23 Straight-Up Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Keep Things Honest and Always Delicious

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By Jenn Allen

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A good Thanksgiving plate has room for the familiar sides everyone reaches for and a few fresh flavors to keep things interesting. This collection brings together potatoes, corn, vegetables, beans, casseroles, and cornbread, with options that range from cozy and creamy to crisp, tangy, and savory. Pick a mix that suits your table, then let these dependable dishes round out the holiday meal without overcomplicating it.

Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

A white plate with loaded sweet potato casserole topped with sour cream, bacon, cheese, and green onions, set on a brown charger plate with a fork and cooking utensils in the background.
Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy bacon and melted cheddar give Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole a savory edge that balances the sweet potatoes. It is hearty enough to earn space beside the turkey, with a rich, twice-baked style that feels right at home on a holiday table. Serve it warm when the meal needs a filling side with a little extra heft.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan

A baked Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan, garnished with chopped nuts and herbs, served on parchment paper, accompanied by a fork, knife, and a blue checkered cloth.
Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

For a smooth, savory contrast to crisp vegetables, Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan puts seasonal squash in an easy-to-serve side. Parmesan adds a salty, rich counterpoint to the squash’s natural sweetness, making it a good companion for turkey or ham. Spoon it into a serving bowl and let it balance the crunchier, more substantial dishes on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan

Creamed Corn

Smoked Creamed Corn in a black skillet.
Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Silky corn makes Creamed Corn a simple, familiar addition to a Thanksgiving spread. Its gentle sweetness complements savory mains and works especially well beside potatoes, stuffing, or green vegetables. This is the kind of side that can please guests who want classic holiday flavors without adding another baked casserole to the menu. Serve it warm in a bowl for easy scooping.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

Southern Succotash

A white bowl filled with Southern Succotash with a serving spoon resting on the side.
Southern Succotash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet corn, lima beans, green beans, and cherry tomatoes bring color and varied texture to Southern Succotash. Garlic, butter, and smoked paprika give the vegetables a savory, home-style finish, making this skillet side an easy match for turkey or cornbread. It adds fresh flavor to a spread that can otherwise lean heavily on creamy casseroles and potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Southern Succotash

Sweet Potato Casserole

Baked sweet potato casserole topped with chopped pecans in a white dish, with a serving spoon and a small portion scooped out.
Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Food Drink Life.

A buttery pecan praline topping gives Sweet Potato Casserole a crisp, caramelized finish over its creamy roasted sweet potato base. Roasting the potatoes ahead helps keep the filling smooth, and the make-ahead step is useful when Thanksgiving oven space is in demand. Set it beside savory turkey and stuffing for a sweet, crunchy contrast on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Cauliflower with lemon and dill on a black board.
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fresh citrus and herbs give Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill a lighter profile among creamy casseroles and rich gravies. Cauliflower keeps the side familiar, while lemon and dill bring a clean, savory lift. Serve it beside turkey, potatoes, or other roasted vegetables to give the plate some contrast and a bright flavor between bites.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Ukrainian Potatoes

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

When the menu needs another satisfying potato option, Ukrainian Potatoes bring a simple, savory side to the holiday table. Their hearty character pairs well with roast turkey and vegetable dishes, and they fit comfortably into a spread built around familiar comfort food. Offer them in a serving bowl so guests can take a little alongside the other Thanksgiving favorites.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes

Cowboy Cornbread Recipe

A cast-iron skillet filled with baked cornbread topped with chopped bacon and herbs, placed next to a red striped kitchen towel.
Cowboy Cornbread Recipe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy bacon, sweet corn, sharp cheddar, and a touch of heat pack Cowboy Cornbread Recipe with savory flavor. Baked in a skillet, it brings a hearty bread option that can hold its own beside the main dish and makes a natural partner for beans or gravy. Cut it into wedges before serving for an easy, shareable Thanksgiving side.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Recipe

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.

Glossy, tender carrots add color to the table in Honey Roasted Baby Carrots. Their gentle sweetness works well with savory turkey, potatoes, and gravy, while roasting gives the vegetable side a more concentrated flavor. Arrange them in a shallow serving dish so their bright color shows among the deeper, richer tones of the Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Baby Carrots

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.

Tangy cabbage and smoky bacon bring a welcome change of pace in Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon. Its sweet-sour flavor can cut through richer holiday dishes, and the deep color makes the side stand out on a crowded table. Serve a spoonful beside turkey, potatoes, or cornbread for a savory contrast that keeps the plate lively.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

Crunchy & Spicy Fried Okra

A white bowl filled with crispy, breaded and fried okra pieces, placed on a light surface next to a striped cloth napkin.
Crunchy & Spicy Fried Okra. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Golden and crisp with enough spice to keep each bite lively, Crunchy & Spicy Fried Okra brings Southern character to the side table. It works as both a snack and a vegetable side, making it easy to put out while guests gather or alongside turkey and cornbread. Serve soon after frying to preserve the crunchy coating and contrast with softer holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy & Spicy Fried Okra

Cheesy Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole with Crispy Bacon

Cheesy Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole with Crispy Bacon in a metal dish on a blue and white checkered cloth, with broccoli and cauliflower nearby.
Cheesy Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole with Crispy Bacon. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Broccoli and cauliflower make a hearty vegetable base for Cheesy Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole with Crispy Bacon. Cheese brings richness, while bacon adds a savory finish that fits right in beside turkey and potatoes. Because it serves from one baking dish, this casserole is convenient for a family-style meal and gives vegetable fans a more indulgent option.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Broccoli & Cauliflower Casserole with Crispy Bacon

Fried Tomatillos

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

Bright, citrusy tang and a golden, crunchy coating make Fried Tomatillos a lively change from the usual Thanksgiving vegetables. The accompanying cilantro-jalapeño aioli brings a zesty dip, while salsa offers another easy pairing. Set them out as a distinctive side or appetizer for guests who enjoy a little zip alongside the classic holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos

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.

Bite-size pieces make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes easy to serve and easy to pair with other holiday favorites. Sweet potatoes bring their familiar mellow flavor, while the cube shape adds a contrast to the softer casseroles and mash. This is a useful option when you want a potato side in a format that can be passed or spooned onto plates.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Mexican Black Beans

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

A savory bean side gives the menu another filling option with Mexican Black Beans. Their flavor brings a change from the standard Thanksgiving lineup and pairs well with cornbread, roasted vegetables, or a hearty casserole. Spoon them into a small serving bowl to add variety to the table without taking up space needed for the larger dishes.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans

Oma’s German Potato Salad

A spoonful of German potato salad topped with bacon, red onion, and chopped parsley held over a bowl of the same salad.
Oma’s German Potato Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Potatoes take a tangy, savory turn in Oma’s German Potato Salad, a useful counterpoint to creamy casseroles and rich mains. The familiar ingredient keeps it approachable, while its distinctive style adds variety to the side table. Serve it with turkey, beans, or roasted vegetables for a hearty scoop that brings something different to the traditional spread.
Get the Recipe: Oma’s German Potato Salad

Classic Corn Pudding Casserole

A square slice of corn pudding casserole with eggs, red bell pepper, and chives sits on a white plate with a serving spoon underneath.
Classic Corn Pudding Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Soft, spoonable corn gives Classic Corn Pudding Casserole a comforting place among the holiday sides. The mellow corn flavor complements savory turkey and roasted vegetables, and its casserole form makes it easy to share. Add it to a Thanksgiving table that needs one more familiar dish with a tender texture and a little sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Classic Corn Pudding Casserole

Smoked Spaghetti Squash

A baked spaghetti squash half filled with cooked strands, garnished with chopped parsley, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Smoked Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A smoky note sets Smoked Spaghetti Squash apart from the more traditional potato and corn sides. Spaghetti squash brings a vegetable-forward option to the table, while its distinctive preparation gives guests something new to try. Pair it with turkey or other roasted dishes when you want a lighter contrast among the richer casseroles and creamy sides.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Spaghetti Squash

Funeral Potatoes With Cream Cheese

A close-up of a spoonful of Funeral potatoes with Cream Cheese, topped with crushed cornflakes, with the rest of the casserole in the background.
Funeral Potatoes With Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

A creamy potato center and crisp cornflake topping make Funeral Potatoes With Cream Cheese a classic potluck-style side. Its rich, cheesy comfort pairs naturally with turkey, ham, or green vegetables, and the casserole format serves a crowd without fuss. Bring it to the table while the topping is crisp for a satisfying contrast with the soft potatoes underneath.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes With Cream Cheese

Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon

A plate of roasted green beans garnished with sliced almonds, accompanied by lemon slices on a black serving board.
Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

A little crunch and citrus keep Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon feeling lively beside richer Thanksgiving dishes. Green beans are familiar, while almonds and lemon provide contrast in texture and flavor. This side works well with turkey, potatoes, and casserole-style favorites, and its fresh color helps balance a table of golden baked dishes.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon

Sheet Pan Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, & Potatoes

A plate of roasted vegetables including potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and squash, garnished with fresh herbs, with a serving spoon on a white plate.
Sheet Pan Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, & Potatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A mix of vegetables makes Sheet Pan Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, & Potatoes a convenient all-in-one side. The combination offers varied textures and flavors, and the sheet-pan format brings several familiar holiday vegetables together in one serving. Add it to the menu beside turkey or a casserole when you want an assortment of roasted produce on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, & Potatoes

Roasted Zucchini with Feta

A plate of roasted zucchini and red onions garnished with crumbled cheese, herbs, red pepper flakes, and lemon wedges. A small bowl of cheese and fresh parsley are in the background.
Roasted Zucchini with Feta. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Salty feta gives Roasted Zucchini with Feta a savory finish that helps this vegetable side stand out. Zucchini keeps the dish light alongside potatoes, gravy, and casseroles, while the cheese adds enough flavor to make each serving feel complete. It is an easy fit for a Thanksgiving table that could use another green vegetable and a tangy accent.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Zucchini with Feta

Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole

A square baking dish filled with Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole and topped with strips of cooked bacon; a wooden spoon holds a serving.
Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Savory ground beef, sweet baked beans, and crispy bacon make Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole a filling, crowd-friendly bake. It can round out a casual potluck-style holiday menu with cornbread and lighter vegetables, though it reads more like a main dish than a traditional side. If you keep it in the roundup, position it as a hearty option for guests wanting more than vegetables and potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole

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