Every family has a few dishes that show up year after year, and this bunch of 33 Thanksgiving sides might just join that list. They’re the quiet legends that make everyone linger at the table a little longer. Each one brings its own personality to the spread, from cozy comfort to festive flair. Even if the turkey gets all the praise, it’s these sides that keep everyone coming back for seconds.

A Corn Pudding Casserole topped with chopped chives in a metal baking dish, with a portion being lifted out on a serving spatula.
Corn Pudding Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Easy German Potato Salad

German Potato Salad with red onions, and bacon pieces, garnished with chopped parsley are served in a white dish with a spoon.
Easy German Potato Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Potato salads often get everyone talking at family meals. Easy German Potato Salad proves you can mix big flavor with a smooth texture. Guests go for seconds before many finish their first plate. The dish pairs well with both classic and modern sides. Nobody ever minds having leftovers for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Easy German Potato Salad

Honey Roasted Baby Carrots

A white bowl filled with honey-roasted baby carrots sits on a white cloth with red stripes, next to a spoon and a green bottle on a light surface.
Honey Roasted Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Colorful veggies brighten every plate, even for picky eaters. Honey Roasted Baby Carrots bring a sweet glaze and soft crunch that make kids ask for more. Their glossy look fills bowls nicely. People tend to finish these even after the turkey is gone. They’re always requested again next time.
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Baby Carrots

Squash Casserole

A serving of squash casserole with a crumb topping is plated on a white dish.
Squash Casserole. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Casseroles with layers win hearts at group dinners. Squash Casserole serves up a soft filling under a crisp topping, making a meal feel extra special. The slices never last long once dinner begins. Relatives often ask how you made it so rich and smooth. Everyone returns to scoop up any extra servings.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole

Southern Style Pickled Shrimp

Close-up Southern Style Pickled Shrimp with lemon slices and dill on a jar.
Southern Style Pickled Shrimp. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Something tangy always sparks interest at the table. Southern Style Pickled Shrimp stands out for its cool texture and bold marinade. Friends talk about this dish while loading their plates. Shrimp lovers rush to get theirs first. You’ll find an empty platter before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Pickled Shrimp

Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

A rectangular white plate with cooked red cabbage and bacon pieces, placed on a light surface next to a floral-patterned cloth.
Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Mixing sweet and savory brings new life to vegetable sides. Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon looks vibrant and adds a bit of crunch. This gets passed around quickly as people try a scoop with their turkey. The bacon makes everyone pay attention. Forks keep returning for one more bite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

Smoked Mac & Cheese

A skillet filled with Smoked Mac & Cheese.
Smoked Mac & Cheese. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cheesy sides get extra interest when they’re smoked. Smoked Mac & Cheese brings out a deep flavor and keeps everyone reaching for another spoonful. The top comes out bubbly and golden, catching everyone’s eye. Kids and grandparents agree this is a must-have. Group meals never run out with this on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese

Fried Tomatillos

Fried Tomatillos in a black cast iron pan.
Fried Tomatillos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Little rounds with a crunchy shell always disappear fast. Fried Tomatillos mix a tangy taste with a warm center that surprises most guests. These are simple to grab and dip between bites of turkey. Everyone has something nice to say about them. The platter is clean soon after serving.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fresh ingredients bring brightness to big feasts. Shirazi Salad pairs crisp veggies with a sharp dressing that perks up even heavy plates. This one is welcomed alongside rich casseroles. It keeps things light without crowding out the main meal. Folks always go back for a second helping.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Corn Fritters

Corn fritters in a black cast iron pan.
Corn Fritters. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Snacks you can pick up with your hands seem to go quicker. Corn Fritters give a warm, soft crunch that works as a side or snack. People dip and munch as they swap stories. Even kids try them without needing extra encouragement. You’ll rarely have leftovers to pack away after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

A white bowl filled with seasoned roasted sweet potato cubes, garnished with chopped herbs, with a metal serving spoon on the side and a printed napkin partially visible.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Quick sides suit holiday meals with many guests to feed. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes offer a sweet bite that is soft in the middle and crisp outside. These cubes stack up nicely beside any main dish. Kids reach for them between helpings of turkey. Everyone enjoys how easy they are to eat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Smoked Tomatoes

Smoked tomatoes in a dish with grilled bread.
Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tomatoes bring color and a hint of smoke to dinner plates. Smoked Tomatoes offer a juicy bite that mixes well with creamy and crunchy sides. You’ll spot people topping their salads with them. Their look stands out on every table. These go just as fast as any hot side.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomatoes

Baked Spanish Rice

Baked Spanish Rice in two black baking dishes.
Baked Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Rice sides make big dinners feel complete for everyone. Baked Spanish Rice comes out fluffy and filled with flavor that matches well with turkey or pork. The dish keeps everyone full without weighing down the meal. Most guests reach for seconds, clearing the serving bowl fast. Add it to any menu for easy success.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Sweet Potato Cornbread

A piece of cornbread on a plate next to a few potatoes.
Sweet Potato Cornbread. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combining soft bread with sweet root veggies makes a plate more interesting. Sweet Potato Cornbread fills baskets fast, and people slice off more than just one piece. This one works for breakfast leftovers too. Butter and spreads vanish quickly from the table. Your guests always ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread

Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Smoked jalapeno poppers on a platter.
Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spicy sides keep group meals lively and fun. Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers blend heat and smoky flavor with a creamy finish. These get grabbed up fast at any dinner. People challenge each other to eat the hottest one. Many remember this side long after the day is over.
Get the Recipe: Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Green beans with pork on a black plate.
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sides simmered long get forked up quickly by guests. Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans stay tender and flavorful without losing their shape. Kids end up eating a few extra servings without fuss. These work on both fancy and family tables. Cleanup is faster when this hits the menu.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

A bowl of boiled potatoes with skins on, topped with a creamy herb sauce and garnished with chopped fresh dill.
Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mixing rich sides with a little crunch always grabs attention. Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon offer bold flavor and soft forkfuls that people love. The combo works for both big holiday meals and casual dinners. Guests find themselves reaching for extra scoops. Requests for this side keep coming up each year.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

A serving of Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli on a black plate.
Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Blending veggies into rice works for picky and adventurous eaters alike. Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli comes out creamy with bits of crunch. It fits right next to your turkey slices. Batches go fast before guests finish filling their plates. Families make this a yearly tradition.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sauerkraut in a serving dish with a spoon.
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bringing sweet and sour together changes up classic sides. Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon makes new fans with every bite. People pile this on top of other mains, mixing new flavors each time. It’s a side that disappears fast. No one leaves any behind at cleanup time.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sweet Potato Casserole

A close-up of Sweet Potato Casserole on a white dish.
Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Big family meals call for something both sweet and smooth. Sweet Potato Casserole fills plates quickly and pairs with everything on the table. The topping often gets scraped off first. Kids get excited for a second helping. This side is never missing from large meals.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon Fried Corn in a serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Corn gets more attention when paired with something smoky. Bacon Fried Corn brings extra crunch and flavor that fits every turkey meal. People fill their plates high with it. It’s a side that gets top marks from both adults and kids. There are never leftovers for next day snacks.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A spoonful of Mississippi Mud Potatoes with herbs, held above a dish.
Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Loaded potatoes make every feast more comforting. Mississippi Mud Potatoes cook up rich and full, with flavors that blend together nicely. Guests scoop up more than they first planned to eat. These work well with any leftover turkey. Requests for another batch happen often.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs

Several pieces of Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs, topped with grated cheese and chopped herbs, are arranged on a black slate serving board.
Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Twist corn in a new way to bring out flavor and fun. Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs come out crisp, cheesy, and easy to eat with fingers. People race to grab one before they’re gone. Large portions don’t last through dinner. This side turns into a regular pick for families.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs

German Yellow Beans

A bowl of German yellow beans on a wooden table.
German Yellow Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Beans served warm with seasoning bring a fresh choice to every table. German Yellow Beans get noticed for their bright color and snap. These mix well beside heavier sides. People find themselves trying a scoop with everything. Plates clear faster when beans are part of the meal.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone in a black dish.
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Spinach gets a big boost when mixed with creamy cheese. Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone gives each spoonful a rich, silky finish. The side fits in nicely with meats or bread. Friends use bread to scoop up extra portions. Clean plates mean a winning side for all ages.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Mexican Black Beans

Mexican black beans in a white bowl with parsley and garlic.
Mexican Black Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Beans with a little heat make group meals more interesting. Mexican Black Beans work with turkey, ham, or any other main dish. Bed this under your turkey slices for a fresh twist. The bowl empties fast as guests mix flavors. Kids like piling these high on their plates.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Round black dish filled with seasoned roasted potato wedges, placed on a white wooden surface alongside a white and yellow striped cloth napkin.
Greek Lemon Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Potatoes take on a fresh appeal when paired with vibrant flavors before roasting. Greek Lemon Potatoes are incredibly tender and complement any main dish beautifully. Their sharp taste truly stands out, and friends often request seconds once dinner begins. By the end of the meal, there’s rarely much left!
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes

Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan

A plate of roasted kohlrabi with parmesan cheese on a wooden table.
Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Roasting brings out special qualities in veggies you might not expect. Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan gives each bite a nice crunch and savory note. People enjoy exploring new foods at big family dinners. This side is often the first to get compliments. Bowls empty quicker than others.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan

Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans)

Greek Green Beans served in a white bowl.
Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans). Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Green beans folded in tomato sauce offer a complete change from basic sides. Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans) are tender, bright, and a hit with older guests. People talk about how different and good these are. Plates clear out with repeat servings. This dish fits both casual and formal gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans)

Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Mashed potatoes with cream cheese topped with melted butter and garnished with fresh parsley.
Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Classic mashed potatoes are hard to beat, but new mixes make them better. Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese start out fluffy with a smooth finish, pleasing all ages. Nobody passes up a full bowl on feast day. Gravy goes on top, but some prefer them plain. They’re always finished first.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Pickled Yellow Beans

Pickled yellow beans in a jar on a wooden table.
Pickled Yellow Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Beans with a tangy twist balance out all the rich sides around the table. Pickled Yellow Beans bring a pop of color, crunch, and flavor to every meal. People munch on these between forkfuls of turkey. The jar empties as snacks continue. It’s too easy to reach for more.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Yellow Beans

Ukrainian Potatoes

Ukrainian Potatoes on a white plate.
Ukrainian Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Potatoes done a new way keep things fun for everyone at dinner. Ukrainian Potatoes get forked up quickly because of their soft inside and special shape. The side pairs well with meat or veggies. Kids and grandparents give this dish a thumbs-up. Requests for the recipe are common.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes

Smoked Cauliflower

Smoked cauliflower in a skillet on a wooden table.
Smoked Cauliflower. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cauliflower makes a good side when paired with deep smoky notes. Smoked Cauliflower works with turkey, chicken, or even pork for large meals. Friends discover it’s quick to scoop and pair. The mild flavor goes with anything on the plate. It becomes a favorite with each serving.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower

Corn Pudding Casserole

A Corn Pudding Casserole topped with chopped chives in a metal baking dish, with a portion being lifted out on a serving spatula.
Corn Pudding Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Sweet corn in a soft casserole brings new interest to standard spreads. Corn Pudding Casserole fills up plates with a creamy feel that stands apart. Families use this side at every holiday meal. The pan always comes back scraped clean. Seconds are common for both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pudding Casserole

A retired chef who knows her way around comfort food, Jenn has spent years perfecting approachable and flavorful dishes. From hearty stews to rich desserts, Jenn’s recipes deliver the kind of warmth that makes you want seconds. When she’s not in the kitchen, you can find her brainstorming her next culinary creation or sharing tips she learned during her years as a professional chef.

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