Why I Swear by These 15 Thanksgiving Side Dishes

The turkey gets the hype, but 15 Thanksgiving side dishes are what people actually race to the table for. They’ve held up over the years, survived family opinions, and never come back with leftovers. Some even spark debates over who made them better last year. At this point, they basically run the holiday.

Close-up of freshly baked golden-brown dinner rolls, with one roll partially torn to show its soft, fluffy interior.
Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Beet Salad

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

Sometimes you need something light and colorful to balance everything out. Beet Salad has a bold flavor that stands out on a table full of heartier dishes. It adds a fresh twist that pairs perfectly with Thanksgiving classics. This side dish always impresses guests, making it one to remember.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Focaccia Bread

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

Warm, fluffy, and perfect for dipping, Focaccia Bread adds a homemade touch to your meal. Its texture makes it a favorite for scooping up gravy or sauces. Bread lovers will appreciate its addition to the feast. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

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.
Cabbage Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Adding something hearty without being too heavy is always appreciated. Cabbage Casserole brings warmth and a subtle crunch to the table. It’s a dish that has a way of surprising people with its simple charm. There’s always someone asking for seconds before it’s even gone.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole

Twice Baked Potatoes

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

No Thanksgiving table feels complete without a side that’s creamy and filling. Twice Baked Potatoes deliver on both comfort and flavor with each bite. The added texture makes them stand out from regular mashed potatoes. It’s a crowd favorite for good reason, pleasing every guest.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

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

Big on flavor, French Onion Casserole adds layers of richness to the table. It’s hearty enough to stand out among the side dishes. Perfect next to roasted meats, it offers deep and satisfying bites. For onion fans, this casserole might steal the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Close-up of a dish featuring glazed carrots garnished with chopped herbs, served in a white bowl.
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sometimes a side dish needs to shine without being overcomplicated. Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe delivers just the right touch of sweetness. Even those who don’t usually go for carrots find themselves coming back for more. It’s simple yet surprisingly popular with both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

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.

A centerpiece for guests to crowd around, Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board is perfect for starting conversations. Packed with variety, it showcases creativity and thoughtfulness. Great for a pre-dinner snack that bridges all preferences. This board’s presentation always leaves an impression.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

A close-up of a spoonful of chicken stuffing, showcasing croutons, shredded chicken, peas, carrots, and sprinkled herbs.
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Combining comfort and tradition, this is a dish worth adding to your menu. Chicken and Stuffing Casserole mixes two classic ingredients perfectly. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own but works well alongside other sides. Guests always appreciate the familiar yet standout taste.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Cauliflower Steaks

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

Thoughtful options for guests who skip meat add excellent variety to the table. Cauliflower Steaks feel hearty in a way that’s unexpected. Their appealing presentation draws attention, making this dish surprisingly popular. It fits easily with all the other Thanksgiving staples.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Turkey Soup

A bowl of chicken soup with rice, carrots, celery, herbs, and pepper sprinkled on top.
Turkey Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Warm and welcoming, Turkey Soup transforms leftovers into something comforting. It’s a smart way to extend the flavors of Thanksgiving. Bowls of this carry the season’s heartiness into the next meal. Loved by all ages, this soup feels like a small celebration on its own.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Soup

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A baked dish with melted cheese, diced pineapples, browned bacon, and chopped green onions on top.
Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

For a comforting side packed with unexpected flavor, this one wins. Mississippi Mud Potatoes bring a creamy texture that draws people in. It’s indulgent without stealing attention from other dishes. There’s never a spoonful left after serving, which says it all.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

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.
Pumpkin Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Adding something warm and seasonal is always a smart move for your menu. Pumpkin Soup offers a familiar yet unexpected side option for Thanksgiving. Its creamy texture works well alongside heavier dishes. People love giving it a try and usually go for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

Thanksgiving Casserole

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

Perfectly combining classic flavors, Thanksgiving Casserole matches the holiday vibe. It’s all the meal essentials packed into one satisfying dish. Guests love how it simplifies their plate without cutting corners. Comfort food doesn’t get better than this.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole

Turkey Gravy

Close-up of a bowl filled with creamy turkey gravy soup, featuring small bubbles and herbs on the surface. The bowl has a reddish-brown rim.
Turkey Gravy. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

It’s impossible to imagine a Thanksgiving table without Turkey Gravy to pour over everything. Rich and smooth, this side enhances turkey and sides alike. It ties the flavors of the holiday together seamlessly. Expect requests for refills with this one.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Gravy

Dinner Rolls

Close-up of freshly baked golden-brown dinner rolls, with one roll partially torn to show its soft, fluffy interior.
Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

No table looks complete without a basket of fresh bread. Dinner Rolls work wonderfully with anything from turkey to cranberry sauce. That soft texture makes them irresistible for everyone at the table. People grab them faster than almost any other dish served.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

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