Delicious Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Steal the Show
Thanksgiving may be famous for the turkey, but let’s be honest—the side dishes make the meal memorable. Whether you’re hosting a full feast or contributing a single dish to a potluck, the right sides can elevate your holiday table from good to unforgettable. Here are some crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed Thanksgiving side dishes to inspire your menu this year.
1. Classic Creamy Mashed Potatoes
No Thanksgiving table feels complete without a bowl of silky mashed potatoes. The secret?
Warm your butter and cream before mixing to ensure a velvety, lump-free texture. Add roasted garlic for a richer profile, or use sour cream if you prefer a tangy twist.
Tip: Yukon Golds deliver the best creamy consistency.
2. Herb & Sausage Stuffing
This golden, savory classic hits every comforting note. Start with toasted cubes of crusty bread, then mix in sautéed onions, celery, herbs like sage and thyme, and browned sausage for depth and richness.
Make-Ahead Trick: Assemble everything the night before and bake fresh on Thanksgiving Day.
3. Brown Sugar–Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes shine when paired with warm spices and a touch of sweetness. Toss them with melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, then roast until caramelized.
Variation: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup for a deeper fall flavor.
4. Green Bean Almondine
A lighter, elegant side to balance heavier dishes. Blanched green beans are tossed with toasted almonds, butter, lemon juice, and garlic. It’s fresh, bright, and always a hit.
For a modern twist: add crispy shallots on top.
5. Cranberry Orange Sauce
Forget the canned version—fresh cranberry sauce is simple and vibrant. Simmer cranberries with orange zest, sugar, and a splash of orange juice until it thickens. It adds the perfect sweet-tart contrast to rich Thanksgiving staples.
Bonus: Leftovers make an excellent spread for turkey sandwiches.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness. Add a balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of sea salt, and you have a crisp, caramelized veggie side that even skeptics will love.
Optional Add-Ins: Toasted walnuts, parmesan, or diced bacon.
7. Homemade Dinner Rolls
Soft, buttery rolls are essential for sopping up gravy. Whether you love classic pull-apart rolls or brioche-style buns, homemade is always worth it. With a stand mixer and a little patience, they’re surprisingly easy.
Pro Tip: Brush freshly baked rolls with honey butter for a heavenly finish.
8. Butternut Squash & Apple Bake
This cozy side combines roasted squash with tart apples, thyme, and a touch of cinnamon. It brings sweetness, warmth, and seasonal flair to your table.
Make it savory: Add caramelized onions and goat cheese.
9. Macaroni and Cheese (Holiday Edition)
Go extra-creamy with a blend of cheddar, Gruyère, and parmesan. Bake with buttery breadcrumbs on top for crunch. It’s indulgent, comforting, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Upgrade idea: Add roasted poblano peppers or truffle oil for sophistication.
10. Harvest Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
For a refreshing contrast, serve a bright autumn salad with mixed greens, roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and feta. Drizzle with a homemade maple vinaigrette to tie it together.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving is all about abundance, comfort, and sharing good food with the people you love. Whether you stick with timeless classics or experiment with inventive new dishes, these sides will help you create a memorable and delicious holiday spread. Happy cooking—and happy Thanksgiving!