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Home » Recipe Collections

25 Classic Thanksgiving Side Dishes You’ve Been Missing All These Years

Published: Nov 16, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving side dishes are the real stars of the holiday table, and this collection is all about giving them the attention they deserve. It’s a mix of those timeless classics everyone expects and a few fresh updates to keep things exciting. Whether you're keeping it traditional or looking to shake things up a bit, these recipes strike a great balance. Think hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. It's everything you need to round out your Thanksgiving feast with sides that hit all the right notes.

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.

Lemon Greek Potatoes

Lemon Greek Potatoes. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Lemon Greek potatoes are a bright and flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving side dishes. With their crispy texture and tangy, herby seasoning, they’re a perfect match for roasted turkey and hearty mains.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek 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.

Garlicky cheddar biscuits bring flaky layers and cheesy goodness to your holiday table. This quick and easy Thanksgiving side dish is ready in just 45 minutes, making it great for busy cooks.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Buttermilk Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread

An overhead image of a hand holding a cast iron skillet with cornbread.
Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Skillet cornbread with jalapenos, cheddar, and cotija cheese adds bold flavors to your Thanksgiving side dishes. This hearty option pairs wonderfully with turkey and gravy, and it’s ready in an hour.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread

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 creamy and comforting addition to your Thanksgiving menu. It’s an effortless side dish, cooking hands-free while you focus on preparing the rest of the feast.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

A close up photo of fresh cranberry sauce placed in a white bowl with spoon, oranges and fresh cranberries in the background.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fresh cranberry sauce, made with whole or frozen cranberries, is a Thanksgiving classic for good reason. This side dish perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors to complement your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce

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.

Green bean casserole with cream cheese is a rich and creamy option for Thanksgiving side dishes. It’s quick to make and guarantees to please everyone at the table with its savory flavors.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

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.

Baked cheesy potatoes, topped with crispy cornflakes and a creamy chive-infused sauce, are a crowd-pleaser. This Thanksgiving side dish delivers comfort and crunch in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes)

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 Thanksgiving side dish that comes together in just 25 minutes. Seasoned perfectly, they add balance and simplicity to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Potatoes

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 flavorful update to a classic Thanksgiving side dish. It combines savory and sweet elements that fit seamlessly into your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries

Close up of cranberry sauce made with dried cranberries.
Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This cranberry sauce made with dried cranberries is a must-have for Thanksgiving side dishes. Sweet, tangy, and ready in minutes, it’s a simple way to complete your holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cranberries

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 are a versatile and hearty Thanksgiving side dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, they pair beautifully with rich holiday mains.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

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

Cheesy mashed potatoes are creamy and comforting, making them a staple Thanksgiving side dish. This quick recipe works on the stove or in an Instant Pot, delivering smooth, flavorful potatoes every time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Creamed Spinach

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

Creamed spinach, with its mix of three cheeses, is a decadent side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with turkey and other mains.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

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.

Quick and creamy, this Instant Pot mashed potato recipe is an essential addition to your Thanksgiving side dishes. With no need to drain the potatoes, it simplifies prep while delivering rich garlic flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

An image of corn casserole with cream cheese, ready to be served.
Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Corn casserole with cream cheese is a rich and cheesy side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s made with fresh, frozen, or canned corn and comes together in no time for a holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

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.

Baked gouda mac and cheese is a creamy and indulgent Thanksgiving side dish that’s ready in just 45 minutes. Its rich flavor and smooth texture make it a hit with guests of all ages.
Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Vegan Stuffing

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

Vegan stuffing is a flavorful and hearty Thanksgiving side dish made with wholesome ingredients. It’s easy to prepare and pairs well with both traditional and modern holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffing

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, roasted Hatch chiles, and cheese is a comforting Thanksgiving side dish. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s packed with rich flavors to round out your holiday table.
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.

Sheet pan parmesan roasted carrots are a simple yet flavorful option for Thanksgiving side dishes. Their natural sweetness, enhanced by garlic and herbs, pairs beautifully with turkey and gravy.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Close-up image of sweet potato kale salad in a bowl.
Sweet Potato Kale Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Kale salad with prunes, pomegranate, and feta is a fresh and vibrant Thanksgiving side dish. Tossed with a tangy vinaigrette, it adds a hearty, seasonal touch to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Kale Salad

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 fryer Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, feta, and pomegranate seeds are a quick Thanksgiving side dish that delivers a balance of crispy, sweet, and tangy flavors. This recipe is a modern take on a holiday classic.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic

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 make a rich and savory Thanksgiving side dish. With bold autumn flavors, this casserole pairs beautifully with turkey and other holiday mains.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole

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 Thanksgiving side dish. Topped with a crunchy layer and served with tangy sour cream, they offer the perfect mix of sweet and savory.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

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 and wild rice pilaf is a hearty and seasonal Thanksgiving side dish that’s full of flavor and texture. It’s a festive option that pairs beautifully with turkey and other mains.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

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.

One-pot gouda and cream cheese corn casserole is a rich and cheesy addition to your Thanksgiving side dishes. It’s easy to prepare and brings comfort and flavor to the holiday table.
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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