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I’ve collected my best Thanksgiving side dishes, all in one place! Whether you’re looking for the classics (like mashed potatoes or stuffing) or something new (I highly recommend my broccoli casserole), these Thanksgiving recipes are here to help you plan the most delicious holiday meal!

Thanksgiving stuffing in baking dish with serving spoon.

Thanksgiving Side Dishes are the Best Part of the Meal

When it comes to Thanksgiving, I love the side dishes more than any other part of the meal. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way! Which is why I’ve rounded up all of my very best Thanksgiving side dishes to make your menu planning that much easier.

With this collection of Thanksgiving side dishes at your fingertips, the hardest part is choosing which recipes to add to your Thanksgiving menu this year! Many of these recipes can be made ahead to save you time on the holiday.

Comforting Thanksgiving Casseroles

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without some type of casserole on the menu. These recipes have been in my family for years, and they are just so good.

Thanksgiving green bean casserole in a baking dish with a serving spoon.
Sweet potato casserole in a white baking dish with a serving spoon.
  • Green Bean Casserole: My homemade green bean casserole is simply the best. Tender green beans, a homemade mushroom cream sauce and a crispy topping make this casserole truly special.
  • Sweet Potato Casserole: In our house, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the sweet potato casserole. This recipe features warm spices, creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy brown sugar pecan topping.
  • Broccoli Casserole: Made from scratch, this broccoli casserole always has a place on our Thanksgiving table. It’s creamy and cheesy with a cheesy breadcrumb topping.
  • Corn Casserole: Another classic for Thanksgiving, this creamy corn casserole is so simple to make! It bakes up moist and tender, studded with kernels of corn throughout.
  • Broccoli Rice Casserole: I don’t know what it is about broccoli, rice and cheese, but this combo is just so good. My version is made from scratch, without canned cream of soup.

These Thanksgiving Side Dishes Prove that Homemade is Always Best

I’ve created from scratch versions of our favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, and they are so much better than store-bought. Move over canned cranberry sauce and boxed stuffing mix, these recipes are easy and amazingly delicious.

Homemade cranberry sauce with a spoon in a white serving bowl.
Thanksgiving stuffing with fresh herbs in a white baking dish.
  • Cranberry Sauce: My easy cranberry sauce recipe has the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, with a touch of orange and cinnamon. This 10 minute recipe is a must-make for Thanksgiving dinner!
  • Stuffing Recipe: Once you try my Thanksgiving stuffing recipe, you’ll never go back to the boxed mix. It’s intensely flavorful, made with fresh herbs, garlic and plenty of butter. I can never resist going back for seconds.
  • Homemade Mac and Cheese: This mac and cheese recipe is exceptionally cheesy, creamy and so easy to make. I love that this recipe is make-ahead friendly to save time on Thanksgiving day.
  • Instant Pot Applesauce: My kids go crazy for this Instant Pot applesauce, and I love that it’s so easy to make – the Instant Pot does most of the work.
  • Instant Pot Mac and Cheese: This is my personal favorite way to make mac and cheese. Made completely in the Instant Pot, this mac and cheese is the creamiest I’ve tried.

Mashed Potatoes, So Many Ways!

We always have mashed potatoes on our Thanksgiving table, and I have three easy ways to make them: on the stove, in the Instant Pot or in the slow cooker (a great make-ahead option!).

Mashed potatoes in a bowl with a serving spoon.
Mashed potatoes in crockpot with butter, pepper, chives and a wooden spoon.
  • Mashed Potatoes: This recipe includes my best tips and tricks for making perfect creamy mashed potatoes. It’s no wonder this is one of my most popular recipes!
  • Crockpot Mashed Potatoes: This is my favorite way to prepare mashed potatoes in advance, which is especially convenient for Thanksgiving dinner. The potatoes cook in the slow cooker – no boiling or draining required.
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Take your potatoes to a whole new delicious level with this irresistible garlic mashed potatoes recipe. Roasted garlic infuses these creamy potatoes with flavor.
  • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes: Let the Instant Pot do the work for you this Thanksgiving! These easy Instant Pot potatoes come out perfect every time. These creamy, buttery potatoes are delicious as is, but I won’t judge if you pour on the gravy.

More Potato Side Dishes

If you’d like to offer another potato dish for the holiday, I have so many great options to choose from:

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon in casserole dish with a serving spoon.
Roasted red potatoes in a serving bowl with parsley garnish.
  • Twice Baked Potato Casserole: I can’t tell you how much I love this cozy casserole! With bacon, cheese and green onions, this dish is loaded with flavor.
  • Roasted Red Potatoes: Looking for a simple potato side dish this Thanksgiving? These roasted potatoes bake up nice and soft in the center with crispy edges.
  • Scalloped Potatoes: Every time I make these scalloped potatoes, I wonder why I don’t make them more often. With cheese, garlic and crispy golden brown edges, they are absolutely irresistible. You can even make them ahead to save time on the big day.
  • Twice Baked Potatoes: This is my family’s favorite twice baked potatoes recipe. This is another recipe that’s perfect for making ahead – just pop them in the oven to heat through before the meal.
  • Roasted Potatoes: Garlic and rosemary give these tender roasted potatoes delicious savory flavor.
  • Roasted Potatoes and Carrots: This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser! Simple and so delicious, these roasted carrots and potatoes always disappear so quickly in my house.

Sweet Potato Thanksgiving Side Dishes

The sweet potatoes are one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving dinner. I also highly recommend my Sweet Potato Pie for dessert!

Roasted sweet potatoes on a baking sheet with a spatula.
Sweet potato casserole with pecans in slow cooker with a wooden spoon.
  • Roasted Sweet Potatoes: If simple is what you’re looking for, these roasted sweet potatoes are it. This Thanksgiving side dish is the best combination of sweet and savory.
  • Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole: Let the slow cooker do the work for you with this healthy casserole recipe. It’s an easy, make ahead Thanksgiving side dish.
  • Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes: I add a little bit of butter and maple syrup to enhance the sweet potatoes’ natural sweet-savory flavor.
  • Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes: When you want sweet potatoes with a little something extra, these honey roasted sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish.
  • Baked Sweet Potatoes: So simple, yet so delicious! If I were having a Thanksgiving just for two, this is the sweet potato recipe I’d make.

Vegetable Side Dishes

We always choose at least one or two healthy vegetable dishes to serve with our Thanksgiving meal. These are some of our easiest Thanksgiving recipes.

Roasted vegetables in a white serving bowl.
Roasted green beans on baking sheet with lemon wedges.
  • Roasted Vegetables: This colorful medley of veggies will brighten up your dinner table.
  • Roasted Green Beans: This recipe will make you wonder why you don’t roast green beans more often! If you want to serve green beans but don’t want to bother with a casserole, I highly recommend this recipe!
  • Glazed Carrots: Carrots are cooked to crisp-tender and then coated in a caramelized brown sugar and butter glaze. Your Thanksgiving guests will love them!
  • Balsamic Brussels Sprouts: My favorite fancy Brussels sprouts recipe! A maple balsamic glaze, pecans and cranberries makes these roasted Brussels sprouts extra special for Thanksgiving.
  • Roasted Butternut Squash: A simple yet elegant side dish. I love roasting butternut squash because the heat of the oven caramelizes the edges and brings out the rich flavor and natural sweetness of the squash.
  • Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup: This is the best butternut squash soup I’ve tried, and it makes a lovely first course for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s luxuriously creamy and so easy to make.
Roasted carrots with thyme on a baking sheet.
Baked cauliflower mac and cheese in a casserole dish with serving spoon.
  • Roasted Carrots: Simply seasoned with fresh thyme, salt and pepper, these carrots are as delicious as they are easy to make.
  • Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: This is a great option for a unique side dish this Thanksgiving. It’s creamy and so comforting!
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts: One of my go-to recipes, these Brussels are quick to prep and always a favorite. Feeding a smaller crowd? Try these Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts.
  • Roasted Cauliflower: Simple and delicious! You can’t beat the caramelized edges.
  • Roasted Delicata Squash: I roast this winter squash with maple syrup and fresh thyme to make its flavor shine. It’s a beautiful addition to a Thanksgiving spread.

Salads Worthy of your Thanksgiving Table

I always include a healthy salad in our Thanksgiving meal. These colorful salads just might steal the show!

Kale salad in a wood serving bowl.
Thanksgiving butternut squash salad with candied walnuts, pomegranate seeds and goat cheese in a white bowl.
  • Kale Salad: Our favorite fall salad, this kale salad has crisp apple, crunchy pumpkin seeds and tangy goat cheese, all tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette.
  • Butternut Squash Salad: Roasted butternut squash, candied nuts and pomegranate seeds make this gorgeous salad one of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes.
  • Broccoli Salad: What I love most about this recipe is that it’s so easy to make. It takes takes less than 30 minutes start to finish. With bacon, sunflower seeds and cranberries, this broccoli salad is loaded with flavor!
  • Arugula Salad: Fresh pears and nutty Parmesan cheese star in this simple salad.
  • Broccoli Kale Salad: This colorful salad is packed full of healthy ingredients.
Wild rice salad in serving bowl.
Spinach salad with apple, pecans and quinoa in a white bowl.
  • Wild Rice Salad: Butternut squash, apple and dried cranberries add color and flavor to this wild rice salad. An orange vinaigrette dressing brings it all together.
  • Quinoa Spinach Salad: This spinach salad is one of my all-time favorites. The combination of flavors and textures is so, so good. Make it to share on Thanksgiving, and everyone will be asking for the recipe!
  • Spinach Salad with Bacon: Bacon and hard boiled eggs make this classic spinach salad something special.
  • Fruit Salad: I like to include a kid-friendly salad in our holiday meal, and this fruit salad is my go-to. With a honey-lime dressing, it’s always a favorite with both kids and adults!
  • Green Salad: If it’s a simple green salad you’re looking for, this one is my favorite. I’ve made this recipe for so many family gatherings, and it’s always enjoyed by all.

Thanksgiving Bread Recipes

With these amazing bread recipes, you won’t be tempted to pass on the homemade rolls (or biscuits or cornbread) this Thanksgiving. Store-bought doesn’t come close to these homemade recipes.

Yeast rolls served in a basket for Thanksgiving.
Biscuits served in a napkin-lined bowl.
  • Honey Yeast Rolls: My personal favorite, these honey yeast rolls are light and fluffy with a delicious honey butter topping. I’ll be making them for Thanksgiving this year!
  • Homemade Biscuits: They’re tall and buttery, with the best flaky layers.
  • Dinner Rolls: This is our go-to classic dinner roll recipe. They’re soft, fluffy and buttery. The recipe includes make ahead instructions to save you time on Thanksgiving Day.
  • Cornbread: This easy recipe is mixed up in just one bowl. It’s fluffy, moist and sweet, perfect for serving with butter and honey.
  • Drop Biscuits: If biscuits are one of your go-to Thanksgiving recipes, you’ll love this recipe. Even easier than my traditional biscuit recipe, these drop biscuits are tender and buttery.

I hope you enjoy these Thanksgiving sides. These recipes have been well-loved by my family over the years and I hope a few of them will find their way onto your family’s Thanksgiving table. Don’t forget the Pumpkin Pie and Apple Pie for dessert. 🧡

baked stuffing with fresh herbs in baking dish

50 Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Stuffing Recipe

Servings: 10 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
The best Thanksgiving side dishes for your holiday meal, all in one place! These delicious recipes are my family's all-time favorites for the holiday. This easy homemade stuffing is made with fresh herbs, onion, celery and plenty of butter!
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Ingredients

  • 1 pound day old French baguette or French bread*, cut into ¾-inch cubes, about 16 cups bread cubes
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups chopped yellow onion
  • 1 ½ cups chopped celery
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth, plus more as needed
  • 1 large egg

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 250° F. Place the bread cubes on two rimmed baking sheets. Place bread in the oven for 15 minutes, stirring and rotating the pans halfway through the cook time, until the bread cubes are dried out but not browned. Remove from oven and set aside. (Alternatively, you can let the bread cubes sit in a loosely covered bowl on the counter for 24 hours to dry them out.)
  • Increase the oven temperature to 350° F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Place the butter in a large Dutch oven or large skillet over medium high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the onion and celery to the pan. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 6 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper to the pan and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove pan from heat.
  • In a liquid measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the broth and the egg.
  • If the bread cubes will fit in the pot with the onion, celery and herbs, add them to the pot and stir to combine. If not, place the bread cubes in a large bowl and add the contents of the pot to the bowl; stir.
  • Pour the broth/egg mixture over the bread cubes and stir. The bread should be moist but not soggy. If it is still very dry, stir in a little more broth, until all of the bread cubes are lightly moistened. If you like your stuffing more moist, you will want to add more broth than the 1½ cups listed in the recipe, as this amount yields a drier stuffing.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover and continue baking for 15-25 more minutes, or until stuffing is browned on top and at least 160° F in the center when tested with an instant read thermometer.

Notes

  • You can also use store-bought stuffing bread cubes, which are already dried out.
  • Make Ahead Instructions: You can prepare the stuffing up to 2 days ahead and bake it at 350° F, covered, for 30 minutes, or until it reaches 160° F in the center. Cool and then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve the stuffing, bake it at 350° F, uncovered, until heated through and browned, about 30-40 minutes. If it is browning too much yet not hot in the center, cover the dish with foil.
  • Alternatively, you can do some of the prep work one day ahead and then mix everything together right before baking. One day ahead: Cube and dry the bread. Then sauté the vegetables, followed by the garlic, herbs, salt and pepper. Let the vegetable mixture cool and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Store the bread at room temperature. The day of: Mix together the bread and the sautéed veggie/herb mixture and then stir in the egg/broth mixture right before baking. Bake as directed in the recipe.
Calories: 274kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 53mg, Sodium: 544mg, Potassium: 189mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 684IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 71mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is an estimate.
Cuisine: American
Course: Side Dish
Tried this recipe?Mention @kristines_kitchen on Instagram or tag #kristineskitchenblog.
Collage of Thanksgiving side dishes with text overlay "45 best thanksgiving side dishes."

 

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