https://www.latimes.com/recipe/list/green-bean-recipes-youll-love-for-thanksgiving
  19. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/article/best-thanksgiving-sides.html
  20. ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/the-many-types-and-health-benefits-of-kale
  21. ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/14280/fresh-broccoli-salad/
  22. ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/roasted-pumpkin-soup-brown-butter-thyme-recipe
  23. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/rapid-rise-skillet-yeast-rolls-537175
  24. ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/moist-and-tender-brown-butter-cornbread-recipe
  25. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/rapid-rise-skillet-yeast-rolls-537175
  26. ↑ https://whatscookingamerica.net/menu/turkeygravy.htm
  27. ↑ https://www.cookinglight.com/cooking-101/techniques/how-to-make-mushroom-gravy

About This Article

Janice Tieperman
Co-authored by:
Janice Tieperman
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Janice is a professional and creative writer who has worked at wikiHow since 2019. With both a B.A. and M.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University, she has a passion for writing a wide variety of content for anyone and everyone. In her free time, you can find her working on a new crochet pattern, listening to true crime podcasts, or tackling a new creative writing project. This article has been viewed 3,329 times.
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Co-authors: 7
Updated: December 27, 2021
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Categories: Holiday Cooking
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