51 Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Steal the Show Every Year

Every Thanksgiving table has its star, but it’s usually not the turkey. Those 51 side dishes have a habit of stealing the spotlight before anyone remembers the main course. By the end, everyone’s pretending they’re “just sampling” a little more, even though the button on their jeans is holding on for dear life.

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.

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.

Every plate gets a lift from a side that’s easy to grab with your fingers. Crispy Stuffing Balls always disappear before the main course is even touched. Batches keep coming because folks want seconds. The crunch outside with soft inside makes these hard to share.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls

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.

Crowd pleasers steal attention fast at any table set with hearty food. Slices from Loaded Million Dollar Casserole get handed around while people wait for the turkey. There’s always talk about how filling it is. Plates tend to empty before anyone scoops up gravy.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Million Dollar 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.

When a meal calls for something that sticks with you past dessert, this is it. Rolls from Hearty Stuffed Cabbage never last long on the platter. Guests scoop up extras just for another taste. Leftovers go fast if there’s any at all.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Stuffed Cabbage

Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

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

Comfort at dinner feels real with rice that’s rich and smooth. Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto gets repeated requests for seconds. Even picky eaters hang around for another try. The creamy spoonfuls sound fancy but keep things relaxed.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

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.

Slow sips from a hot bowl settle things down before the meat arrives. Bowls of Comforting Turkey Soup get refilled without much convincing. That warm feeling sticks around after dinner. People ask for extra bread just so they can dip again.
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.

Big plates piled high start conversations while folks help themselves. Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole always go first. Every helping packs a punch that keeps you full. Seconds land on plates without even asking.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Ham and Potato 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.

Simple greens round out a crowded table when plates need balance. Scoops of Tender Sautéed Kale keep things light without going boring. This dish gets more love than most people expect. Even veggie doubters end up enjoying it.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale

Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

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

Crunchy sides keep guests close to the buffet line hoping for refills. Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges mean no leftovers by the end of dinner. Quick to grab and great for snacking. Everyone asks how to make them go extra crispy.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

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.

Sharing a basket of bread feels right next to all those rich sides. Slices of Crusty Focaccia Bread draw a crowd searching for a little chewiness. The pan gets wiped clean as plates move around. No butter needed but nobody skips it if it’s there.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread

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.

Layering flavor and texture helps fill every stomach fast. Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes crowd plates before the main dish hits the table. Cheesy layers make talk about more helpings common. Potatoes get all the spotlight for once.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

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.

Fresh bites lead to bigger plates and lighter laughs around the crowded dinner table. Colorful Antipasto Salad look as good as they taste. This salad makes reaching across the table worth it. The crunch always sparks new conversation.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad

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.

Sweet sides punch up the veggie section and never hang around long. Forks stick in Easy Honey Glazed Carrots before people have even sat down. Sticky tops bring folks back for more. Some plates look like they’re just waiting for these.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole

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

One pan meals on the side give main dishes a run for their money every year. Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole combines bites everyone already loves. Extra helpings show up before anyone can say stop. You probably need a bigger pan next time.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole

Perfect Baked Potato

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

Potatoes always deserve a spot but not all are finished with the same care. Plates line up fast for Perfect Baked Potato once the toppings come out. Crispy skins get all the chatter. This side stays simple but everybody wants their own.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Baked Potato

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.

Cheesy casseroles become the reason so many people look forward to dinner. Bowls of Creamy Mac and Cheese get scooped up by anyone close to the serving spoon. That creamy pull never lets go of the group’s attention. Sides like this always get a first and second pass.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mac and Cheese

Tender Roasted Broccoli

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

You know it’s good when even folks who skip greens go in for a second helping. Plates fill up with Tender Roasted Broccoli just as quickly as with any meat. Each piece packs a little crunch. Dishes clear out with barely a stalk left behind.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

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.

Salads with a sweet twist become the hit of every dinner. Bowls of Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad draw new fans each year. Everyone asks for the secret once it’s gone. No one leaves a scoop in the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Savory 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. — Savory French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Whether you’re hunting for deep flavors or golden bites this is the side that stands out. Serving Savory French Onion Casserole gets forks clinking plates. Guests go for seconds and try to catch the last corner piece. Nobody’s counting calories during dinner.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole

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.

Sometimes the best sides are quick and easy. Plates line up quietly for Fresh Greek Salad when everyone needs a break from heavy options. Crisp bites keep things fresh. Light flavors help balance the whole meal.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Greek Salad

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.

Bringing sweet and smoky flavors together is how side dishes become stars. Slices of Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes get scooped up as a surprise treat. They pair well with anything on the table. Plates come back empty every time.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Close-up of creamy macaroni and cheese topped with crispy breadcrumbs and chopped parsley. — Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fast cheesy fix wins everyone’s attention before the main meal shows up. Spoons dunk right in for Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese at any big dinner. Creamy layers run out faster than you think. Next time double the batch for sure.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Fresh Beet Salad

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

Color pops can liven up any side table with a little crunch. Bowls of Fresh Beet Salad pop into place among heavier plates. It adds brightness that makes everything else look a little fancier. Slices finish off dinners neatly. Even beet skeptics try at least one bite.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet 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.

Starting dinner with deep flavors always gets a crowd’s attention. Rich French Onion Soup have folks talking before forks even come out. Dipping bread into bubbly cheese is half the fun. Nobody asks for another starter after this one.
Get the Recipe: Rich French Onion Soup

Cheesy Potato Casserole

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

When a classic side gets loaded with cheese you can count on happy faces. Forks dip into Cheesy Potato Casserole before people think about meat. That crispy crust gets requests for extra scoop. Empty pans mean all smiles.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Potato 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.

From top to bottom, every bite nails flavor and crunch. Helping after helping of Layered Seven Layer Salad is collected on plates. It catches eyes even when other hot options move in. Crowds go back for more color and texture every time.
Get the Recipe: Layered Seven Layer Salad

Easy Cornbread Casserole

A portion of a cheesy, golden-brown savory cornbread casserole is being lifted from the dish, showing its flaky crust and gooey cheese filling. — Easy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Baked goods slide in between other sides for easy sharing. Easy Cornbread Casserole shows up on little plates throughout the meal. Soft bites leave no crumbs behind. Lots of folks wrap up extra squares for later.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

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

Fries aren’t just for casual dinners when sides need some fun. Hands grab double with every pan of Crispy Sweet Potato Fries set out. Crunch lasts for minutes as everyone dips for flavor. The tray always empties before anyone gets bored.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

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.

Salad sides become stars with a kick of crunch and sweetness. Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad moves quickly at big gatherings. Plates never hold just one serving. Friends often ask how it disappears so fast.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

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.

Layered sides with creamy sauces always get buzz. Spoons hit pans of Creamy Green Bean Casserole before other vegetables make it out. Guests lean in for another big scoop. There’s always a debate over how much crunch is perfect.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Green Bean Casserole

Creamy Macaroni Salad

Ads for dinner get ignored when sides like this land on the table. Bowls of Creamy Macaroni Salad fill up plates on repeat. Light dressing makes sure every bite stays cool and easy. Everyone ends up hunting extra helpings after the main meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni 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.

Sides with big flavor just keep plates busy past the main dish. Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes vanish as guests catch every crispy edge. A second serving is pretty much required. Nobody talks about skipping potatoes when these show up.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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.

Whole veggies set a new pace for sides with a show real crunch. Cutting into Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower earns nods from fans. Each wedge brings the table together. There’s not much talking, just eating.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

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

Lazy sides are great when the crowd is hungry. Warm, cheesy layers make this one a quick favorite. Slices of Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole pack trays quickly. Crisp edges keep people coming back for more. Not a single tot is left behind.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

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.

