20 Thanksgiving Side Ideas That’ll Steal the Show (Sorry, Turkey!)
Thanksgiving dinner without killer sides? That’s basically just… turkey and sadness.
Let’s be real: the bird might get all the attention, but it’s the sides that keep people coming back for seconds (and thirds).
If you’ve ever left a Thanksgiving table dreaming about mashed potatoes instead of turkey, you know what I’m talking about.
So, I pulled together 20 Thanksgiving side ideas that range from classics to a few fun twists.
You’ll find comforting favorites, creative upgrades, and maybe even a dish or two that makes your relatives ask, “Can I get this recipe?” (Translation: You just became the holiday hero.)
1. Classic Mashed Potatoes
Is it even Thanksgiving without a big bowl of creamy mashed potatoes? I don’t think so. Use plenty of butter and heavy cream if you want them extra rich. And pro tip—don’t overmix, unless you enjoy gluey potatoes.
2. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet, buttery, and topped with marshmallows or pecans—take your pick. Personally, I lean marshmallows because, IMO, Thanksgiving is basically a socially acceptable excuse to eat dessert as a side.
3. Green Bean Casserole
Ah, the retro dish that refuses to retire. You’ve got your green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions. Honestly, it’s the crunch on top that makes this one iconic.
4. Cornbread Stuffing
Stuffing is the unsung hero of Thanksgiving. I like cornbread stuffing because it’s savory with just a touch of sweetness. Add sausage if you want it hearty enough to rival the main course.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These little guys get a bad rep, but roast them with olive oil, salt, and maybe some balsamic glaze, and boom—they’re irresistible. Ever wondered why? Because caramelization = flavor magic.
6. Mac and Cheese
Yes, mac and cheese counts as a Thanksgiving side. Southern families already know this. Make it extra creamy with sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or whatever cheese makes your heart happy.
7. Cranberry Sauce
Store-bought is fine, but homemade cranberry sauce takes like 15 minutes and tastes way better. Fresh cranberries, sugar, orange zest—simple and way less weird than the canned jelly cylinder.
8. Garlic Butter Rolls
Soft, pillowy rolls that soak up all the gravy? Yes, please. Brush them with garlic butter right before serving for maximum flavor. Don’t be surprised when they disappear before the turkey even hits the table.
9. Glazed Carrots
Sweet, glossy, and ridiculously easy. Toss carrots in honey or maple syrup, roast them, and you’ve got a side that looks way fancier than the effort required.
10. Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Take mashed potatoes, add cheese, sour cream, bacon, and green onions, then bake. Basically, it’s mashed potatoes that decided to glow up. Who’s mad about that?
11. Butternut Squash Soup
Kick off dinner with a warm, silky soup. Butternut squash blended with cream and a hint of nutmeg feels cozy and festive. Plus, it buys you time if the turkey runs late.
12. Deviled Eggs
Technically an appetizer, but they always sneak onto the Thanksgiving table. Spice them up with paprika, bacon, or even sriracha if you like to live dangerously.
13. Roasted Root Vegetables
Parsnips, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes—all tossed with herbs and roasted until caramelized. They’re earthy, colorful, and taste like autumn on a plate.
14. Baked Brie with Cranberries
Okay, so this one’s a little bougie, but it works. Melted brie topped with cranberry sauce and wrapped in puff pastry? People will think you’re a culinary genius, and you barely lifted a finger.
15. Creamed Spinach
If you’ve ever had steakhouse-style creamed spinach, you know it slaps. Rich, creamy, and slightly decadent, it balances out the carb overload.
16. Corn Pudding
Think of it as cornbread’s softer, creamier cousin. It’s slightly sweet, custardy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Honestly, I could eat this by itself with a spoon.
17. Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan
Cauliflower doesn’t sound exciting, but roast it until golden, sprinkle with Parmesan, and it suddenly feels like a legit side. Bonus: it’s lighter, so you don’t feel like you need a nap after.
18. Gravy (Yes, Gravy Deserves Its Own Spot)
It’s not technically a “side,” but try telling that to mashed potatoes. A good turkey gravy ties the whole plate together. If you mess this up, you’ll hear about it until next Thanksgiving.
19. Apple Walnut Salad
A refreshing side to break up all the heavy dishes. Crisp apples, walnuts, mixed greens, and maybe a honey mustard vinaigrette. It’s crunchy, tangy, and light.
20. Pumpkin Pie (Because Dessert is a Side, Don’t Argue)
Look, pumpkin pie may technically be dessert, but let’s not pretend you haven’t grabbed a slice before finishing dinner. It’s the unofficial side dish of Thanksgiving, and I’ll die on this hill.
Tips for Pulling It All Together
Now, you might be thinking: “How the heck do I choose from 20 sides?” Honestly, you don’t. Mix the classics with a few unique ones. You need mashed potatoes and stuffing, sure, but throwing in roasted veggies or baked brie makes your spread feel fresh.
Here’s how I balance it:
- 2 potato sides (classic + one fun twist).
- 1 bread option (rolls or cornbread).
- 1 green veggie (spinach, Brussels sprouts, or salad).
- 1 wild card (soup, baked brie, or mac and cheese).
- Plenty of gravy.
Do that, and your Thanksgiving table will have variety without being overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving sides are what make the meal feel complete. Sure, the turkey’s the star on paper, but everyone knows it’s the mashed potatoes, stuffing, and casseroles that people dream about for weeks.
So, whether you stick to tradition or sneak in something new, just remember—if your sides are solid, nobody will notice if the turkey’s a little dry. And let’s be honest, we’ve all been there.
FAQs
What are the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes?
Mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and rolls top the list every year.
How many side dishes should I serve at Thanksgiving?
Aim for 4–6 sides depending on the size of your gathering. More than that, and you’ll run out of table space (and sanity).
Can I make Thanksgiving sides ahead of time?
Absolutely. Mashed potatoes, casseroles, and stuffing all reheat beautifully. Just don’t prep your salad too far in advance or it’ll get soggy.
What’s a unique Thanksgiving side idea?
Try baked brie with cranberries or a butternut squash soup to stand out from the usual lineup.
What’s the easiest Thanksgiving side dish?
Glazed carrots or roasted Brussels sprouts—basically anything you can throw on a sheet pan and forget about until they caramelize.
That’s the lineup! Twenty Thanksgiving side ideas that range from nostalgic favorites to fun, modern twists. So, what’s going on your table this year—classic mashed potatoes, baked brie, or are you team “all of the above”?
