Make Thanksgiving Unforgettable with These 19 Side Dishes
Thanksgiving is all about family, gratitude, and of course, a delicious feast. While the turkey may be the centerpiece, it's the side dishes that bring the meal together and make it memorable. From creamy mashed potatoes to flavorful stuffing, these 19 Thanksgiving side dishes are guaranteed to elevate your holiday spread.
Whether you’re hosting or attending a potluck, these tasty and diverse sides will complement your Thanksgiving menu and satisfy every palate. Let’s explore the best dishes to make your Thanksgiving meal unforgettable.
1. Classic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, providing the perfect comfort food alongside turkey and gravy. Made with butter, cream, and a dash of salt, these mashed potatoes are smooth, rich, and satisfying.
They’re simple yet irresistible, and no holiday table is complete without them.
2. Savory Sausage Stuffing
Stuffing adds depth and flavor to any Thanksgiving meal, and this version with sausage takes it up a notch. The combination of sausage, bread cubes, herbs, and vegetables creates a savory and hearty side dish.
This stuffing is flavorful, filling, and a favorite at any gathering.
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3. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
This sweet potato casserole combines tender sweet potatoes with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a gooey marshmallow topping. The balance of sweet and savory makes this dish a Thanksgiving classic.
It’s a comforting side that both kids and adults love to dig into.
4. Green Bean Almondine
Green bean almondine is a light, elegant side that offers a break from heavier dishes on the table. Blanched green beans are tossed with toasted almonds and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a bright, crunchy texture.
It’s a refreshing and delicious way to add greens to your Thanksgiving spread.
5. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a decadent and creamy side dish that adds a velvety texture to your Thanksgiving meal. Made with fresh spinach, cream, and a hint of garlic, this dish is rich and flavorful.
It’s a great way to include greens in a luxurious, indulgent form.
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6. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
Homemade cranberry sauce is a must-have for balancing the rich flavors of Thanksgiving dishes. Adding a touch of orange zest brightens the cranberries, making the sauce tangy and refreshing.
This vibrant, ruby-red side is a festive and flavorful addition to your holiday table.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Brussels sprouts bring a delightful crunch and slightly caramelized flavor to your Thanksgiving feast. Tossed in a balsamic glaze, these sprouts are sweet, savory, and perfectly crispy.
They’re a healthy, flavorful option that complements heavier dishes like turkey and stuffing.
8. Garlic and Herb Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots with garlic and herbs are a simple yet flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving menu. The carrots become tender and slightly caramelized in the oven, while the herbs add a fresh, earthy taste.
This colorful side is as beautiful as it is delicious, bringing vibrant orange to the table.
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9. Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese adds a creamy, cheesy element to Thanksgiving, making it a favorite for both kids and adults. This rich dish is made with a blend of cheeses and baked to perfection with a crispy topping.
It’s comfort food at its best, offering a gooey, indulgent treat.
10. Cornbread
Cornbread is a warm, crumbly side that adds a touch of Southern comfort to your Thanksgiving spread. Made with cornmeal and butter, it’s slightly sweet and pairs beautifully with savory dishes like gravy and turkey.
Cornbread also makes for great leftovers and can be served with butter or honey.
11. Buttery Parker House Rolls
These soft, buttery Parker House rolls are the perfect accompaniment to any Thanksgiving meal. Light, fluffy, and slightly sweet, these rolls are ideal for soaking up gravy or creating mini turkey sandwiches.
They’re a classic side that guests will keep coming back for.
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12. Roasted Butternut Squash
Roasted butternut squash brings a touch of sweetness and earthiness to the Thanksgiving table. Tossed with olive oil, cinnamon, and a sprinkle of brown sugar, this dish is both simple and delicious.
The golden, roasted cubes of squash make for a beautiful and tasty side.
13. Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Pecans
Wild rice pilaf is a hearty, nutty dish with cranberries and pecans adding both sweetness and crunch. It’s a flavorful alternative to traditional stuffing and brings a mix of textures to your meal.
This side dish is perfect for those looking for a lighter, grain-based option.
14. Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are thinly sliced and layered with cream, butter, and cheese for a rich, indulgent side dish. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is creamy on the inside with a crispy, cheesy top.
It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing addition to any Thanksgiving feast.
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15. Maple-Glazed Carrots
These roasted carrots are drizzled with a maple glaze, giving them a sweet, caramelized flavor. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by the maple syrup, making this dish both vibrant and flavorful.
It’s an easy, colorful side that pairs well with all the traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
16. Sautéed Mushrooms with Garlic
Sautéed mushrooms with garlic are a savory side that brings an earthy richness to the table. Cooked in butter and garlic, these mushrooms are tender, flavorful, and perfect for balancing heavier dishes.
This side adds a touch of elegance and a robust flavor profile to your meal.
17. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli casserole combines tender broccoli with a creamy cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping. This dish is both comforting and delicious, offering a balance of vegetables and indulgence.
It’s an excellent way to get picky eaters to enjoy their greens during the holiday feast.
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18. Cranberry Walnut Stuffing
This cranberry walnut stuffing adds a sweet and nutty twist to the classic Thanksgiving stuffing. The combination of tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts creates a delicious contrast of flavors and textures.
It’s a festive variation that brings seasonal ingredients into the spotlight.
19. Sweet Corn Pudding
Sweet corn pudding is a rich, custard-like side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to your Thanksgiving plate. Made with fresh or canned corn, eggs, and cream, this dish is smooth and comforting.
It’s a perfect side to balance out savory main dishes and makes for a unique addition to the table.
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