Little bites with crunch pack a punch without being fussy. Bowls filled with Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes clear out before forks hit dessert. Dipping sauce is all people talk about later. These croquettes never last long.
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.

Even folks who dodge their greens will reach for this creamy side. Portions of Rich Creamed Spinach come out thick and ready for seconds. More than one person is scraping the bowl at the end. Cold leftovers work for sandwiches tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach

Tender Cauliflower Steaks

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

Plates look full and balance out heavy mains when veggie “steaks” show up. Serving up Tender Cauliflower Steaks makes everyone rethink what a good side looks like. Knives go down quickly and conversation picks up. Even meat lovers grab a piece.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks

Fluffy Egg Casserole

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

Hearty servings for egg lovers fill brunch gaps at dinner. Squares from Fluffy Egg Casserole top plates, whether you’re hungry or just curious. Guests pile extras for late-night snacks. Every slice keeps dinner interesting.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Egg Casserole

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.

Sliced roots add color and crunch when simple dishes call for something fresh. Scoops of Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables bring out convo over favorite bites. Bowls go empty without slowing down. Even picky eaters say yes to this one.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

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

Stacked trays make easy sides a step above the usual. Serving Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole gives forks a run for their money. Crispy top means every scoop is a win. No one leaves hungry when there’s hashbrown to go around.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

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.

Fresh crunch lightens up plates piled high with heavy food. Bites from Crisp Honeycrisp Salad get passed around at every gathering. Fruit salads never go out of style when things get busy. Guests rave about how refreshing it stays.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

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

Ditching cans means upping the side game every time. Spoons dip into Homemade Cranberry Sauce with a bit of pride. Tangy finish balances out all the rich food. People always ask for the recipe after their second helping.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce

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.

Side pans bubbling over keep things from getting boring. Slices of Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze catch eyes and draw compliments. Even those who skip brussels sprouts try a bite. The tray cleans up before dessert hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

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.

Filling brunch-style sides set up big meals for a crowd. Scoops from Hearty Breakfast Casserole sneak into plates even if dinner is in full swing. People reach for hefty portions all night. Savory layers make every extra bite worth it.
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.

Baked sides round out plates when heavy meals slow the pace. Forks scrape Savory Cornbread Stuffing as people ask for seconds. No need for extra gravy. This stuffing always gets talked about after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing

Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Close-up of a delightful broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Mixed ingredients are visible in detail, showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of this fresh broccoli salad. — Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Veggie salads with crispy bits work as a star starter. Bowls of Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing brighten the table from the start. Greens go quick with the creamy sauce. Friends try to snag seconds before main plates show up.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

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 plates bring everyone back for another year just for brunch. Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole starts conversations every time. Heavy helpings never slow down the meal. There’s always a debate about which side goes best next to it.
Get the Recipe: Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole

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.

Bread-based sides help fill up plates and start conversations. The aroma alone makes everyone lean closer for a scoop. Spoons head straight for Savory Bread Stuffing with lots of excitement. Bites get swapped for favorite portions. Seconds are usually a must.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bread Stuffing

Crunchy Celery Salad

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

Crisp and fresh breaks up rich plates, just what you need. Crunchy Celery Salad hover near the main platter for brightness. No one skips a scoop when it’s time to clean up. Guests say a fresh salad needs to show up every year.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad

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.

Hot soups warm everyone up before main courses. Bowls of Creamy Pumpkin Soup get finished quick and seconds are standard. Rich texture makes for good conversation. More bread means a longer soup break.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup

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.

Cornbread never loses popularity as plates fill up with sides. Slices from Classic Southern Cornbread get stacked on plates without asking. Crumbs on napkins tell the whole story. New batches come out as soon as the first pan is gone.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Cornbread

Hearty Cabbage Casserole

Sturdy sides keep folks fueled before main dishes arrive. Large scoops of Hearty Cabbage Casserole pack flavor with very little fuss. People ask for seconds even if just out of curiosity. It lands on plates at every return to the buffet.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole