I Can’t Show Up Without These 17 Thanksgiving Side Dishes
It’s hard to walk into a Thanksgiving dinner without a solid lineup that gets people nodding in approval. That’s why showing up armed with 17 side dishes isn’t just extra, it’s survival. There’s no shame in admitting the turkey only feels complete when it has that support crew circling the table.
Bread Stuffing
You can’t show up at Thanksgiving without a warm side like Bread Stuffing. It’s a traditional pick with a texture that balances between moist and crumbly. Each bite gives hints of herbs and bread that bring people together at the table. It’s a staple dish that pairs perfectly with turkey and everything else on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing
Cabbage Casserole
There’s something homey and family-style about Cabbage Casserole. It’s a cozy, baked favorite with tender pieces that round out your Thanksgiving spread. The flavors are simple and layered, making it a memorable part of any meal. It’s one side that gets scooped up again and again.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
A bright contrast to heavier dishes comes from Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. It offers crunch and creaminess that balances out richer foods on the table. Guests often reach for it as a lighter option alongside their holiday plate. This side proves you don’t need to be heavy to be memorable.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Cauliflower Steaks
For something unique, Cauliflower Steaks bring a hearty flavor to the mix. They’re thick-cut pieces with a great char and enough boldness to make them filling next to the turkey. This dish isn’t your ordinary side but one everyone appreciates for its texture and depth. Its simplicity meets elegance in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Guests notice when Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe shows up because it adds a touch of brightness to the table. Its simple style works well with every main dish, making it a dependable choice. The natural balance of flavors means both kids and adults dig in. It’s often one of the first bowls to be emptied.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Chicken and Rice Casserole is the kind of dish that feels like comfort food for everyone. It’s filling and hearty, making it a side that holds its own. This simple pairing of ingredients creates bold flavors without being heavy-handed. You’ll want seconds even after loading up your plate.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole
Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board
Adding variety to the table with a Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board brings a fun centerpiece to your side dish offerings. It’s a well-arranged mix that gives everyone something to snack on while chatting. The board colors and textures spark interest before dinner even starts. Meats and cheeses are always crowd favorites.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board
Dinner Rolls
No Thanksgiving meal feels complete without Dinner Rolls tucked into baskets on the table. Soft, warm, and easy to pair with everything, they are the first thing guests reach for. They also make perfect little sandwiches with leftovers later on. This classic side proves that simple items can be the most essential.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls
Funeral Potatoes
Everyone loves a creamy, crunchy side like Funeral Potatoes, especially during Thanksgiving. It’s rich and cheesy with a texture that completely stands out against other dishes. These potatoes are the kind of comforting side dish people look forward to every year. It’s a casserole that never stays full for long.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Eggplant Casserole
For something a little unexpected, Eggplant Casserole adds variety to the holiday lineup. Its texture and depth bring something different without straying too far from tradition. It appeals to those looking for a hearty, meat-free option. This side shows how a classic vegetable can hold its own at a feast.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
French Onion Soup
Start your meal with warm bowls of French Onion Soup, the perfect side that feels classic and casual. Its rich broth and layers of flavors easily win over even the pickiest eater. Topped with something hearty, it’s as filling as it is flavorful. Pairing this soup with crusty bread takes it to another level at the table.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is the easiest way to serve up a holiday favorite. The texture strikes the perfect balance for a side dish that complements any dish. This dish gives you incredible flavors without hours of prep, making it holiday-proof. The cheesiness fills every bite, making it hard to share.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Garlic Knots
Placing Garlic Knots on the table instantly adds a fun twist to holiday bread baskets. Their pull-apart style makes them perfect for sharing. They pair seamlessly with nearly every dish being served. Guests often find themselves reaching for more without even realizing it.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots
Sweet Potato Wedges
When Sweet Potato Wedges are served, plates suddenly look more colorful and inviting. Their crisp edges and soft centers balance well with traditional sides. They provide a simple option that doesn’t overwhelm the table. It’s a side that feels familiar yet adds something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges
Hashbrown Casserole
Hashbrown Casserole takes potatoes to the next level. Its creamy texture and crispy topping create a crowd-pleasing dish that’s always welcomed at the table. This casserole is hearty but never overpowers the other flavors on your plate. Every bite feels like a holiday tradition in itself.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Turkey Gravy
No Thanksgiving table is complete without Turkey Gravy to drizzle over everything. It adds richness to every bite, from the turkey to mashed potatoes and stuffing. It ties all the flavors on the plate together in the simplest way. This pourable side is a conversation starter all on its own during the dinner hustle.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Gravy
Twice-Baked Potatoes
Twice-Baked Potatoes bring the perfect mix of creamy and crispy to the mix. They’re a Thanksgiving must-have that tastes great next to any other dish. This side feels familiar but still brings enough flair to stand out on the table. Every scoop makes your plate feel more complete.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes
