Thanksgiving would not be Thanksgiving without all those wonderful side dishes that make their way to our holiday table!
From creamy mashed potatoes to perfectly roasted vegetables, savory gravy, and homemade cranberry sauce, these Thanksgiving side dish recipes bring so much flavor to the celebration. Let’s celebrate together with a table full of love and deliciousness! And if you are looking for the perfect centerpiece, my chestnut-stuffed Thanksgiving turkey is a wonderful place to start. These side dishes pair beautifully.
I have joined a few of my favorite food bloggers to share a delicious collection of traditional favorites and a few unexpected dishes. Some are recipes my family looks forward to every year, and others may become new favorites at your Thanksgiving table.
And if you are looking for something a little different this year, explore my alternative Thanksgiving dinner ideas for a small gathering. From elegant main courses to delicious sides and desserts, you can create a beautiful celebration without preparing a traditional turkey feast.
There is something here for everyone, and I cannot wait for you to try them!
In this Article
- Traditional Thanksgiving Sides and Gravy
- Easy Thanksgiving Vegetable Sides Dishes
- Sweet Potato Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
- Cheesy and Comforting Holiday Side Dishes
- Homemade Cranberry Sauces for Thanksgiving
- Make Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes
- Thanksgiving Side Dishes FAQs
- More Thanksgiving Recipes and Menu Inspiration
Traditional Thanksgiving Sides and Gravy
Thanksgiving would not be complete at our house without my homemade shiitake mushroom gravy for turkey. It is rich, savory, and one of those recipes everyone looks forward to.
This Homemade Potato Bread Stuffing recipe is the perfect side dish to complement turkey or roast chicken and go with the gravy. I promise you’ll have lots of smiles around the dinner table when they see you’ve made stuffing for dinner!
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No Thanksgiving table is complete without mashed potatoes! These creamy buttermilk mashed potatoes with caramelized onions are fluffy, rich, and a delicious change from traditional mashed potatoes.
If you love adding a little European elegance to your holiday table, my French and Italian Thanksgiving side dishes are a delicious place to start. From buttery green beans to comforting potatoes, these recipes pair beautifully with your Thanksgiving turkey.
Easy Thanksgiving Vegetable Sides Dishes
I always love having a colorful vegetable on the Thanksgiving table. These roasted carrots with orange brown butter and sage are wonderfully simple, with just the right touch of sweetness.
I love adding something fresh and vibrant to balance all those rich holiday flavors. My easy green beans gremolata side dish is a beautiful addition to Thanksgiving dinner.
For a colorful autumn side dish, you will love these roasted sweet potatoes with Brussels sprouts and cranberries. Sweet, savory, and just a little tangy, they bring together so many wonderful fall flavors.”
If you are looking for an easy vegetable side dish, these oven-roasted Brussels sprouts with mustard are ready in just 25 minutes. With only five ingredients, they are perfect for a busy Thanksgiving kitchen.
Do not overlook cabbage! My savory braised cabbage with bacon is one of those simple, comforting recipes that deserves a place at your holiday table. The bacon brings wonderful flavor to every bite.
Those tender Garlic Mushrooms and bright parsley are the ideal first-course meal. But they work beautifully as a side dish
Sweet Potato Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
These Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Pears are the perfect holiday side dish, and they only require seven ingredients. A few simple ingredients already in your pantry, and voilà, a batch of potatoes whipped up to satisfy any cravings.
This Mashed Sweet Potato with Lemon Basil Sauce is always the first to be gone at Thanksgiving, and it is delicious every time we prepare it. The flavors are savory, sweet, and delicious.
For something a little more indulgent, my Whipped Sweet Potatoes and Bananas with Honey are absolutely delicious. Creamy sweet potatoes, naturally sweet roasted bananas, and a buttery pecan topping. A wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving table!
Cheesy and Comforting Holiday Side Dishes
Bringing a little of my French heritage to Thanksgiving, these French raclette potatoes with bacon and onions are creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. A wonderful recipe when you want something a little different.
Southern Cornbread Pudding is a beloved traditional holiday and potluck side dish in the South! You would be hard-pressed to find a Thanksgiving dinner table without some version of this decadent and creamy corn casserole front and center.
These Brussels sprouts with bacon and shallots are an easy 20-minute side dish with tender caramelized sprouts, crisp bacon, and sweet shallots, all cooked in one skillet.
Savor the delicious combination of Gratin Butternut Squash, Cauliflower, and tender Orzo Pasta in this irresistible, hearty dish. This perfect, cozy fall dinner brings forth the season’s best vegetables. It combines the best of both worlds: vegetables with pasta and lots of cheese. It is savory and decadent all in one glorious dish.
Homemade Cranberry Sauces for Thanksgiving
Let’s talk about cranberry sauce. I have a couple of fantastic recipes to share with you. This Cranberry Chutney with Red Wine is one that will keep you coming back for seconds.
For something a little different, try my homemade cranberry sauce with apricots, raisins, and orange. The fruit adds such a lovely combination of flavors, and it is wonderful alongside roasted turkey.
Make Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes
One of my favorite ways to enjoy Thanksgiving is to prepare as much as possible before the big day. After all, I would much rather spend time with family and friends than be busy in the kitchen!
Many of these side dishes allow you to get a head start. You can partially prepare my shiitake mushroom gravy the day before, and make the mashed sweet potatoes and pears ahead and gently reheat them.
You can also prep the vegetables for my roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and cranberries ahead of time, making it easier when it is time to put dinner together.
A little planning makes the holiday so much more enjoyable!
Thanksgiving Side Dishes FAQs
What are the most traditional Thanksgiving side dishes?
Mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce are some of the most traditional Thanksgiving favorites. I love including a few unexpected dishes alongside the classics.
What side dishes go best with Thanksgiving turkey?
I love serving turkey with creamy mashed potatoes, savory mushroom gravy, roasted vegetables, and homemade cranberry sauce. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes the meal so special.
What Thanksgiving side dishes can I prepare ahead of time?
Some wonderful options include cranberry sauce, mashed sweet potatoes, and parts of the mushroom gravy. You can also wash and cut many of your vegetables ahead of time. Always follow the individual recipe’s storage and reheating instructions.
How many side dishes should I serve for Thanksgiving?
For a smaller gathering, three or four different sides can make a lovely meal. If you are entertaining a larger group, five or six dishes will give everyone plenty of variety. I like to include potatoes, a green vegetable, something sweet, and, of course, gravy.
More Thanksgiving Recipes and Menu Inspiration
Planning your Thanksgiving dinner? I have a few more recipes and ideas to make your holiday cooking easier.
If you are putting together your menu, my Thanksgiving dinner game plan can help you find more inspiration for organizing your feast.
For something beyond the traditional turkey dinner, explore my collection of alternative Thanksgiving meals. And, of course, do not forget dessert! My Thanksgiving dessert collection is full of delicious ways to finish your celebration.
From my kitchen to yours, wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and delicious food.
Little Cooking Tips
Thanx so much for including us in the list Giangi! It’s actually me and Panos, we both create the recipes on the blog:) Have a beautiful Thanksgiving, with lots of great food and wonderful company!
Giangi Townsend
Thank you, we will celebrate Thanksgiving with friends.
Azlin
I love all the recipes on these, it’s a tough job to pick a favourite. I adore the sound of your Whipped Sweet potatoes.
Giangi Townsend
Thank you Azlin. It was quite hard to pick a favorite, thus so many being shared.
The Whipped Sweet Potatoes is a must try. Sweet, easy to prepare, can be done the day before Thanksgiving and re heated the day of. The little one will not stop eating it. Make extras.