25 Tasty Thanksgiving Side Dishes

by Kayla Freitag on Nov 4, 2025 0 comments »

Thanksgiving menu planning starting to stress you out? This recipe roundup is just for you! These 25 Tasty Thanksgiving Side Dishes are all made with real whole foods and will have you guests coming back for seconds. I know many people would argue that Turkey is the most important part of the holiday when it comes to food, but Thanksgiving sides are by far what matters. They are usually the show-stoppers and what people go back for more of (before dessert, of course). Whether you like to serve the Thanksgiving classics like mashed potatoes and gravy, or switch it up and go the more untraditional route, these Thanksgiving side recipes have you covered.

The Only 25 Tasty Thanksgiving Side Dishes You’ll Need

1. Sweet Potato Cornbread

Get the recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread
This moist and slightly sweet cornbread gets a fall-inspired twist with creamy mashed sweet potatoes. The result? A tender, flavorful bread with just the right amount of sweetness — perfect for pairing with turkey and gravy. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or drizzle with honey for a cozy Thanksgiving touch.

2. Ranch Roasted Asparagus

Get the recipe: Ranch Roasted Asparagus
Crisp-tender asparagus spears get a bold upgrade in this simple side dish. Coated in zesty ranch seasoning and roasted until golden, they’re bursting with flavor and crunch. This quick recipe adds a bright, savory element to your Thanksgiving spread without taking up precious oven time.

3. Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Get the recipe: Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread
Soft, buttery bread, gooey brie cheese, and tart cranberries come together for a show-stopping side (or appetizer) your guests will love. Each pull-apart piece is perfectly cheesy and sweet, making it an irresistible addition to your holiday table.

4. Corn Soufflé

Get the recipe: Corn Soufflé
My personal favorite! Light, fluffy, and lightly sweet, this corn soufflé is a comforting Thanksgiving classic. It’s the perfect mix of creamy and airy — a side dish that bridges the gap between cornbread and casserole. A simple, crowd-pleasing option that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.

5. Sweet Potato Pie Bites

Get the recipe: Sweet Potato Pie Bites
These adorable bite-sized sweet potato pies are a festive way to end your Thanksgiving meal. Made with smooth cream cheese topping and candied nuts, they’re perfectly portioned for guests who want “just a taste” of dessert.

6. Creamy Garlic Mushrooms

Get the recipe: Creamy Garlic Mushrooms
Rich, velvety, and full of garlicky flavor, these creamy mushrooms are the perfect indulgent side dish. They’re quick to make, low-carb, and pair beautifully with roasted meats or potatoes. A simple skillet dish that brings restaurant-level flavor to your holiday menu.

7. Light and Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

Get the recipe: Light and Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a bowl of perfectly whipped mashed potatoes. This recipe delivers a light, airy texture and buttery flavor that complements any main dish. Easy to make and even easier to love, these potatoes are pure comfort in every bite.

8. Homemade Gravy

Get the recipe: Homemade Gravy
Smooth, savory, and loaded with rich turkey flavor, this homemade gravy ties the whole meal together. Whether you drizzle it over mashed potatoes, turkey, or stuffing, this simple recipe guarantees a silky, lump-free finish every time.

9. Gluten-Free Cornbread Stuffing

Get the recipe: Gluten-Free Cornbread Stuffing
Enjoy all the traditional flavor of stuffing without the gluten. Made with hearty cornbread, savory herbs, and aromatic veggies, this gluten-free version is moist, flavorful, and perfect for guests with dietary restrictions — no one will know the difference!

10. Autumn Chopped Salad (without chicken)

Get the recipe: Autumn Chopped Salad
This vibrant fall salad brings color and crunch to your Thanksgiving table. Loaded with crisp apples, nuts, and fresh greens, it’s a refreshing contrast to heavier holiday sides. Toss it in a light vinaigrette for a burst of flavor in every bite.

11. Roasted Acorn Squash

Get the recipe: Roasted Acorn Squash
Naturally sweet and caramelized to perfection, roasted acorn squash makes a stunning side dish that tastes as good as it looks. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of seasoning bring out its nutty flavor — simple, wholesome, and beautiful on any Thanksgiving table.

12. Homemade Yeast Rolls

Get the recipe: Homemade Yeast Rolls
Soft, buttery, and golden brown, these classic yeast rolls are a must-have at any holiday gathering. Fresh from the oven, they’re the perfect vehicle for gravy, butter, or leftover turkey sandwiches. The smell alone will bring everyone to the table.

13. Vegan Scalloped Potatoes

Get the recipe: Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy, rich, and totally dairy-free, these vegan scalloped potatoes are every bit as comforting as the traditional version. Layers of tender potatoes are baked in a luscious plant-based sauce for a side dish that satisfies everyone at the table.

14. Spinach Gratin

Get the recipe: Spinach Gratin
This cheesy, golden-baked spinach gratin transforms a simple green into something decadent. With a creamy interior and a perfectly crisp top, it’s a side dish that feels special enough for the holidays — and pairs beautifully with turkey or roast beef.

15. Vegan Focaccia Stuffing

Get the recipe: Vegan Focaccia Stuffing
Herby focaccia bread, sautéed vegetables, and savory broth come together to create a vegan stuffing that’s moist, flavorful, and totally satisfying. The chewy texture and rich flavors make this dish a standout, even among traditional stuffings.

16. Fresh Green Bean Casserole

Get the recipe: Fresh Green Bean Casserole
A fresh take on a holiday staple! This green bean casserole skips the canned soup for real ingredients — crisp green beans, sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy homemade sauce. It’s lighter, brighter, and still full of that comforting Thanksgiving flavor.

17. Creamy Garlic Brussels Sprouts

Get the recipe: Creamy Garlic Brussels Sprouts
These Brussels sprouts are cooked in a luscious garlic cream sauce that makes them absolutely irresistible. They’re tender on the inside, caramelized on the outside, and bursting with flavor. Even picky eaters will come back for seconds!

18. Skillet Mac n Cheese

Get the recipe: Skillet Mac n Cheese
Golden, gooey, and made in just one pan, this skillet mac and cheese is comfort food perfection. The creamy sauce coats every noodle, and a crispy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect finishing touch. A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

19. Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Get the recipe: Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
Everything you love about a loaded baked potato — creamy mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions — baked into one comforting casserole. It’s rich, hearty, and the perfect make-ahead side dish for busy holiday cooks.

20. Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

Get the recipe: Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
These twice-baked sweet potatoes combine the best of creamy mashed filling and caramelized tops. Each serving is individually portioned and loaded with warm spices and a hint of brown sugar. A cozy, elegant side that looks as good as it tastes.

21. Fall Fruit Salad

Get the recipe: Fall Fruit Salad
Light, refreshing, and bursting with seasonal flavor, this fall fruit salad balances out the richness of the Thanksgiving table. Featuring crisp apples, juicy pears, and a bright honey-lime dressing, it’s the perfect palate cleanser after a hearty meal.

22. Paleo Cranberry Sauce with Orange

Get the recipe: Paleo Cranberry Sauce with Orange
Bright, tart cranberries meet the fresh zing of orange in this naturally sweetened sauce — perfectly paleo-friendly and full of holiday flavor. It’s quick to make (just one pot and under 30 minutes), and the subtle warmth of cinnamon and the smooth richness of coconut sugar make it feel special. Whether drizzled over turkey, pork, or served alongside vegan mains, this vibrant sauce brings a light and colorful contrast to heavier dishes.

23. Roasted Carrots with Crispy Chickpeas and Tahini

Get the recipe: Roasted Carrots with Crispy Chickpeas & Tahini
These golden roasted carrots are elevated with crunchy, spiced chickpeas and a silky maple-tahini drizzle that ties it all together. The carrots are roasted to tender sweetness, the chickpeas add bold texture and seasoning, and the lemony tahini sauce brings a touch of brightness — making this a flavorful, veggie-forward side that stands out at the holiday table.

24. Brussels Sprouts Salad
Get the recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad
This shredded-sprout salad is the kind of dish that can convert even skeptics of Brussels sprouts. With finely chopped sprouts tossed in a light vinaigrette of olive oil and lime (or lemon), combined with the pop of dried cranberries and sharp Parmesan, it’s fresh, crisp and offers a great contrast to heavier sides. A quick-make dish that brings color and crunch to the table.

25. Cheesy Biscuits
Get the recipe: Cheesy Biscuits
These warm, buttery biscuits are loaded with melty cheese and have that irresistible crusty exterior and soft, tender interior. They’re perfect for sopping up gravy, adding to plates, or simply enjoying with a swipe of butter. A comforting, crowd-pleasing addition that balances out richer sides and mains beautifully.