Thanksgiving is more than just a meal—it’s the ultimate gathering of comforting dishes that turn into seasonal traditions. From classic staples to unexpected delights, I’ve curated 35 sides that shine alongside the turkey. Each recipe carries its own story and has proven itself worthy of seconds, thirds, and countless requests for the recipe.
Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts
The vivid color of roasted beets paired with creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts makes this salad an eye-catching addition to your Thanksgiving table. The Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts adds a refreshing sweetness and a hint of tang that complements heavier dishes beautifully. Guests often comment on its bright flavor and balance between earthy beets and rich cheese—it’s both a feast for the palate and the eyes.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts
Baked Bean Casserole
Warm and hearty, Baked Bean Casserole offers just the right amount of comfort during chilly autumn gatherings. The slightly sweet beans are baked until bubbly and packed with smoky undertones, pairing perfectly with roast turkey or ham. Guests love how the dish feels familiar yet special, making it a staple that belongs in every Thanksgiving rotation. You might need two dishes—this one always disappears fast!
Get the Recipe: Baked Bean Casserole
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Light and bright, Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill strikes a balance amidst the heavier sides. Fresh lemon juice and crisp dill elevate the flavor of roasted cauliflower, delivering a side dish that guests often remember for its simplicity and refreshing taste. The subtle tang and fragrant herbs make this a versatile addition to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli
Creamy and satisfying, Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli combines tender vegetables with a rich rice base that has become a Thanksgiving favorite. The dish balances comfort and texture, offering something familiar yet inviting. Whether it’s a hit with kids or a recipe passed from one guest to another, this casserole always earns its spot.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli
Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
Velvety smooth and irresistibly rich, Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese take the standard mashed potatoes to a whole new level. Cream cheese adds a tangy depth to the potatoes, making them extra creamy without becoming heavy. Guests truly notice the silky texture and savor every bite—this is the kind of dish people ask for on Thanksgiving year after year.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese
Smoked Tomatoes
If you’re looking for a side with bold flavor, Smoked Tomatoes deliver smoky sweetness and a uniquely captivating aroma. Served warm or cold, their deep flavor complements roasts and savory casseroles. Guests often comment on how unexpected yet welcome this addition is, asking how you prepared them long after the meal ends.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomatoes
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Sweet meets tangy in Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon, a dish that surprises and delights with layers of texture and flavor. The crisp smokiness of bacon pairs beautifully with the softened apples and tangy kraut, creating a side that balances rich meats perfectly. People often request this recipe for family potlucks—it’s the kind of unexpected favorite that might steal the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Spaetzle
Spaetzle is the ideal comfort food for holidays, offering delicate egg noodles that melt into hearty gravy or pair with roasted turkey. The chewy yet tender texture contrasts with heavier dishes, making it a balanced choice on a crowded Thanksgiving table. Guests often mention how they’ve never had something quite like it—and then go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Spaetzle
Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes are undeniably indulgent. The subtle smokiness elevates this classic offering, while the stuffed potatoes provide buttery richness in every bite. Guests love how individual portions keep things neat, yet satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Shirazi Salad
Fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs combine into Shirazi Salad, a refreshing side that feels light and crisp against richer Thanksgiving staples. This colorful dish pops against the roasted meats and casseroles, making it a memorable plate at festive gatherings. Its vibrant flavors also serve as a palate cleanser that guests always appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad
Fried Tomatillos
For an unexpected favorite, Fried Tomatillos deliver tart bursts of flavor wrapped in a crispy bite-sized shell. Their unique taste and crunch are unlike anything else on the table, bringing a touch of variety to every plate. People often notice how different and delicious this dish is among the classics, sparking conversations at the table.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos
Sweet Potato Cornbread
The comforting sweetness of sweet potatoes combined with the nutty richness of cornbread creates Sweet Potato Cornbread, a must-have side for fall feasts. Its golden color and subtle sweetness stand out on your holiday plate. Guests love the balanced texture—soft yet hearty—and often ask for seconds…and the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread
Mediterranean Rice
Warm spices and fragrant herbs turn Mediterranean Rice into the kind of side dish that complements virtually any Thanksgiving spread. Its colorful presentation and bold flavors always impress guests. Your table feels just a little more adventurous when this dish makes an appearance.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice
Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes
Tender, creamy, and packed with flavor, Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes deliver rustic elegance to any Thanksgiving spread. The earthy aroma of rosemary pairs beautifully with softened garlic, making a savory and satisfying addition that’s hard to resist. Whether you serve it alongside turkey or ham, it’s a side that earns compliments every time.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes
Polenta with Mascarpone
Silky smooth and decadently creamy, Polenta with Mascarpone offers an Italian-inspired twist to your Thanksgiving table. Its rich texture is lightened by the subtle sweetness of mascarpone, making it the perfect match for savory mains. This side feels fancy, but it’s surprisingly approachable—and always leaves a lasting impression.
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone
Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon
Few sides offer comfort like Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon, which combines crispy bacon bites with creamy, tangy potatoes. The layering of flavors ensures that each bite is irresistible, offering a crowd-pleasing mix of textures that’ll have people revisiting the dish for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon
Smoked Cauliflower
If you’re looking for a slightly smoky, deeply flavorful side, Smoked Cauliflower is a guaranteed hit. Its tender, smoky florets create a unique balance of flavors, serving as both a standout side and a conversation starter. Guests enjoy how this dish stands out from the traditional lineup while still feeling perfectly seasonal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
The Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans are true comfort food, infused with smoky and savory flavors in every bite. Slow cooking enhances their tender texture, making them a melt-in-your-mouth side that complements rich Thanksgiving dishes beautifully. This effortless recipe is perfect for busy holiday prep and still tastes like you spent hours tending to it.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Ukrainian Potatoes
A dish rooted in hearty simplicity, Ukrainian Potatoes are buttery, soft, and made to highlight the natural goodness of potatoes. What sets them apart is their rustic texture and delicate seasoning, which feel both humble and elevated. They’re a great addition to any table, especially when something warm and comforting is needed.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Southern Style Pickled Shrimp
Light, zesty, and undeniably elegant, Southern Style Pickled Shrimp adds a bright and refreshing contrast to the heavier Thanksgiving offerings. This cold side brings a tangy kick, and the marinated shrimp provide a deliciously tender bite that immediately catches attention. It’s often the first dish to disappear!
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Pickled Shrimp
Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!)
With its rustic charm, Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!) combines hearty ingredients for a side that feels familiar yet unique. The tenderness of potatoes and the gentle sweetness of cabbage make a pairing perfectly suited for Thanksgiving. It’s less of a mash and more of a blend, offering a fresh twist on classic flavors.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!)
Classic Corn Pudding Casserole
Sweet and savory, Classic Corn Pudding Casserole is a holiday essential. Its golden, custard-like texture complements the crispness of roasted turkey or the richness of gravy-covered sides. Everyone loves how it balances sweetness without being overpowering—it’s the kind of dish that finds its way to almost every plate at the table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Corn Pudding Casserole
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Tender, lightly sweetened, and buttery, Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots offer simple but memorable flavor. These carrots maintain a soft texture without straying into mushy territory, making them a great choice for a variety of family gatherings. Guests often notice their rich glaze and delicate seasoning, which make them easy to pair with virtually any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Smoky char and a creamy, spicy drizzle make Grilled Elote Corn Ribs a standout on any table. The corn is sliced into rib-like shapes for easier serving, while the bold Mexican-inspired flavors provide an unexpected yet delightful addition to classic Thanksgiving dinners. It’s a guaranteed conversation-starter and will likely become a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Wild Rice Salad
With nutty undertones and bursts of vibrant flavors, Wild Rice Salad delivers a refreshing balance to heavier side dishes. Dried fruits, nuts, and a touch of fresh herbs add a seasonal twist, creating a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious. It’s a perennial favorite for those craving a little crunch and brightness.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
An indulgent twist on traditional mashed potatoes, Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is rich, creamy, and baked to golden perfection. The fluffy potatoes pair perfectly with bubbling cheese (or a crispy-topped crust), making this casserole a warm and inviting favorite in any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Cozy up your Thanksgiving menu with Creamy Pumpkin Soup, a dish that balances comforting spices and velvety texture. It’s the ideal starter that sets the tone for a festive meal without overwhelming your guests. This soup blends the best fall flavors into a creamy, warming bowl that pairs beautifully with a crisp slice of bread or crackers.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
A classic side turned casserole, Twice-Baked Potato Casserole layers all your favorite potato components into one bubbling dish. Gooey, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, it’s comfort food that disappears fast. Your guests will love how creamy and delicious it is, with topping options that give everyone a reason to dig in.
Get the Recipe: Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Earthy Brussels sprouts take on a decadent twist in Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds. Nutty brown butter enhances the caramelized sprouts, while almonds add crunch to every bite. Guests who claim they don’t like Brussels sprouts can’t resist taking a second helping. It’s elegant simplicity at its best.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Air Fryer Corn on The Cob
If your oven space is at a premium, Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is a genius solution that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The quick-cooking method creates a lightly caramelized char on the kernels, which taste buttery and sweet with a crisp bite. This side offers a subtle summer vibe that somehow fits seamlessly with fall flavors.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on The Cob
Smoked Brussels Sprouts
For an unexpected take, Smoked Brussels Sprouts bring rich, smoky depth to the table. They’re tender, slightly charred, and packed with bold flavors that marry well with traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Guests are drawn in by their aroma and stay for the satisfying texture and taste.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brussels Sprouts
German Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon
German Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon is a side dish that bridges the gap between Thanksgiving tradition and bright European flavors. The vibrant color makes it a showstopper on the table, while its balance of tastes keeps guests raving about it for years.
Get the Recipe: German Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon
Classic Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe
Who says pasta salad is only for summer? Classic Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe brings creamy, smoky flavors to the Thanksgiving table. Combined with crunchy vegetables, crispy bacon, and a tangy sauce, this dish feels as hearty and satisfying as any traditional side, bridging the gap between crowd-pleasing and creative.
Get the Recipe: Classic Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe
German Kohlrabi
German Kohlrabi is an underrated gem that always surprises guests with its flavor. Cooked to tender perfection and lightly seasoned, this dish complements meats like turkey and ham while bringing something new to the table. A little different, but worth it!
Get the Recipe: German Kohlrabi
Sweet Potato Casserole
Creamy, sweet, and topped with a golden crust, Sweet Potato Casserole is the quintessential Thanksgiving side that feels like dessert disguised as a vegetable. The warm spices, velvety texture, and buttery topping make this dish a holiday must-have. Whether you serve it with marshmallows or crumble, it’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole