We’ve got the BEST Thanksgiving Side Dish recipes for your thanksgiving sides from mashed potatoes and stuffing to cranberry salad!

Collage of Thanksgiving Side dishes


 

Thanksgiving is all about good food and family. If you’re anything like my family everyone has their favorite sides and it just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without them!

We’ve made a list of traditional Thanksgiving sides that are must-haves and a few side dishes with a twist to change up your Thanksgiving routine.

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How Many Sides Should You Have at Thanksgiving?

What is America’s Favorite Thanksgiving Side?

Americans may be divided on a lot of things but surveys show that the favorite side dish, coming in with 46% of the vote is….Mashed potatoes!!! A close second with 43% of the vote was stuffing.

We couldn’t agree more! Mashed potatoes and dressing (I’m a southern girl so we call it dressing vs stuffing) are essential Thanksgiving side dishes!

Not Your Mom’s Mashed Potatoes in a black bowl
Not Your Mom’s Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are rich and creamy and made with a secret ingredient that is going to make your next dinner extra special!
Check out this recipe
Thanksgiving plate with Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot mashed potatoes are an easy way to make creamy mashed potatoes without having to turn on the stove.
Check out this recipe

Stuffing or Dressing?

What does your family call it…stuffing or dressing? When it comes down to it the only real difference between the two is whether you stuff it in the turkey or cook it in a baking dish.

In reality Americans use the words interchangeably and what you call it probably has more to do with where you live than how you cook it.

I don’t care what it’s called as long as it’s on my Thanksgiving table!

how to make Cornbread Dressing
Southern Cornbread Dressing
This moist, delicious Southern Cornbread Dressing is a traditional stuffing recipe that makes the perfect Thanksgiving side dish!
Check out this recipe

Don’t forget the turkey! Everything you need to know about cooking the perfect Thanksgiving turkey breast.

pecan apple stuffing in dish with gray towel dish towel
Apple Pecan Stuffing
This Thanksgiving Apple Pecan Stuffing recipe is a delicious blend of buttery bread cubes, apples, and pecans.
Check out this recipe

Thanksgiving Sweet Potatoes

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without sweet potatoes! Sweetened with brown sugar, cinnamon, and even maple syrup there are so many ways to jazz up your sweet potatoes.

Personally I like a good sweet potato casserole with pineapple and marshmallows but a close second is our cranberry sweet potato casserole. The tart cranberries are the perfect compliment to the sweet potatoes.

spoonful of Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is a classic southern recipe with lots of flavor! A must have Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish.
Check out this recipe
Cranberry Sweet Potato Casserole on a serving spoon
Cranberry Sweet Potato Casserole
Cranberry sweet potato casserole is our spin on candied sweet potatoes with the sweet and tart flavors of orange, cranberry, and cinnamon sugar.
Check out this recipe
Mini Sweet Potato Casserole with brown sugar and pecans baked on top
Mini Sweet Potato Casserole
This mini sweet potato casserole recipe is an easy Thanksgiving side dish filled with crunchy pecans, and sweet brown sugar and cinnamon.
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes made in minutes
Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes are an easy side dish. Perfectly cooked sweet potatoes every time!
Check out this recipe

Thanksgiving Vegetables

Thanksgiving veggies are just as decadent as everything else on the menu. Spinach, brussels sprouts, and corn and cooked in creamy, cheesy, sauces, and delicious casseroles are baked into savory sides that the perfect addition to a turkey dinner.

Creamed Spinach on a fork
Easy Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a decadent, cheesy side dish special enough for the holidays but easy enough for any day. Warm, creamy, and comforting, this comes together in less than 20 minutes.
Check out this recipe
Broccoli Cheese Casserole in black casserole dish
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
This Broccoli Casserole, made with mushrooms, sour cream and cheddar cheese is creamy and delicious. The perfect side dish recipe to serve with any meal.
Check out this recipe
Creamed Corn on a spoon
Stovetop Creamed Corn
Creamed Corn is a delicious blend of corn kernels and milk, simmered on the stovetop to make a creamy, slightly sweet, classic corn side dish.
Check out this recipe
Creamed Corn Casserole on a black plate and fork
Creamed Corn Casserole
Creamed Corn Casserole is a cheesy corn pudding casserole recipe made with Jiffy mix. It's a great side dish for holidays or weeknight dinners!
Check out this recipe
Bacon Wrapped Green Beans on a black platter
Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
These Bacon Wrapped Green Beans are an easy side dish made with roasted green beans, bacon, and brown sugar. They make a great addition to holiday dinners!
Check out this recipe
Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts on black fork
Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts
These Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts are an easy side dish for a weeknight dinner. Perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts are simmered in a creamy sauce and topped with bacon and cheese for the ultimate side!
Check out this recipe
Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole
Easy Green Bean Casserole with green beans, mushroom soup, cheese and fried onions with just 5 minutes of prep. You’ll never go back to the canned stuff.
Check out this recipe

Thanksgiving Cranberry Recipes

Don’t forget about the cranberries, these sweet and tart dishes get their own special section on the menu. Everyone loves a good cranberry sauce but you can take advantage of all of those amazing fresh cranberries that are available this time of year and make any of these awesome sides.

A bowl of Cranberry Fluff
Cranberry Fluff Salad
This Cranberry Fluff Salad, otherwise known as cream cranberry salad, is a delicious combination of fresh cranberries, red grapes, pineapple, marshmallows, and pecans all tossed together in a creamy whipped topping.
Check out this recipe
a plate with Cranberry Jello Salad
Cranberry Jello Salad
This delicious cranberry jello salad is made with fresh cranberries, apples, oranges and pecans. Great for a dessert, side or snack.
Check out this recipe
Cranberry Salsa on a chip
Fresh Cranberry Salsa
Fresh Cranberry Salsa is an easy holiday appetizer that is a little sweet, and a little spicy. Perfect for serving at holiday parties with crisp tortilla chips!
Check out this recipe

What Thanksgiving Side Dishes Can Be Made Ahead of Time?

Almost all of the side dishes on this list can be made ahead of time. If they can’t be cooked top completion the day before then they can be prepped to help save you some work on Thanksgiving day.

For tips and tricks on making everything ahead of time check out our Thanksgiving menu for 4-6 people.

Need more Thanksgiving Side Dish ideas? Check out these amazing Thanksgiving recipes!

melinda