15 Thanksgiving Side Dishes Recipes

Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table, sharing laughter, and enjoying a delicious feast that brings families together.

While the turkey often takes the spotlight, the side dishes truly make the meal unforgettable.

From creamy mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables bursting with flavor, these sides are the comfort food everyone craves during the holidays.

Side dishes not only complement the main course but also bring variety, color, and balance to the Thanksgiving spread.

Whether you’re looking for classic favorites, modern twists, or lighter options, these 15 Thanksgiving side dishes recipes are designed to please every guest at your table.

With simple instructions and easy-to-find ingredients, you can prepare a feast that feels both traditional and fresh.

1. Classic Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Description: Fluffy, buttery, and smooth mashed potatoes that pair perfectly with turkey and gravy.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup whole milk (warm)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender.
2. Drain and mash until smooth.
3. Add butter and warm milk gradually, mixing well.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

2. Brown Butter Green Beans with Almonds

Description: A nutty, crisp side dish that brings freshness to the Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then cool in ice water.
2. Melt butter in a skillet until golden brown.
3. Add almonds and toast lightly.
4. Toss green beans in the butter mixture and season.

3. Herb-Infused Stuffing

Description: A traditional Thanksgiving stuffing packed with herbs and savory flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf day-old bread, cubed
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• ½ cup butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped
• 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and celery in butter until softened.
2. Mix bread cubes with herbs and sautéed vegetables.
3. Pour in chicken broth until bread is moist.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.

4. Honey Glazed Carrots

Description: Sweet, tender carrots coated in a glossy honey glaze.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Steam or boil carrots until tender.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and stir in honey.
3. Toss carrots in glaze until coated.
4. Serve warm.

5. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Description: Thinly sliced potatoes layered with cheese and cream, baked to perfection.

Ingredients:

• 3 large potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer potatoes, cheese, and butter in a baking dish.
3. Pour cream over layers and season.
4. Bake covered for 40 minutes, then uncover for 10 minutes until golden.

6. Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Description: Soft, pillowy rolls brushed with garlicky butter.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp butter (plus more for brushing)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, and butter. Knead into dough.
3. Let rise for 1 hour, shape into rolls.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
5. Brush with garlic butter before serving.

7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Description: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts finished with tangy balsamic.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

8. Cranberry Orange Sauce

Description: A zesty twist on the classic cranberry sauce.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions:

1. Combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan.
2. Simmer until berries burst.
3. Stir in orange zest.
4. Chill before serving.

9. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Description: Creamy sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan streusel.

Ingredients:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, boiled and mashed
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• ½ cup flour

Instructions:

1. Mix sweet potatoes with butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
2. Pour into a baking dish.
3. Combine pecans, flour, and brown sugar as topping.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.

10. Maple Roasted Butternut Squash

Description: Sweet and caramelized squash with a hint of maple syrup.

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss squash with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread on a baking sheet.
3. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.

11. Creamed Spinach

Description: A rich and velvety spinach side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb spinach, blanched and drained
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté garlic.
2. Add cream and Parmesan.
3. Stir in spinach until coated.
4. Simmer for 5 minutes.

12. Cornbread Muffins

Description: Moist, golden muffins that pair perfectly with savory dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix dry ingredients, then stir in wet ingredients.
3. Pour into muffin tin.
4. Bake 18–20 minutes.

13. Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Description: A low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes with cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, steamed
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup shredded cheddar
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Mash steamed cauliflower until smooth.
2. Stir in butter, cheese, and sour cream.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Garnish with chives.

14. Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries

Description: A nutty rice pilaf with sweet cranberry bursts.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup onion, diced
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Cook wild rice in broth until tender.
2. Sauté onion in butter and stir into rice.
3. Add cranberries and mix well.

15. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

Description: Tender asparagus spears roasted with garlic and Parmesan.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss asparagus with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
3. Sprinkle Parmesan before serving.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving side dishes are more than just accompaniments—they are the heart of the holiday feast. From classic mashed potatoes to modern twists like loaded cauliflower mash, these recipes offer something for everyone.

With simple steps and accessible ingredients, you can create a spread that balances tradition and creativity.

Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving or are a seasoned cook, these 15 Thanksgiving side dishes recipes will make your holiday table unforgettable.

Try a mix of classic and new dishes to impress your guests and create lasting memories.