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Home » Recipe Collections

27 Holiday Side Dishes That Will Totally Upstage the Turkey

Published: Dec 8, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Holiday side dishes can easily steal the show, and these recipes are here to prove it. When it comes to Thanksgiving, the side dishes are the real stars of the meal, often outshining the turkey. From creamy mashed potatoes to savory casseroles, the right side dishes can bring bold flavors and comforting textures that will have your guests talking long after the meal is over. Whether you're looking for something hearty, fresh, or just plain indulgent, these holiday side dishes are the perfect way to make your meal feel complete.

Close-up image of lemon greek potatoes in a dish.
Lemon Greek Potatoes. Photo Credit: Parallel Plates.

Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

A  Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese topped with a golden-brown crust and garnished with sliced green onions.
Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This rich and creamy green bean casserole with cream cheese is a must-have for your holiday side dishes. Quick to make, it adds a savory touch to the table that pairs perfectly with turkey and other mains.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

Honey Butter Biscuits

An overhead image of a stack of biscuits on a plate.
Honey Butter Biscuits. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Soft, sweet honey butter biscuits are a simple yet irresistible addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Ready in just 30 minutes, these easy-to-make biscuits are the perfect side dish for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Biscuits

Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes)

A close up image of cheesy potatoes in a casserole, garnished with parsley.
Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These baked cheesy potatoes, topped with crispy cornflakes and a creamy chive-infused sauce, are a crowd-pleaser. This Thanksgiving side dish delivers both comfort and crunch, making it a standout at any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes)

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Close up of mashed potatoes in a Dutch oven, with wooden spoon.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes are a comforting Thanksgiving classic. Quick and easy, this recipe works on the stove or in an Instant Pot, making it an effortless choice for your holiday side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Vegetable Salad

An overhead image of roasted vegetable salad on a serving dish. with the dressing on the side.
Roasted Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A roasted vegetable salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect fall side dish for Thanksgiving. Whether served hot or cold, it brings seasonal flavors that complement the richness of your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad

Squash Casserole with Stuffing

An image of Squash Casserole in a baking dish.
Squash Casserole with Stuffing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Packed with roasted Hatch chiles, cheese, and stuffing, this squash casserole adds depth to your holiday side dishes. With under 40 minutes of prep time, it’s an effortless yet flavorful way to round out your Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole with Stuffing

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.

These sheet pan roasted carrots with parmesan are a simple yet flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Their natural sweetness and savory garlic make them the perfect side to complement turkey and gravy.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Lemon Greek Potatoes

Close-up image of lemon greek potatoes in a dish.
Lemon Greek Potatoes. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Tangy lemon Greek potatoes add a fresh, crispy touch to your Thanksgiving table. The herby seasoning pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey and hearty mains, making them a standout side dish.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

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

This broccoli salad brings a satisfying crunch, with bacon, cranberries, and a creamy dressing. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures to enhance your Thanksgiving side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

An angled shot of savory sweet potato casserole served in a baking dish.
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sweet potato casserole with garlic and a honey walnut topping is a savory-sweet twist on the traditional Thanksgiving dish. It’s a flavorful side that seamlessly complements your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Close-up image of sweet potato gnocchi.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Soft homemade sweet potato gnocchi in a rich roasted garlic sauce makes a comforting addition to your Thanksgiving spread. This dish can be served as a main or side and offers a flavorful update to your holiday sides.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Vegan Stuffing

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

This vegan stuffing is a hearty and flavorful option for Thanksgiving, made with wholesome ingredients. Easy to prepare, it’s the perfect side dish to pair with both traditional and modern holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffing

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.

This butternut squash and wild rice pilaf is a hearty and seasonal side dish that pairs beautifully with turkey. Full of flavor and texture, it’s a festive option for your Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of a cooked gouda mac and cheese in a baking pan.
Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Creamy and indulgent, baked gouda mac and cheese is a favorite Thanksgiving side dish. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s the perfect way to satisfy your guests with rich, cheesy comfort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

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 one-pot gouda and cream cheese corn casserole is a simple yet flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Easy to prepare, it brings comfort and richness to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn

Roasted Pear Salad

An overhead image of roasted pear salad on a serving plate.
Roasted Pear Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This roasted pear salad, with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, is a fresh and festive side dish for Thanksgiving. Ready in 25 minutes, it adds a crunchy, flavorful option to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pear Salad

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks on a plate.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Air fryer sweet potato casserole stacks are a quick and impressive way to serve sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving. With a crunchy topping and tangy sour cream, they make a perfect side dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

Creamed Spinach

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

This creamed spinach, made with three cheeses, is a decadent side dish for Thanksgiving. Ready in just 30 minutes, it pairs beautifully with turkey and other holiday mains.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad

A bowl of Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad.
Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Roasted butternut squash or pumpkin, paired with peppery arugula and feta, makes a refreshing side salad for Thanksgiving. The contrast between the sweet squash and the tangy feta adds vibrant color and flavor to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad

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.

This roasted winter root vegetable salad, with beets, parsnips, toasted pecans, and a balsamic drizzle, is full of seasonal flavors. It’s a colorful and flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Green Beans and Potatoes

An image of green beans in a serving bowl with a spoon resting on it.
Green Beans and Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Green beans and potatoes are a wholesome and satisfying side dish for Thanksgiving. Seasoned to perfection, they make a great accompaniment to turkey and other holiday mains, and are ready in just 25 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Potatoes

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

A bowl of Thanksgiving fruit salad.
Thanksgiving Fruit Salad. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

This fruit salad combines apples, cranberries, and pomegranate seeds for a fresh, light side dish. It’s an easy way to add seasonal flavors to your Thanksgiving table without a lot of preparation.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

A close-up image of stuffed baked potatoes.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Stuffed baked potatoes with mushrooms, spinach, and melted cheddar make a hearty side dish for Thanksgiving. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re the perfect match for any rich holiday main.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Crispy Vegan Roasted Potatoes

Close-up image of cripsy vegan roasted potatoes.
Crispy Vegan Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

These vegan roasted potatoes, tossed in a lemon-thyme dressing, are golden and crispy. Their simple yet bold flavor makes them a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, balancing out heavier options.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Roasted Potatoes

Flaky Buttermilk Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

Close-up of four flaky buttermilk cheddar cheese biscuits arranged on a white plate.
Flaky Buttermilk Cheddar Cheese Biscuits. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These garlicky cheddar biscuits bring flaky layers and cheesy goodness to your Thanksgiving meal. Ready in 45 minutes, they’re a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with turkey and all the fixings.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Buttermilk Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole

A plate of Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole.
Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta and feta offer rich and savory flavors for your Thanksgiving table. With their bold autumn flavors, they pair beautifully with turkey and other holiday mains.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Close up of mashed potatoes with a slice of butter and a golden spoon.
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These Instant Pot mashed potatoes are a quick and creamy side dish for Thanksgiving. With no need to drain the potatoes, they simplify prep while delivering rich garlic flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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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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