The best part of Thanksgiving might just be the chaos of passing plates that don’t fit on the table anymore. With 49 side dishes involved, it’s less of a dinner and more of an edible reunion. Each one brings its own kind of comfort, the kind that makes everyone linger a little longer. It’s proof that happiness really can be measured in serving spoons.
Hearty Cabbage Casserole
Passing a big dish around puts everyone in a good mood. Hearty Cabbage Casserole offers warmth and something different that stands out at the table. Kids scoop up big servings and go back for more. Friends talk about how filling it is. The pan is empty before anyone starts to clear the plates.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole
Crusty Focaccia Bread
Good bread means extra smiles as people grab for another slice. Crusty Focaccia Bread brings its own texture and gives guests a chance to dip, layer, or snack on its own. Kids want the crustiest edge pieces as soon as they see them. Friends ask what gives it that big airy bite. The basket is refilled often.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread
Fresh Beet Salad
Bright colors make everyone want to fill their plates. Fresh Beet Salad pops up among the other dishes for a burst of crunch and clean flavors. Kids are often curious enough to try it at least once. Friends swap stories about how they usually prepare beets. Nothing is left after the meal winds down.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad
Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Soup is always welcome on a busy holiday table. Creamy Pumpkin Soup sips smoothly and offers something different from all the baked dishes. Friends ask what makes it so comforting with every spoonful. Kids dunk bread or crackers for extra fun. Everyone goes back for another scoop.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Layers always win over guests who want comfort on the side. Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole brings together a soft base with a crisp top that’s hard to resist. Kids call for the crunchy top before anything else. Friends make sure they get the corner pieces. It’s one of those sides that disappears quick.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Layered Seven Layer Salad
Visual dishes are always a hit on big tables. Layered Seven Layer Salad draws the eye and then keeps everyone reaching for big spoonfuls. Kids count layers and ask what’s inside each one. Friends debate over which layer tastes best stacked together. The bowl gets cleaned down to the bottom before moving on.
Get the Recipe: Layered Seven Layer Salad
Hearty Stuffed Cabbage
Main ingredients that double as sides bring something special. Hearty Stuffed Cabbage joins the spread with its mix of soft and bold flavors. Kids enjoy picking out the pieces rolled up tight. Friends appreciate the little surprises in every bite. It’s soon gone, with people wishing for one more roll.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Stuffed Cabbage
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Sweet and tart are always invited to the table. Homemade Cranberry Sauce gets spread on everything from bread to main courses by guests. Kids like making faces as they try the first spoonful. Friends ask if there’s any extra for leftovers. The bowl is wiped clean without a problem.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Comforting Turkey Soup
Some people want soup on the side, especially when it feels hearty. Comforting Turkey Soup brings comfort and helps round out all the other rich side dishes. Kids look for the big pieces to fish out of their bowls. Friends add crackers or bread to make theirs their own. Seconds happen without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Turkey Soup
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Potato dishes are always popular, but these bring texture to every bite. Crispy Smashed Potatoes get grabbed by the handful as people pass the platter. Kids need extra for dipping or just for crunch. Friends compete for the crispiest piece. The serving plate comes back empty within minutes.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Everyone expects something familiar and creamy on the side. Creamy Green Bean Casserole does the trick, offering a comfort factor everyone loves. Kids scoop up big helpings, especially grabbing the crunchy edges. Friends joke about it never making it to leftovers. You can count on this one vanishing first.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Color and crunch together always liven up the spread. Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing gives every forkful a bit of bite and a cool contrast. Kids join the fun just to see what’s hiding in the salad. Friends go back for more, adding a little extra dressing. The bowl never returns with leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Rich French Onion Soup
Depth and flavor shine in even the simple side soups. Rich French Onion Soup brings comfort and a bit of elegance to a table often packed with casseroles. Kids like dunking bread in the bowls. Friends pass cheese or crackers to each other for more fun. Most people find reason to refill at least once.
Get the Recipe: Rich French Onion Soup
Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
Fresh crunch helps balance out so many rich sides. Crisp Honeycrisp Salad is a good pick when guests want something lighter but still colorful. Kids find new favorite bites with every forkful. Friends ask about what gives the big sweet crunch. It’s gone before you think about second servings.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Glazed sides win most crowds by the end of the meal. Easy Honey Glazed Carrots bring a touch of sweetness to round out the main spread. Kids eat them by the handful. Friends comment on the color and flavor pairing. They’re always one of the first to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges
Sweet potatoes in wedge form offer something to grab and dip. Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges add fun to the plate with a crunchy finish. Kids call them fries and take as many as they can. Friends test out dips for every bite. The platter never stays full for long.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges
Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Tater tots always draw attention when added to casseroles. Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole combines creamy inside with a crispy top that makes serving extra fun. Kids love picking out the golden pieces. Friends debate which topping makes it the best. Seconds are too common for this side to stick around.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Fluffy Egg Casserole
Eggs at a big meal might seem usual, but baking them brings something new. Fluffy Egg Casserole fills plates with protein and lightness, perfect next to heartier dishes. Kids laugh at how tall the slices stand on the plate. Friends add hot sauce or cheese to make theirs unique. The casserole dish empties quick.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Egg Casserole
Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Big trays of mixed veggies fill out a holiday spread. Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables gives everyone a favorite to eat or try for the first time. Kids compete for the pieces with the most color. Friends plan their next bite by mixing the veggies. The pan looks empty by the time dessert is served.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Loaded Million Dollar Casserole
Sides that pile on extras never miss. Loaded Million Dollar Casserole covers the table with layers and toppings that keep people guessing what’s inside. Kids try to scoop the biggest serving. Friends ask what makes it so good as they come back for more. Not even a crumb makes it past dinner.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Million Dollar Casserole
Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Whole vegetables in the center catch everyone’s eye. Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower keeps guests talking with each slice, serving up flavor in a big way. Kids like it just for the shape. Friends compare crispy edges and tender centers. The platter is picked clean in no time.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Savory Bread Stuffing
Stuffing always makes the rounds and sparks family debates. Savory Bread Stuffing offers a mix that everyone reaches for before the main course. Kids love scooping up the crunchy top. Friends swear theirs is just like this one. There’s never any left for later.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bread Stuffing
Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto
Creamy grains add a touch of luxury next to anything on the table. Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto soaks up sauces and pleases the crowd with each serving. Kids sometimes sneak a second scoop if no one is looking. Friends try it with every main on their plate. Not a single spoonful goes untouched.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto
Soft Dinner Rolls
Soft bread rounds out any meal in the best way. Soft Dinner Rolls are passed along as guests reach for that warm, pull-apart center. Kids take two before their main plate is even ready. Friends pile them high with butter or jam. The basket needs to be filled again halfway through.
Get the Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls
Rich Creamed Spinach
Spinach gets a new look with this creamy take. Rich Creamed Spinach makes greens easy for even the pickiest kids to enjoy. Friends praise how it pairs with so many sides. Big spoonfuls disappear before anyone counts servings. The serving bowl is all empty during cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach
Tender Cauliflower Steaks
Slicing vegetables thick gives everyone something fresh to try. Tender Cauliflower Steaks stand out for their shape and soft bite. Kids dip pieces like they would regular steak. Friends season their own to bring out new flavors. The tray has nothing left by the end of dinner.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks
Rich Turkey Gravy
Good sauces are always at the heart of a full table. Rich Turkey Gravy gets poured over everything by kids and friends alike. Big scoops ensure nobody misses out. Friends smile about how it ties the whole plate together. The gravy boat is empty every time.
Get the Recipe: Rich Turkey Gravy
Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce
Applesauce on the side brings a hit of sweetness and a new texture. Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce spreads easily over rolls, meats, or just by itself. Kids eat it by the spoonful. Friends add it to almost every bite. There’s never enough left to save for later.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Brussels sprouts win new fans when caramelized. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze turn crispy and tangy on the plate, keeping kids and adults trying just one more piece. Friends scoop out the best browned sections. Everyone reaches for seconds. No leftovers ever make it past dinner.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Simple sides can steal the show with the right texture. Buttery Mashed Potatoes smooth out plates and give everyone something to pile with sauce. Kids ask for extra on every serving. Friends debate which topping belongs on top. No scoop is left by the time seconds are served.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Salad takes a sweet turn when new mix-ins are added. Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad gives everyone two sides in one, thanks to a mix of crisp and sweet. Kids enjoy the texture in every bite. Friends call it perfect on its own or next to anything hot. Bowls return empty for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Comfort food takes center stage when cheese gets a starring role. Cheesy Funeral Potatoes show up with a bubbly finish and plenty of crunch mixed in. Kids cross their fingers for the crispiest scoop. Friends cheer for seconds without waiting. The dish is scraped empty as soon as the main is finished.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Tender Sautéed Kale
Greens become a side to crave when they’re cooked just right. Tender Sautéed Kale stands up next to heartier dishes while keeping plates colorful. Kids take smaller bites but often try it more than once. Friends pair it with mashed potatoes or grains. There’s never much left to scrape from the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale
Cheesy Eggplant Casserole
Eggplant brings a creamy bite when layered in a casserole. Cheesy Eggplant Casserole balances rich texture and light flavor in a way that even kids want seconds. Friends try it on top of bread or mixed with other sides. Big scoops are common until there is none left. Guests always ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole
Perfect Baked Potato
Classics like baked potatoes never disappoint at dinner. Perfect Baked Potato makes it fun for everyone to top their own with mix-ins. Kids dig out the fluffy inside first. Friends load up on cheese, sauce, or everything else from the table. Serving dishes come back empty every time.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Baked Potato
Crispy Stuffing Balls
Stuffing in bite size is always a win for sharing. Crispy Stuffing Balls let everyone grab a crunchy snack right alongside their meal. Kids pop them like chips till there are none left. Friends like their size for piling high on small plates. Everyone asks for the next batch before moving to dessert.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls
Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes
When familiar sides get a kick, people dig in faster. Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes blend a little heat and sweet, turning simple into wow. Kids love the bits of crispy edge. Friends ask for seconds even before they finish round one. Everyone makes sure they get a little of everything.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes
Colorful Antipasto Salad
A little of everything keeps people guessing what’s in their bowl. Colorful Antipasto Salad mixes crunchy, soft, and bold flavors for every taste at the table. Kids pick out favorite bites from the mix. Friends debate what belongs in a perfect scoop. The large bowl empties to the last olive.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad
Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Gnocchi with a sweet potato twist shows up as a soft option on the side. Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi brings in something unique for everyone to try. Kids chase gnocchi around the plate with their forks. Friends figure out which sauce or mix makes it right for them. It goes fast with big crowds.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Creamy Macaroni Salad
Pasta salads always make tables feel complete. Creamy Macaroni Salad gets scooped up by kids and adults looking for something light and smooth. Friends experiment with extra toppings. Leftovers are rare once everyone tries it. Spoons are left in the empty dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad
Classic Southern Cornbread
Cornbread never fades from the table no matter what’s being served. Classic Southern Cornbread bakes up with a hint of sweetness and a texture easy to eat with everything. Kids crumble pieces into their soup. Friends love spreading it with soft butter. It vanishes from the basket every time.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Cornbread
Colorful 7 Layer Salad
Stacked salads create a big wow when they arrive at dinner. Colorful 7 Layer Salad gives every guest a scoop with something new in every spoonful. Kids try to guess all the layers as they fill their plates. Friends compliment the crunch and fresh finish. The mixing bowl returns empty to the table quickly.
Get the Recipe: Colorful 7 Layer Salad
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Fries go with every meal, especially in a sweet form. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries keep people reaching over one another for the next piece. Kids argue about who gets the longest fry. Friends add dips until nothing is left. The basket never lasts until everyone’s done eating.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Crunchy Celery Salad
Freshness matters, especially with so many rich sides. Crunchy Celery Salad adds a clean bite and keeps plates light. Kids like stacking celery on their forks with other foods. Friends add nuts or fruit to keep things interesting. The big salad bowl ends up scraped clean.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad
Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Multiple steps mean double the fun on the plate. Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes come packed and ready to please, dressed up just the way people want. Kids pile on extra toppings for a big bite. Friends share ideas for even more flavors next year. There’s usually nothing left to reheat for lunch.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
Sides with grains offer something warm for all ages. Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto blends a smooth spoonful that stands up to every main dish. Kids make faces while they try the next bite. Friends scoop seconds without asking before the serving bowl empties. Bowls always return to the sink clean.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole
Some sides gather pieces of every dish into one crowd-pleaser. Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole gives everyone everything in one scoop, from veggies to bread and more. Kids guess what’s layered inside. Friends say it works even better the next day. Plates don’t return for seconds—they start full and still empty.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole
Creamy Mac and Cheese
Rich sides anchor the meal so nobody wants for more. Creamy Mac and Cheese means full bellies and grins from the first spoonful. Kids sneak an extra heap even if they claim they aren’t hungry. Friends help clean out the casserole. The dish barely cools before it’s scraped clean.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mac and Cheese
Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board
Boards full of mix-and-match options always get people excited. Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board offers crunch, sweet, and soft all in one place. Kids fill their own plates with small bites. Friends point out new favorites with every round. The board empties again and again before the meal even starts.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board
