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Home » Sides

27 easy Thanksgiving sides for a crowd

Published: Nov 21, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Big holiday groups can be a lot, but easy Thanksgiving sides for a crowd make the whole day feel way more manageable. The goal is simple: dishes that don’t drain your time, don’t hog the stove, and don’t leave you juggling last-minute chaos. Everything here leans on clear steps and familiar flavors so you can focus on the people around the table instead of wrestling with the menu. Think of this as the lineup that keeps things steady while still making the spread look like you planned it weeks ago.

Top view of glazed carrots with honey in a bowl.
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots With Honey. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Vegan Stuffing

An overhead view of skillet with stuffing and a fork and spoon in it.
Vegan Stuffing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This stuffing comes together with simple steps and bakes evenly in a big pan. It works well for feeding a group because it holds its shape and serves cleanly.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffing

Beet Salad with Feta

An image of Beet Salad with Feta.
Beet Salad with Feta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

The mix of beets and creamy cheese looks great on a big table and takes little effort. It’s an easy pick for groups since it keeps its texture even when made ahead.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Feta

Eggplant Hummus

An image of eggplant hummus drizzled with olive oil on top.
Eggplant Hummus. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Smooth eggplant hummus whips up quickly and works in a large bowl without fuss. It’s great for groups because people can help themselves while you focus on other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Hummus

Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

A close up view of a cooked asparagus casserole in a baking dish.
Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Asparagus with breadcrumbs and cheese bakes into a hearty dish that doesn’t need much attention. It’s a smart choice for a crowd since it portions out easily.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Top view of glazed carrots with honey in a bowl.
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots With Honey. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Glazed carrots cook fast and pair with almost anything. They’re helpful when serving many people because a single batch stretches far.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

A casserole dish with zucchini and cheese on it.
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Zucchini baked with a creamy sauce creates a cozy side that’s simple to assemble. It suits large groups because it reheats well and stays consistent in texture.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Air Fryer Parsnips

Top view of air fryer parsnips in a plate.
Air Fryer Parsnips. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Crisp-edged parsnips bring a touch of natural sweetness with very little hands-on work. They’re easy to scale, making them great when feeding several people.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parsnips

Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

A plate of Cheesy Vegetable Casserole.
Cheesy Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

A cheesy vegetable bake made with basic ingredients turns out hearty with minimal prep. It feeds a lot of people at once thanks to its big-pan format.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots

A plate of Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots on a wooden board.
Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Rainbow carrots with goat cheese and pomegranate add color to the table without much effort. They’re great for groups because sheet-pan cooking makes large portions simple.
Get the Recipe: Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots

Vanilla Carrot Parsnip Puree

A close-up image of Vanilla Carrot Parsnip Puree.
Vanilla Carrot Parsnip Puree. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Carrot and parsnip purée blends into a smooth side that goes with many mains. It’s convenient for a crowd since it stays warm and scoops easily.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Carrot Parsnip Puree

One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn

One pot gouda cand cream cheese corn in a bowl.
One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This corn casserole is creamy, rich, and comes together in one dish. It serves a full table with no extra steps needed.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn

Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic

A bowl of Super Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic.
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Brussels sprouts with balsamic and feta roast quickly and bring good texture. They’re easy for a crowd because they cook evenly in big batches.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic

Crispy Baked Carrot Chips

Close-up image of crispy baked carrot chips in a bowl.
Crispy Baked Carrot Chips. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Carrot chips bake fast and bring a crunchy change of pace. A tray or two is enough to keep plenty of people snacking.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Carrot Chips

Sweet and Spicy Pickled Onions

Top view of sweet and spicy pickled onions in a jar.
Sweet and Spicy Pickled Onions. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Pickled onions take minutes to make and add a bright kick to heavier dishes. They’re useful for a crowd since one jar lasts through the whole meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Pickled Onions

Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit

Two glass jars of cherry tomatoes and garlic confit on a white surface.
Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Tomato confit cooks down into a rich topping with almost no effort. It’s great for groups because it can sit at room temperature without losing quality.
Get the Recipe: Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit

Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter

Top image of Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter.
Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mashed rutabaga with garlic herb butter brings a smooth, savory bowl to the table. It works for a group because it stays creamy even after sitting.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter

Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Close-up image ofsheet pan garlic parmesan roasted carrots on a plate.
Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Roasted carrots with parmesan and garlic are simple to prep and bake evenly. They’re an easy pick for feeding several people since the tray method scales well.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Crispy Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce

A plate of Crispy Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce.
Crispy Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted turnips with chive sauce bring a steady, savory side to the meal. They’re helpful for groups because they hold their shape and don’t turn mushy.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce

The Best Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Overhead image of best broccoli salad with creamy dressin on a bowl.
The Best Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Broccoli salad with bacon, cranberries, and creamy dressing adds crisp texture to the spread. It’s convenient for large gatherings because it’s served cold.
Get the Recipe: The Best Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Overhead view of green beans placed on a paper towel on a platter.
Din Tai Fung Green Beans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Garlic green beans made with just a few ingredients bring bold flavor in minutes. They’re crowd-friendly because they cook quickly right before the meal.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Side view of wild rice pilaf with pomegranate and butternut squash.
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Butternut squash with wild rice, walnuts, and pomegranate makes a hearty mix that feels festive. It works well for groups because it serves neatly and stays sturdy at room temp.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Corn in a Cup

Two glasses of Corn in a Cup garnished with lime.
Corn in a Cup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Corn in a cup comes together fast and packs strong flavor with minimal prep. It’s easy for a crowd since guests can grab their own portions.
Get the Recipe: Corn in a Cup

Creamed Spinach

An overhead image of creamy spinach in a pot.
Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamed spinach with cheese cooks in about half an hour and pairs smoothly with rich mains. It’s reliable for a group because it stays creamy after sitting.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw

A white plate with cabbage slaw, sliced apples, and white beans on a metal sheet pan with a beige linen napkin.
White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Apple cabbage slaw with beans and vinaigrette adds fresh crunch to balance heavier dishes. It’s useful for groups because it can be made early and chilled.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw

Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat cheese

Close-up of green beans with cranberries, bacon, and goat cheese in a black plate.
Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Green beans with cranberries, bacon, and goat cheese bring bright flavor without much prep. They work well for a crowd since they hold up during serving.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat cheese

Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)

An overhead view of gomen wat in a white bowl.
Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This collard green dish brings bold seasoning and a comforting texture. It suits larger gatherings because it reheats easily and feeds many people.
Get the Recipe: Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)

Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Overhead image of roasted winter root vegetable salad on a plate.
Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A roasted root vegetable salad with nuts and cranberries adds hearty texture and color. It’s a good fit for groups because it stays structured and easy to scoop.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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