Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Introduction
A Thanksgiving feast is only as memorable as the side dishes it features. From creamy mashed potatoes to delightfully crisp green bean casseroles, the right accompaniments transform a holiday spread into a flavor-packed celebration. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a cozy dinner, these top 25 Thanksgiving side dishes are must-haves for anyone who wants their holiday meal to be unforgettable.
Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes for Every Table
What makes these side dishes stand out? Each recipe offers a blend of classic comfort and inventive twists, ensuring there’s something to please every palate at your holiday table. These sides are simple to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and designed to complement the star of the meal, your Thanksgiving turkey.
Standout Classics and Modern Favorites
Thanksgiving side dishes are much more than just “extras.” They bring together traditional flavors and new inspirations, making each bite an experience to remember. With options ranging from buttery rolls to roasted vegetable medleys and zesty cranberry sauces, these dishes add vibrant color and texture to your feast.
The Ultimate List: Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
2. Herb Stuffing
3. Green Bean Casserole
4. Sweet Potato Casserole
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
6. Cranberry Sauce
7. Classic Mac and Cheese
8. Garlic Parmesan Rolls
9. Maple-Glazed Carrots
10. Cornbread
11. Roasted Root Vegetables
12. Butternut Squash Soup
13. Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms
14. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
15. Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds
16. Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Yams
17. Wild Rice Pilaf
18. Gravy (from scratch)
19. Autumn Salad with Cider Vinaigrette
20. Cranberry-Orange Relish
21. Creamed Spinach
22. Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
23. Classic Dinner Rolls
24. Apple Walnut Stuffing
25. Pecan Praline Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save all your favorite Thanksgiving side dish recipes in one place to generate an organized, simplified shopping list broken out by store aisle—making your holiday grocery shopping smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
Instructions
- Choose several sides from the list above to complement your main dish.
- Prepare each dish according to its recipe. For make-ahead dishes like stuffing or casseroles, assemble the day before and bake on Thanksgiving.
- Schedule oven times to ensure everything finishes at the right temperature and freshness.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, toasted nuts, or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving for an elegant finish.
- Arrange all sides in serving bowls or platters, and coordinate serving utensils for easy buffet-style dining.
Weekly Meal Planning
Use these side dishes for more than just one meal! Schedule these Thanksgiving sides through the week to repurpose leftovers, try new variations, and plan weekday dinners that are both festive and practical.
Planning Benefits:
- Smart shopping lists consolidate ingredients for all your chosen recipes
- Organizes purchases by type and store aisle, saving time
- Helps to minimize waste by tracking overlapping ingredients
- Lets you plan ahead and avoid last-minute grocery runs during the holiday rush
Pro tip: When preparing multiple dishes, schedule your recipes to instantly see the total amount of key ingredients needed, so you don’t end up short on butter, eggs, or herbs.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15-30 minutes per dish
Cook Time: 25-60 minutes per dish
Total Time: Varies by combination (plan approximately 2-3 hours for a full side dish spread)
With these Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes, your holiday table will be bountiful, delicious, and sure to impress everyone who gathers around. Happy feasting and planning!
