Holiday meals transform when you serve a lineup that keeps everyone wanting more; 49 sides from this list make autumn gatherings memorable in the best way. I always see people return for seconds at Thanksgiving and then ask for the recipe throughout the year, since these dishes bring comfort no matter the season. When friends gather or family comes over, these side dishes add something special without complicating things.
Fresh Beet Salad
Bright red beets in this Fresh Beet Salad always catch people’s eyes on a crowded fall table, welcoming everyone with cheerful color and a refreshing crunch you don’t expect among hearty sides. The salad works really well between heavier dishes and gives your plate a needed burst of flavor that cuts through richer casseroles. Guests bring up how much they enjoy these beets.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad
Sourdough Stuffing
Serving Sourdough Stuffing lets your guests indulge in something soft, tart, and subtly tangy, adding a comforting aroma to every autumn evening. The golden, crackling edges draw people to the table, and nothing else matches the warmth or hearty feel it brings to Thanksgiving dinner. The layered flavors mean this dish gets remembered, and requested, long after the last slice of pie disappears.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing
Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole
Mornings after Thanksgiving feel cozier when I reheat Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole, since breakfast casseroles have a way of gathering everyone back together. Baked until golden and filled with hints of savory goodness, the texture holds up for hours and keeps people full so no one leaves hungry. Throughout autumn, I keep this recipe handy because it adapts easily and always brings a little more comfort to crisp mornings.
Get the Recipe: Classic Amish Breakfast Casserole
Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes
Fall dinner tables get more exciting with Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes, since the smoky sweetness paired with soft potato bites stands out among traditional Thanksgiving sides. Autumn evenings that need something unexpected always benefit from adding a slightly spicy twist that feels unique yet familiar. Every bite draws attention and makes guests want the recipe for their own cold weather feasts.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Silky layers in Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole keep everyone reaching for extra helpings, as it blends comfort and simplicity in a way that’s essential to Thanksgiving spreads. I’ve found that making more is always wise, because leftovers vanish quickly and still taste just as inviting the next day. Throughout the season, this casserole becomes part of the rotation for chilly evenings that need something warm and easy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Tender Roasted Broccoli
Golden crispiness on Tender Roasted Broccoli makes almost anyone at my autumn parties actually excited for vegetables, even those who weren’t planning on green sides. Thanksgiving meals feel a little lighter and more balanced, because not every dish needs to be heavy or complicated. The conversation gets lively with memories of broccoli done right and guests always want tips for getting those lovely edges.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Getting requests for seconds is a given when I serve Cheesy Potato Casserole, which hits the spot for those looking for ultimate comfort during autumn gatherings. Savory, golden, and bubbling from the oven, this casserole gives the table a satisfying richness without being too overwhelming. Each spoonful brings out compliments and drives people to ask for the recipe to make at their next big event.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Potato Casserole
Mushroom Gravy
Velvety smooth Mushroom Gravy fills plates with depth at Thanksgiving, and no one forgets how much better mashed potatoes become with this poured on top. Autumn tables seem incomplete without a homemade gravy moment, since guests always ask for something that ties everything together. As soon as this appears, I get requests for extra and follow-up messages asking how to make it at home.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy
Soft Dinner Rolls
Sweeping through tables with a soft, warm Soft Dinner Rolls basket lets people feel welcomed and instantly at home, no matter how big your Thanksgiving. Smells waft throughout the kitchen while these are baking, drawing people in to sample straight from the tray. For autumn feasts, I always make double batches and there’s never a single roll left after dessert.
Get the Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls
Layered Seven Layer Salad
A towering Layered Seven Layer Salad brings vivid colors to autumn tables, and people react with surprise and interest at every gathering when this arrives. I serve this when variety needs a boost among rich Thanksgiving casseroles, and guests enjoy the texture changes in every bite. Serving spoons dig down through the layers and compliments come fast as people discover each new ingredient.
Get the Recipe: Layered Seven Layer Salad
Soft Garlic Knots
Holiday bread baskets aren’t complete until Soft Garlic Knots appear, which fill the house with comforting warmth and rich, savory smell on cool November afternoons. Soft texture and the slight tang of garlic balance heavier Thanksgiving dishes to keep things lively and avoid a bland spread. Around the holidays, baking these is one of my favorite ways to make people feel at home, with leftovers lasting just hours.
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots
Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole
No one expects Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole to steal the spotlight, yet it always does, offering a mix of classic flavors piled into one satisfying baking dish during autumn. I save this for large gatherings because the mix makes everyone talk about their favorite part, then come back for another scoop. Even on chilly Thanksgiving mornings, leftovers from this casserole keep everyone full and content.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole
Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad
Sweet notes balance fiery heat in Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad, keeping things lively during autumn get-togethers and making bland plates disappear fast. When I prepare platters, this salad starts the most conversations because everyone wants the secret behind the flavor. Requests for the recipe arrive before the event even ends, and guests love to take extras home.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Salad
Mashed Potato Casserole
Creamy, velvety Mashed Potato Casserole offers comfort with every scoop, especially when Thanksgiving crowds need something familiar yet special. Every fall, guests start talking about mashed potatoes early but this casserole gets them curious about new ways to enjoy it. Leftovers go quickly and people always mention the smoothness as their favorite part.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole
Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Crunch from pecans meets tart cranberries in Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad, shaking up autumn luncheons and side tables at Thanksgiving. When I want to balance heavier dishes, this salad feels just right and people comment on the way it keeps things exciting. Since I started serving it, questions and compliments come in fast from every kind of guest.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Crowds gather around Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes at every fall event, eyeing the crispy tops and inhaling the comforting aroma as soon as the tray leaves the oven. There’s always a friendly debate about which filling is best, and conversations linger well into the evening. Thanksgiving gatherings feel even more festive because this side brings both simplicity and traditional comfort.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board
When I want a bit of fun and a creative twist, Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board brings energy to autumn parties, especially on Thanksgiving day. The board looks too pretty to eat at first, sparking excitement and sometimes a few photos before the feast truly starts. Throughout November, offering this side means my guests always leave impressed and eager for the next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board
Perfect Baked Potato
Simple comfort wins every time with the Perfect Baked Potato, and busy cooks know how easy it is to pull off this staple at Thanksgiving or any autumn party. Steam rises as soon as they’re split, and the warmth draws people in for classic toppings and personal touches. Popular year-round, this classic side always makes its way to my table in the colder months.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Baked Potato
Fresh Greek Salad
Bright flavor and crisp vegetables make Fresh Greek Salad essential during large Thanksgiving gatherings, bringing refreshing balance alongside heavier sides. The medley of textures offers everyone something unexpected, sparking new interest in traditional holiday salads. Each autumn, I serve this, and more people discover the joy of light and vibrant options among cozy casseroles.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Greek Salad
Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
A rainbow of roasted roots in Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables guarantees autumn meals look and taste special, with earthy aroma filling the kitchen as dinner approaches. Friends pass the pan around a little longer because everyone wants to get a taste of every color and texture. I try to serve these on chilly nights, pairing with classic mains and hearing people talk about the flavors all season long.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Stacking Crispy Sweet Potato Fries high at a Thanksgiving spread brings smiles and anticipation, as the vibrant color stands out among softer sides and richer dishes. Simple to serve but hard to resist, these fries always feel right for casual fall meals and late-night snacking. Year after year, the recipe requests don’t slow down—they just get more creative.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Fluffy Egg Casserole
Morning gatherings after Thanksgiving get brighter with Fluffy Egg Casserole, and the airy, delicate bake makes sure people wake up hungry for seconds. I like to save this recipe for brunch after holiday feasts, since it’s always a way to keep everyone together a little longer. Eggs carry the flavor through and the conversation keeps going as guests help themselves to more.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Egg Casserole
Crispy Stuffing Balls
Ball-shaped, crispy Crispy Stuffing Balls surprise guests at Thanksgiving and spark laughter at autumn dinners because something so fun belongs on every table. When I want to get people talking, offering these makes it happen instantly and leftovers become late-night snacks. Children and adults alike remember this side, and each year more people ask if it’s returning.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls
Tender Cauliflower Steaks
Elevating vegetables for dinner is easy with Tender Cauliflower Steaks, since slicing and roasting turns bland florets into a centerpiece for autumn meals and Thanksgiving spreads. At gatherings, this dish prompts praise for how definite texture change can make classic ingredients shine. I notice guests pile their plates a little higher and start asking about cauliflower in new ways after tasting these.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Potato fans whisper about Cheesy Funeral Potatoes days after Thanksgiving, asking for the secret to the creamy, soft center and golden cheese topping. I bring a dish every holiday because it works for large groups and never leaves leftovers behind. Scooping into this casserole feels cozy and special, no matter if it’s the official holiday or backyard autumn grilling.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Loaded Million Dollar Casserole
When cold weather calls for something substantial, Loaded Million Dollar Casserole answers with a luxurious feel and conversation about extra helpings. The aroma lifts through the house for hours, and guests always mention the comforting texture while sharing compliments. Fall evenings feel complete once this casserole hits the plate and people start dreaming up their own variations.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Million Dollar Casserole
Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges
Orange and golden Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges slice through heavy menus, inviting people to snack and sample all autumn long or during Thanksgiving itself. When friends see these on the platter, excitement rises quickly and requests arrive mid-meal for the recipe and future menu appearances. Throughout November, these wedges bring brightness to the table and energy to holiday feasts.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges
Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Potluck tables perk up the minute Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole makes its entrance, merging nostalgia and comfort for autumn gatherings. As the smell of baking fills the room, guests gather around, sneaking bites and asking what makes this version stand out. A go-to choice for parties, this casserole disappears fast and leaves everyone wishing for more.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
People love crunch in their salads, and Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing offers variety at autumn lunches or Thanksgiving buffets. I pull this recipe out when menus get too heavy since it works its way into everyone’s favorite list quickly. As the season goes on, more people ask for this salad and bring it into their own holiday traditions.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Blending a hint of sweetness with buttery texture, Mashed Sweet Potatoes steal hearts at Thanksgiving and remain popular during cool autumn gatherings. I enjoy watching guests experiment with toppings and combinations, because sweet potatoes make meals interactive and fun. Serving this side sets off smiles and follow-up recipe requests for weeks afterward.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Cool autumn evening meals stay interesting with Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, offering flavor depth that soaks into each soft bite. I find people talk through dinner about the textures and combinations, sometimes even comparing to versions served at other autumn parties. Throughout the colder months, this casserole becomes a household favorite and guarantees everyone leaves full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
Risks for boring plates vanish with Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes, their crunch and soft interior ensuring fall dinners keep guests reaching for more and talking about texture. These sides disappear in minutes and friends start hinting for recipes before dessert is served. Throughout November, excitement for new takes on potato sides brings everyone back to the table.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Velvety comfort appears with Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole, making autumn gatherings smoother and Thanksgiving lunch extra hearty. I’ve noticed that dinners are easier and leftovers are sought after when this is part of the menu. Serving this means your table fills with happy compliments for hours.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Crunchy Celery Salad
Unexpected crunch in Crunchy Celery Salad gives Thanksgiving menus a lively surprise, brightening autumn meals that sometimes stretch too heavy. I love how quickly people want more after tasting this salad, sparking playful debate about what belongs at fall gatherings. The freshness creates energy on dreary autumn afternoons where most foods feel familiar.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad
Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Familiar warmth winds through kitchens when Buttery Mashed Potatoes come steaming off the stove, beloved by nearly everyone at Thanksgiving. The smoothness lifts cool autumn moods and means people fill their plates time and time again without hesitation. As cold weather lingers, requests for this recipe never really stop, especially after big gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Crusty Focaccia Bread
Autumn feasts lean on homemade bread, and Crusty Focaccia Bread smells so good baking that people wander toward the kitchen before the meal has even started. The crackling crust stands out on Thanksgiving, drawing attention away from main dishes as guests break off hearty portions and dunk in gravy or dips. The ritual of sharing bread anchors the season and makes every gathering feel a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread
Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole
Hearty portions and familiar taste in Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole anchor Thanksgiving moods, letting people dig in for some warmth as soon as the crowd gathers. Friends appreciate how this casserole brings a sense of home without any fuss, keeping leftovers in high demand. Serving this during fall brings out the best in people because hearty sides just make conversation easier.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Sharp aroma from Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze jumps out at Thanksgiving, and tangy glaze makes conversation turn toward new favorites. When dishes need color and excitement, this side arrives ready to impress without heavy effort. Every bite creates more questions about how to get that bold flavor at home.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Comforting Turkey Soup
Colder weather means Comforting Turkey Soup finds its way to the table soon after Thanksgiving, offering cozy flavor that brings people together after big meals. The aroma lifts through the house and draws guests to fill their bowls, helping everyone relax and keep the conversation moving. With every batch, requests come in to share the recipe before next year’s holiday rush.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Turkey Soup
Easy Cornbread Casserole
Soft texture and inviting warmth from Easy Cornbread Casserole mean this side fits in at Thanksgiving and autumn potlucks alike, pleasing guests who want something sweet but substantial. I bring this to multiple events every season because everyone expects cornbread to show up and never leave the table untouched. Giving guests a taste of this casserole makes holiday meals more memorable and leaves them asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole
Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
Autumn harvest flavors pop in Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto, with velvety texture and gentle sweetness balancing heavier Thanksgiving dishes. The aroma comforts and conversations spark about how to try new squash recipes at home. Every spoonful brings smiles and recipe requests, making this risotto a regular for fall feasts.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Turning simple vegetables into centerpiece dishes is easy with Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower, which adds height and interest to Thanksgiving and autumn spreads. I save this for nights when extra impact is needed, and guests leave impressed by texture and flavor. With the right side, vegetable dishes move from overlooked to unforgettable in cold weather months.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Steaming Creamy Green Bean Casserole means Thanksgiving plates look and taste a whole lot more inviting, bringing a silky feel to traditional autumn meals. Among all the fall sides, this is the one I get asked for most at every gathering, making it an anchor for both large and small groups. Spoons scrape the dish clean before anyone thinks about dessert.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Orange color and sweet, smooth glaze make Easy Honey Glazed Carrots stand out at the Thanksgiving table and brighten dark autumn dinners. Smooth texture means even picky eaters give them a try and wind up talking about new vegetable favorites. I love that these carrots start the most recipe conversations at cold weather lunches and dinners.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Cheesy Eggplant Casserole
Layers in Cheesy Eggplant Casserole spark conversation before Thanksgiving even starts, as friends talk about flavors and textures that go beyond the ordinary. Serving this means memories form around new favorites, and requests for the recipe arrive fast as everyone looks for good ways to use seasonal vegetables. Watching people react to the first bite makes this casserole a tradition that sticks with your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole
Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto
Mushrooms add something special to the texture and aroma of Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto, and guests notice elegance mixed with heartiness at autumn parties and Thanksgiving. Bringing a batch to gatherings means conversations swing toward creative fall dishes and stories about dinners gone by. I love using this risotto as a way to make harvest flavors stand out on the coldest nights.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto
Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Smooth comfort in Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese gets guests excited on chilly Thanksgiving night, providing familiar flavor without extra kitchen effort. Kids and adults talk about which version is best, especially when colder evenings demand the easiest sides that still feel homemade. I make this for busy holidays because leftovers are guaranteed to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Classic Southern Cornbread
Baked with care, Classic Southern Cornbread arrives warm and golden for autumn parties, giving the Thanksgiving table something simple and homey that people expect. Breaking off soft wedges sparks new conversations about family recipes and traditions, which helps guests settle into the holiday mood and share more stories. Among all the sides, cornbread feels comfortable and timeless.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Cornbread
Creamy Macaroni Salad
Crowds linger near the buffet when Creamy Macaroni Salad shows up, drawn by the velvety texture and a mild tang that sets off even the most classic Thanksgiving sides. The chill and gentle flavor help balance heavier dishes, creating easy conversation as people compare favorites at autumn gatherings. Thanksgiving feels more welcoming because traditional comfort meets simple joy in every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad
