51 Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas That Save Me Every Time

Every Thanksgiving table needs a few dependable sides that bring people together and fill those awkward silences between bites. The beauty of having 51 ideas is never running out of backup plans. There’s always one that wins over even the toughest food critics in the family.

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.

Tender Cauliflower Steaks

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

Big trays get emptied every time thick slices come out looking golden and ready for more sauce. Everyone at the table asks how Tender Cauliflower Steaks turn out so perfect. They fill up a plate without weighing you down. Guests never leave a single bite behind.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks

Fresh Greek Salad

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

Color pops on every plate when bowls are passed around at big meals, and friends always dish out extra. Bowls of Fresh Greek Salad help keep things light next to the heavy main dishes. The crisp bite makes it a crowd-pleaser. Someone always asks how to make the dressing.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Greek 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.

Forks dig deep when pans are handed out, and every slice brings up stories about favorite casserole nights. Making Cheesy Eggplant Casserole gets everyone talking about dinners back home. Plates often get cleaned up fast. You’ll get recipe requests by the end of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

Creamy 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. — Creamy Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bowls fill up with warm sips before the main meal, helping friends settle in before plates stack high. Everyone wants seconds of Creamy Pumpkin Soup when it’s set out. It adds a little twist to basic dinner spreads. Guests talk about this one all week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup

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.

Platter gets emptied out as folks grab extra pieces for dipping or munching between bites. Serving up Soft Garlic Knots earns lots of “pass those this way” at any meal. Every batch gets finished quick. You might see people sneaking extras home in napkins.
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots

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.

Layers hold up well for big group brunches or dinner events, with talk always turning to the crispy edges. Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole means empty plates and seconds within minutes. Family keeps asking you to make it again. It hits the spot for every occasion.
Get the Recipe: Classic Amish 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.

Spoons go back for more when smooth bowls are dished out, and guests chat about adding this to their normal menu. Passing around Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto always gets compliments. It fits right next to just about anything on the table. Most people ask for another scoop.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

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.

Plates stack up fast after first bites of this comforting side, and friends end up loving cabbage more than they thought. Hearty Cabbage Casserole creates repeat requests. It pairs well with any protein. This one disappears before leftovers make it to the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole

Layered Seven Layer Salad

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise. — Layered Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When bowls show up stacked with lots of color, people keep coming back for more until there’s not a scoop left. Layered Seven Layer Salad means less fighting over who brought the best dish. It always stands out in the crowd. Extra salad goes home in containers every time.
Get the Recipe: Layered Seven Layer 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.

Tables get quieter while bowls get passed around for deep flavors, and the room fills with warm conversation. Dishing out Rich French Onion Soup brings out people’s favorite soup stories. Slices of bread always seem to disappear into the broth. Everyone leaves the bottom of their bowl empty.
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.

Spoons scrape the dish for every last bit when creamy servings hit the plates at busy dinners. Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto around the table starts debate about best risottos. Some friends look for it at every meal. It’s always finished first out of all the sides.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

Colorful Antipasto Salad

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

Platters get cleared out with bold flavors that mix crunchy and soft bites at the edge of every plate. Colorful Antipasto Salad sparks chat about the most interesting part. Guests like to come back for seconds. This salad shines next to any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad

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.

Bakes come out steaming on dark nights, making everyone ask for just a little more. Sharing Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole turns the side dish into the main event for lots of tables. Desserts get ignored until empty pans are back in the kitchen. The recipe always gets passed around.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Crunchy Celery Salad

A bowl filled with chopped celery, red onion, apples, almonds, and fresh herbs. — Crunchy Celery Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bowls get lighter every time you hand them out, and folks comment on the crisp bite cutting through rich main dishes. Crunchy Celery Salad to dinner plans keeps things light without losing flavor. This side surprises guests with fresh taste. There’s rarely any left to store.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad

Cheesy 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. — Cheesy Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sides fly off the serving table as soon as pans make their way down the line, with leftovers always missing in action. Cheesy Funeral Potatoes has people swapping memories of favorite comfort foods. Every holiday table includes these now. Seconds get taken before you notice.
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.

