One of the great things about Thanksgiving is the traditions, and many of these traditions revolve around food. But it is also fun to make new traditions and to serve something different and exciting.
I think every Thanksgiving table should include tried and true favorites, like roast turkey and your grandma’s secret stuffing recipe. But make one or two new things too – who knows, it could become a new family tradition!
This list of Thanksgiving side dish recipe ideas includes traditional favorites, from mashed potatoes to green bean casserole. But there are also less common side dish ideas, like honeynut squash, purple sweet potatoes or roast fennel.
Browse through the list and pick out some to make this year! The list is broken down into the categories potatoes, stuffing, squash, vegetables, salads and bread.
Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
Some kind of potatoes are a must haves on our Thanksgiving table.
1
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
My family considers mashed potatoes one of the best Thanksgiving side dish. Making them with lots of garlic makes them extra tasty!
Check out this recipe
2
Twice Baked Potatoes
Potatoes topped with bacon, cheese and sour cream are a perfect holiday side dish.
Check out this recipe
3
Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Pears
Not a fan of marshmallow covered sweet potatoes? In this easy dish sweet potatoes are roasted with pears for a side that focuses on the natural sweetness of the ingredients.
Check out this recipe
4
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
Baby potatoes are crispy, covered in salt and herbs and quickly cooked in the air fryer.
Check out this recipe
5
chezlerevefrancais.com
French Onion Potato Bake
Onions are layered with potatoes in this creamy potato dish.
Check out this recipe
6
saltandbaker.com
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a Thanksgiving classic! This recipe parboils the potatoes so you can bake this fast – like after the turkey comes out of the oven.
Check out this recipe
7
www.runningtothekitchen.com
Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes
Switch things up for the holiday by making pretty purple sweet potatoes. These are just as tasty and nutritious as orange ones but look elegant and distinctive.
Check out this recipe
8
neighborfoodblog.com
Cheesy Potatoes
Potatoes are topped with a rich and creamy cheese sauce for a dish that is sure to be kid friendly!
Check out this recipe
Dressing or Stuffing
I call it stuffing even though I never actually stuff it in the turkey. But no matter what you call it it is a Thanksgiving tradition.
9
Crockpot Cornbread Dressing with Bacon
This easy Southern style dressing uses bacon instead of sausage for a subtle smoky flavor.
Check out this recipe
10
coupleinthekitchen.com
Sausage Stuffing with Sage, Apple, and Sourdough Bread
This classic stuffing uses sourdough bread along with apples for a distinctive fall flavor.
Check out this recipe
11
ciaoflorentina.com
Vegetarian Stuffing
Caramelized leeks, celery, no meat sausage, and fennel combine with bread cubes for a vegetarian take on stuffing.
Check out this recipe
12
www.laurafuentes.com
Sausage & Cornbread Stuffing
This classic southern dressing recipe is easy to make ahead, making it ideal for the holiday.
Check out this recipe
13
thelazyslowcooker.com
Cranberry Pumpkin Seed Stuffing
Cranberries and pumpkin seeds make give this stuffing a unique taste and gorgeous pops of color, perfect for Thanksgiving.
Check out this recipe
14
profusioncurry.com
Instant Pot Wild Rice Pilaf Stuffing
Stuffing doesn't just have to be about bread cubes, this recipe uses wild rice instead. And since it is cooked in the Instant Pot it keeps the oven free!
Check out this recipe
Squash
Squash is a quintessential fall vegetable and is always on my Thanksgiving table in some form.
15
Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a classic Thanksgiving side dish! Use the air fryer and you can have it ready to eat in about 20 minutes.
Check out this recipe
16
Honeynut Squash
Honeynut squash are adorable little squash that look like butternut. They are even sweeter than butternut though, and make a delicious elegant and easy side dish.
Check out this recipe
17
Delicata Squash
With the air fryer you can have roasted delicata squash on the table in about 15 minutes. There is no peeling necessary! These tasty crescent moon shaped squash rings will look great on the Thanksgiving table.
