Thanksgiving isn’t complete without side dishes that get everyone asking for seconds. These 21 recipes bring flavor, comfort, and variety to your table while staying simple to make. From creamy classics to fresh, colorful dishes, every recipe adds something special to the meal. They are easy to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for sharing with family year after year.
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Add roasted zucchini, squash, and tomatoes to your table for a side that brings color and fresh flavor. The vegetables roast until tender while keeping a bright, natural taste that balances heavier dishes. This simple dish adds variety and flavor to Thanksgiving without taking much time to make.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Make buttery dinner rolls for a side that’s soft, warm, and comforting. Their fluffy texture soaks up gravy perfectly and pairs well with turkey and other mains. They come together quickly and bring a familiar, satisfying touch to the table.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls
Challah Bread
Bring challah bread to your table for a side that’s soft, fluffy, and golden brown. The rich texture makes it ideal for serving with butter or alongside other dishes. Baking it is simple, and it adds a special, homemade feel to Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Challah Bread
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Make cheesy scalloped potatoes for a classic side that’s rich and creamy. The tender layers of potatoes with melted cheese create a comforting taste that pairs well with turkey. It is simple to put together and adds a hearty, satisfying element to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Smoked Brie Potato Gratin
Try smoked brie potato gratin for a side that’s rich, creamy, and flavorful. Layers of tender potatoes and melted brie give the dish a smooth, satisfying texture. This dish brings a touch of indulgence while staying easy enough to prepare for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brie Potato Gratin
Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Make grown-up mac and cheese for a side that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Tomatoes and crispy bacon give it a savory kick that makes it stand out from classic versions. It’s hearty, simple to make, and adds a comforting balance to the table.
Get the Recipe: Grown Up Mac and Cheese
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Add grilled baby bok choy to your table for a side tha’s smoky, bold, and flavorful. The slight char brings out the natural sweetness of the greens while pairing well with richer dishes. It cooks quickly and provides a fresh, satisfying option among heavier sides.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Dinner Roll Knots
Make dinner roll knots for a side that’s soft, fluffy, and buttery. The light, tender texture makes them perfect for sopping up gravy, spreading with butter, or serving alongside turkey. They come together quickly, fill the table with a warm, comforting aroma, and add a classic, satisfying touch to any Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots
Corn Casserole
Bring corn casserole to your table for a side that’s creamy, savory, and full of flavor. Sweet corn mixed with crispy bacon creates a dish that feels rich but still easy to serve. This casserole is simple to make and brings a familiar, hearty taste to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Buttery Crescent Rolls
Serve buttery crescent rolls for a side that melts in your mouth and pairs well with turkey or gravy. The soft, flaky texture makes them a comforting addition to the table. They come together easily and add a warm, inviting touch to Thanksgiving dishes.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls
Mashed Potatoes
Serve mashed potatoes for a side that’s smooth, creamy, and full of comforting flavor. Their rich texture and mild taste make them perfect for pairing with turkey and gravy. Every bite melts in your mouth while providing a classic, satisfying side that completes the Thanksgiving plate.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Add bacon roasted Brussels sprouts to your table for a side that’s crispy, savory, and full of bold flavor. The natural sweetness of the sprouts balances the smoky crunch of bacon for a well-rounded dish. Roasted until golden, this side brings a hearty, satisfying touch to any Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Try cranberry orange sauce for a side that’s tart, tangy, and bursting with fresh flavor. The combination of cranberries and bright citrus creates a lively contrast to richer dishes. Its sweet and tangy taste makes it a standout addition that brightens every bite of turkey and sides.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Sauce
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Make oven roasted potatoes with spinach and garlic for a side that’s flavorful, hearty, and slightly savory. Garlic adds depth while spinach brings a fresh, green note to the dish. Tender on the inside and crisp on the outside, this side pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Prepare spinach and parmesan quinoa for a side that’s both light and satisfying. The earthy flavor of spinach blends with sharp parmesan to create a savory, filling dish. Its fluffy texture and balanced taste make it a smart and tasty choice for Thanksgiving sides.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Cinnamon Apples
Serve cinnamon apples for a side that’s soft, sweet, and gently spiced. The warmth of cinnamon enhances the tender fruit and provides a comforting contrast to savory dishes. The natural sweetness and soft texture make it a simple but memorable addition to the Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Add roasted Brussels sprouts with pine nuts for a side that’s tender, crisp, and nutty. Pine nuts add crunch while the sprouts develop a rich, roasted flavor. Olive oil and parmesan tie the flavors together, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts
Spinach Orzo Salad
Serve spinach orzo salad for a side that’s fresh, light, and full of flavor. Tender orzo pasta mixes with fresh spinach and a simple dressing to balance the richer dishes on the table. The mix of textures, flavors, and subtle seasoning makes this salad a versatile and crowd-pleasing addition that adds color and brightness to Thanksgiving meals.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Orzo Salad
Lemon Roasted Broccoli
Make lemon roasted broccoli for a side that’s crisp, tangy, and full of bright flavor. A light sprinkle of parmesan enhances the roasted taste while keeping the broccoli tender yet firm. Its vibrant taste and simple preparation make it a standout side for Thanksgiving meals.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Roasted Broccoli
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Bring harvest quinoa salad to your table for a side that’s colorful, flavorful, and filling. Roasted squash, feta, and cranberries mix together to create a dish with both texture and taste. The balance of flavors and ease of preparation make this salad a fresh, reliable choice for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Cabbage Apple Salad
Serve cabbage apple salad for a side that’s crisp, tangy, and full of flavor. Shredded cabbage and sweet apples combine with a zesty dressing to create a dish that cuts through richer sides on the table. The mix of textures and bright taste makes this salad a fresh, satisfying addition to Thanksgiving meals.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad