Thanksgiving feels extra special when there are plenty of sides to pass around. This collection of 47 ideas gives new life to the classics everyone expects. Each one brings something fun to the table without trying too hard or stealing the spotlight. It’s a mix that keeps the meal cozy, balanced, and maybe a little less stressful when Aunt Linda insists her “secret recipe” is still the best.
Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
This holiday staple is a crowd-pleaser that fits right into the Thanksgiving table spread. Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes pair hearty tradition with a creative twist, combining comforting textures with fresh flavors. Their rich yet balanced style makes them a standout side option. Perfect for cozy gatherings full of warmth.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole
Add something comforting and wholesome to your Thanksgiving sides with Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole. Its familiar essence ties beautifully into the holiday ambiance, offering layers of flavor and baked goodness. This dish bridges nostalgia and freshness, making it ideal for holiday brunches or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole
Crusty Focaccia Bread
For those seeking a fresh yet familiar touch, Crusty Focaccia Bread delivers just that with its perfectly baked texture. It’s a welcome addition whether served alongside a warm soup or paired with other sides. The soft center and crisp exterior create a balance everyone at the table will love.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread
Hearty Cabbage Casserole
Bring a bit of comfort and warmth with Hearty Cabbage Casserole at your Thanksgiving celebration. Its deep flavor and lovely layers offer a unique twist without straying too far from that nostalgic festive vibe. It’s a dish that effortlessly blends freshness with a feeling of homestyle cooking.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole
Savory Cornbread Stuffing
Though traditional stuffing is always loved, Savory Cornbread Stuffing provides a dynamic alternative with rich textures and bold appeal. It’s perfect for those looking to try something fresh while keeping the essence of a classic Thanksgiving side. A versatile option for almost any guest at your table.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing
Fresh Greek Salad
Brighten up your Thanksgiving spread with Fresh Greek Salad, an unexpected yet harmonious addition to your traditional sides. Its refreshing profile contrasts beautifully with richer dishes on the table. Incorporating just a touch of vibrancy ensures your guests have a lighter option alongside heavier recipes.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Greek Salad
Savory French Onion Casserole
Add a hint of sophistication this year with Savory French Onion Casserole. Its layered flavors and lovely depth complement almost every main dish you’d serve. Warm and familiar yet undeniably unique, this side dish will certainly make your feast feel both elegant and welcoming.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Offering comfort and indulgence in every bite, Cheesy Funeral Potatoes capture the spirit of traditional Thanksgiving dishes you know well. This baked treasure is warm, hearty, and seamlessly festive, ideal for both casual dinners and upscale celebrations. It’s the perfect addition to your side-dish lineup.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Transform your vegetable side options with Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. These sprouts offer the perfect balance of seasonal freshness and deep, rich appeal. They provide a fresh take on a vegetable dish without losing the traditional charm of Thanksgiving flavors.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
A favorite for holiday meals, Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole never fails to pair beautifully with any Thanksgiving feast. Its creamy texture offers balance to more traditional sides while its heartiness makes it universally adored. A reliable crowd-pleaser for guests of all ages.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Classic Southern Cornbread
Keeping tradition alive with modern vibrance, Classic Southern Cornbread is a timeless side offering. Perfect for pairing with gravies or other rich recipes, it seamlessly bridges flavors around the table. Its buttery finish makes it an enduring staple of Thanksgiving meals.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Cornbread
Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Enrich your Thanksgiving sides with Creamy Green Bean Casserole, a dish that feels nostalgic and ever-fresh. Its balanced texture and warm presentation make it an effortless fit on any table. This classic recipe continues to be a favorite for family gatherings, offering familiarity with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Colorful 7 Layer Salad
Add some visual charm and vibrant flavor to your holiday lineup with Colorful 7 Layer Salad. Its playful layers provide a nice contrast to heavier traditional sides while still keeping things festive. This salad is a great way to balance rich textures with fresh appeal during Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Colorful 7 Layer Salad
Cheesy Eggplant Casserole
Bring something hearty yet slightly unexpected with Cheesy Eggplant Casserole this Thanksgiving. This comforting side marries baked goodness with subtle freshness that’s hard to overlook. It’s a dish that feels familiar enough for the occasion while adding a welcome bit of variety.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole
Creamy Macaroni Salad
Keep things light yet flavorful with Creamy Macaroni Salad at your Thanksgiving table. An easily adaptable side, this dish complements almost any main course with its simplicity and nostalgia. It’s a fresh addition to balance out heavier meals during the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad
Cheesy Potato Casserole
For a classic staple everyone loves, Cheesy Potato Casserole delivers with warmth and familiarity. This side dish fits naturally at any Thanksgiving meal, combining an inviting texture with flavors that remind us of home. Perfect for a cozy holiday feast that feels fresh yet traditional.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Potato Casserole
Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Warm up your Thanksgiving table with Creamy Pumpkin Soup, a smooth and fall-inspired choice that feels both fresh and timeless. Its comforting essence makes it a great option to start meals or pair alongside other holiday dishes. It’s an inviting choice to showcase the season’s essence.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Add a lightly crispy option to your Thanksgiving lineup with Crispy Sweet Potato Fries. These fries provide a nice complement to heavier sides, offering texture and simple flavor with widespread appeal. A fun option for both formal spreads or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Crunchy Celery Salad
A refreshing addition to contrast heavier sides is Crunchy Celery Salad, ideal for bringing crispness to your Thanksgiving menu. With its unique texture, this side introduces a sense of balance while still complementing richer dishes. Perfect for mixing up traditional expectations.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad
Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Add some fun and comfort to your holiday spread with Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole. A whimsical yet lovely recipe, it provides familiar flavors with a playful presentation that guests will enjoy. This dish keeps things simple while complementing classic Thanksgiving offerings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
Thanksgiving gatherings call for fresh ideas alongside traditional favorites. Crisp Honeycrisp Salad serves as a refreshing option to complement hearty dishes. Its vibrant textures strike a nice balance in the spread, offering a lighter side that doesn’t overshadow the mains. Add this to your table for a side that feels approachable yet unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
Easy Cornbread Casserole
Switch up the side options with Easy Cornbread Casserole, a recipe combining simplicity with familiarity. It’s wonderfully fitting for the Thanksgiving table, pairing well with nearly any holiday meal. Deliciously warm and comforting, it ties together festive spreads beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Keep things versatile yet inviting with Crispy Smashed Potatoes. Their satisfying crunch adds a modern textured side that still feels fitting for Thanksgiving. Whether piled high alongside larger entrées or enjoyed on their own, they make a fresh addition guests will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
When it comes to vegetable sides, Easy Honey Glazed Carrots bring just the right level of seasonal appeal. A simple yet refreshing dish, they complement heavier plates while adding variety to the mix. Their balance makes them a reliable choice for a Thanksgiving gathering.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Soft Garlic Knots
Add warmth and simplicity to your Thanksgiving bread options with Soft Garlic Knots. These tender rolls perfectly fill the gap between traditional dinner bread and something excitingly fresh. They pair beautifully with soups, casseroles, or rich dishes on the table.
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots
Sourdough Stuffing
Traditional stuffing gets a twist with Sourdough Stuffing, offering a variation everyone at the table will enjoy. Its hearty profile adds depth while still embracing familiar flavors. Perfect for pairing with gravy-laden dishes or main courses, it’s an approachable way to enhance the stuffing experience.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing
Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad
Add bold and balanced flair to your Thanksgiving sides with Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad. This flavorful dish adds variety while still fitting seamlessly alongside other traditional recipes. Its unique presentation provides a memorable addition for guests looking for something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad
Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
For a refined option that still ties into traditional holiday themes, Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes make a wonderful side dish. Their light, fluffy inside complements the crisp exterior perfectly, creating an inviting texture for the Thanksgiving meal. Lovely for smaller portions or big feasts alike.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Thanksgiving tables wouldn’t feel complete without a vibrant addition, and Homemade Cranberry Sauce delivers just that. A perfect balance of sweet and tangy, it pairs effortlessly with all your holiday favorites. This sauce brings a sense of tradition while still offering a fresh, homemade touch. It’s a versatile side that complements both savory mains and other sides alike.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Loaded Million Dollar Casserole
Make your table shine with Loaded Million Dollar Casserole, a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as comforting as it is hearty. This side dish boasts layers and texture that instantly feel familiar yet new. Ideal for feeding larger groups, it’s perfect for balancing out both timeless and innovative offerings. A great choice for capturing that sense of togetherness during Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Million Dollar Casserole
Rich Creamed Spinach
Adding elegance to your Thanksgiving spread, Rich Creamed Spinach enhances the experience with its silky texture. Its creamy profile makes it ideal alongside traditional roasts or even lighter mains. This thoughtful addition gives your guests a fresh way to enjoy green sides. It’s a timeless dish with a smooth twist perfect for the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach
Mashed Potato Casserole
For those who love classics with a twist, Mashed Potato Casserole is an excellent choice for Thanksgiving. It takes standard mashed potatoes to the next level by making them the highlight of your side dishes. With its rich flavors, this casserole ensures everyone stays engaged with each bite. A true comfort-food addition to help anchor your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole
Mushroom Gravy
Bring richness into your Thanksgiving with Mushroom Gravy, a savory sauce that works wonderfully with almost any dish. Its smooth texture enhances everything from turkey to mashed sides, creating a cohesive plate. This option adds depth to your holiday feast while feeling fresh and unique. It’s perfect for those wanting something familiar yet slightly unexpected on the table.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy
Rich French Onion Soup
For an appetizer or a side that sets the stage, Rich French Onion Soup brings the warmth and aroma of perfectly caramelized flavors. This soup is a standout option for introducing something comforting yet refined to the holiday spread. Its profile works beautifully with Thanksgiving staples. Ensure this becomes a cozy feature complementing everything else on your table.
Get the Recipe: Rich French Onion Soup
Perfect Baked Potato
Individual serves like Perfect Baked Potato give guests something both hearty yet customizable. A flawless baked potato feels comforting while offering fresh versatility on the spread. Pairing well with gravies, proteins, or even a touch of cranberry sauce, it fits seamlessly into Thanksgiving traditions. A must-have addition to make everyone feel catered to.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Baked Potato
Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto
Bring a touch of refinement to your table with Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto. This side combines texture and depth in a way that rounds out your menu beautifully. It’s an ideal pairing for roasted meats or even vegetable entrees, ensuring it fits alongside your other dishes. A fresh addition that lightly nods to classic tastes.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto
Rich Turkey Gravy
Thanksgiving isn’t complete without Rich Turkey Gravy, the ultimate complement to your turkey and sides. This smooth addition ties together all the flavors on the plate, enhancing both traditional and fresh dishes alike. Making it a staple ensures every component feels harmonious. It’s a no-fail choice for that holiday cohesiveness we all crave.
Get the Recipe: Rich Turkey Gravy
Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes
For something bold yet perfect for Thanksgiving, Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes creates a unique twist to classic holiday flavors. It combines the natural comfort of potatoes with a welcome upgrade of additional flair. This dish fits alongside traditional sides without stealing the spotlight. Guests looking for fresh ideas will appreciate this inclusion.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes
Tender Cauliflower Steaks
Looking to serve something that feels light yet substantial? Tender Cauliflower Steaks offer a fresh perspective to plant-based options. They feel familiar while bringing a modern edge to the table. This dish works wonderfully with other vegetable-forward or flavorful inclusions on the menu. It’s a great way to showcase variety this Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks
Colorful Antipasto Salad
Achieve balance on your Thanksgiving table with Colorful Antipasto Salad, offering a fresh, vibrant choice amid richer dishes. This salad adds variety with its bright, contrasting textures and flavors. It pairs wonderfully with the heavier sides while standing out as its own unique option. Perfect for adding a creative touch to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad
Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Bring classic holiday vibes front and center with Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. This dish feels nostalgic while offering a fresh spin on familiar flavors. Ideal for anchoring your Thanksgiving spread, it’s a hearty option that balances the lighter sides. Perfect for both smaller gatherings and larger family meals.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Tender Roasted Broccoli
For a vibrant green addition, Tender Roasted Broccoli is an excellent choice. Roasting transforms broccoli into a versatile fresh side that works well next to heavier dishes. Its subtle flavor adds balance to your holiday spread without overwhelming other components. Include this option for a simple yet effective addition to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli
Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
Add seasonal flair to your table with Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto, a perfect blend of autumn-inspired textures and flavors. This dish pairs well with both classic turkey and vegetarian mains. As a fresh option, it captures the essence of fall while complementing tradition. It’s just right for an transformed yet approachable Thanksgiving menu.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
Tender Sautéed Kale
A leafy side like Tender Sautéed Kale brings freshness to Thanksgiving feasts while staying on the lighter side. Sautéing highlights its natural goodness without overpowering other dishes. Perfect alongside casseroles and roasted sides, it provides variety while maintaining balance. A smart addition to transform green options on the table.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Mixing simplicity with comfort, Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a fantastic Thanksgiving side option. Its satisfying profile makes it a wonderful addition to both intimate and larger gatherings. This dish pairs well with vegetable sides and gravies, making it versatile for any menu. A fresh approach to casserole traditions while still feeling familiar.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
For a unique twist, Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi delivers a comforting yet fresh addition to your table. With its hearty texture, it becomes a standout among sides while staying true to Thanksgiving themes. It pairs wonderfully with gravies or roasted options, ensuring balance across the spread. A creative option blending tradition with innovation.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Savory Bread Stuffing
Nothing says Thanksgiving like Savory Bread Stuffing, a dish that feels timeless on any holiday spread. Its classic flavors remind us all of tradition while staying versatile to pair with mains like turkey or casseroles. This stuffing works beautifully alongside fresher options, creating a balanced feast. A true Thanksgiving staple that everyone will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bread Stuffing
