49 Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Taste Like Tradition
Holiday tables change for the better with 49 Thanksgiving sides that taste like pure tradition. As autumn gathers everyone together, I always look for simple side dishes to keep conversation lively and plates packed. This collection brings staples, old-school favorites, and new ideas worth sharing.

Savory Bread Stuffing

Warming up the kitchen with a classic, Savory Bread Stuffing never fails to fill the air with seasonal aromas. I serve these because every golden spoonful feels familiar yet fresh at large gatherings. Its soft interior paired with a crisp topping is worth fighting over. Even the leftovers seem to disappear before the night is done.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bread Stuffing
Creamy Mac and Cheese

Comfort comes in cheesy layers when it graces the Thanksgiving spread. With Creamy Mac and Cheese bubbling away, people always ask how to get that perfect spoonful. The smooth, velvety texture brings warmth to any autumn table. Smiles and requests for seconds are guaranteed every year.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mac and Cheese
Tender Cauliflower Steaks

Autumn get-togethers sparkle with the addition of Tender Cauliflower Steaks, a modern twist on vegetable sides. Slicing into these prompts curiosity, and even skeptics reach for a bite. Their golden char and gentle flavor give meals fresh energy. Guests ask about them long after the feast ends.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks
Sourdough Stuffing

A crowd always gathers around it thanks to its tangy edge and hearty crunch. The appeal of Sourdough Stuffing grows every season as people rediscover its bold taste. Oven crisping brings out flavors unique to the autumn table. This stuffing is often the first to vanish from platters.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing
Comforting Turkey Soup

Steamy bowls filled with Comforting Turkey Soup make chilly Thanksgiving afternoons much more inviting. Ladling out sparks questions and grateful smiles every time. Its gentle warmth and soothing aroma fill all the senses. I always make extra for a late-night snack after guests head home.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Turkey Soup
Creamy Green Bean Casserole

Creamy Green Bean Casserole brings holiday nostalgia in every bubbling pan. When I cut into it for guests, I hear stories about Thanksgiving childhoods and familiar flavor memories. Its velvety sauce marries perfectly with crisp onions on top. That blend keeps people lining up for more.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Savory Cornbread Stuffing

Slices of Savory Cornbread Stuffing give Thanksgiving dinners inventive flavor and cozy texture. Taking a bite of these always brings together sweet and savory in a single dish. The crumbly, golden corners are a treat I look forward to all fall. No one can resist going back for just one more scoop.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing
Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Sharing big autumn flavors means baking up Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for friends and family. The heartiness of it makes sure every guest leaves satisfied. Baked together, every spoonful delivers comforting goodness and subtle herbs. Thanksgiving feels complete with this casserole on the table.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Crusty Focaccia Bread

Rising dough and crackling crust put Crusty Focaccia Bread in the spotlight at every autumn gathering. Serving these side by side with the main dish often leads to recipe requests. Fluffy yet dense inside, it soaks up every bit of gravy or soup. These loaves are always worth baking for special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread
Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Tart and bright, it cuts through rich flavors on the holiday plate. Each batch of Homemade Cranberry Sauce catches attention for its jewel-like gloss and gentle tang. The aroma hints at tradition, and spoonfuls make every forkful more interesting. I make enough to ensure there’s plenty left for sandwiches the next day.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Savory French Onion Casserole

Deep, caramel tones bring Savory French Onion Casserole to its Thanksgiving best. Sharing these is my favorite way to boost classic flavors. Melted, bubbly cheese blankets every bite. This dish always prompts conversation about who gets to scrape the last cheesy corner.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole
Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Colorful spreads need a refreshing option, and it delivers that bright contrast at Thanksgiving. Guests linger over Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, noticing both the subtle sweetness and nutty bite. The mix stands out among heavier sides. I love watching plates come back clean every autumn.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Fluffy Egg Casserole

Smooth and pillowy, these are easy comfort for morning and midday festive gatherings. Serving up Fluffy Egg Casserole always means seeing hungry folks return for more. Its airy texture balances heavier sides on the menu. Warm slices keep guests energized for the rest of the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Egg Casserole
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Flip tradition with it, offering crunch and color among softer sides. Lifting one Crispy Sweet Potato Fries from the basket, guests discover autumn flavor in every bite. The golden edges promise a satisfying snap. I like to serve them next to roasts and see everyone dig in.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Colorful 7 Layer Salad

Layer after layer, it brightens autumn tables and gets people talking. Each scoop of Colorful 7 Layer Salad reveals crisp textures and lively flavors perfect for fall gatherings. The visual appeal encourages second helpings. I’ve found this is a salad even skeptics try.
Get the Recipe: Colorful 7 Layer Salad
Easy Cornbread Casserole

Simple steps create big results, as it proves at busy Thanksgiving celebrations. The first bite of Easy Cornbread Casserole is always soft, warmly sweet, and golden. Oven-baked edges add even more depth. Guests often sneak seconds before dessert arrives.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole
Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Silky, autumn-colored Mashed Sweet Potatoes become instant comfort as cool air sneaks in. Dollops of these get praise for their smooth base and gentle, earthy sweetness. Each spoonful brings out classic holiday cheer. Big bowls mean the leftovers are just as welcome.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Rich Turkey Gravy

Pouring ladlefuls of Rich Turkey Gravy signals the feast is finally ready. Watching it blanket stuffing and mashed sides ties the entire spread together. Its flavor deepens everything on the plate. People whisper about how to copy it for their own tables.
Get the Recipe: Rich Turkey Gravy
Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

Baked warmth meets Thanksgiving tradition with Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole front and center. Whenever these comes out of the oven, plates fill up quickly. Its layers offer just the right mix of heartiness without overpowering. Gathering around casseroles feels like the season itself.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole
Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Holiday spreads call for eye-catching bites, so I build a Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board to kick off the meal. Arranging these makes guests circle the table, sampling each section. Salty, creamy, and crunchy bites offer seasonal surprises. This board always sparks new traditions and photo ops.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board
Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

Smoky and sweet, it amps up Thanksgiving sides with bold bursts of flavor. The distinct aroma of Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes catches attention as sides are passed around. Each bite is both savory and subtly warm from the honey. This dish spices up any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes
Rich Creamed Spinach

Velvety and bright, these nestles among heavier sides for welcome freshness. Hands down, Rich Creamed Spinach is the vegetable option people talk about after Thanksgiving. The green color adds balance alongside golds and browns. Its lush texture pairs well with both turkey and ham.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Toasted edges win every time with these gracing the autumn table. Lifting the lid on Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze reveals fragrant, tangy, and browned goodness. Forks clash over the crispiest bites. Thanksgiving gets a gourmet touch with sprouts like these.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Perfect Baked Potato

Steaming, fluffy centers greet hungry guests when I serve these at my Thanksgiving meal. The appeal of Perfect Baked Potato is timeless, offering a reliable base for every holiday topping. Crisp skin gives way to delicate, moist innards. Big or small, no plate is complete without one.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Baked Potato
Crispy Stuffing Balls

Bites of crunch and savory flavor earn these repeat appearances at festive gatherings. Rolling out Crispy Stuffing Balls invites everyone to try a new way to enjoy stuffing. Each sphere shatters to reveal soft insides. These are as much fun to eat as they are to share.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Big flavors arrive in Cozy casseroles, and Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole always makes Thanksgiving more filling. Over the years, people have come to expect it alongside the main event. Tender blends and silky sauce come together in every bite. Leftovers become tomorrow’s comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Golden, crackly surfaces define Crispy Smashed Potatoes and keep the autumn mood lively. Snapping into a bite brings conversations and happy sounds to the table. The rustic look invites generous scoops of gravy or sauce. It’s the crunch everyone remembers months later.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Silky textures and autumn colors burst out of it, quickly turning heads at any feast. Once guests taste Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto, they start asking for the recipe on the spot. Every spoonful echoes the season with gentle, mellow notes. Mixing squash with rice stands as the perfect harmony for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
Cheesy Potato Casserole

Nothing draws out “oohs” and “aahs” quite like Cheesy Potato Casserole bubbling at the edge of the buffet. Forks pause when it is scooped; its clingy, salty strands tempt everyone nearby. Warm flavors stretch the meal a bit longer. This side keeps requests coming year after year.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Potato Casserole
Soft Garlic Knots

Pull-apart perfection comes in batch after batch of these, setting off aromas no one can ignore. Laying out Soft Garlic Knots for a crowd means watching hands reach for thirds. The pillowy centers and faint golden crust linger long after dinner is done. Garlic knots bring out the best in every meal.
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots
Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Gnocchi gets a holiday twist when I prep these for autumn tables. Palate perk up with Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi, which balances a soft bite and genuine seasonal sweetness. The texture melts right into the other sides. People always talk about how unique this dish feels on Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Rainbow colors take center stage with Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables, offering crisp edges for every serving. Arranging these on a tray sets off vibrant autumn energy. Tender bites mix well with the deeper holiday flavors. Guests rave about the beauty and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Fresh Greek Salad

Bright, crisp veggies take a seat on the table with these for a lighter touch. Plating up Fresh Greek Salad helps cleanse palates and brings color to a rich holiday. Crunchy bites refresh and cut through heavier dishes. This salad comes with plenty of requests for extra dressing.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Greek Salad
Classic Southern Cornbread

Southern traditions meet Thanksgiving when these lands on the table golden and fragrant. Everyone wants a wedge of Classic Southern Cornbread, it’s crumbly, softly sweet, and warm to the touch. Pairs beautifully with gravy or just a pat of butter. The quiet star of many autumn meals.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Cornbread
Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Smooth bowls of Creamy Pumpkin Soup start the feast with gentle spice and autumn comfort. Spoonfuls of these draw in people searching for a warm, inviting beginning. The texture is soft, subtly sweet, and wonderfully simple. It calls for seconds before the main event arrives.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

Sweet apple crunch makes it irresistible in a sea of savory holiday plates. I love the snap of Crisp Honeycrisp Salad, which freshens up the Thanksgiving mood. Color and light flavors keep things lively. Guests comment on how it makes the meal pop.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
Tender Sautéed Kale

Upgrading greens for Thanksgiving delivers both flavor and color for the fall celebration. Sautéed to a gentle wilt, Tender Sautéed Kale makes even the skeptics grab a fork. Its earthy taste mixes nicely with buttery sides. Every year, someone new asks for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

Sweet, glistening sides win applause when it show up on the autumn buffet. Down the line, people reach for Easy Honey Glazed Carrots every time. Their gentle golden gloss sparkles under dinner lights. They’re as loved by kids as grownups.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Hearty Stuffed Cabbage

Rich filling wrapped in layers brings Hearty Stuffed Cabbage to life at holiday tables. Watching it sliced open is a moment everyone remembers. The classic fall dish fits right in among turkey and creamy casseroles. I serve extra sauce for dipping each quarter.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Stuffed Cabbage
Fresh Beet Salad

Autumn colors run deep in the bowls of Fresh Beet Salad, pulling in even the shyest veggie fans. Forks hover over it thanks to its bright, earthy profile. Light, crisp bites mix up the Thanksgiving spread just right. Leftovers are perfect tucked into sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad
Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Quick comfort arrives with Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese steaming alongside the main plates. Scooping these onto plates brings happy sighs and lively talk. Velvety cheese wraps every pasta shape. It’s one of the easiest sides I make that gets rave reviews.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Layered Seven Layer Salad

Stacking flavors high, Layered Seven Layer Salad draws eyes with its brilliant layers at fall gatherings. Serving these triggers plenty of “what’s in that?” questions. Crisp, creamy, and tangy bites keep the table lively. It’s a fun way to get even more veggies into the meal.
Get the Recipe: Layered Seven Layer Salad
Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

Fragrant, sweet Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce belongs among autumn’s best simple sides. Offering these at Thanksgiving always makes guests smile. The velvety, spiced spoonfuls are easy to love. Everyone welcomes a lighter dish after so many rich ones.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce
Tender Roasted Broccoli

Crunchy edges carry it past ordinary expectations on holiday plates. The gentle char of Tender Roasted Broccoli mixes well with classic Thanksgiving flavors. I find people scoop extra helpings before the main course is gone. It doubles as a snack on the ride home.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli
Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Cheesy, bubbly, and fun, it brings light-hearted energy to heavy autumn meals. I hear requests for Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole from kids and adults alike. Crispy, golden tops suggest more is always welcome. There’s never a bite left for later.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Colorful Antipasto Salad

New flavors brighten old traditions once these hit the Thanksgiving table. Loading up plates with Colorful Antipasto Salad means every bite is a surprise of crisp, salty, and tangy. The vibrant colors wake up any spread. Guests ask for this recipe more than any other.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad
Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Roasted to golden, it becomes a centerpiece in itself at Thanksgiving. Slicing into Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower makes a dramatic start to any sideboard. Its hearty texture pairs well with all the classic fixings. Holiday tables feel more complete with it present.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Mushroom Gravy

Rich, earthy notes flow with Mushroom Gravy poured on mashed sides and stuffing. Talking about it gets people excited, especially those searching for depth beyond the usual turkey gravy. Velvety smoothness coats every plate. Each spoonful blends subtle autumn undertones with robust flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy
Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Wrapping up autumn’s best flavors, Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad lands one more time as the ideal side for festive gatherings. Everyone marvels over these, complimenting their balance of sweet warmth and succulent bite. Serving it cold or at room temperature means it adapts to any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad
