20 Thanksgiving Side Dish Superstars

Published: Oct 30, 2026 by Tania · Leave a Comment · This post may contain affiliate links.

Let’s be honest: Thanksgiving sides are often the real stars of the show! While a Thanksgiving turkey always looks impressive, it’s the sides that really make it special.

I’ve rounded up 20 of my BEST Thanksgiving side dishes that are tried-and-true favorites, full of flavor, and worth making room for on your holiday table. Whether you’re sticking with the classics or looking to add something new to try this year, I think you’ll find something you’ll love to make this year!

a roundup of 20 thanksgiving side dishes

From creamy mashed potatoes and buttery rolls to roasted vegetables, casseroles, and all the classics, these are the dishes everyone looks forward to piling onto their plates.

All these recipes are tested multiple times in my own kitchen, so you can be sure that they will turn our incredible every single time. They are reliable, simple, and easy to follow, with visual tutorials and kitchen tips.

If you need an impressive, fail-proof turkey recipe to serve along these Thanksgiving sides, try my Dry Brined Turkey. And if you’re not a turkey person, my Brown Sugar Glazed Ham or Slow Cooker Spiral Ham are incredibly delicious and easy to make.

Jump to:

Classic Thanksgiving Sides
Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes
Mac and Cheese Ideas
Easy Thanksgiving Vegetable Sides

Classic Thanksgiving Sides

These are the classics and everyone’s favorites, but with an elevated spin. For example, I make my green bean casserole with fresh green beans (no canned beans here!). And my corn casserole is made from scratch.

1

green bean casserole with fresh green beans

Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans

5 from 2 votes

This fresh green bean casserole is made with fresh green beans, mushrooms, bacon, and a super easy creamy sauce made from scratch. It's a delicious fresh twist on the classic Thanksgiving favorite, and it's really good!

2

cornbread stuffing with apples

Cornbread Stuffing

5 from 1 vote

This cornbread stuffing has the perfect balance of flavor and texture! It's moist and tender, never soggy, in the center, and golden brown and crusty on top. The best cornbread stuffing recipe!

3

fluffy mashed potatoes in bowl with a napkin next to it

Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

4.75 from 8 votes

Fluffy mashed potatoes are such a wonderful side dish! The trick is using Russet potatoes and a potato ricer to make the fluffiest and smoothest mashed potatoes ever. They are also make-ahead and freezer friendly.

4

scooping a serving of baked corn casserole

Corn Casserole from Scratch

5 from 6 votes

This easy corn casserole is made from scratch, without Jiffy mix. I love the flavors, texture, and consistency. It's the ultimate comfort food and side dish!

5

soft dinner rolls with honey butter

Honey Butter Rolls (Super Soft)

5 from 16 votes

These super soft honey butter rolls are seriously the best! They are soft, fluffy, and delicious, with the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Easy to make, and make-ahead and freezer friendly. Make it for the holidays or the weekend!

6

cranberry sauce with orange juice and zest

Orange Cranberry Sauce

5 from 2 votes

This orange cranberry sauce is super easy to make and takes just 20 minutes. I love that it's infused with aromatic orange flavors with a hint of cinnamon. It's a great make-ahead and freezer-friendly recipe as well.

Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are everyone’s favorite dish, especially if you serve it with a generous drizzle of my make ahead turkey gravy.

7

creamy mashed potatoes

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

5 from 1 vote

A side of creamy mashed potatoes is always comforting! These mashed potatoes pair well with almost anything. So easy to make and delicious!

8

garnished roasted garlic mashed potatoes

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

5 from 2 votes

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are the best way to elevate simple mashed potatoes. These are extra garlicky, rich, fluffy, and creamy. The perfect side dish.

9

scooping out loaded mashed potatoes

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

5 from 4 votes

These loaded mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food! Smooth, fluffy, and tender mashed potatoes topped with melty cheddar cheese and crispy bacon. It's a true crowd-pleaser!

10

bowl of red skin mashed potatoes with fresh chives

Red Skin Mashed Potatoes

5 from 14 votes

These red skin mashed potatoes are the mashed potatoes that keep everyone going back seconds! They are so easy to make, and are creamy and rich, with pockets of tender potato skin and chunks. No mixer needed.

Mac and Cheese Ideas

Everyone goes crazy over mac and cheese on Thanksgiving! I mean, who doesn’t like creamy, cheesy, and delicious mac and cheese with their turkey?! These are a few of my best mac and cheese recipes on the site.

11

creamy butternut squash mac and cheese

Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

No ratings yet

This creamy butternut squash mac and cheese is so smooth and delicious. It's savory with subtle sweetness, creamy and cheesy, with warm notes from a little bit of nutmeg.

12

french onion mac and cheese pull

French Onion Mac and Cheese

5 from 2 votes

Try this creamy, ultra cheesy, and delicious French onion mac and cheese! It's perfect for a crowd and ideal for the holidays, or any time of the year. The caramelized onions add rich and amazing deep flavors.

13

white cheddar mac and cheese in baking pan

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

4.85 from 32 votes

I love this white cheddar mac and cheese! It's rich and creamy, and the cheese melts beautifully in the sauce. I use cavatappi pasta, with plenty of freshly grated white cheddar and some Gruyere cheese too.

14

mac and cheese creamy

Stovetop Mac and Cheese (30-Minute)

5 from 9 votes

This stovetop mac and cheese is a very simple recipe, yet incredibly delicious, creamy, and smooth! It comes together in just 30 minutes and it's the perfect side dish for any meal!

Easy Thanksgiving Vegetable Sides

Last but not least, the vegetables! These easy Thanksgiving vegetable side dishes are made with humble ingredients, but the results are incredibly delicious. From Brussels sprouts, to carrots and green beans, these will definitely steal the show!

15

side dish roasted butternut squash and brussels sprouts

Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts

4.98 from 38 votes

This Maple Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts is the perfect side dish for the holidays. The sweetness of the maple syrup is amazing! It's prep ahead friendly and very easy to make.

16

balsamic brussels sprouts

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

5 from 4 votes

Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts are one of my favorite sides to serve at gatherings. Its' such a simple recipe, loaded with great texture and amazing flavor.

17

brown sugar carrots with glaze in skillet

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

No ratings yet

These easy brown sugar carrots are a classic side dish that everyone loves! It comes together on the stovetop quickly with just a simple ingredients.

18

honey glazed carrots with orange

Orange Honey Glazed Carrots

5 from 2 votes

These Orange Honey Glazed Carrots are the perfect holiday side dish! Made with fresh orange juice, honey, and butter. It's so delicious and easy to make on the stovetop.

19

sauteed brussels sprouts

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

5 from 1 vote

These Brussels sprouts with bacon, and glazed with maple syrup, are lovely. They are beautifully caramelized and golden brown on the outside, while crisp tender in the center.

20

stacked bacon wrapped green bean bundles with brown sugar glaze

Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

5 from 2 votes

These bacon wrapped green bean bundles will steal the show this Thanksgiving! They are so fun to make and eat, and they are finished with the most amazing brown sugar balsamic glaze. Makes about 20 bundles.

More Thanksgiving and Holiday Recipes

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