Thanksgiving sides can be more than just delicious—they’re also your best defense when family conversations get too close for comfort. These 21 sides bring so much flavor and appeal that they’ll keep everyone focused on their plates rather than the probing questions. From rich, hearty favorites to light, refreshing options, these dishes help create a table full of satisfying bites. This year, let these sides do the talking so you can breeze through Thanksgiving with a little less stress.
Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms
These tofu-stuffed mushrooms are a hearty, meat-free Thanksgiving side that will keep guests curious and engaged. With a meaty texture and satisfying flavor, they add substance to the table without any fuss. Perfect for adding a bit of variety, these mushrooms are likely to surprise and please everyone. By the time they’re done, guests may not even remember what they wanted to ask.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms
Fried Halloumi Salad
Fried halloumi salad brings a fresh, crispy option to the Thanksgiving spread, making it easy to keep everyone’s attention on the food. With its salty halloumi and fresh greens, this side takes only 20 minutes to prepare and offers a satisfying crunch that feels light yet indulgent. It pairs perfectly with richer dishes, balancing the meal in a way that’s sure to impress. This might just be the side that leaves everyone talking.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Butternut squash wild rice pilaf is a Thanksgiving side that steals the spotlight, keeping guests happily engaged with its satisfying flavors. Ready in 45 minutes, the mix of nutty wild rice and tender squash balances the meal, making it a go-to dish that doesn’t get lost among other sides. This side will keep everyone focused on their plates instead of prying into personal matters. Expect guests to be chatting about this dish long after the meal ends.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Jerusalem Kugel Recipe
This Jerusalem kugel brings sweet and peppery flavors to Thanksgiving, giving guests a comforting, chewy side that keeps everyone occupied. With its crispy noodles and balanced flavor, this kugel adds variety and intrigue to the holiday spread. It’s a hearty dish that will keep family members more interested in their plates than in prying questions. As the kugel disappears, so might those awkward questions.
Get the Recipe: Jerusalem Kugel Recipe
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping
This creamy cabbage casserole combines tender cabbage, melted cheese, and a crunchy cracker topping that’s a hit at any holiday gathering. It’s a perfect side to enjoy with family, bringing a cozy dish that can make even the toughest conversations seem easier. The creamy texture and savory flavors add a comforting vibe to the meal, making it a great conversation buffer. This casserole knows how to keep things calm and comforting at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping
Creamy Baked Feta Dip with Dates, Hazelnuts, and Honey
Creamy baked feta dip is an easy Thanksgiving side that keeps guests engaged and reaching for more. Its mix of creamy feta, sweet dates, and crunchy hazelnuts offers a unique flavor that adds excitement without extra hassle. This dip will draw everyone’s attention and maybe even some compliments your way. Serve it up, and the questions might just fade into the background.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Feta Dip with Dates, Hazelnuts, and Honey
Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole
This cheesy cauliflower casserole brings sharp cheddar and paprika to the table, creating a comforting dish that stands out among Thanksgiving sides. Perfect for filling up the table and keeping conversation focused on food, it’s an easy dish that everyone can dig into. With a rich, cheesy topping, it’s one of those crowd-pleasers that helps make the meal enjoyable. Let this casserole keep the focus on great food and away from prying questions.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole
Best Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)
This Moroccan-inspired roasted eggplant and tomato dip offers a lighter side option that can keep guests intrigued and busy dipping away. It’s prepared in advance, making it stress-free on the big day while adding a touch of international flair to the spread. The bold flavors offer a pleasant break from heavier sides, giving guests something new to enjoy. This dip may just steal the spotlight and have everyone asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)
Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
Moroccan pearl couscous salad brings a refreshing touch to the Thanksgiving table, with bright flavors that are perfect for distracting from awkward conversations. With couscous, feta, roasted pumpkin, and a tangy tahini lemon dressing, it’s a colorful, crowd-pleasing side that keeps things interesting. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick addition to the meal with loads of flavor. This salad might even start some positive conversations of its own.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts
Roasted carrots with hazelnuts bring a twist to Thanksgiving, offering a nutty, flavorful side that draws focus away from tricky conversations. Fresh thyme and a hint of date syrup add interest, creating a dish that stands out in a crowd. These carrots offer an easy yet elegant side that feels fresh on the holiday table. By the time everyone’s finished, they’ll be talking about the dish, not asking questions.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts
Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions
Puff pastry pumpkin pockets bring a festive touch to Thanksgiving that’s sure to grab attention and keep guests occupied. With a flaky pastry shell filled with pumpkin and caramelized onions, each bite captures the season without requiring much prep. Easy to bake and impressive to serve, they bring a cozy addition to the holiday table. By the end of the meal, everyone will be praising your choice of sides.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions
Festive Christmas Bruschetta
Festive Christmas bruschetta adds a colorful, flavorful bite to the Thanksgiving spread, offering guests a fun appetizer before the main event. With goat cheese, garlic, herbs, and cranberries, it combines vibrant flavors and holiday colors that make it a festive choice. Quick and easy to prepare, it sets a positive tone for the meal. Guests will be chatting about this starter long after they’ve finished eating.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Bruschetta
Homemade Mushroom Savory Pastries
Homemade mushroom savory pastries are a rich, satisfying side for Thanksgiving, perfect for keeping everyone engaged and full. Served warm, they offer a comforting flavor that doesn’t distract from the main but keeps guests interested. These pastries are easy to grab, ideal for a casual yet filling option on the holiday table. With these, guests will be happily occupied and focused on their plates.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Mushroom Savory Pastries
Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
Roasted lemon potatoes, broccoli, and peppers add a fresh, bold side to Thanksgiving that can turn any family conversation around. The bright lemon and turmeric flavors bring a new dimension to the table, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier holiday dishes. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a side that’s easy to prepare yet hard to ignore. By the end of the meal, this dish may be what everyone remembers most.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
Baked Butternut Squash Chips
Baked butternut squash chips are a quick, crunchy Thanksgiving side that can help keep everyone occupied without much effort. These light, seasonal chips are easy to munch on, bringing a casual feel to the table and keeping the vibe relaxed. Their simple preparation makes them a stress-free choice when you need something fast. Set these out, and guests might just focus on the flavors rather than the questions.
Get the Recipe: Baked Butternut Squash Chips
Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Cranberry apple stuffing takes Thanksgiving stuffing to a new level, giving guests something exciting to talk about instead of family questions. The sweet and tart flavors from apples and cranberries add a fresh twist to the traditional side, keeping things lively. Ready in 45 minutes, it’s easy to prepare but full of memorable flavors. This dish will have everyone piling it on their plates and asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
Air fryer sweet potatoes are a fluffy, easy-to-make side that can keep Thanksgiving cozy and conversations light. These sweet potatoes cook quickly and add a caramelized richness to the table that everyone will appreciate. A simple side, yet flavorful enough to make an impression, they’re bound to be a hit. With this dish, you might even receive recipe requests instead of questions.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
Easy Scalloped Potatoes
Easy scalloped potatoes bring a creamy, cheesy touch to Thanksgiving, ensuring everyone’s attention stays on the food. This classic side is straightforward to prepare, and its comforting flavors blend perfectly with any holiday meal. Rich, hearty, and always a favorite, it’s bound to become a family favorite that guests remember. Serve it up, and it may just make the turkey an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes
Fried Cheese Balls
Fried cheese balls are a crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side that guests won’t stop reaching for. With their crispy outside and cheesy inside, they bring a playful, satisfying element to the meal that can easily shift attention from prying questions. Quick to make, these bite-sized snacks are likely to steal the show. Expect everyone to rave about this side long after the meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cheese Balls
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Cheesy loaded twice-baked potatoes are the comforting side that might just steal the spotlight from the main course. Packed with cheese and creamy goodness, they bring a sense of nostalgia and warmth that everyone expects on Thanksgiving. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they’re bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Set these out, and watch as guests forget about the questions and go back for more.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
This air fryer asparagus dish brings a fresh and crispy side to your Thanksgiving table in just seven minutes. Topped with capers and almonds, it’s a light option that balances out richer dishes, helping you handle any family discussion with ease. Its quick cooking time means you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time navigating those inevitable questions. Crisp and flavorful, this dish keeps your plate interesting without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe