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Home » Recipe Collections

25 Thanksgiving Sides So Good, They’ll Outshine the Turkey

Published: Nov 17, 2024 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving sides are the real stars of the holiday table, bringing a mix of bold flavors, classic staples, and creative ideas that keep everyone coming back for more. From dishes that feel like tradition to ones that shake things up in the best way, these recipes hit all the right notes for a feast that’s as festive as it is satisfying. Whether you're craving something rich and hearty or light and fresh, this lineup has the perfect balance to complement the turkey—or even steal the spotlight altogether.

Close-up image of a wooden laddle full of squash casserole stuffing.
Squash Casserole with Stuffing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

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

Slow cooker green bean casserole combines convenience and tradition, requiring just 10 minutes of prep before letting the slow cooker do the rest. This classic Thanksgiving side dish is creamy, comforting, and sure to be a hit with your guests.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes)

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

Cheesy potatoes baked with a chive-infused sauce and a crispy cornflake topping are ready in just 35 minutes. The creamy layers and crunchy texture make this side dish a must-have addition to your Thanksgiving dinner table, adding richness and balance to the feast.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes)

Sweet Potato Skins

Close-up image of sweet potato skins on a wooden board.
Sweet Potato Skins. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sweet potato skins, loaded with cheese and savory toppings, combine comforting flavors with vibrant colors for a visually appealing dish. Ready in just one hour, they are an easy Thanksgiving side that complements both traditional and modern menus.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Skins

Squash Casserole with Stuffing

Close-up image of a wooden laddle full of squash casserole stuffing.
Squash Casserole with Stuffing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Squash casserole with stuffing, roasted Hatch chiles, and cheese delivers big flavor with minimal prep time. Ready in under 40 minutes, this dish adds a comforting, hearty option to your Thanksgiving sides lineup, perfect for pairing with turkey and gravy.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole with Stuffing

Vegan Stuffing

Close up of vegan stuffing in skillet with a spoon in it.
Vegan Stuffing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan stuffing made with wholesome ingredients like fresh herbs, vegetables, and crusty bread is flavorful and easy to prepare. This Thanksgiving side dish complements a variety of other dishes, making it a versatile and inclusive option for your table.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffing

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

A close up shot of a spoonful of savory sweet potato casserole
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sweet potato casserole with garlic and a honey walnut topping is a refreshing take on this holiday favorite. It’s a fantastic choice for Thanksgiving sides, delivering a blend of savory and sweet flavors that feel right at home on your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

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

Stuffed baked potatoes filled with mushrooms, spinach, and melted cheddar are ready in just 30 minutes, saving you time without sacrificing flavor. This savory, hearty side dish balances richer mains and adds variety to your Thanksgiving menu.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Instant Pot garlic mashed potatoes are creamy, smooth, and packed with flavor, all without the hassle of draining. This quick, no-fuss recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving sides, helping you keep prep time short while delivering big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Vegetable Salad

Close-up of an overhead image of roasted vegetable salad on a serving dish.
Roasted Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted vegetable salad with a light vinaigrette features seasonal favorites like squash, carrots, and Brussels sprouts, making it a great addition to Thanksgiving sides. Whether served hot or cold, it offers a fresh contrast to heavier holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad

Lemon Greek Potatoes

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

Lemon Greek potatoes bring bright, tangy flavors to your Thanksgiving spread with ease. Their golden crust and vibrant seasoning pair beautifully with turkey, stuffing, and other holiday mains, making them a standout side dish that everyone will reach for.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes

Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus

A plate of Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus.
Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Butternut squash hummus, topped with cranberries, pomegranates, and rosemary, adds vibrant color and seasonal flair to your Thanksgiving sides. Its simple preparation and bold flavors make it a festive appetizer that’s easy to share with guests.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Butternut Squash Hummus

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, seasoned with garlic and rosemary, are simple to prepare yet packed with flavor. These Thanksgiving sides appeal to all ages with their crispy texture and natural sweetness, making them a reliable crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries

Top view of Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, pecans, and cranberries bring together savory, sweet, and crunchy elements in one dish. This quick Thanksgiving side dish requires just six ingredients and complements turkey and stuffing perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries

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 winter root vegetable salad with spiralized beets, parsnips, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries is packed with seasonal flavors. This Thanksgiving side dish combines earthy and sweet notes, adding depth and texture to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

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 delivers rich, cheesy flavors that are impossible to resist. Perfect as a Thanksgiving side, it pairs well with turkey and other holiday dishes while keeping preparation stress-free.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn

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 combine vibrant colors and a balance of textures. This flavorful Thanksgiving side dish adds brightness to your table and is an excellent complement to traditional mains.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat cheese

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Close-up image of copycat texas roadhouse rattesnake bites in a bowl.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites, filled with jalapeños and Pepper Jack cheese, bring a bold, spicy twist to your Thanksgiving appetizers. These crispy bites add an unexpected element to your menu, setting the stage for a memorable meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

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 with arugula and feta creates a light yet flavorful salad for your Thanksgiving table. The peppery greens and sweet squash add a refreshing contrast to heavier holiday sides, enhancing the balance of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

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

Sweet potato gnocchi with roasted garlic sauce is a comforting addition to your Thanksgiving sides, perfect for guests who love rich, hearty dishes. Whether served as a side or main, it adds depth and flavor to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

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, dressed with tangy vinaigrette, brings a bold mix of textures and flavors to your Thanksgiving table. This fresh side dish pairs beautifully with the rich, savory mains typical of the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Crispy Roasted Potatoes

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

Vegan roasted potatoes, tossed with a lemon-thyme dressing, are golden, crispy, and packed with flavor. These versatile Thanksgiving sides balance out heavier dishes, making them a must-have addition to your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Potatoes

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 fryer Brussels sprouts, enhanced with balsamic glaze, feta, and pomegranate arils, are a crispy and flavorful option for Thanksgiving sides. Easy to prepare, they bring a perfect mix of sweet and tangy to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

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

Thanksgiving fruit salad with apples, cranberries, and pomegranate seeds offers a refreshing burst of flavor to contrast richer dishes. This simple side dish is light, seasonal, and adds a colorful touch to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

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 combines hearty grains with the sweetness of squash for a filling and flavorful Thanksgiving side. This dish is a festive way to add texture and variety to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

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.

Broccoli salad with bacon, cranberries, and creamy dressing combines crunchy textures with sweet and savory flavors. Quick to prepare, this Thanksgiving side dish is a versatile addition to any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

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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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