Check out this recipe
18
Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is a delicious winter vegetable with a deep rich taste that is perfect on the Thanksgiving table.
Check out this recipe
19
thedevilwearssalad.com
Whole Roasted Heirloom Pumpkin
This is a spectacular way to serve pumpkin, roasted and served whole on the table!
Check out this recipe
Vegetables
Any of these vegetables sides would be a nice complement to a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
20
Spicy Mushrooms
Mushrooms are underrated as a stand alone vegetable! These easy and flavorful spicy mushrooms are delicious as a side dish, on top of turkey or even served cold.
Check out this recipe
21
Roasted Asparagus
Lightly seasoned and topped with Parmesan cheese and drizzled with lemon juice this air fryer asparagus is the ultimate spring vegetable with a tender delicate taste.
Check out this recipe
22
Utica Greens
This traditional Italian American recipe from Upstate New York is a delicious way to serve greens. Escarole is combined with hot peppers and prosciutto for a delicious side dish.
Check out this recipe
23
Sauteed Green Beans
A great alternative to green bean casserole! This simple recipe for Sauteed Green Beans with Coconut makes it a quick and tasty side dish.
Check out this recipe
24
www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com
Shredded Brussels Sprouts
I love brussel sprouts, but not everyone in my family does. This holiday side dish adds just enough bacon to make Brussels Sprouts one of everyone's favorites.
Check out this recipe
25
www.peelwithzeal.com
Honey Roasted Rutabaga
Rutabaga is combined with fresh herbs in the easy roasted veggie recipe.
Check out this recipe
26
savoringtoday.com
Tuscan Roasted Broccoli: Thanksgiving (or Anytime) Side Dish
Check out this recipe
27
www.wholesomeyum.com
Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Roasting an entire cauliflower looks amazing – perfect for a fancy Thanksgiving dinner. This whole roasted cauliflower is roasted with Parmesan and garlic for a tasty vegetable side dish.
28
savoryspin.com
Oven Roasted Eggplant
Oven roasted eggplant is another great choice for something different. This recipe uses smoked paprika to give the eggplant amazing flavor.
Check out this recipe
29
Maple Roasted Carrots
Multicolored carrot are roasted with maple syrup. These carrots are sweet and tender.
Check out this recipe
30
momsdinner.net
Roasted Fennel
Fennel is an underused vegetables and it tastes amazing when it is roasted in the oven. It's subtle licorice like flavor will be welcome at the Thanksgiving table.
Check out this recipe
31
theveganlarder.com
Roasted Parsnips and Chestnuts
Combine parsnips with chestnuts for an impressive side dish that is healthy and seasonal.
Check out this recipe
32
ifoodreal.com
Braised Cabbage with Apples
Cabbage is combined with apples to give this veggie a nice seasonal twist.
Check out this recipe
Salads
There are so many delicious but calorie laden dishes at Thanksgiving that it is good to have a healthy salad on the table!
33
Broccoli Crunch Salad
This healthy broccoli salad is perfect for both summer picnics and Thanksgiving!
Check out this recipe
34
7 Layer Salad Recipe
This salad will feed a crowd! And while it is a traditional potluck salad its amazing presentation and taste makes it perfect for the holidays.
Check out this recipe
35
homecookedroots.com
15 Minute Summer Strawberry Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
Vegan and gluten free, this strawberry salad is full of tasty flavor.
Check out this recipe
36
www.acedarspoon.com
Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts
Arugula is tossed with cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts and parmesan cheese and drizzled with a lemony, olive oil dressing in this delicious side dish.
Check out this recipe
37
thedarlingapron.com
Fall Panzanella Salad
Roasted fall veggies like squash and brussels sprouts are the stars of this tasty salad.
Check out this recipe
Casseroles
Thanksgiving casseroles, from traditional green bean casserole to more unique options like mushrooms.
38
Campbells Green Bean Casserole
Bake this classic holiday recipe recipe in either the air fryer or the oven!
Check out this recipe
39
Zucchini & Summer Squash Casserole
Alternating green and yellow squash make this a pretty casserole. Topped with Parmesan cheese and baked it is a nice, healthy side dish for the holidays.
Check out this recipe
40
spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com
Green Bean Casserole
If you love green bean casserole this is an easy recipe. Made with frozen green beans and topped with french fried onions it is a holiday staple in my households.
Check out this recipe
41
www.farmfreshfeasts.com
Colorful Roasted Butternut Squash with Potato, Pepper and Leeks
Cubes of butternut squash and potato roasted with pieces of pepper and seasoned with leeks. A colorful side dish for a holiday meal or for a simple family supper.
Check out this recipe
42
Beet Gratin
This recipe uses both beets and beet greens for a delicious baked side dish.
Check out this recipe
43
www.tammileetips.com
Crock Pot Corn Pudding
The last thing you want to do during the holidays is stress over when things need to go into the oven or cook on the stove top. Making this corn pudding in the slow cooker means you can start it in the morning and forget about it.
Check out this recipe
44
anaffairfromtheheart.com
Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
This cheesy casserole is similar to a loaded baked potato casserole – only with cauliflower. It is warm, tasty and topped with bacon.
Check out this recipe
45
flavormosaic.com
Southern Squash Casserole
This classic casserole is perfect comfort food, with squash combined with sour cream and topped off with a buttery and cheesy crust.
Check out this recipe
46
www.christinascucina.com
Swiss Chard Stem Gratin
Swiss chard is turned into a fancy casserole in this easy recipe. With added creamy sauce and breadcrumbs no one will complain about eating their greens!
Check out this recipe
47
www.fromachefskitchen.com
Brussels Sprouts Gratin
Brussel sprouts go to another level in this gratin. Brie, bacon and breadcrumbs combine to make this a dish beyond the ordinary.
Check out this recipe
48
notentirelyaverage.com
49
amandascookin.com
Candied Yams
Candied yams, with or without marshmallows, are a staple for Thanksgiving! With an easy to make sweet syrup, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla, these sweet potatoes are a classic holiday side.
Check out this recipe
Bread and Rolls
No Thandinner is complete without some bread.
50
Savory Scones with Cheddar and Garlic
Scones aren't just dessert, make these savory scones for Thanksgiving dinner.
Check out this recipe
51
Blueberry Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin bread is studded with blueberries in this fun twist on a classic recipe.
Check out this recipe
52
www.scotchandscones.com
Soft Sourdough Pull Apart Dinner Rolls
These traditional soft dinner rolls are perfect for turkey day dinner.
Check out this recipe
53
joyfoodsunshine.com
Homemade Pretzel Bread
Make something different and serve pretzel rolls! These are sure to be a big hit with the kids.
Check out this recipe
54
www.laurafuentes.com
Yum, lots of good veggie side dish ideas, they all look wonderful!
The honey glazed carrot medallions are going on my menu for Thanksgiving. Thanks for sharing these! They all will probably get tried at least once in my home.
This is a great collection! I have been looking for some good side dishes for this year’s dinner and I think I may try those sweet potatoes and pears! Pinning!!
These look awesome. I am a vegetarian, so this helps a lot.
These side dishes all look so wonderful. Thanks for sharing them for the holidays! Shared on my SM – Coming to you from the weekend retreat!
Those shredded brussel sprouts with bacon are definitely going to be on my Thanksgiving table this year! They sound amazing!
What a wonderful roundup of side dishes. I like that some of these are different from the normal veggie sides. Thanks for sharing it on Merry Monday .
This is a fantastic roundup whether you’re looking to add some additional veggies or changeup the menu. Featuring when my link party opens up tonight!
This is such a wonderful list. I have no idea what utica greens are but I want some now, haha. And butternut squash is so good right now!