The Best Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes
If you ask me, Thanksgiving sides are what make the dinner truly unforgettable. They're the heart of the meal, bringing color, texture and those comforting flavors everyone craves. Whether you love something creamy and classic or fresh and seasonal, these recipes will help you build a table that feels warm, festive, and full of flavor.
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Side Dishes Are The Best Part of Thanksgiving Dinner!
The holidays are my favorite time of year, and for me, Thanksgiving is all about the side dishes. Don't get me wrong, I love a perfectly roasted turkey, but the real excitement is in the creamy gratins, roasted vegetables, and all those comforting flavors that come together on one plate.
Growing up in a big Italian American family, our Thanksgiving table was always overflowing with food. There were traditional favorites, of course, but also a few Italian touches that made the meal feel extra special. Over the years, I've come to realize that it's the sides that bring everyone back for seconds and the recipes you'll remember long after the leftovers are gone.
These Thanksgiving side dishes are simple, flavorful, and made to complement whatever is on your table, whether it's turkey, roasted chicken, or even Thanksgiving seafood. You can mix and match to create your perfect menu or add a few new dishes to freshen up your family traditions.
And of course, no Thanksgiving dinner is complete without dessert. I like to finish with a slice of creamy cranberry pie, or my apple crostata.
So grab a plate (and maybe some extra gravy) because these are the Thanksgiving side dishes that make the whole meal shine.
Why These Recipes Work
- They mix perfectly with traditional dishes like turkey, gravy, and stuffing.
- The flavors are comforting, balanced, and crowd-pleasing for any type of gathering.
- There's something here for everyone, whether you like to keep things classic or try something new.
- Every dish has been tested to make sure it turns out perfectly every time.
Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes: Vegetables
Every Thanksgiving table needs a little balance, and vegetable sides do exactly that. They bring color, freshness, and life to the meal, breaking up all the rich, heavy flavors with something bright and satisfying. These dishes round out the plate and make the whole feast feel more complete.
Green Beans with Pancetta and Shallots
This recipe for green beans with shallots and pancetta turns a simple side dish into something special. The pancetta adds a salty bite, the shallots turn sweet as they caramelize, and the blanched beans stay bright and crisp.
Rosemary Creamed Corn
This blog is about to get corny. See what I did there? I know, I know. Puns and corny jokes are kind of my thing! I get that from my Momma. She was the Queen. So, my birthday is on Saturday, and, well it's a big one. The big 3-0. It's not that I'm sad […]
Brussels Sprout, Kale + Apple Salad with Sharp Cheddar + Bacon
This Brussels sprout, kale + apple salad with sharp cheddar + bacon is an easy, flavorful and healthy fall salad that's perfect for Thanksgiving. It has just the right balance of healthy and indulgent because it's packed with nutrient dense vegetables and just enough bacon and cheese to make it taste incredible.
Sicilian Roasted Cauliflower
This golden-brown roasted cauliflower is topped with crispy garlic chips, toasted almonds, sweet golden raisins, and briny capers, then finished with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice to make it pop.
Spinach with Butter and Parmesan
This buttery, garlicky spinach cooks in minutes and adds something fresh and vibrant to a rich holiday spread. It's the perfect green side to balance creamy potatoes or hearty stuffing.
Brussels Sprouts with Anchovy Caper Butter
These Brussels sprouts get a major flavor boost from lemon, capers, and anchovies. They're salty, crispy, and absolutely addictive.
Fennel + Onion Gratin
This crispy, cheesy fennel and onion gratin is perfect for the holidays or chilly winter months. Sweet, tender fennel and onions are cooked in butter, mixed with Pecorino Romano, thyme, and cream, then baked under a golden breadcrumb topping. It's an easy make-ahead side, it pairs beautifully with steak, chicken, turkey, pork, or fish.
Creamy Kale au Gratin
Baked with cream, cheese, and plenty of garlic, this kale gratin turns simple greens into something rich and satisfying. It's hearty enough to hold its own next to turkey and gravy.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese and Hazelnuts
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of butternut squash, and the goat cheese and hazelnuts take it over the top. This dish looks beautiful on the table and tastes even better with roasted turkey.
Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pecorino + Herbs
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with pecorino cheese are simple, salty, and downright irresistible. They're a delicious alternative to steamed Brussels sprouts on the Thanksgiving table.
Cauliflower Gratin
This easy baked cauliflower gratin is a classic French side dish that's a great make-ahead recipe for Thanksgiving! Creamy, cheesy, and baked until golden, this cauliflower gratin is pure comfort.
Escarole Greens with Olives and Capers
Tender escarole sautéed with briny olives and capers brings a bright, salty punch to the table. It cuts through all the heavier Thanksgiving sides and gives the meal a little Italian flair.
Starchy Side Dishes For Thanksgiving
Starchy sides are the heart of a great Thanksgiving meal. They're cozy, comforting, and the kind of food everyone looks forward to most. Whether you serve them alongside turkey or seafood, they soak up all those flavorful sauces and make every bite feel a little more indulgent.
Brown Butter Squash Puree
This recipe for brown butter butternut squash purée is an easy and delicious side dish that fits right in on a Thanksgiving table. With just two ingredients, it's surprisingly simple yet rich and flavorful thanks to the technique of browning butter.
Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes
These Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comforting side dish. Made with skin-on red-skinned potatoes for a sweet flavor and creamy, yet rustic texture and rich mascarpone cheese that makes them extra creamy and satisfying.
Celery Root and Parsnip Puree
This smooth, buttery puree is light but full of flavor, making it a great alternative to mashed potatoes. It pairs beautifully with turkey, seafood, and roasted vegetables.
Potato Gratin
This creamy potato gratin bakes up golden on top with tender layers underneath. It's classic, comforting, and belongs on every Thanksgiving table.
Skillet Mac n Cheese
This baked mac and cheese is creamy in the center and golden on top for the perfect contrast in textures. It's nostalgic comfort food that always earns a spot next to turkey and gravy.
Pumpkin Risotto
This pumpkin risotto is creamy, deeply flavorful and perfect for the Thanksgiving table. It's a comforting, fall-inspired dish that pairs perfectly with roasted turkey or vegetables.
Creamy Parmesan Polenta
This rich and creamy parmesan polenta is a comforting Italian side dish with a silky texture and a buttery, cheesy flavor that pairs beautifully with hearty braises, ragus or roasted vegetables. I'll show you just how easy it is to master this Italian classic recipe with just 5 simple ingredients!
Parsnip and Celery Root Gratin
Earthy parsnips and celery root bake together with cream and cheese for a side that feels both familiar and a little fancy. It's the perfect upgrade to traditional scalloped potatoes.
Wild Mushroom Risotto
Creamy risotto loaded with earthy mushrooms makes a rich and flavorful addition to the holiday table. It's hearty enough to stand on its own or pair alongside roasted meats.
Crispy Roasted Potatoes and Onions
Golden, crispy potatoes roasted with onions and rosemary bring a classic, comforting flavor that everyone loves. They're easy to make and go with absolutely everything on the Thanksgiving table.
More Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes
Sometimes it's the little extras that make the biggest impression. These recipes bring variety and interest to the table, helping you create a meal that feels thoughtful, festive, and full of personality. They're the kinds of dishes that turn a good dinner into a memorable one.
Homemade Turkey Gravy
A good gravy ties the whole meal together, and this one is smooth, rich, and full of classic flavor. It's the finishing touch every Thanksgiving table needs.
Spicy Coconut Pumpkin Soup
Creamy coconut milk and pumpkin make this soup velvety and comforting, with just enough spice to keep things interesting. Serve it as a starter or a light side dish to warm everyone up.
Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Rich, creamy, and full of cheesy goodness, this cauliflower mac is lighter than the classic but just as satisfying. It's the perfect blend of comfort and balance.
Cheddar and Stout Biscuits
These buttery and flaky Irish cheddar + stout biscuits are incredibly flavorful and so easy to prepare. They can be made from start to finish in under 45 minutes and are wonderful served with soups and stews or even for breakfast. They're tender, rich and perfect for St. Patrick's Day!
Roasted Italian Hot peppers
Roasted long hot peppers bring a little heat and a lot of personality to your Thanksgiving meal. They're especially good paired with rich meats or creamy sides.
Easy Muffin Tin Popovers
Made using 7 baking staples and a standard muffin tin, these fail-proof popovers are guaranteed to come out light and airy with caramelized and golden edges. This easy recipe will show you how to make these perfect mini breakfast or brunch treats without using any special equipment, plus some very helpful tips.
Cheesy Baked Corn and Poblano Rice
This easy cheesy baked corn and poblano rice is the perfect side to serve with any kind of Mexican food. It's incredibly creamy and cheesy and loaded with sweet corn and smoky poblano peppers. It's a rich, filling casserole that is always a hit at parties.
Butternut Squash Fritters
Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these butternut squash fritters are packed with flavor. The spiced yogurt sauce makes them a standout side or a fun appetizer before dinner.
Rapini with Pine Nuts and Raisins
This Sicilian inspired recipe for Rapini, aka broccoli rabe, is blanched to crisp perfection, then sautéed with extra virgin olive oil, pine nuts, raisins and crispy garlic chips. It's a simple Italian side dish that's packed with flavor and only takes 20 minutes to make.
Tips for Success
- Choose a few sides that can be made or prepped the day before, like gratins or purees, so you can enjoy the holiday without rushing.
- Balance creamy and crunchy, rich and fresh, to make the meal feel more exciting and satisfying.
- Cook some dishes on the stovetop or reheat them gently while the turkey rests to keep everything hot and stress-free.
- Thanksgiving sides don't have to be complicated to be delicious. A handful of well-made dishes always beats a dozen rushed ones.
- Write out your oven schedule and reheating times so everything is ready right when you need it.
- Include a salad or bright vegetable dish to balance all the rich, comforting flavors.
- Ask guests to bring a side or handle a small task so you can enjoy the day, too.
Thanksgiving Sides FAQ's
A good place to start is one or two vegetable sides, something starchy, and then one or two dishes that are a little special or seasonal. The idea is to have variety so everyone finds something they love. Don't be afraid to incorporate non-traditional dishes, especially family favorites. That's what makes dinner feel extra special and memorable.
Yes. Many of these sides can be prepped the day before, especially the gratins, casseroles, purees, and anything roasted. Just reheat gently before serving and finish with herbs, olive oil, or cheese to freshen them up.
Turkey loves buttery vegetables, roasted greens, potato or squash dishes, salads with crunch, and anything creamy or saucy that helps flavor each bite. Think creamed corn, roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes or purees, risotto, and good gravy.
A warm oven (around 300°F) works best for reheating most sides. Check each recipe for storage and reheating instructions as this can vary depending on the side. Soups and purees can be reheated slowly on the stove with a splash of broth or water. Let the turkey rest after it comes out of the oven so you have time and space to warm everything else.