Crispy bites disappear quick when these hit a tray, and friends mention how much they enjoy the touch of sweet glaze. Putting out Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze makes veggies sound fun to everyone. This side keeps coming back by request. It stands out among other greens.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Perfect Baked Potato

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

Trays stack high with warm pocket splits that collect all sorts of toppings, sparking lots of excitement. Perfect Baked Potato keeps everyone happy. It suits every main meal easily. Folks line up early just for this.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Baked Potato

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.

Bowls bring both texture and a hint of sweet to any meal, making people fill up quick before moving to the main course. Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad gets friends adding it to weekly lunch lists. It goes fast when served buffet-style. You may get asked for extra containers.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

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

Plates fill up even before the main meal lands on the table, thanks to the crunch and golden bite. It’s hard to keep up with how quickly Crispy Smashed Potatoes vanish. Friends often debate who loves these most. You’ll find only crumbs after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Loaded Million Dollar Casserole

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

Bowls get scraped for thick layers that stand strong next to any protein or sauce, and everyone always seems to want seconds. After tasting Loaded Million Dollar Casserole, folks compare it to restaurant dinners. Holiday meals get talked up because of this dish. The pan empties out before dessert finishes.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Million Dollar Casserole

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

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

Tables always look brighter with this side filling up bowls beside bigger dishes, making people ask about serving size. Homemade Cranberry Sauce gets plenty of chatter. Big scoops pair with almost anything. Almost every plate winds up with a red streak by the end.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce

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.

Platters pile up with bites from this duo, keeping the crowd talking about the new change-up from classic sides. Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes starts group debate about sweet versus spicy. This combo stands strong on its own. Guests even ask for it instead of dessert.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

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.

Baskets get passed around so much, there’s never enough left after just one round at dinner. Everyone reaches for Soft Dinner Rolls with their main meal. They go with every kind of plate. Guests always sneak two at a time.
Get the Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls

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.

Bowls go empty before you notice because these tender bites get requested well before the meal begins. Sharing Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi turns dinner into something special. The texture works great with big flavors. Someone will always ask when you’re making it again.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Savory Bread Stuffing

A close-up of a casserole dish filled with stuffing made of bread cubes, cranberries, chopped herbs, and celery. — Savory Bread Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Trays of this side get scoped out first before guests even finish building their plates and simple flavors always win the room. Savory Bread Stuffing keeps everyone in their seats longer. It works as a leftover snack. The container stays open until the last scoop.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bread Stuffing

Creamy Macaroni Salad

Bowls go around quick and big scoops land next to every main, keeping plates colorful and fun. Creamy Macaroni Salad always gets happy comments. Friends usually come back for another helping. You’ll have to hide the extras if you want them.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad

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.

Bowls of deep green get spooned up fast when everyone’s looking for something to mix with heavier mains. Everyone likes a serving of Rich Creamed Spinach with their meal. It helps balance out the plate. Requests for the recipe keep rolling in.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach

Tender Roasted Broccoli

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

Trays go from oven to table and get lighter every round, making bite-sized greens seem popular for once. Group meals always get better thanks to Tender Roasted Broccoli. Batches never last for leftovers. Folks pile this high next to starches.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

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.

Guests like to scoop big helpings so plates never look bare, and this side fits right in at every meal. Adding Crisp Honeycrisp Salad to the table makes everything pop. It works with a bunch of dressings. Many take seconds for a “dessert salad.”
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

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.

Bowls get scraped clean at every family dinner, with spoons fighting for the last helping. Buttery Mashed Potatoes keeps everyone happy. They go well with everything else. Friends always look for more gravy.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Mashed Potatoes

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.

Bowls warm up excited guests who want more than just bread or salad before the big meal. Serving Comforting Turkey Soup helps use up any leftovers. Folks ask for this soup in colder weather. No one leaves the bottom of their bowl untouched.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Turkey Soup

Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

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

Plates fill up fast and seconds get claimed before anyone pours drinks, making casseroles the star of group meals. Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole brings a lot of comfort. Everyone leaves asking for the dish. Not a scrap gets tossed.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

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

Bowls get emptied quicker when served next to heavy plates, adding a sweet spot to every bite. Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce works for big crowds. Even snackers reach for it twice. It makes a nice leftover if you have any.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

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.

Baking pans come out bubbling and trays get lighter in a flash, while plates pair up crispy layers with every forkful. Having Creamy Green Bean Casserole is like a tradition. It brings everyone together again and again. Not a bean gets left behind.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Green Bean 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.

Guests keep passing the bowl just to get a mix of flavors that cut through the richer party food on the table. Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad makes everyone happy to try something different. Demand keeps the bowl in motion. Leftovers never even make it in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad

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.

This side shows up at the table and people scoop extra before taking a seat, cracking smiles all around. Slices of Hearty Breakfast Casserole always feel filling. The pan is gone before you know it. Many ask for it even at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Breakfast Casserole

Savory Cornbread Stuffing

A metal spatula lifts a serving of baked stuffing topped with chopped parsley from a white casserole dish. — Savory Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bowls are never full for long since this is the one side that goes with every main on the table. Savory Cornbread Stuffing means more happy guests wanting seconds. It tastes just right next to anything saucy. Friends ask for leftovers by the end.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing

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.

Bowls warm up hands and bring smiles before bigger plates roll out, keeping everyone chatting while they eat. Sharing Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole helps settle the crowd. Many say it’s the ultimate comfort side. People pile this high on their plates.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Rice 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.

Bowls come around brighter and sweeter, brightening up the lineup while plates disappear before mains are served. Easy Honey Glazed Carrots helps everyone get in a good mood. These carrots win over all ages. Little is left for snacking later.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

Crusty Focaccia Bread

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

Baskets fill with bread that gets broken up and shared, and everyone dips and dunks before the main even shows up. Crusty Focaccia Bread means guests keep chatting. Bites never last on the table. Someone’s always asking if there’s more.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread

Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

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

Scoops land on every plate and trays run empty as the crisp topping draws people in for seconds. Spoons dig into Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole until there’s nothing left. The dish gets requested for lots of holidays. Clean plates stack up quick.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

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.

Plates stack up when each bite gets finished, and this meal stretches for even the largest crowds. Slices of Hearty Stuffed Cabbage come back for another round. Some call it their favorite part of the meal. Friends often ask for this again next time.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Stuffed Cabbage

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.

Platters get lighter as crispy bites get swooped up by guests, always starting new conversations about favorite sides. Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes helps fill plates fast. These fit well with meat or veggies. Only a few ever make it to leftover boxes.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

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.

Every scoop adds color to plates, making group dinners more interesting and less bland. Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables keeps guests guessing which veggie they just tried. This dish is gone in no time. Ask for extra because someone always wants more.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Colorful 7 Layer Salad

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas. — Colorful 7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bowls show off stacked layers, and guests keep digging in just to get a bit of every topping. Colorful 7 Layer Salad gets people talking about classics. The color brightens up the whole table. Plenty of scoops never last for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Colorful 7 Layer Salad

Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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

Trays circle the table with refills as each split potato gets topped high and plates are wiped clean. Second helpings of Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes are common. These work well for both dinner and brunch. The pan always empties.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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.

Basket makes the rounds again and again, with butter melting on every slice and guests wanting just one more piece. Classic Southern Cornbread wins over both bread lovers and picky eaters. It stays warm right through dinner. You’ll see requests for third helpings.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Cornbread

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.

Platters pile up with snackables, making every plate special as everyone goes looking for a favorite bite. Bringing out Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board sparks table activity. It gets people talking. All that’s left are toothpicks after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

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.

Greens stack up next to main courses, and bites go fast as people surprise themselves going back for more. Tender Sautéed Kale works for any meal. The dish does not linger on the table. Healthy eaters always finish first.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale

Fluffy Egg Casserole

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

Slices land on every plate and keep conversation going at the table, with plenty of extra requests coming in. Fluffy Egg Casserole guarantees no wasted eggs. It pairs with both breakfast and big dinners. Everyone loves the puffy layers.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Egg Casserole

Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Trays run empty as the gooey center keeps guests coming back for one extra bite every lap around the table. Plates covered in Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes get cleaned off before dessert. Group dinners talk this one up all year. Requests for the recipe always follow.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes