I Keep Making These 33 Thanksgiving Side Dishes and No One Complains

You know a dish is good when people ask for seconds before finishing their first plate. That’s the usual scene when these 33 Thanksgiving sides show up. They’ve somehow become the peace treaty between picky eaters and food snobs. Even the cousin who criticizes everything just quietly keeps eating.

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.
Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs.
French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Guests perk up when a bubbling dish lands on the table. French Onion Casserole brings a soft center and a crisp top that everyone lines up for. Each bite feels rich, so plates get cleared quickly. It goes great with many main dishes. People ask for this every year.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Greek Salad

A bowl of Greek salad with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, green bell peppers, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
Greek Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Some sides keep things fresh while bringing color to the plate. Greek Salad has bright pieces and a crisp bite, making it a welcome break from heavier foods. The mix stands out among the rest. It’s often finished before the meal is over. People who try it always ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad

Pumpkin Soup

A mouthwatering close-up of pumpkin soup garnished with a swirl of cream, crunchy pumpkin seeds, a crispy slice, and aromatic sage leaves.
Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Dinner feels complete with a warm bowl at the start. Pumpkin Soup serves up creamy spoonfuls that match well with simple breads. Kids and adults enjoy the mild taste together. Leftovers make for easy lunches. This soup becomes a conversation starter at any table.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

Beet Salad

A close-up of a salad featuring chopped beets, cucumber, feta cheese, walnuts, and fresh herbs on a white plate.
Beet Salad. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Plates get a pop of color when something bright arrives. Beet Salad makes people look twice and sparks plenty of talk. The sweet and earthy mix pairs well with richer sides. Guests enjoy its light texture. This salad usually disappears before dessert is served.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Stuffing Balls

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

When sides are easy to grab, everyone piles them high. Stuffing Balls pack classic flavor into a bite-sized shape. Kids reach for them without help. Seconds and thirds are common. These quickly become more popular than the bigger dishes.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing Balls

Roasted Broccoli

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

Simple roasted sides always fit in. Roasted Broccoli comes out with crispy edges and bright green color, making plates look better. It works for both picky eaters and veggie fans. Kids often find themselves grabbing extra. This dish clears out early in the meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli

Ham and Potato Casserole

A wooden spoon lifts a serving of cheesy casserole with chunks of ham and potatoes from a baking dish.
Ham and Potato Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When the crowd wants something hearty, this dish always fills plates. Ham and Potato Casserole layers flavor in every scoop, making each bite worth returning for. It’s one of those dishes that vanishes by the time dessert is served. Guests go home thinking about it.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Casserole

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.

Appetizer boards get everyone in the mood to eat together. Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board offers bite-sized nibbles, making it easy for people to taste a little of everything. Plates fill up quickly. It works for kids and adults alike. This board starts the party before the meal begins.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Focaccia Bread

Slices of focaccia bread topped with rosemary and flaky salt, arranged on brown parchment paper.
Focaccia Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Tables quickly get quiet when fresh bread appears. Focaccia Bread bakes up soft and airy, with a bit of crisp on the edges. Slices work well plain or with spreads. Everyone reaches for at least one piece. This bread never lasts long in a basket.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Million Dollar Casserole

A serving spoon lifts a portion of creamy, baked casserole with a crunchy topping, revealing melted cheese.
Million Dollar Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Layers catch eyes as soon as dinner starts. Million Dollar Casserole serves up creamy scoops that have people asking for more before the plates are clear. It fits well on any buffet line. Hearty without feeling heavy. This dish always brings compliments.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole

Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice-baked potatoes topped with melted cheese and chopped green onions on a baking sheet.
Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When comfort food is needed, potatoes win big. Twice Baked Potatoes come stuffed for that little extra, so guests are quick to refill their plates. The golden top keeps everyone coming back. It pairs with any main dish. Potatoes like these become regular favorites.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Garlic Knots

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

Bread with a twist is always welcome. Garlic Knots are small, easy to share, and perfect for dipping or grabbing in pairs. Kids clear the tray in no time. The aroma gets everyone’s attention. They regularly run out before the main event.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Sweet Potato Wedges

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

Cutting things into wedges makes sharing simple. Sweet Potato Wedges pack color and a little sweetness for everyone to enjoy. They work as snacks or alongside a bigger meal. Plates don’t stay full for long. Guests hint they want the recipe for themselves.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Thanksgiving Casserole

A golden brown Thanksgiving casserole of baked stuffing garnished with fresh herbs.
Thanksgiving Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Putting a bit of everything together in one dish catches eyes from across the table. Thanksgiving Casserole combines favorite flavors in every scoop, making it an easy win with guests. It’s a common request for second servings. There’s rarely any left over. This casserole means celebration for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole

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.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Group dinners wouldn’t feel the same without this classic. Mac and Cheese brings creamy comfort that both kids and adults reach for first. It matches well with almost anything else on the table. Spooning it out always leads to smiles. Mac and cheese rarely has leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Turkey Soup

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

There’s always a place for something warm on the side. Turkey Soup offers a way to use leftovers while putting comfort into every spoonful. It’s light but keeps hunger at bay. Easy to reheat for another meal. Soup like this always finds fans around the table.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Soup

Funeral Potatoes

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.
Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cheesy dishes like this instantly draw a crowd. Funeral Potatoes serve up creaminess in a tray, getting scooped onto plates without delay. The top is always golden and crisp. Great for hungry kids and busy eaters. This one is gone by the end of dinner.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.
Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mixing bite-sized toppings with fresh greens makes any salad interesting. Antipasto Salad stands out for its rich variety laid out in every bowl. It’s an easy way to get a lighter bite before digging into richer foods. People often return for more. Antipasto salad adds brightness to any spread.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

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

Soft bites like these bring people together. Sweet Potato Gnocchi provides a hint of sweet in each piece, making a nice match with other sides. Guests enjoy the change from standard pasta. Light enough that no one feels too full. Gnocchi recipes like this start new traditions.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Roasted Whole Cauliflower

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

Showing up with a bold veggie always sparks conversation. Roasted Whole Cauliflower presents well with a crisp top and soft inside. Guests get a kick out of slicing their own piece. It’s easy to see why it gets finished off every time. Cauliflower done this way makes people rethink vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Potato Casserole

Potato Casserole being served.
Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Big dishes disappear fast when potatoes are involved. Potato Casserole has a creamy inside and holds up well on busy plates. It pairs with almost any main course. Everyone expects it at family dinners. Potato casseroles are always in demand for good reason.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

French Onion Soup

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

Soup as a side can really stand out. French Onion Soup is layered with rich broth and a soft topping that’s easy to break through. Bowls don’t last long when this is on the menu. It works for small or large groups. People are quick to ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Macaroni Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Chilled sides add something different to the meal. Macaroni Salad is light and easy, mixing creamy dressing with each scoop. Kids fill their plates without hesitation. The bowl goes empty fast. Macaroni salad is a favorite for big gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

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.
Turkey Gravy. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Plates need something to pull everything together. Turkey Gravy pours easily over main dishes or mashed potatoes, making every bite better. Guests always ask for extra on the side. Pairs well with many leftovers. Gravy is always the first thing to run out.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Gravy

Egg Casserole

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

Hearty sides make meals more fun. Egg Casserole works for breakfast or dinner, offering up a slice that’s both filling and simple. Leftovers heat up nicely the next day. Kids and adults both enjoy it. Egg casseroles are always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole

Creamed Spinach

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

Serving something creamy and green brings balance to a big spread. Creamed Spinach is a smooth, easy-to-scoop side that works next to richer foods. The mild taste goes over well with everyone. It’s one of those dishes that gets finished without trying. Spinach brings comfort to the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Dinner Rolls

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

Warm bread catches attention fast. Dinner Rolls can be pulled apart for small bites or dipped into soup and gravy. These go quickly with both kids and grownups. Any extras are snatched up for later. Rolls are always a hit at group meals.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

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

Bringing something fun never hurts. Easy Tater Tot Casserole lines up golden bites that layer well with creamy filling. Kids dig in without being told. Adults can’t resist either. It’s a side that gets asked for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Potato Croquettes

Breaded and fried croquettes garnished with chopped parsley, served with a bowl of creamy dipping sauce sprinkled with herbs.
Potato Croquettes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Hand-held sides are easy to love. Potato Croquettes have a crispy outside and a soft center, perfect for dipping or eating plain. Party guests clean out platters by the end. These are nice for kids too. Potato croquettes rise to the top of favorites.
Get the Recipe: Potato Croquettes

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.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Including something a bit different lets guests try new flavors. Eggplant Casserole breaks up the usual routine with layers and a tender finish. It’s perfect for vegetarians or anyone craving unique sides. Plates come back empty for more. Eggplant adds color and new fans to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Cranberry Sauce

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

Bright sides help round out the meal. Cranberry Sauce brings color and a slight tang, lifting up heavier items on the plate. Kids notice the bright look right away. It pairs well with turkey and beyond. Cranberry sauce is always gone before dessert starts.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce

Baked Potato

Baked potatoes on a serving dish with sour cream and fresh parsley.
Baked Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bigger meals call for a side that everyone knows. Baked Potato offers a blank canvas for any topping, letting kids or adults create their own mix. People add what they like and never leave one behind. It’s a dependable hit every time. Baked potatoes stay in demand year after year.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

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.
Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

New flavors keep sides exciting. Hot Honey Chicken Salad gives a sweet and spicy mix that stands out next to simple salads. It lends protein for those wanting more than just veggies. The texture is easy to enjoy. Chicken salad keeps people talking long after dinner ends.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

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