10 Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Listen, I know we can all agree that no one really shows up for the turkey. I mean, it’s nice and all and tastes pretty good BUT it’s the Thanksgiving side dishes (for meee) that make the holiday what it is. Think about the creamy, crispy, buttery, flavor-packed recipes that remind everyone why they came hungry and basically starved all day waiting for dinner lol Whether you’re the designated host this year or just in charge of bringing something that steals the show, these sides are tried-and-true favorites that will make your plate (and your guests) very happy.

Now, let’s get one thing clear: you won’t find a green bean casserole here. I do enjoy it but I haven’t mastered my twist on it just yet. Hopefully I can get it right this year! I have a few ideas on how to put my spin on it.

These dishes are cozy, crowd-approved, and designed for real home cooks who love a good balance of comfort and ease. Forward this link to the group chat, bookmark it, or print it out for your Thanksgiving prep, because this lineup will carry you through every Friendsgiving, family dinner, and holiday potluck like a pro.

My Go-To Thanksgiving Sides

• Sweet Potato Cornbread: Slightly sweet, buttery, and the perfect twist on a classic bread basket.
• Creamy Potato Au Gratin: Layers of thin-sliced potatoes baked in a silky cream sauce, simple, elegant, and indulgent.
• Mashed Potatoes: Light, fluffy, and ideal for catching every drop of gravy.
• Parmesan-Crusted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, golden, and proof that Brussels belong on every Thanksgiving table.
• Corn Muffins: Soft, nostalgic, and perfect for balancing out rich, savory bites.
• Stacked Potatoes: Think of them as the chic version of scalloped potatoes, impressive and tasty.
• Collard Greens: Tender and full of flavor; a Southern essential that never misses.
• Sweet Potato Soufflé: Creamy, dreamy, and topped with a golden pecan crust, it’s basically dessert in disguise.
• Candied Yams: Sticky, caramelized, and irresistibly sweet.
• Mac and Cheese: Baked to perfection with a crisp top and creamy center, everyone’s favorite comfort food staple.

Why These Thanksgiving Sides Work

Each recipe on this list checks the boxes of what people search for every year, easy Thanksgiving sides, classic holiday sides, and dishes that actually taste as good as they look. The key is balance: creamy next to crunchy, savory next to sweet. You can mix and match from this list to create your perfect holiday spread without overcomplicating the menu.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by holiday cooking, let this guide be your calm in the chaos. These are real recipes made in a real kitchen, with kids running around, timers beeping, and guests arriving early. They’re foolproof, flavorful, and built for that “just one more scoop” moment.

So go ahead, pour yourself something festive, preheat the oven, and get ready to serve a spread everyone will talk about until next year. Try one or try them all, just make it with love and come back for seconds.