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Home » Sides

Forgot a side dish? These 24 easy Thanksgiving sides save dinner every time

Published: Nov 24, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Holiday prep can get busy fast, and it’s easy to realize at the last minute that the table could use one more reliable side. Quick vegetables, simple bakes, and fast stovetop dishes can round things out without slowing you down. The options ahead offer steady, easy choices that help complete the meal with very little stress.

An overhead view of skillet with stuffing and a fork and spoon in it.

Vegan Stuffing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

An image of roasted cabbage steaks on a serving plate.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted cabbage steaks cook in just over half an hour and bring out the vegetable’s natural sweetness. They offer an easy way to add a warm, dependable side to the table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Vanilla Carrot Parsnip Puree

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

Vanilla carrot and parsnip purée leans on smooth texture and gentle sweetness. It pairs easily with a wide range of mains when you need something steady and simple.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Carrot Parsnip Puree

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 white beans adds crunch and brightness in minutes. It’s useful when you want something fresh to balance a heavier spread.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Apple Cabbage Slaw

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 butter bring a mellow flavor that stands in nicely for more common root sides. The quick prep keeps things uncomplicated during a busy meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce

Vegan Stuffing

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

A vegan stuffing made with simple, hearty ingredients comes together easily. It provides a reliable holiday side without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffing

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, ready in minutes, add sharp, tangy flavor where you need a quick lift. They make a fast addition to salads, sandwiches, or roasted plates.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Pickled Onions

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.

Parmesan-garlic roasted carrots offer direct, savory flavor with little hands-on time. They’re an easy way to round out any holiday or weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

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 brings sweet corn, a creamy base, and a quick seasoning mix together fast. It’s a simple choice when you want something warm without much prep.
Get the Recipe: Corn in a Cup

Beet Salad with Feta

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

Beet salad with feta brings earthy and creamy notes together in a straightforward bowl. It adds color and balance to richer mains.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Feta

Air Fryer Parsnips

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

Air-fried parsnips crisp quickly while staying tender inside. They offer a warm, unfussy side that’s ready fast.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parsnips

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.

Air-fried Brussels sprouts with balsamic, feta, and pomegranate combine crunch and tang in an easy prep. They stand out without demanding much effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic

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 texture and a change of pace from potatoes. It’s a simple way to widen your side options.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

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

Zucchini casserole creates a warm, creamy bake with minimal prep. It’s dependable for gatherings when you need something filling in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Air fryer glazed carrots in a bowl with parsley.
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air-fried glazed carrots add gentle sweetness with quick cooking time. They’re useful when you want a simple side that still feels seasonal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

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

Cheesy vegetable bake uses frozen vegetables and pantry staples for a fast, crowd-friendly dish. It helps fill the table without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus on foil-lined baking sheet with lemon slice.
Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Grilled asparagus highlights its natural flavor with just a few ingredients. It’s an easy option when you need something green in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

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 and cranberries mixes fresh texture with a creamy base. It balances heavier mains without slowing down prep.
Get the Recipe: The Best Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)

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

Gomen Wat brings seasoned collard greens together in a comforting, straightforward dish. It’s a strong choice when you want something warm with steady flavor.
Get the Recipe: Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)

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 create a bright mix of savory and sweet. They add variety without complicating the meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat cheese

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.

Roasted root vegetable salad blends beets, pecans, and cranberries into a seasonal bowl. It adds texture and color to any Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Creamed Spinach

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

Creamed spinach with cheese comes together quickly on the stovetop. The simple method makes it a go-to for rounding out a plate.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Eggplant Hummus

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

Creamy eggplant hummus offers a smooth, flavorful dip that works well as a light side. It’s ready fast and pairs easily with breads or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Hummus

Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots

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

Maple-roasted rainbow carrots with goat cheese and pomegranate bring color and contrast to the table. They create a steady, memorable side with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots

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.

Gouda and cream cheese corn casserole delivers a smooth, rich finish in one pan. It’s an easy favorite for holiday meals or any day you want something comforting.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn

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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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