13 Thanksgiving side dishes everyone will remember next year

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With 13 side dish ideas fit for Thanksgiving, there’s always something that adds comfort without stealing the show. These choices help bring variety, which is great since every guest has that one opinion they think is helpful. Each option stands on its own, making it easy to mix things up from year to year. It all adds a friendly touch that keeps people remembering the meal long after the leftovers mysteriously disappear.

A spoon lifts a portion of baked egg casserole garnished with chopped chives from a rectangular metal baking dish.
Corn Pudding Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Squash Casserole

A serving of yellow squash casserole with a creamy sauce and breadcrumb topping on a white plate, with a fork beside it.
Squash Casserole. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Holiday tables feel incomplete without Squash Casserole, a comforting and flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving feast. This dish is creamy, hearty, and perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s the kind of side dish that pairs well with almost everything, making it a versatile favorite. The combination of textures and flavors in this casserole will have everyone requesting it again next year.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

A black bowl filled with cooked baby carrots garnished with chopped herbs, placed on a white wooden surface next to a floral napkin.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Add a touch of sweetness with Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots to your Thanksgiving menu. Tender and perfectly cooked, these carrots bring a nostalgic feel to any dinner table. They hold a great balance between simple cooking and impressive results, appealing to both adults and kids. Make sure to include this recipe; it’s bound to become a repeat request.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

A baked casserole topped with melted cheese, garnished with chopped chives and paprika, with a serving spoon and a portion missing from one corner.
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Pay homage to tradition with Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole, a creamy and irresistible spin on classic mashed potatoes. This recipe combines all the goodness of a comfort food favorite with a little something extra. It’s hearty enough to stand alongside any Thanksgiving turkey while adding that nostalgic feel of holiday dinners. Be prepared for lots of compliments and empty plates.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Bacon Fried Corn

A black bowl filled with sautéed corn, crispy bacon pieces, chopped green onions, and fresh herbs, with a spoon resting on the side.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Corn gets an irresistible upgrade with Bacon Fried Corn, combining crispy elements with a touch of sweetness. A side that’s as versatile as it is memorable, it perfectly complements both roasted turkey and classic stuffing. Guests will undoubtedly ask for the recipe, thanks to how effortlessly it blends into the meal. It’s a dish your guests won’t forget.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Sweet Potato Cornbread

A slice of cornbread with sweet potato pieces on a black plate, with whole sweet potatoes and a pan of cornbread in the background.
Sweet Potato Cornbread. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Break away from plain dinner rolls with Sweet Potato Cornbread, a Thanksgiving bread that stands out from the rest. This perfectly balances the classic flavors of sweet potatoes with the cornmeal base, creating a unique addition to your menu. It’s a dish that blends the comforting taste of fall with something extraordinary. Once tried, this recipe will likely be a must-have every year.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread

Baked Bean Casserole

A wooden spoon holds a serving of chunky chili with beans and meat; a dish of chili is visible in the background.
Baked Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

A seasonal dinner isn’t complete without Baked Bean Casserole, loaded with hearty flavors that complement any main dish. With just the right texture and preparation, this dish bridges the comfort of slow-cooked beans with the ease of a casserole. It’s a crowd-pleaser that fits seamlessly into both traditional and modern spreads. This recipe may quickly become a new Thanksgiving tradition.
Get the Recipe: Baked Bean Casserole

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Cooked green beans mixed with pieces of bacon and tomato, served on a rectangular black slate platter with a pastel cloth napkin beside it.
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a slow-cooked twist to your menu with Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans, a flavorful and effortless side dish. Cooked to perfection, these green beans embody everything you love about classic Southern cooking in a single dish. They’re great for hands-off prep, giving you more time to focus on the rest of your meal. Guests will enjoy every bite and want it served again next year.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

A baked breakfast casserole topped with chopped green onions and bacon is being served from a square dish with a spatula.
Twice-Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Put Twice-Baked Potato Casserole on the table for a creamy and hearty side that’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. This dish brings together all the richness of loaded baked potatoes without the hassle of individual servings. It’s a dish meant to please both traditionalists and those looking for something more indulgent. Make extra, you’ll need it.
Get the Recipe: Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Corn Fritters

Corn fritters topped with a zigzag of white sauce are served in a black cast iron skillet, with a striped towel and two jalapeños nearby.
Corn Fritters. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a playful addition to the table, choose Corn Fritters, a crispy and flavorful nod to classic corn-based sides. These bite-sized treats are easy to serve and offer something different compared to more standard dishes. Perfect as a side or snack, they’re a guaranteed hit for all ages. Include these, and they’ll be on everyone’s list next year.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Sweet Potato Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish topped with chopped pecans, brown sugar, and spices, likely a sweet potato casserole or similar dessert.
Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

No Thanksgiving is complete without Sweet Potato Casserole, a dish that brings both sweetness and heartiness to the table. This classic side manages to bridge the gap between savory and dessert with its unique taste and texture. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham, giving the meal a complete festive feel. Don’t be surprised if it’s the first to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon

A serving of roasted green beans topped with sliced almonds, arranged on a black rectangular plate with lemon slices on the side.
Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Create balance in your meal with Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon, a flavorful option for adding freshness. Great as a lighter side dish, it still holds up against the richness of turkey and casseroles. The added crunch and vibrant touch make it more memorable than your average green beans. It’s a side you’ll want to serve year after year.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

A bowl of roasted sweet potato cubes garnished with chopped herbs, with a serving spoon resting inside the bowl.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simplify prep with Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes, a quick and easy way to enjoy the staple ingredient of Thanksgiving. With their golden texture, they’re the perfect side to place alongside your turkey and stuffing. They offer a perfect contrast to heavier dishes without compromising on flavor. Fast to make, this side is a standout for modern Thanksgiving cooking.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Corn Pudding Casserole

A spoon lifts a portion of baked egg casserole garnished with chopped chives from a rectangular metal baking dish.
Corn Pudding Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Serve up a rich and easy side with Corn Pudding Casserole, a staple that’s guaranteed to make an impression. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and blends the best of casserole-style cooking with the sweetness of corn. Guests will appreciate its nostalgic, comforting vibe on the dinner table. Expect it to become a consistent part of your Thanksgiving lineup.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pudding Casserole

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