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Thanksgiving side dishes are just as important as the turkey! Here are some of my most popular Thanksgiving side dishes ranging from classic and crowd-pleasing to unexpected and irresistible.
The Best Thanksgiving Sides
Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving this year or simply bringing a dish, side dishes should be a definite consideration.
Do you want something creamy and rich, crisp and crunchy, soft and fluffy? Maybe even one of each?
That’s where this Thanksgiving side dishes recipe roundup comes in handy–I’ve put all the options in one easy list! Here you’ll find crowd-pleasing staples like mac and cheese, cornbread, and even a few green dishes too (because a little color is nice among the sea of beige that is Thanksgiving dinner, right?).
Oh, and if you’d prefer to serve something on the sweeter side, check out my list of the best pie recipes–they’re perfect for Thanksgiving!
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Add something green to the table with these crispy roasted brussels sprouts. Even kids like them!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
These simple roasted brussels sprouts are perfectly caramelized and crispy. They are made with just 4 ingredients in only 35 minutes.
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2. Baked Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is more of a southern Thanksgiving tradition, but let’s be real–we all love it!
Baked Mac and Cheese
Topped with a buttery panko topping and baked to cheesy perfection, this baked mac and cheese is a classic crowd-pleaser!
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3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
We simply cannot talk about thanksgiving side dishes without mentioning sweet potatoes! This is just one the sweet potato recipes I’m including in this list.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These simple roasted sweet potatoes can be easily customized with your favorite seasonings. Ready in 45 minutes!
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4. Cornbread
Cornbread is another southern Thanksgiving staple, but my version leans more towards northern tastes–it’s on the sweeter side (of course!).
Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe
This 100% from-scratch buttermilk cornbread is just as quick and easy as a box mix, but so much better! It's incredibly moist and tender.
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5. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are one of the most beloved Thanksgiving sides! Feel free to keep yours basic, or add in some sour cream, garlic, and/or parmesan (I include plenty of notes for jazzing things up in the recipe card).
My Favorite Mashed Potato Recipe
This mashed potatoes recipe strikes the perfect balance between fluffy and creamy. It's simple to make with just 5 ingredients!
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6. Green Bean Casserole
My easy green bean casserole recipe can be made with fresh, frozen, or canned green beans. It’s my absolute favorite Thanksgiving side dish!
Green Bean Casserole
Skip the condensed soup and make your own in this easy green bean casserole recipe! It's the best!
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7. Candied Yams
Whatever you call them, these candied yams (or candied sweet potatoes!) are a well-loved thanksgiving side dish. My family can’t get enough of them!
Candied Yams
You will love how butter, brown sugar, and a dash of cinnamon complement the sweet potatoes in this candied yams recipe.
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8. Honey Wheat Rolls
Got an hour to spare? You’ve got just enough time to make these 60-minute honey wheat rolls. They are always will a huge hit at Thanksgiving dinner!
Honey Wheat Rolls
Slightly sweetened and so fluffy, these honey wheat rolls are a fun variation on classic dinner rolls. Easily doubles for a crowd!
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9. Creamed Spinach
Spinach may not be top of mind when you think of thanksgiving side dishes, but creamed spinach absolutely should be. It’s so rich and creamy, and yes, incorporates some greens too!
Creamed Spinach
This easy creamed spinach can be made with either fresh or frozen spinach. It takes less than 30 minutes to make in one pot!
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10. Cranberry Sauce
Just like sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce is another Thanksgiving must-have. This year, try something new and make your own instead of using the stuff from the can!
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Homemade cranberry sauce tastes SO much better than anything from a can. And it's so easy too–only 4 ingredients!
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11. Make-Ahead Dinner Rolls
Save time and make your dinner rolls ahead of time! This recipe rises overnight in the fridge and is ready to bake the next morning.
Make-Ahead Dinner Rolls
With their gorgeous golden brown exteriors and soft, fluffy interiors, these make ahead dinner rolls are bakery-worthy!
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12. Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Plain brussels sprouts too boring for your Thanksgiving table? Spice things up with these maple bacon brussels sprouts!
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
These maple bacon brussels sprouts are the most flavorful brussels sprouts you'll ever try! They take just 30 minutes to make.
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13. Risotto
A bit non-traditional but still so good, Risotto makes a for a sophisticated side dish for Thanksgiving.
Risotto
So creamy and versatile, this risotto recipe elevates any dinner. My recipe is foolproof and finishes in less than 30 minutes!
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14. Sweet Potato Casserole
Probably one of the most beloved Thanksgiving side dishes, sweet potato casserole is best served with plenty of mini marshmallows and pecans on top.
Sweet Potato Casserole
This sweet potato casserole is like the version you grew up with, but better! It's made with cinnamon, brown sugar, and maple syrup.
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15. Crescent Rolls
Forget the canned version, my homemadecrescent rollsare surprisingly easy to make and taste so much better.
Crescent Rolls
Homemade crescent rolls are just as cute and tasty as their store-bought counterparts. The best part? They can be made ahead!
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16. Brussels Sprouts Salad
Make something bright and crunchy to serve among all the rich and savory! Brussels sprouts salad is a unique and flavorful way to enjoy this veggie.
Brussels Sprouts Salad
Made with apples, pomegranate, candied pecans, and of course, brussels spouts, this crunchy and fresh salad is perfect for fall!
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17. Sausage Stuffing
We can’t talk about Thanksgiving sides without mentioning stuffing, right? This is my family’s favorite recipe–we make it every year!
Sausage Stuffing
This sausage stuffing is a hearty and simple side dish infused with fall spices and plenty of celery and onions.
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18. Maple Glazed Carrots
A little sweet and a little savory, maple glazed carrots make a crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side dish.
Maple Glazed Carrots
Maple glazed carrots come together in one pan on the stove or in the microwave. Feel free to use honey instead for honey glazed carrots!!
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Did I miss anything? Let me know your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes in the comments below!
Bonus: How to Use Up Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey
Get creative with your leftovers this year! Leftover turkey sandwiches can only hold you over for so long, so here are two flavorful (but still easy to prepare!) recipes for leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
19. Turkey Chili
If you’re a fan of my award winning chili recipe, you simply must try this turkey chili! It’s a bit different, but still SO good!
Turkey Chili
This thick and hearty turkey chili cooks in one pot and is ready in under an hour! It's perfect for using up leftover Thanksgiving turkey!
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20. Turkey Pot Pie
This is not your average chicken pot pie! No, this turkey pot pie is made with seasonal ingredients like sweet potatoes and rosemary, plus carrots, corn, and green beans too!
Turkey Pot Pie
Turkey pot pie is such a fun and tasty way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey! My recipe comes together in one pan and is 100% from-scratch.
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I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving full of your favorite foods and loved ones 🧡
More Thanksgiving Recipes
- Apple Pie Cheesecake
- Pecan Pie Bars
- Pumpkin Pie Recipe
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
