Add Preferred SourceLet’s be honest, Thanksgiving sides are the real reason anyone shows up. These 35 favorites make butter the star of the show in the most glorious way possible. They’re rich without apology, comforting without complication, and perfect for sharing or not. Every plate feels like it’s been kissed by tradition and a little too much butter. This is the kind of food that keeps the holiday honest.
Southern Style Pickled Shrimp
Bringing something different to Thanksgiving can be fun for everyone. With Southern Style Pickled Shrimp in the mix, your table gets a splash of something new. Tangy, tender shrimp offer a little bite with each forkful. People always notice when seafood shows up in the holiday lineup. Try this next to other classics, and watch it go fast.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Pickled Shrimp
Baked Bean Casserole
Sometimes you want something warm and hearty beside the turkey plate. That spot is filled nicely by Baked Bean Casserole with its rich flavors and homey feel. It’s one of those side dishes that people scoop up again and again. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing. It always disappears quickly during any big meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Bean Casserole
Easy German Potato Salad
Fans of classic potato salad often ask for something with a bit more punch during Thanksgiving. For that request, Easy German Potato Salad never fails to impress. There’s more depth here than your standard mayo salad, offering something unique for every plate. Warm potato salads like this feel right at home on a festive table. Guests usually ask for seconds without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Easy German Potato Salad
Corn Pudding Casserole
You want a dish that stands out but still offers comfort, and Corn Pudding Casserole has both. This smooth, sweet bake pairs nicely with turkey and stuffing. Each portion offers a soft bite that helps round out the meal. It’s a comforting option that works for all ages at the table. People often ask for the recipe after trying it.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pudding Casserole
Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon
With so many rich foods at Thanksgiving, a bright vegetable is a welcome contrast. Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon brings that freshness and a little crunch. The citrus note wakes up your plate without overwhelming anything else. Guests appreciate the lighter touch these beans provide. It’s a simple side that balances all the heavy favorites.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon
Honey Roasted Baby Carrots
Now and then, you need something simple but still special to serve with your main course. Honey Roasted Baby Carrots fit that need well, bringing a light sweetness to the table. Even picky eaters tend to enjoy these carrots. A little color brightens up any spread, especially on big food days. They’re friendly for kids and grown-ups alike.
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Baby Carrots
Squash Casserole
During big meals, variety keeps everyone interested. Squash Casserole is a regular favorite, loved for its creamy middle and golden top. It pairs well with meats and other veggies. People often find themselves going back for a second scoop of this comforting bake. You’ll want to save a spot for this on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole
Classic Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe
Every gathering seems to bring together different tastes, so something traditional is smart. Classic Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe makes sure everyone gets a bite of something familiar. There’s a satisfying crunch and a little salty bite that always pleases. Salads like this blend well with all the other sides. Guests usually clear out the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Classic Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe
Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli
A hearty baked side can turn an ordinary meal into something special. Add in Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli, and you’ll understand why people return for more. There’s tenderness and a subtle crunch mixed together in each bite. It’s a great way to get folks to eat their greens without fuss. The pan always empties out by the end of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli
Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon
There’s often a need for brightness among all the rich foods at Thanksgiving. Try putting Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon in your lineup. Its bold color and sweet-tart kick are a true change of pace. People notice the difference when something like this lands on the table. It cuts through heavier dishes and adds color to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon
Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts
For those looking to add something vibrant, a salad like Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts stands out in a crowd. The richness of goat cheese offsets the earthy beets, making for a balanced dish. A sprinkle of nuts gives each bite some texture. People talk about this salad long after dinner ends. It’s a conversation starter every year.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Trying something with bold flavor is a hit at Thanksgiving gatherings. Friends are always interested in Grilled Elote Corn Ribs when they see them on the table. Their shape and seasoning are an instant favorite among kids and adults. People usually reach for seconds, sometimes even before trying other sides. These corn ribs make a fun, fresh add-on.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
No plate is complete without a mound of something smooth and rich. In comes Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese, lending a creamy bite that fits right into all the classics. It's a go-to comfort food for a reason, especially around big holidays. Watch these disappear as soon as the lid comes off the bowl. A holiday meal never feels right without them.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Once in a while, a big dinner needs a warm beginning. Bowls of Creamy Pumpkin Soup hit the spot, offering more than just another vegetable side. It sets a comforting tone for the rest of the meal. People usually pause to enjoy the first spoonful. You’ll see smiles after the first serving hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!)
Mixing two hearty vegetables together creates something folks don’t expect. When Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!) shows up, there are always a few double-takes. The texture is pleasantly different from standard mashed potatoes. It mixes well with all the main dishes and adds a rustic touch. This side finishes up fast when served hot.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!)
Wild Rice Salad
A grain salad provides a nice alternative to heavier fare. Including Wild Rice Salad means there’s something for everyone, even those who skip the classics. This dish has texture and variety in each bite, making it stand out among other staples. Guests who try it once often ask for more. It’s one to keep in your back pocket for potlucks, too.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad
Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Unexpected combinations can often be the hit of a big gathering. Lay out a pan of Mississippi Mud Potatoes and listen for happy chatter. The mix is creamy and full, making a strong case for seconds. This dish feels like something special amid the spread. People are quick to reach for a serving before it's gone.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs
Corn gets a new twist when you try it as Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs. The bold flavors and handy shape make them fun to eat, especially for younger guests. These ribs add a playful note to more traditional side options. You’ll notice them go quicker than you thought possible. Even the pickiest side fans try at least one or two.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs
Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
Holiday meals call for something a little more than average mashed potatoes. That’s where Twice-Baked Potato Casserole steps in with its layered goodness. Every bite borrows lots of appeal from loaded baked potatoes. It blends into the meal like an old standby but always nets some praise. Guests are quick to clear out the dish.
Get the Recipe: Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
Pickled Yellow Beans
Sometimes, you want a sharp bite to balance out all the rich dishes. Offering Pickled Yellow Beans gives people something crisp and bright. It works well next to heavier foods and refreshes the palate. Your guests may not expect veggies like this on the table, but they’ll be glad for them. The tang brings everything together easily.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Yellow Beans
Bacon Fried Corn
Corn feels right at home on most menus, but Bacon Fried Corn brings extra flavor people notice. This dish has a heartier twist and never seems to last long. A big scoop next to turkey or ham is always the move. Friendly for all ages, it’s easy to serve and loved by many. The bowl gets emptied out every year.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn
Sweet Potato Cornbread
Bread baskets are a must, but variety goes a long way too. Put out some Sweet Potato Cornbread and watch hands reach for it again and again. It’s a change of pace from regular rolls or biscuits. The touch of sweetness makes it great for soaking up sauces. This bread brings everyone back for a second piece.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread
Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan
People talk about new vegetable sides when they’re memorable. Plates cleaned of Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan make it clear how much this dish adds to the table. There’s a mild flavor and crisp edges that contrast with denser dishes. It’s fun to bring out something new and watch folks enjoy it. Sheets empty just as fast as old classics.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
Big gatherings are easier when the vegetable sides work well with everything else. Serving Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone guarantees a rich, soft bite with every spoonful. Lush greens always pair well with larger plates. Even those on the fence about spinach find they like this one. The pan usually comes back empty.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
In a meal full of familiar dishes, tangy bites make all the difference. Guests notice something different with Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon tossed into the mix. It has complexity that’s not common at most tables. The distinct flavors will get folks curious for sure. Don’t be surprised if you run out before the second round.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
German Yellow Beans
You don’t often see beans like these beside all the traditional sides. Some guests will be curious when you put down a bowl of German Yellow Beans. This simple side brings both color and a new taste to your spread. It goes fast among guests who want something fresh. The surprise factor gets people talking.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans
Smoked Cauliflower
Sometimes you want something lighter between the hearty mains and rich sides. Roasted just right, Smoked Cauliflower manages to stand up on its own. Smoky flavor makes it interesting while still being easy to eat. You’ll soon find folks reaching for seconds. Roasting brings it a finish that keeps coming back in conversation.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Mexican Black Beans
Beans always seem to fit in with any meal, but putting Mexican Black Beans on the table adds a little more interest. People appreciate simple sides with full flavor. It pairs with both turkey and other vegetables easily. Adding beans means more people find what they enjoy. Guests like having an option that’s hearty but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans
Sweet Potato Casserole
When rich comfort food is expected, nothing does it like Sweet Potato Casserole. Those scooping this up find familiar flavors in every serving. It always shows up at big dinners and disappears just as quickly. People look for their favorite topping and take a big helping. This dish is always among the first to vanish from the table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole
Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Liking a little extra spice during the holidays is more common than you’d think. Try sharing Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers for those who want a bold bite. They pack flavor and heat without overpowering the rest of the meal. People love something that stands out, even in small portions. They disappear quicker than you might expect.
Get the Recipe: Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
Greek Lemon Potatoes
Something bright and fresh fits well with heavier fare any time. Passing around Greek Lemon Potatoes brings a pop of citrus without being overwhelming. The dish blends crispy and soft textures together. There’s always at least one guest who asks how you made them. Plates clear out before you know it, so make extras.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes
Smoked Mac & Cheese
Offering pasta is always a win, but putting out Smoked Mac & Cheese makes it memorable. It’s the kind of hearty side people look for at a big meal. The smoky undertone adds something special that plain mac and cheese can’t. Those at the table keep ladling out more until the pan is scraped clean. This side often gets the biggest cheers.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Baked Spanish Rice
Some folks want a little color and flavor variety next to all the familiar dishes. Serving Baked Spanish Rice checks both boxes and fits right in. It’s filling without being too heavy. This rice keeps the whole spread lively. People reach for it when they need something that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Shirazi Salad
A crisp, simple salad is sometimes exactly what you need with a big holiday dinner. Adding Shirazi Salad to the table gives a sense of balance and freshness. Even those who usually skip salads pause to try this one. The bright elements liven up every plate. You’ll find empty bowls by the end of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
When quick prep and easy eating are the goals, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes fit right in. Their crispy outside makes them fun for dipping or eating on their own. These cubes bring a new twist to an old favorite. You may find yourself making more the next day. They always disappear from the tray long before the meal ends.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
