47 Thanksgiving Side Ideas You’ll Make Again Before Next November

Side dishes often make the most lasting impressions during Thanksgiving gatherings, and this year I’ve got 47 irresistible recipe ideas that are bound to steal the show. From creamy comfort classics to savory twists packed with seasonal flair, these sides turn any table into a feast. These recipes are crowd favorites that everyone will ask for again.

A white dish with roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, red onions, and sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh dill and thyme. — Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy and garnished with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper. — Buttery Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

The simplest pleasures can often outshine the fanciest dishes, and Buttery Mashed Potatoes prove just that. Creamy, rich, and impossibly smooth, they act as the ultimate canvas for everything from turkey gravy to warm butter. The comforting flavor connects to holiday vibes, evoking memories of laughter-filled tables and cozy moments.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole

A close-up of a serving of savory bread pudding with bacon and herbs being lifted from a white baking dish. — Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole combines wholesome, hearty ingredients into a single dish that feels like a warm hug in food form. With soft, lovely layers that melt together effortlessly, this casserole works beautifully as a showstopping centerpiece or side to complement more extravagant toppings.
Get the Recipe: Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole

Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad

A honey hot chicken salad with succulent fried chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, cucumber slices, and mixed greens, all topped with a creamy dressing. — Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bold, spicy, and brimming with unexpected sweetness. Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad is the kind of dish people can’t stop talking about. The contrast of flavors, from the tender chicken to the tangy heat, creates a dynamic treat that works for Thanksgiving and beyond.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

A slice of cheesy eggplant lasagna with tomato sauce is being lifted from a pan, showing stretchy melted cheese. A bowl is blurred in the background. — Cheesy Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cheesy Eggplant Casserole feels like comfort food transformed. Layers of roasted eggplant melt into cheese and sauce, creating a side dish that’s both rich and earthy. It’s the type of side guests don’t expect but can’t stop reaching for, its decadent texture and full-bodied flavors making it an instant favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves. — Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A refreshing yet indulgent option, Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad adds balance to heavy Thanksgiving dishes with bursts of tart cranberry and nutty pecan. The creamy tenderness of chicken folds into this combination, delivering a dish that feels both light and vibrantly flavorful. Perfect for guests who want something refreshing on their plates.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Comforting Turkey Soup

A bowl of chicken soup with rice, carrots, celery, herbs, and pepper sprinkled on top. — Comforting Turkey Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Comforting Turkey Soup turns leftover turkey into liquid gold. Simmered with carefully balanced seasonings and delicate broth, this dish feels like home in a bowl. It’s perfect for guests who want something lighter amidst heavier meals, offering familiar flavors that wrap you in warmth even after the holiday ends.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Turkey Soup

Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

A close-up image of honey chipotle seasoned roasted potatoes garnished with parsley, served alongside grilled steak and lettuce. — Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Smoky, sweet, and undeniably hearty, Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes combines bold flavors with lovely textures. The gentle sweetness of honey balances chipotle’s spice, and the addition of roasted potatoes creates a filling. A flavorful dish people won’t stop reaching for.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

Tender Roasted Broccoli

A bowl of roasted broccoli topped with grated cheese and seasoning. — Tender Roasted Broccoli. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

With its caramelized edges and slightly nutty flavor, Tender Roasted Broccoli delivers simplicity on the plate while standing out among heavier sides. This dish proves that vegetables deserve just as much attention as casseroles, offering a light yet deeply flavorful option that pairs effortlessly with turkey and stuffing.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

A serving of tater tot casserole on a spoon. — Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole embodies pure comfort and nostalgia. Crispy tater tots cradle luscious cheese and creamy layers underneath, blending texture and flavor to perfection. This dish delivers big on hearty satisfaction while offering a playful twist to traditional potato casseroles, making it a crowd favorite that disappears quickly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

A close-up of a spoonful of chicken stuffing, showcasing croutons, shredded chicken, peas, carrots, and sprinkled herbs. — Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Some dishes simply feel like family traditions, and Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is one of them. Tender chicken blends seamlessly with rich layers of stuffing, creating a soul-soothing pairing that balances hearty textures and flavors. Guests will love how this casserole takes familiar ingredients and turns them into something warm.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Creamy Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce. — Creamy Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A Thanksgiving spread wouldn’t be complete without Creamy Mac and Cheese. Its velvety sauce wraps each piece of pasta in layers of indulgence, and the cheesiness pairs perfectly with everything else on the plate. Guests will love the comforting nostalgia of this dish, and you’ll love how quickly it becomes a requested favorite year after year.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mac and Cheese

Crispy Stuffing Balls

Close-up of several stuffing balls containing herbs and dried cranberries, garnished with fresh parsley. — Crispy Stuffing Balls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Perfect as a grab-and-go bite or passed around for seconds, Crispy Stuffing Balls are a brilliant twist on the classic stuffing. Packed with a familiar mix of herbs and seasonings, their crispy exterior gives way to a tender filling that guests rave about. These irresistible bites guarantee no leftovers at the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls

Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

A jar labeled — Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce delivers a touch of sweetness that complements savory dishes perfectly. Its velvety texture and warm spice flavors bring cozy holiday vibes to every spoonful, making it feel first like a Thanksgiving essential and later like a sweet treat everyone wants seconds of.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese. — Crisp Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Add some crunch while balancing heavier dishes with Crisp Honeycrisp Salad. This refreshing combination of tart apples mixed with bright greens and light dressing provides a much-needed reprieve from rich casseroles. Its flavor pops during every bite, and people love how light it feels amidst the indulgent meal.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served. — Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The perfect marriage of crispy and creamy, Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole takes a familiar potato texture and makes it extraordinary. Golden crusts cover layers of soft, cheesy potatoes that complement every dish on your table. Guests always scoop this casserole up before anything else.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Baked rice casserole with melted cheese on top, garnished with chopped herbs. — Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When comfort food calls, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole answers with hearty layers of tender chicken enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce and combined with perfectly cooked rice. The textures meld together, creating a dish that feels like a cozy, lovely hug at the holiday table. This casserole becomes a meal everyone remembers and requests again.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Layers of nostalgia baked into one dish, Cheesy Funeral Potatoes combine golden potatoes with creamy, melted cheese and just the right touch of a crispy topping. The texture is irresistible: soft inside, crunchy on the outside, and makes this dish one you’ll spot on every guest’s plate, often twice.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A plate of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with pine nuts on parchment paper. — Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze bring unexpected elegance to the Thanksgiving lineup. Roasted until golden and slightly crisp at the edges, each sprout is transformed into a bite bursting with nutty richness and a hint of tangy balsamic sweetness. It’s the dish skeptics reach for, and end up falling in love with.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Classic Southern Cornbread

Close-up of two stacked pieces of cornbread with melted butter on top, showcasing a golden-brown crust and moist, crumbly texture. — Classic Southern Cornbread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crumbly, golden, and subtly sweet, Classic Southern Cornbread serves as the soul of the Thanksgiving table. Each bite carries the warmth and richness guests crave, while its buttery texture creates a perfect pairing for gravy, soups, and casseroles. Whether cut into squares or served rustic-style, this dish feels like tradition in every morsel.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Cornbread

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries with a dipping sauce. — Crispy Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries deliver a side dish that’s as enjoyable as it is versatile. Their golden, caramelized edges combine with naturally sweet flavors to create the kind of snack-like potatoes that tempt everyone to grab “just one more.” These fries are so good they might upstage the turkey.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

A turkey charcuterie board features a playful face design with sliced meats, cheeses, pretzels, grapes, olives, breadsticks, and two candy eyes on an apple. — Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A showstopping centerpiece, Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board takes imaginative presentation to a new level. With carefully arranged textures, colors, and bite-sized offerings, this board features turkey-inspired creativity that guests won’t stop photographing or sampling. It adds perfection to snacking while sparking conversations.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

Roasted sweet potato wedges sprinkled with herbs on parchment paper. — Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Smoky and caramelized, Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges prove that simple ingredients become unforgettable with the right touch of crisping and seasoning. Perfectly roasted with golden edges, these wedges offer balance to heavier dishes. Watch them disappear from the plate, leaving only crumbs behind as guests sneak seconds.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

Hearty Cabbage Casserole

A close-up of a baked casserole dish filled with creamy cabbage gratin, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, with a serving spoon partially visible. — Hearty Cabbage Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Hearty Cabbage Casserole transforms humble cabbage into a dish worthy of attention. Its layered texture paired with a creamy base evokes warmth and fills plates with flavor-packed bites. As comforting as a blanket on a cool November evening, this casserole is a side that lingers long after the forks are down.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole

Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

Close-up of a dish featuring glazed carrots garnished with chopped herbs, served in a white bowl. — Easy Honey Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Easy Honey Glazed Carrots bring vibrant color and irresistible sweetness to your Thanksgiving table. Perfectly tender with just the right hint of caramelized glaze, these carrots provide brightness and balance in every bite. Guests enjoy their simplicity while appreciating how they pair effortlessly with rich mains.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

Hearty Stuffed Cabbage

Close-up of stuffed cabbage rolls filled with rice and ground meat, topped with tomato sauce and garnished with chopped herbs. — Hearty Stuffed Cabbage. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Filled with comforting flavors, Hearty Stuffed Cabbage is a side dish that feels rustic yet tranformed. Tender leaves envelop rich fillings, creating a meal that satisfies both nostalgic tastes and cravings for bold, hearty textures. It’s the kind of dish guests find themselves talking about long after the holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Stuffed Cabbage

Fluffy Egg Casserole

A casserole dish containing egg casserole. — Fluffy Egg Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Light yet filling, Fluffy Egg Casserole creates the ideal balance to accompany Thanksgiving classics. Its delicate texture and warmth offer comfort to every plate, while staying versatile enough to pair with almost anything. Guests love how effortless it feels with heavy dishes.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Egg Casserole

Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower head cut in half, garnished with chopped parsley, on a white plate. — Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower demands attention as much for its bold presentation as its gorgeous caramelized edges. With tender bites hidden beneath crisp layers, this dish mimics a main course but fits beautifully within the lineup of sides. Perfect for adding vegetables without losing indulgence at the table.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Breaded and fried patties garnished with chopped parsley are arranged on a plate next to a bowl of creamy dipping sauce with herbs. — Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Stunningly golden and irresistibly crisp, Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes deliver a bite that feels as fancy as it is fun. Guests love the crunch and pillowy softness beneath, making these small bites the perfect conversation starter or showstopper. Make double; they go fast.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Rich Creamed Spinach

A bowl of creamy spinach topped with grated cheese, being stirred with a spoon. — Rich Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Velvety textures and a hint of decadence define Rich Creamed Spinach. Elevating greens in a way you didn’t know they could go. Soft yet bold, creamy yet fresh, this dish pairs beautifully with almost everything else on the table while standing on its own as a comfort-food classic.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach

Hearty Breakfast Casserole

A close-up of a spoon lifting a portion of a baked breakfast casserole dish containing vegetables, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust and garnished with a parsley leaf. — Hearty Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bold flavors meet soft layers in Hearty Breakfast Casserole, showcasing ingredients that feel familiar yet incredibly enjoyable. It’s versatile and indulgent, a dish you’ll bring out not only for holidays but for gatherings year-round. The warmth it adds to the table can’t be understated.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Breakfast Casserole

Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

A bowl of risotto topped with roasted pumpkin pieces, grated cheese, and fresh parsley, with a checkered napkin and herbs nearby. — Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy and vibrant, Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto takes elegant flavors and makes them approachable. Each spoonful is filled with the cozy warmth of seasonal squash paired with tender risotto, making it a standout offering that feels sophisticated yet comforting. Guests love its visual appeal just as much as its taste.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Someone spooning out cranberry sauce from a glass bowl. — Homemade Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet, tart, and bursting with seasonal flavor, Homemade Cranberry Sauce ties the whole Thanksgiving meal together. Each spoonful offers a balance of bright, vibrant notes alongside turkey and stuffing. It’s a staple everyone expects and is glad to see.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Creamy Macaroni Salad

Cool, creamy, and packed with flavor, Creamy Macaroni Salad balances heavier dishes beautifully with its refreshing simplicity. Its smooth texture and bright flavors make it a hit. This is a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will reach for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad

Rich French Onion Soup

A savory dish of French Onion Soup, topped with melted cheese and garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme. — Rich French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

With deeply caramelized onions and a gooey, golden topping, Rich French Onion Soup gives Thanksgiving guests something to swoon over. Every spoonful feels indulgent yet wonderfully balanced. It serves as a lighter starter that still fills the soul.
Get the Recipe: Rich French Onion Soup

Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

A bowl of risotto with mushrooms and parmesan cheese. — Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy yet earthy, Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto brings elegance to your Thanksgiving meal. The balance of perfectly cooked risotto paired with bold mushroom undertones makes this dish stand out on its own. It complements heavier sides effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

Soft Dinner Rolls

Close-up of freshly baked golden-brown dinner rolls, with one roll partially torn to show its soft, fluffy interior. — Soft Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Nothing feels more essential at dinner than Soft Dinner Rolls, their pillowy softness practically melting in your mouth. Guests will reach for them to soak up gravy, pair with stuffing, or enjoy warm with butter. It makes an irreplaceable part of the spread.
Get the Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls

Creamy Green Bean Casserole

A casserole dish filled with green bean casserole with a spoon in it. — Creamy Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A Thanksgiving classic, Creamy Green Bean Casserole delivers nostalgia with every bite. Its creamy base combines beautifully with tender beans, while the crispy topping adds undeniable texture. It’s a dish guests love and expect yearly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Green Bean Casserole

Tender Sautéed Kale

A white bowl filled with sautéed kale and sliced garlic, with a fork lifting a portion from the bowl. — Tender Sautéed Kale. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Tender Sautéed Kale offers simplicity at its finest. Lightly sautéed and seasoned to let the natural flavor shine through, this dish brings freshness and balance to your spread, complementing richer options with ease. Perfect for someone who wants greens done right.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes on parchment paper, with dollops of sauce and sprigs of dill. — Crispy Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes take everyday potatoes to extraordinary heights. Their crunchy edges contrast with soft, tender centers to provide a bite that’s as satisfying as it is versatile. You’ll see them disappearing quickly as guests rediscover the magic of crispy perfection.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Soft Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray. — Soft Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Buttery, garlicky, and irresistibly soft, Soft Garlic Knots add a touch of indulgence to any plate. Perfect for sopping up sauces or enjoying with other sides. Their aroma alone practically guarantees they’ll be the first item gone.
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots

Sourdough Stuffing

A close-up of a serving of bread stuffing with chopped herbs, lifted from a baking dish. — Sourdough Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sourdough Stuffing brings a complex depth of flavor that transforms traditional stuffing. The slightly tangy sourdough mingles with hearty herbs and seasonings. It creates a forkful guests will want alongside every main dish.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing

Tender Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower steaks with pomegranate and pistachios on a plate. — Tender Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bold yet incredibly simple. Tender Cauliflower Steaks balance caramelized edges with a melt-in-your-mouth core. Perfectly roasted and seasoned, they’re a plant-based side that feels hearty enough to hold its own and playful enough to complement the rest of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks

Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A baked dish with melted cheese, diced pineapples, browned bacon, and chopped green onions on top. — Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Decadent layers of robust seasoning and creamy potato textures make Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes unforgettable. This indulgent take on potatoes will have guests raving about them. The guest is sneaking another scoop before dessert even starts.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

A close-up of a slice of potato casserole with layers of potatoes, ham, and creamy sauce, garnished with chopped parsley on a plate. — Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Layers of creamy potatoes married with savory ham create Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, a dish everyone loves. Its simplicity belies its rich flavors. It’s perfectly complementing Thanksgiving staples while delivering an extra dose of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Rich Turkey Gravy

Close-up of a bowl filled with creamy turkey gravy soup, featuring small bubbles and herbs on the surface. The bowl has a reddish-brown rim. — Rich Turkey Gravy. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without Rich Turkey Gravy, tying the meal together. Its velvety consistency and deep flavor enhance everything it touches. From mashed potatoes to stuffing, and even simple rolls, this is always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Rich Turkey Gravy

Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

A plate of golden-brown gnocchi garnished with rosemary, served with a black fork. — Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Soft and delicate yet hearty enough for the holiday table. Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi marries seasonal sweetness with rich, lovely bites. As guests fork into their plates, these pillowy bites quickly become the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

A medley of caramelized flavors awaits with Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Vibrant colors and deep roasted tones transform this dish, creating a side that’s as visually stunning as it is satisfying to eat. It’s the perfect balance to richer offerings.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables