The Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Serve Alongside Turkey

A perfect Thanksgiving feast isn’t just about the turkey—it’s about the delicious side dishes that bring the whole meal together! Whether you love classic favorites or creative new dishes, the right sides make your holiday spread even more memorable.

From buttery mashed potatoes and savory stuffing to roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potato casserole, these Thanksgiving side dishes will complement your turkey perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for a small gathering or a big family dinner, these crowd-pleasing recipes will make your holiday meal extra special.

A perfectly roasted Thanksgiving turkey is the star of the meal, but the side dishes bring everything together! Whether you love creamy mashed potatoes, sweet and savory casseroles, or crispy roasted vegetables, a well-balanced selection of sides makes your Thanksgiving feast unforgettable.

This guide features the best Thanksgiving side dishes that pair beautifully with turkey, adding flavor, texture, and variety to your holiday spread.

1. Why Side Dishes Matter on Thanksgiving

• Balance flavors – Savory, sweet, tangy, and buttery elements enhance the meal.
• Add texture – Creamy mashed potatoes, crispy stuffing, and roasted veggies create contrast.
• Cater to everyone – A mix of classics and new favorites ensures something for every guest.
• Make the meal more exciting – Turkey is delicious, but side dishes add variety.

2. Must-Have Thanksgiving Side Dishes

1. Classic Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy, buttery, and smooth, mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving essential.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup butter
• ¾ cup warm milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
2. Drain and mash with butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper.

🔥 Tip: For extra creaminess, use heavy cream instead of milk.

2. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Sweet, spiced mashed sweet potatoes topped with gooey marshmallows and crunchy pecans.

Ingredients:

• 4 sweet potatoes, peeled and mashed
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Mix mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, eggs, and cinnamon.
2. Spread into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes at 350°F.
3. Top with marshmallows and bake until golden.

🔥 Tip: Add pecans for extra crunch!

3. Classic Herb Stuffing

Crispy on top and soft inside, this traditional stuffing is made with herbs, broth, and bread cubes.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf French bread, cubed and toasted
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup diced onion
• ½ cup butter
• 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 1 teaspoon sage
• 1 teaspoon thyme

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and celery in butter until soft.
2. Toss with toasted bread cubes, broth, and herbs.
3. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.

🔥 Tip: For a richer flavor, add crumbled sausage or dried cranberries.

4. Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions

A creamy, crunchy, and savory dish that’s a Thanksgiving favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup crispy fried onions

Instructions:

1. Blanch green beans for 5 minutes, then drain.
2. Mix with soup and milk, then transfer to a baking dish.
3. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, top with fried onions, and bake 5 more minutes.

🔥 Tip: Use homemade mushroom sauce instead of canned soup for a fresh taste.

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple Bacon

Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts with smoky bacon and maple syrup.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs Brussels sprouts, halved
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Toss Brussels sprouts with oil and roast at 400°F for 20 minutes.
2. Add chopped bacon and roast 5 more minutes.
3. Drizzle with maple syrup before serving.

🔥 Tip: Sprinkle pomegranate seeds for a festive touch!

6. Homemade Cranberry Sauce

A sweet-tart cranberry sauce made with fresh cranberries and orange zest.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• ½ cup orange juice
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions:

1. Simmer all ingredients for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Let cool before serving.

🔥 Tip: Add a splash of bourbon or cinnamon for extra flavor.

3. Lighter Thanksgiving Sides

1. Roasted Butternut Squash

• Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
• Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes until caramelized.

2. Honey-Glazed Carrots

• Sauté baby carrots in butter and honey for 10 minutes.
• Sprinkle with fresh thyme before serving.

3. Fall Harvest Salad

• Mix baby greens, apples, candied pecans, and feta cheese.
• Drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette.

4. How to Plan Your Thanksgiving Sides

• Pick 3-5 side dishes to complement your turkey.
• Balance flavors: Include savory, sweet, and fresh options.
• Plan oven space: Dishes like stuffing and casseroles can bake at the same temperature.
• Make ahead: Cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes can be prepared a day in advance.

5. How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Bake at 325°F until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Reheat mashed potatoes and stuffing with a little butter or broth.

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FAQs

1. How many side dishes should I serve?

For a large gathering, 5-7 sides is a good variety.

2. Can I make side dishes ahead of time?

Yes! Mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce can be made 1-2 days ahead.

3. How do I keep mashed potatoes warm?

Keep them in a slow cooker on warm or in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water.

4. What’s the best stuffing for Thanksgiving?

Classic herb stuffing is popular, but cornbread stuffing or sausage stuffing are great alternatives.

5. What’s the best way to keep rolls warm?

Wrap them in foil and place them in a warm oven or a slow cooker.

6. Can I make gluten-free Thanksgiving sides?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour for gravy and cornbread stuffing instead of traditional stuffing.

7. What are some dairy-free Thanksgiving sides?

Use coconut milk in mashed potatoes and dairy-free butter in stuffing.

8. What’s a great side dish for kids?

Mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and honey-glazed carrots are always a hit.

9. How do I balance my Thanksgiving menu?

Include a mix of starchy, green, and fresh dishes for variety.

10. Can I serve a salad on Thanksgiving?

Yes! A fresh fall salad with apples, nuts, and cheese is a great contrast to rich sides.