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Home » Sides

25 Holiday Side Recipes That Will Outshine Your Main Dish

Published: Dec 18, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Holiday sides are the perfect way to steal the spotlight at your next meal. These recipes are packed with flavor and creativity, making them a great way to wow your guests without much effort. Whether you're looking for something simple or a little more show-stopping, these sides are guaranteed to turn any meal into a celebration. Prepare to make your main dish play second fiddle this year!

Close up of mashed potatoes with a slice of butter and a golden spoon.
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes (No Drain!). Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Squash Casserole with Stuffing

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

Squash casserole with stuffing combines roasted yellow squash, hatch chiles, and condensed mushroom soup for a hearty Thanksgiving side. This rich and comforting dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole with Stuffing

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 green bean casserole with cream cheese is an easy and creamy side for Thanksgiving. Made with fresh or canned green beans, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that fits perfectly on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

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 comforting and quick side for Thanksgiving. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a great choice for busy holiday nights.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked 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, filled with seasonal flavors and tossed in a light vinaigrette, is a flexible addition to Thanksgiving. It can be served hot or cold and is perfect for using leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

An overhead image of slow cooker green bean casserole on a plate.
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker green bean casserole is a convenient Thanksgiving side. With just 10 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does the rest, freeing up time for other dishes during the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Green Bean 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.

Instant Pot mashed potatoes with garlic are creamy and rich, making them a standout Thanksgiving side. Quick to prepare with no need for draining, they’re a showstopping addition to the holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Sweet Potato Skins

A horizontal image of baked sweet potato skins.
Sweet Potato Skins. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Loaded sweet potato skins bring creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors with a hint of parsley. Ready in an hour, these colorful skins are a satisfying side for any Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Skins

3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side.
3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This 3-ingredient broccoli cheese casserole is easy to prepare and adds a nutritious touch to your Thanksgiving spread. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and quick side for busy days.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Air Fryer Artichoke

A white plate with two grilled artichoke halves and a small stone bowl of dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Artichoke. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Inspired by Roman-Jewish fried artichokes, these vegan air fryer artichokes are a crispy and healthy Thanksgiving side. Ready in 45 minutes, they bring a festive touch to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Artichoke

Vegan Drumsticks

An image of vegan drumsticks on a plate garnished with fresh green herbs and a lemon wedge.
Vegan Drumsticks. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan drumsticks offer a fun and crunchy alternative to chicken for Thanksgiving. These easy-to-make drumsticks are a healthy and flavorful side that works well for plant-based guests.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Drumsticks

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.

Smothered garlic green beans, inspired by Din Tai Fung’s recipe, are a family favorite for Thanksgiving. With just four ingredients, these vegan green beans are a simple yet flavorful side addition.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans

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.

Creamy, chive-infused cheesy potatoes with a crispy cornflake topping bring a classic touch to Thanksgiving. Ready in 35 minutes, this dish offers a familiar warmth to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes)

Easy Egg Rolls

An image of vegan egg rolls arranged on a serving dish with sweet chili sauce on the side.
Easy Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan egg rolls are crunchy and savory, making them a great Thanksgiving side or appetizer. With their flavorful filling and quick 20-minute prep time, they’re perfect for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Egg Rolls

Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Close-up of Grilled Beetroot Goat Cheese Salad in a bowl.
Beet & Goat Cheese Salad. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Roasted beetroot with creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts makes for a flavorful addition to Thanksgiving veggie sides. This quick and customizable dish brings earthy sweetness to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Beet & Goat Cheese 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.

A simple mix of tender green beans and potatoes, seasoned just right, makes this side dish a wholesome and quick option for Thanksgiving. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a versatile choice for any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Potatoes

Classic American Potato Salad

An overhead image of the classic American potato salad in a white serving dish.
Classic American Potato Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

American potato salad, made with boiled eggs and a creamy dressing, is a make-ahead Thanksgiving side that tastes even better the next day. This classic dish is perfect for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Classic American Potato Salad

Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut

A top-down view of stir-fried green beans with coconut on a white plate, accompanied by a white napkin and fork.
Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Stir-fried green beans with coconut and Indian spices add bold flavors and a healthy twist to your Thanksgiving spread. With a 30-minute cook time, this South Indian-inspired dish pairs well with rice or flatbread.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut

Lemon Greek Potatoes

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

Lemon Greek potatoes, seasoned with olive oil, oregano, and garlic, are baked to crispy, golden perfection with a refreshing hint of lemon. Ready in one hour, they’re a vibrant and satisfying side for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

A close up image of air fryer brussels sprouts.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts, simply seasoned, are ready in under 30 minutes. Their perfectly roasted texture makes them a great addition to Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Grilled Asparagus

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

Grilled asparagus, made with just five ingredients, is a fresh and simple side for Thanksgiving. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s a great way to highlight seasonal asparagus during the holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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

Roasted cabbage steaks bring a slightly charred, tender texture to the table. Ready in 35 minutes, this side offers a unique way to enjoy cabbage for your Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

An overhead image of baked cauliflower with cheese with a serving missing at the bottom.
Baked Cauliflower with Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Baked cauliflower cheese, made with a creamy Mornay sauce, is a hearty alternative to mac and cheese. With its crispy, cheesy finish, it makes a comforting addition to your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower with 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.

Gomen Wat, a traditional Ethiopian collard greens recipe, adds a flavorful and nutritious option to Thanksgiving. This vegan dish brings spice and variety to complement a wide range of sides.
Get the Recipe: Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Air fryer vegan buffalo cauliflower bites in a bowl with dip nearby, placed under a wooden board.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan buffalo cauliflower wings offer a crispy, spicy kick to your Thanksgiving gathering. Made in the oven or air fryer, these bite-sized treats are a great plant-based side for the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

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.

Tender asparagus, crunchy breadcrumbs, and a creamy cheddar topping make this asparagus casserole a festive side for Thanksgiving. Ready in 45 minutes, it’s sure to be a holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

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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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