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Home » Sides

31 must-make Thanksgiving sides that steal the show

Published: Nov 18, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Holiday tables often come alive with must-make Thanksgiving sides that steal the show, the kind that bring just as much excitement as the main course. Freshly baked breads, vibrant vegetables, and comforting casseroles create the kind of spread that makes even a smaller feast feel abundant. With flavors that shine on their own, these sides easily become the dishes everyone asks for year after year.

Close-up image of lemon greek potatoes in a dish.

Lemon Greek Potatoes. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Easy Dinner Rolls

Close-up of a batch of a golden-brown dinner rolls.
Easy Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Soft, buttery dinner rolls offer a warm companion to any holiday plate. Their rich flavor gives them clear star power among homemade sides.
Get the Recipe: Easy Dinner Rolls

Vegan Keto Bread Rolls

A Vegan Bread Roll on a cooling rack.
Vegan Keto Bread Rolls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Freshly baked bread rolls bring a cozy, homemade feel to the table. Their texture makes them perfect for spreading or pairing with any comforting feast.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Keto Bread Rolls

Vegan Stuffing

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

A hearty vegan stuffing blends savory elements into a satisfying dish. The flavor and texture make it a dependable holiday highlight.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffing

Keto Buns

Keto Buns with sesame seeds.
Keto Buns. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Light, fiber-rich buns offer gentle softness in every bite. Their simple prep gives them a spot among reliable homemade sides.
Get the Recipe: Keto Buns

Creamed Spinach

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

A blend of cheese, spinach, and spice creates a creamy, comforting side in just half an hour. The warmth and richness make it a memorable addition.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls

Texas Roadhouse Rolls on a wooden plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Cloud-soft rolls brushed with butter create a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Their standout texture makes them impossible to overlook at the table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls

Pan de Yuca (Gluten-Free)

Pan de Yuca on wooden board.
Pan de Yuca (Gluten-Free). Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Chewy, cheesy gluten-free bread offers a unique bite with its tapioca base. Its bold flavor brings welcome variety to traditional spreads.
Get the Recipe: Pan de Yuca (Gluten-Free)

Grilled Asparagus

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

Lightly charred asparagus delivers fresh, seasonal notes with just a handful of ingredients. The clean flavor adds a bright contrast to heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Soft Pretzel Knots

Pretzel Knots on a black plate.
Soft Pretzel Knots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Soft pretzel knots bring a fun, bakery-style touch to holiday meals. Their golden crust and tender center make them an irresistible option.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pretzel Knots

Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)

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

Collard greens simmer with warm spices for a robust, aromatic side. The depth and color make it a vibrant addition to the lineup.
Get the Recipe: Gomen Wat (Spicy Ethiopian Greens)

Garlic Knots

A pile of bread rolls on a plate.
Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Garlic knots offer bold, savory flavor with a tender crumb. Their homemade charm easily outshines packaged options.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Keto Cream Cheese Rolls with Tomato Basil

Cream Cheese Rolls on a white plate.
Keto Cream Cheese Rolls with Tomato Basil. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Soft cream cheese rolls provide a mellow, savory profile. Their smooth texture makes them a welcoming addition to any spread.
Get the Recipe: Keto Cream Cheese Rolls with Tomato Basil

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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

Roasted cabbage steaks caramelize lightly for a sweet, tender finish. A simple prep turns this vegetable into something unexpectedly special.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Rustic Bakery Style Ciabatta Bread

Loaves of Ciabatta Bread.
Rustic Bakery Style Ciabatta Bread. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Rustic ciabatta brings airy texture and crisp edges with minimal effort. The artisan feel enhances any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Rustic Bakery Style Ciabatta Bread

Ladi Pav (Eggless Dinner Rolls)

Eggless Dinner Rolls on a cooling rack.
Ladi Pav (Eggless Dinner Rolls). Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

Soft, eggless pav rolls offer a delicate and comforting bite. Their pillowy feel makes them a lovely companion to hearty dishes.
Get the Recipe: Ladi Pav (Eggless Dinner Rolls)

Lemon Greek Potatoes

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

Lemon Greek potatoes roast to citrusy, crisp-tender perfection. Their bright flavor makes them a standout among comforting sides.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes

Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

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

A creamy vegetable bake combines frozen veggies and a crunchy topping for satisfying ease. The warm, cozy result suits both everyday and festive meals.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Buttery Crescent Rolls

Image shows an overhead view of homemade Crescent Rolls on a baking sheet.
Buttery Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Flaky, buttery crescent rolls bring elegance with every layer. Their homemade finish adds something special to a traditional spread.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls

Keto Garlic Bread Rounds

Garlic Bread Rounds on a baking tray.
Keto Garlic Bread Rounds. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Garlic bread rounds add bold aroma and fresh flavor in minutes. Their crisp edges and soft centers make them a table favorite.
Get the Recipe: Keto Garlic Bread Rounds

The Softest Buttery Homemade Dinner Rolls

The Softest Buttery Homemade Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Warm yeast dinner rolls offer a classic, comforting bite. Their fresh-baked aroma instantly elevates the meal.
Get the Recipe: The Softest Buttery Homemade Dinner Rolls

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 blends creamy, sweet, and tangy elements for a lively bite. The quick prep makes it an easy standout.
Get the Recipe: Corn in a Cup

Air Fryer Crescent Rolls

Air Fryer Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Air fryer crescent rolls deliver a soft, golden finish in just ten minutes. Their convenience makes them a great last-minute holiday side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crescent Rolls

Eggplant Hummus

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

Smooth eggplant hummus provides a rich, earthy boost to the table. Its velvety texture makes it a pleasant contrast to heartier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Hummus

Old-Fashioned Parker House Rolls

Old-Fashioned Parker House Rolls. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Buttery, soft dinner rolls bring comfort in every bite. Their homemade character makes them an easy favorite.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Parker House Rolls

Brioche Rolls

Brioche rolls on a baking sheet on top of a towel.
Brioche Rolls. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Brioche rolls offer a golden, tender crumb with a hint of sweetness. Their richness gives them star status in any bread basket.
Get the Recipe: Brioche Rolls

Keto Rolls

Keto Rolls. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Soft, fluffy rolls come together with no kneading required. Their gentle texture makes them a versatile partner for holiday mains.
Get the Recipe: Keto Rolls

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 layered with cheese and breadcrumbs creates a cozy, satisfying casserole. Its hearty feel makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls

Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Buttery dinner rolls on a budget still deliver warmth and softness. Their simplicity makes them a dependable choice for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls

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.

Quick pickled onions add bright acidity and a crisp texture to the meal. Their freshness lifts richer dishes around them.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Pickled Onions

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-smothered green beans offer bold, savory depth with just a few ingredients. The flavor makes them a memorable companion to turkey or veggie mains.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Easy Yeast Rolls

Yeast rolls in baking dish.
Easy Yeast Rolls. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Soft, simplified yeast rolls reward even new bakers with fresh bread. Their warm, tender crumb earns them a lasting place at the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Yeast Rolls

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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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