47 Thanksgiving Side Ideas Everyone Pretends Are “Just a Side”
Sure, turkey is the centerpiece, but let’s be honest, Thanksgiving is all about the sides. I’ve rounded up a collection of 47 recipes that don’t just sit on the sidelines; they’re the dishes guests rave about, come back for seconds, and text you days later asking for the recipe. From cheesy classics to colorful salads, every dish here transforms your holiday table.

Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser with golden, crispy tater tots atop gooey, cheesy layers. This dish is the first to disappear on Thanksgiving, earning rave reviews from guests who love its comforting flavors and lovely crunch. Making a double batch has become a tradition in my house; there’s never any leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Fresh Beet Salad

Bright, earthy, and eye-catching, Fresh Beet Salad adds a pop of color that feels refreshing on the Thanksgiving table. While heavier sides take center stage, the crisp textures and bold flavor of the beets provide a delicious contrast, making it a highly requested dish for years to come.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad
Creamy Mac and Cheese

Few dishes rival the comfort of Creamy Mac and Cheese on Thanksgiving. The creamy, velvety sauce coats every noodle perfectly, while the bubbling golden crust on top gives a wonderful texture. Everyone reaches for this classic; and always comes back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mac and Cheese
Hearty Cabbage Casserole

Hearty Cabbage Casserole is the best-kept secret of cozy Thanksgiving sides. Its tender cabbage and rich, savory layers evoke nostalgia with every bite. Guests often comment on how surprisingly filling it is, making it an instant favorite alongside turkey and stuffing.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole
Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

With its mix of crisp textures and creamy dressing, Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing surprises guests every year. Broccoli gets a spotlight in this refreshing recipe, balancing heavier dishes with a light, tangy touch. It’s always the first salad to be polished off at my table.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Soft Dinner Rolls

Warm, buttery, and oh-so-pillowy, Soft Dinner Rolls are the heroes of Thanksgiving dinner. Perfect for mopping up gravy or adding a little more comfort to the plate, they’re always a guest favorite and never last long. Double batches are a must.
Get the Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls
Colorful Antipasto Salad

Colorful Antipasto Salad brings bold flavors and vibrant textures to balance all your indulgent Thanksgiving sides. Packed with cheeses, veggies, and savory bites, the layers of flavor make this dish irresistible without stealing attention from the turkey. Its freshness is exactly what you need during heavy meals.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad
Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

Fragrant with warm cinnamon and velvety smooth in texture, Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce feels both comforting and festive. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats and stuffing, while its subtle hint of sweetness brightens the entire meal. It’s so simple, yet unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Rich, creamy, and topped with a golden, crispy layer, Cheesy Funeral Potatoes take comfort food to the next level. There’s a reason these potatoes are so beloved; they combine smooth, cheesy indulgence with textures that rival any side dish. Don’t be surprised if they disappear early.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Transforming brussels sprouts into something magical, Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze blends crispy caramelization with a tangy-sweet glaze. Even skeptics reach for seconds when this dish hits the table; it’s a side that starts conversations.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes are the side your guests won’t forget. Velvety layers of creamy, garnished potatoes burst with indulgent flavor, complementing everything from turkey to stuffing. They look elegant while delivering that unmistakable, lovely richness.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Colorful 7 Layer Salad

Bursting with fresh veggies, cheese, and creamy layers, Colorful 7 Layer Salad is a striking dish that balances the richness of Thanksgiving staples. Its vibrant appearance draws attention, while the combination of layers offers variety with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Colorful 7 Layer Salad
Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

Bubbling cheese and hearty eggplant combine to make Cheesy Eggplant Casserole a must-have side. This dish’s chewy richness and savory flavors guarantee it stands out on the table. It earns praises from guests who can’t resist it.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole
Comforting Turkey Soup

A warm bowl of Comforting Turkey Soup is a welcome reprieve during Thanksgiving. Whether you serve it as a starter or save it for leftovers, this cozy soup filled with turkey and vegetables brings hearty, nostalgic flavor to fall evenings.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Turkey Soup
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

With gooey cheese and golden crispy hashbrowns, Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole earns its place at Thanksgiving. It delivers indulgent flavor with every bite and often makes guests reach for seconds or ask for the recipe before they leave.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Creamy Macaroni Salad

Light and cool, Creamy Macaroni Salad balances out the heavier casseroles on the table. Guests appreciate its refreshing flavors amid the richness of the meal. Its creamy texture provides just the right touch between savory bites.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad
Classic Southern Cornbread

Nostalgia and warmth meet perfectly in Classic Southern Cornbread. Its crumbly texture and buttery flavor add the perfect homemade touch to Thanksgiving plates. Whether paired with gravy or enjoyed plain, it’s simply irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Cornbread
Crispy Stuffing Balls

Taking stuffing to a whole new level, Crispy Stuffing Balls offer flavorful bites wrapped in a crunchy exterior. They’re perfectly portioned, making them easy to grab or snack on during second helpings. Guests can’t resist asking how to make them.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls
Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

Hearty layers of tender ham and creamy potatoes make Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole a show-stopping Thanksgiving side. Warm, filling, and indulgent, this dish turns casual side-dish status into star power. Perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Get the Recipe: Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole
Crusty Focaccia Bread

Fresh-baked Crusty Focaccia Bread adds rustic flair to your spread. Its golden exterior and soft interior make it perfect for soaking up sauces or enjoying on its own during Thanksgiving. Guests always appreciate this homemade touch.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread
Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole combines tender chicken with savory stuffing layers for a warm, nostalgic dish. Perfect for anyone who loves comfort food. This casserole earns second servings and compliments with ease.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

A touch of sweetness turns these carrots into pure magic. Easy Honey Glazed Carrots are buttery, lightly caramelized, and have just the right balance between sweet and savory. Perfect for adding vibrant color to your Thanksgiving spread. People always ask where you found this recipe. Easy to prepare yet fancy enough to impress.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Crisp edges meet tender centers with Crispy Smashed Potatoes. Their golden crunch is as irresistible as their hearty flavor. Guests always gravitate to dishes that feel indulgent without being heavy, and these do just that. Pair them with gravy or enjoy them as they are – simply unforgettable. Serve them once, and they’ll be requested at every gathering.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Fluffy Egg Casserole

Silky and light, Fluffy Egg Casserole feels as luxurious as it looks on your Thanksgiving table. It’s perfect when you want a side as enjoyable as the main attraction. People rave about its comforting texture and the way it rounds out a plate full of bold flavors. You’ll see why this dish isn’t just a side; it’s a centerpiece.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Egg Casserole
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

These take your favorite classic and transform it. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries are golden and crisp on the outside while staying tender inside. The natural sweetness pairs beautifully with fall flavors, and they bring a burst of color that grabs attention. Serve them with a dipping sauce or let their flavorful simplicity shine.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

When wine and creamy grains meet autumn’s favorite squash, magic happens. Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto has a velvety texture and delicate, earthy sweetness. Perfect for warm Thanksgiving evenings, this dish feels indulgent but is simple enough to make anyone feel confident serving it. You’ll get “secret recipe” requests on the spot.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
Easy Cornbread Casserole

A Southern classic. Easy Cornbread Casserole walks the line between fluffy bread and creamy side dish. Its buttery softness pairs perfectly with bold, savory plates, making it as versatile as it is delicious. Guests always scoop extra; it’s just that memorable. For Thanksgiving day or leftovers the morning after, this casserole is everything you need.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole
Fresh Greek Salad

Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese come together in Fresh Greek Salad for a refreshing contrast to heavier Thanksgiving dishes. It’s the cool, crunchy reprieve everyone craves, balancing perfectly with warm sides and bold main flavors. It’s a visual and tasty treat that feels light yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Greek Salad
Creamy Green Bean Casserole

Thanksgiving isn’t complete without Creamy Green Bean Casserole. Rich and velvety, it features tender green beans bathed in savory sauce and topped with crispy onions. This casserole has a nostalgic charm that many guests associate with holiday memories. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Hearty Stuffed Cabbage

This dish might surprise your guests. Hearty Stuffed Cabbage combines tender leaves wrapped snugly around an irresistible filling. Perfect for when you’d like a side that feels more like a centerpiece. The warm, comforting flavors and rich textures make it ideal for autumn transitions. Guests are likely to ask for seconds and for recipes.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Stuffed Cabbage
Loaded Million Dollar Casserole

Decadence is the name of the game with Loaded Million Dollar Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with indulgent flavors, this dish is one your guests won’t stop raving about. Whether you treat this like a side or it steals the show, it earns a spot in the Thanksgiving hall of fame.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Million Dollar Casserole
Mashed Potato Casserole

Comfort food that impresses guests every time, Mashed Potato Casserole levels up traditional mashed potatoes with layers of creamy, fluffy goodness. Perfectly paired with gravy or enjoyed on its own, this dish is not only fulfilling but also elegant enough to steal attention at the Thanksgiving table. It effortlessly satisfies everyone.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole
Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole

Holiday flavors unite in Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole, an all-in-one dish that combines the heartiest elements of a traditional feast. Creamy textures and bold tastes overwhelm in the best way imaginable. Guests love spooning layers of indulgence onto their plates and frequently ask for the recipe after one bite.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole
Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are the hero of Thanksgiving spreads, and Mashed Sweet Potatoes take their buttery, earthy flavor to new heights. Silky smooth texture paired with cozy fall flavors make this dish an instant favorite. Pair it with hearty mains like turkey, and you’ll find yourself making extra batches year after year.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mushroom Gravy

Bold and earthy, Mushroom Gravy is more than just a sauce; it’s the rich backbone of every irresistible Thanksgiving plate. Featuring deep flavors and velvety goodness, this gravy complements everything from turkey to mashed potatoes without overpowering. Pour it once, and mouths will water instantly.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy
Perfect Baked Potato

There’s nothing quite as lovely as Perfect Baked Potato with its crispy skin and cloud-like interior. Skip the extras; it’s fun on its own; or make it a canvas for indulgent toppings like butter, sour cream, or cheese. A side so simple, yet impossible to get wrong every Thanksgiving, this lets the purity of potatoes shine.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Baked Potato
Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

Creamy, elegant, and full of earthy richness, Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto is sophistication served in a bowl. Perfect for more intimate gatherings, the luscious textures and luxurious flavors win hearts, always leaving guests asking for seconds or thirds. This risotto feels indulgent yet comforting and showcases mushrooms at their festive best.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto
Rich Creamed Spinach

Spinach transforms into ultimate comfort food with Rich Creamed Spinach, a velvety side dish perfect for Thanksgiving evenings. Its rich, buttery texture adds a little decadence to your holiday plate, and the fresh greenness wonderfully balances heavier dishes. Warm, creamy, and loaded with flavor, this side never fails to spark compliments.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach
Soft Garlic Knots

Pillowy and full of garlicky flavor, Soft Garlic Knots are everything you want in a bread side. They’re tender yet slightly crisp on the outside, with subtle buttery notes that keep guests reaching for more. These knots work great for sopping up gravy, and their inviting aroma makes them a table favorite every single time.
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots
Sourdough Stuffing

Stuffing gets an upgrade with the tangy flavor of Sourdough Stuffing. Fluffy cubes of sourdough soak up savory herbs and warm spices, ensuring each bite is bursting with bold Thanksgiving flavors. Whether you’re making a full-bird stuffing or serving it in a dish, guests always compliment the satisfying texture and how well it pairs with every side.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing
Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Need something unique? Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad brings unexpected but complementary flavors to your Thanksgiving table. Fresh greens meet the robust character of hot honey and tender chicken, while the sweet-spicy contrast offers a dynamic twist to traditional sides. It always sparks conversations from guests.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad
Tender Sautéed Kale

Simple yet packed with nutrients, Tender Sautéed Kale strikes the balance between wholesome and rich. Lightly sautéed with subtle seasoning, it pairs beautifully with fall classics on your plate. Guests appreciate its vibrancy and how it feels fresh amidst a sea of heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale
Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors unite in Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Crunchy pecans and tart cranberries make it vividly festive, while the tender chicken fills out the dish. Guests enjoy the balance it adds to traditional Thanksgiving sides, complementing larger plates or standing on its own perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes deliver a crunch that transforms every Thanksgiving plate. Packed with creamy potato inside, they feel luxurious yet approachable. Guests naturally gravitate toward these, use them as dipping fun, or treat them as centerpiece-worthy bites on any spread.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and quick to prepare, Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese adds indulgent texture to your Thanksgiving table. Perfect for big gatherings or smaller, intimate moments, this dish ties a meal together effortlessly. Guests love the creamy finish paired with the nostalgic comfort of mac and cheese.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Handmade comfort at its finest, Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi brings a rustic yet refined vibe to your table. Pillowy bites with a hint of fall sweetness pair beautifully with bold, cozy flavors. This side effortlessly transforms every meal it’s paired with, adding both texture and seasonal flair to plates.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Rich French Onion Soup

Warm and cheesy, Rich French Onion Soup is cozy perfection for Thanksgiving gatherings. It delivers depth with caramelized onions and melty cheese, balancing richness and elegance in every spoonful. Guests love how this classic soup warms them up before the main feast begins, and its familiar-yet-luxurious texture shines on holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Rich French Onion Soup
