51 Thanksgiving Sides Recipes That Always Steal the Show
Every autumn table I set has room for variety, and these 51 sides guarantee no one goes hungry. Guests pile on heaping spoonfuls, and the stories that unfold are the best part of cool-weather gatherings. When a dish brings people back for more, you know you’re on the right path.

Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole

Morning gatherings deserve a warmly fulfilling start before the parade coverage goes live. Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole enters the conversation because its pillowy layers encourage second helpings. People often linger over their plates, discussing how fall mornings can feel extra special with this on the table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

Little pops of color light up the autumn buffet in the best way. When I plate up Easy Honey Glazed Carrots, there’s always a few raised eyebrows—quickly followed by wide smiles. Their glossy glaze and sweet bite start plenty of conversations about simple favorites. These carrots bring warmth and brightness even if the weather outside is chilly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

Crunch and sweetness go hand-in-hand as Thanksgiving guests seek a break from heavy dishes. A bowl of Crisp Honeycrisp Salad is usually the first thing to empty when the meal begins. The flavors feel fresh, and I always notice how it brightens up the table. Salads are never boring during autumn celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
Cheesy Potato Casserole

There’s always someone eyeing the bubbling golden corner of the dish in anticipation. Cheesy Potato Casserole is remembered for its layers and cozy aroma that drift through the whole house. No matter how many sides appear, this one gets the most recipe requests. Thanksgiving just wouldn’t feel right without a cheesy favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Potato Casserole
Comforting Turkey Soup

A steaming bowl during chilly November gatherings creates a sense of home and warmth. Comforting Turkey Soup lingers in guests’ minds as a post-feast comfort. People love the feeling of wrapping cold hands around a hot bowl as laughter fills the kitchen. Serving soup after the holiday feels like extending autumn just a bit longer.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Turkey Soup
Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Silky piles always find a place on any holiday table, and no season shows them off quite like fall. Buttery Mashed Potatoes inspire people to sneak seconds before even carving the turkey. The classic flavor sparks stories about past Thanksgivings and what truly makes a feast. Sides like this foster friendly debate about best combos and gravies.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Crispy Stuffing Balls

Unique shapes add excitement, especially when classic stuffing goes handheld. When I serve Crispy Stuffing Balls, the compliments and playful chatter start before anyone sits down. Crunchy texture and familiar flavor prompt people to ask for the trick behind them. Finger-friendly sides keep autumn events from ever feeling stuffy.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls
Tender Cauliflower Steaks

Roasted vegetables take on new meaning as the air grows cooler outside. Tender Cauliflower Steaks create a standout moment when people seek something beyond the usual sides. Nostalgia for old favorites balances with the surprise of a new take on veggies. Every plate comes back clean with these at the center.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks
Layered Seven Layer Salad

Watching people dig through layers to find hidden favorites is half the fun. Once Layered Seven Layer Salad lands on the table, chatter about colors and textures heats up. There’s always a burst of excitement when someone gets the ideal forkful. It feels like a celebration before the main course even arrives.
Get the Recipe: Layered Seven Layer Salad
Tender Sautéed Kale

Greens take center stage with this side, offering a break from heavier flavors. Plate after plate, Tender Sautéed Kale gets noticed for its vibrant color and soft bite. People tend to compare it to their usual autumn greens, eager for more. Sometimes the healthiest sides are the most talked about.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale
Fluffy Egg Casserole

A hearty dish that can flex for breakfast or the main meal, this keeps people coming back to brunch-style feasts. When Fluffy Egg Casserole appears beside the turkey, there’s always an extra fork or two reaching in. Guests mention the light, pillowy texture while they debate their favorite Thanksgiving bites. Brunch comfort always fits the fall table.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Egg Casserole
Mushroom Gravy

Rich sauces provide finishing touches that make every dish more inviting come autumn. I always trust Mushroom Gravy to bring earthiness and a silky finish to everything it touches. Smile after smile breaks out as guests pour generous helpings. Fond memories grow every time sides connect like this.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy
Rich French Onion Soup

The aroma of caramelized onions can draw a crowd faster than any turkey. I have found Rich French Onion Soup opens the meal with big flavor, hearty warmth, and plenty of “what is that??” whispers. Toasted bread soaking up the soup creates a buzz no one forgets. Fall dinners stay cozy with this timeless starter.
Get the Recipe: Rich French Onion Soup
Colorful Antipasto Salad

Autumn is the time for vibrant variety, and this bowl delivers just that. I drop Colorful Antipasto Salad onto my buffet and watch as people gravitate toward all the colors and textures. Options spark conversation about the best flavor combos in the bowl. An abundant salad always gets a second look at fall feasts.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad
Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Subtle sweetness and a velvety bite offer a twist on tradition that makes people pause. Plates filled with Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi trigger questions about how many ways you can serve potatoes for Thanksgiving. The conversation quickly shifts to new traditions as hands reach for more. Forks rarely rest until the last gnocchi vanishes.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Rich Turkey Gravy

Pouring gravy is almost a ceremony at Thanksgiving, starring in many of my mealtime memories. Rich Turkey Gravy earns raves when it brings everything on the plate together, especially mashed potatoes and biscuits. Serving generous ladles makes the spread feel extra indulgent. Guests never let leftovers go to waste when the sauce is this good.
Get the Recipe: Rich Turkey Gravy
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Golden edges and a soft center always start a discussion. The moment Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is uncovered, people point and hint that it’s their favorite. You’d be surprised how heated the debate gets over cheesy sides at autumn gatherings. The pan always comes back empty.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Silky potatoes with bubbly cheese pull everyone to the sideboard for seconds. In my kitchen, Cheesy Funeral Potatoes quickly turn into a highlight people want at every fall party. As plates empty, conversation turns to how this classic never lets anyone down. Even non-potato fans dig in for a taste.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Elegant sides don’t have to be fussy to impress on Thanksgiving. When Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto comes to the table, guests notice how the vibrant color draws the eye. Each bite carries a warming, autumn flavor that keeps people talking until dessert. Risotto shines brightest during cool-weather gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
Loaded Million Dollar Casserole

Favorites from potlucks make their way to holiday spreads for good reason. The very sight of Loaded Million Dollar Casserole triggers nods of approval all around. Layers keep people returning, always looking for another flavorful forkful. Thanksgiving goes up a notch with this much-loved side.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Million Dollar Casserole
Crusty Focaccia Bread

Aromatic breads warm the kitchen as autumn winds gust outside. Crusty Focaccia Bread disappears first at my table, where people rip off hearty pieces to soak up gravy and soup. Crunchy edges prompt stories of favorite bakery finds. Sharing bread always starts a holiday off on the right foot.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread
Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

People light up when a colorful casserole brings something new to the table. After the first bite, Cheesy Eggplant Casserole stirs lively discussion about unexpected Thanksgiving favorites. The combination of flavors wins over even vegetable skeptics. Guests walk out asking how soon they’ll get to try it again.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole
Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Bite-sized, golden, and inviting, this side sparks curiosity and praise with each serving. Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes trigger debates about the best way to enjoy potatoes come fall. Attendees always return for another fluffy, crunchy bite. Plates feel extra festive when classic comfort goes crispy.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
Hearty Stuffed Cabbage

Substantial sides can hold the spotlight all autumn long. Hearty Stuffed Cabbage gets guests chatting about traditions, with every forkful delivering the comfort people crave at Thanksgiving. Leaving the table hungry isn’t an option with this on offer. Savory memories linger for days.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Stuffed Cabbage
Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Stuffed sides always prompt people to hover nearby until serving time. Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes enter the conversation as guests remark on generous toppings and soft, warm interiors. Sides like these invite creative add-ons at future gatherings. Thanksgiving meals become playful and personal with helpings like this.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Falling temperatures have guests searching for warming comfort. I always find Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole leads to second helpings and memories shared from autumn potlucks past. The gentle flavors pair well with the busy Thanksgiving spread. A cozy casserole makes even chilly celebrations inviting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Even veggie skeptics look twice when greens arrive caramelized and glossy. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze foster true excitement, with guests trading tips about bringing out autumn flavors. The sweet-smoky finish is unforgettable. This side always leaves me wishing I had made more.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Fresh Greek Salad

Sometimes, a crisp, cool bowl balances the entire Thanksgiving table beautifully. The first taste of Fresh Greek Salad brings sighs and compliments about fresh, lively flavors. Olive colors and soft cheese add visual pop. Lemon and herbs keep the conversation going far past dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Greek Salad
Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Warming up the meal with a gentle start sets the stage for thanks and togetherness. Creamy Pumpkin Soup wins over new fans every autumn as familiar spices blend into something smooth and welcoming. Conversation bubbles up as soup is ladled out and bowls are cradled between cold hands. Fall never tasted so cozy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Jars and cans don’t stand a chance once you offer a vivid, homemade version. Homemade Cranberry Sauce enters the meal with color and aroma that feels special. Its tart bite sparks talk about family traditions and favorite leftovers. The bowl empties in a flash, so I always make extra.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Tender Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted greens really shine once the leaves turn gold outside. Tender Roasted Broccoli gathers prompt attention when its charred tips promise plenty of flavor. Guests often swap stories about how broccoli can surprise even on the big Thanksgiving table. This dish is proof that simple is good.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli
Creamy Green Bean Casserole

There’s something about the first spoonful that brings people back year after year. When Creamy Green Bean Casserole joins the lineup, it feels like fall is truly here. I hear praise for the soft texture and gentle flavor, especially from those who like Thanksgiving with a nod to the classics. Side dishes build tradition one bite at a time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Creamy Macaroni Salad

Round out the options with something cool and vibrant even as the weather chills. I serve Creamy Macaroni Salad when I want guests to feel like they have a special pick on the table. The mix of colors and textures keeps everyone reaching for a scoop. Even heavy meals need refreshing cues to stay fun.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad
Crunchy Celery Salad

Sometimes, the crunchiest side is the conversation piece. Crunchy Celery Salad quickly gets people asking for seconds while swapping stories about classic Thanksgiving flavors. It brings out laughter and a welcome freshness among heavier plates. I love that this salad always invites new fans.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad
Classic Southern Cornbread

Southern-inspired sides bring comfort and cheer to chilly November gatherings. Classic Southern Cornbread comes to mind when people want a homemade touch to soak up gravies and chili. The warm slice feels instantly nostalgic and ushers in memories with each bite. Cornbread never lasts long around my table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Cornbread
Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

Sides that channel special-occasion dining make Thanksgiving dinner feel extraordinary. I hear plenty of “wow” when Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto appears, with deep, layered flavor setting the tone for a memorable meal. The soft grains always get attention, especially from food lovers. Autumn is the perfect time for risotto’s rich notes.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto
Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Extra-decadent dishes stand out amid Thanksgiving’s parade of beige. People pause at Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes, admiring their velvety finish before diving in. The dish always disappears before dinnertime is through. Memorable sides are part of every Thanksgiving celebration.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Sometimes, it’s the gentle sweetness that makes people linger at the table the longest. When I serve Mashed Sweet Potatoes, I notice guests layering flavors and debating the best way to enjoy this humble classic. Textures and color invite discussion about autumn pantries and favorite spreads. Comfort is just a spoonful away.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Savory Bread Stuffing

Holiday gatherings wouldn’t be the same without flavors that feel like home. Savory Bread Stuffing is the side that starts debates about the best recipe with every bite. Aroma alone means the kitchen fills up before the main event. I never make less than a double batch.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bread Stuffing
Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

High-speed options become heroes when a big meal requires comfort in a hurry. Guests remember Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese as the creamy, golden scoop that filled every plate. The instant approach invites smiles and easy praise for how well it fits into old-school traditions. Even purists always help themselves.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Rich Creamed Spinach

Greens become celebration-worthy when they arrive velvety and warm. People stop and ask about Rich Creamed Spinach as soon as the serving dish shows up. Lively chatter starts about how to get greens this good. Fall meals benefit from a side that feels both hearty and refined.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach
Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Bite-sized snacks help guests mingle before the main dishes even land on the table. Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board draws people of all ages, each person reaching for a favorite combination. Laughter, sharing, and grazing make autumn feasts relaxed and inviting. Boards like this set the tone for a friendly Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board
Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Colorful veggies and a tangy coating bring a modern twist to the spread. The first forkful of Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing usually brings surprised smiles. Crisp bites break up heaviness and make autumn gatherings feel more festive. I like how its crunch signals something special in the mix of sides.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

The smell from the oven lets everyone know something good is on the menu. Serving Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole introduces a nostalgic autumn comfort, filling plates and stories alike. People keep coming back for seconds until the very last spoonful is gone. Thanksgiving meals are easier with trusted classics.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole
Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Adding bold, unexpected flair wakes up any fall table with a smile. Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad stirs up conversation about favorite Thanksgiving spins. The gentle heat and mix of textures keep guests curious. Gathering for a holiday meal feels fresher with creative sides like this.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad
Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Seasonally stunning sides quickly become the focus during cool-weather gatherings when they look this impressive. When I unveil Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower, people pause to take in the golden, crisp edges. Slicing and sharing the first piece always sparks compliments. Crowd-pleasing vegetables make for memorable holiday moments.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Soft Garlic Knots

Just the scent of fresh bread draws everyone into the dining room. I place a basket of Soft Garlic Knots on the table and immediately people start reaching for their favorite twirled bite. The pull-apart texture and buttery scent fill the air with anticipation. Simple breads feel essential during Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots
Colorful 7 Layer Salad

Every new layer brings a little extra fun to the celebration, especially when traditions get playful. Colorful 7 Layer Salad shows up bright and bold among classic sides, inviting people to vote for their favorites. Lively conversation builds around the bowl. Sides don’t have to be complicated to be memorable.
Get the Recipe: Colorful 7 Layer Salad
Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

A crisp edge and vibrant color always catch the eye amongst the other fall sides. As soon as I pull out Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges, chatter picks up about favorite dipping sauces and fun takes on sweet potatoes. Guests devour wedges before the turkey has a chance. No side works harder for compliments.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges
Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Playfully smashed and baked to perfection, this side makes holiday meals fun. Crispy Smashed Potatoes prompt excited debate as people share their favorite textures in an autumn potato dish. Arguments over best toppings keep everyone light-hearted and engaged. Thanksgiving stays lively with a dish this inviting.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole

Finishing the collection, the showstopper returns just as it began, drawing the crowd’s laughter and hungry eyes. Each heaping scoop of Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole brings back every story, compliment, and memory from autumn tables past. Baked layers keep guests lingering, even as the plates pile up.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole
