Thanksgiving is all about the feast, which means delicious sides are a must! Sure, the turkey gets all the glamour shots, but it’s the sides that make or break the meal. Here is a collection of 23 side dishes that are not just good, they’re un-skippable.
From the creamy dreaminess of mashed potatoes to the sweet to a well-baked squash casserole, these recipes are the ones that will have your guests talking long after the last slice of pie has disappeared. So get ready to load up your plates with the very best flavors this season has to offer!
Green Bean Casserole
The classic Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole is a Thanksgiving must-have. It’s a comforting, creamy side that brings back nostalgic holiday memories. A true staple for your feast!
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Watergate Salad
Watergate Salad, or Pistachio Fluff, is a dreamy, easy-to-make side with just 5 ingredients. This light, fluffy salad is perfect for making ahead, ensuring you have more time to enjoy the holiday. It’s a sweet addition that adds a hint of retro charm to your table.
Get the Recipe: Watergate Salad
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Transform your spuds with these Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Creamy, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a fuss-free side that complements any main dish. Say goodbye to endless stirring and hello to effortless, garlicky goodness!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Broccoli Crunch Salad
Broccoli Crunch Salad is a fresh, vibrant side perfect for lightening up your Thanksgiving meal. Crisp broccoli combined with dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon creates a delightful mix of textures and flavors. It’s a colorful and tasty break from the heavy.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad
Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole
For a sweet and savory treat, try this Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole. It’s a traditional favorite, combining soft sweet potatoes with brown sugar, marshmallows, and pecans. This slow cooker dish is a hassle-free way to bring a classic favorite to your Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole
7 Layer Salad
The traditional 7 Layer Salad is a visually stunning and delicious addition to your holiday table. Perfect for any gathering, this elegant side dish layers veggies and creamy dressing for a taste that’s as appealing as its appearance. It’s a generational favorite!
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
The air fryer transforms these once-maligned veggies into crispy, golden nuggets of joy, with a tender, flavorful inside that will convert even the staunchest sprout skeptics. And making them in the air fryer frees up oven space.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Utica Greens
Utica Greens offer an Italian-American twist to traditional Thanksgiving greens. A delicious combination of escarole, hot peppers, and garlic, it’s a flavorful side that’s sure to stand out among the usual dishes. Perfect for adding a spicy kick to your feast!
Get the Recipe: Utica Greens
Acorn Squash
Air Fryer Acorn Squash is a simple, low-effort dish that’s perfect for fall. Its natural sweetness and 25-minute cooking time make it an ideal side for those seeking simplicity and flavor. A wonderful way to add a seasonal touch to your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Acorn Squash
Chickpea Salad
This vibrant Chickpea Salad, loaded with fresh veggies, is a gorgeous, vegan, and gluten-free side. Simple to make, it’s perfect for adding a healthy and colorful touch to your Thanksgiving feast. A great make-ahead option for those who love fresh, crisp flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad
Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey Glazed Air Fryer Carrots offer a sweet side with fantastic texture. Crisp edges and soft, fork-tender insides coated in caramelizing honey sauce enhance their natural flavor. They’re a delicious and healthy addition to balance out the heavier Thanksgiving fare.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots
Lime Jello Salad
Lime Jello Salad is a fun, old-fashioned favorite adding a splash of green to your meal. Perfect for any holiday, it’s a sweet and tangy addition that brings a bit of whimsy and nostalgia to your Thanksgiving spread. A delightful choice for a festive touch!
Get the Recipe: Lime Jello Salad
Butternut Squash
Butternut Squash in the air fryer is a savory and healthy side dish, ready in just 20 minutes. Tossed with spices and roasted to perfection, it’s a nutritious and flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving menu. An excellent choice for a quick, autumnal side.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash
Pea Salad
The vintage Pea Salad is a creamy, tangy, and sweet addition to your Thanksgiving. A perfect make-ahead salad for any holiday event, it’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This salad is sure to be a hit with its comforting and familiar taste.
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad
Roast Delicata Squash
Roasted Delicata Squash with Fennel and Maple Syrup is a quick and easy side, perfect for Thanksgiving. Its unique flavors make it a terrific fall dish that adds a gourmet touch to your table. A simple recipe that brings a blend of sweet and savory to your feast.
Get the Recipe: Roast Delicata Squash
Cornbread Dressing
This Crockpot Cornbread Dressing is a moist, flavorful, and effortless addition to your Thanksgiving meal. It’s the perfect side dish, capturing all the traditional dressing flavors with the convenience of a slow cooker. A must-have for a stress-free, delicious holiday.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Dressing
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
Is it even Thanksgiving without cranberry sauce? I think not! It’s a classic side that adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your table. Homemade cranberry sauce is a simple yet essential component of any festive spread.
Get the Recipe: Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
Ramen Asian Salad
Ramen Noodle Asian Salad brings a unique twist to the Thanksgiving table. Made with cabbage, veggies, and crunchy ramen noodles, it’s coated in an Asian-inspired dressing. A great choice for those looking for a fresh, crisp side dish to balance the traditional heavy mains.
Get the Recipe: Ramen Asian Salad
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort with Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. This slow cooker classic combines creamy cheese with tender pasta, freeing you from stovetop stirring. It’s a family-friendly side that adds a cheesy delight to your Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes in the air fryer are a tasty and crunchy addition to your meal. Scooped out and mixed with maple syrup, cinnamon, pecans, or marshmallows, they offer a sweet and savory flavor profile. A delightful twist on a Thanksgiving classic.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Squash Casserole
Zucchini and Squash Casserole is a lovely, seasonal side for the holidays. This simple 5-ingredient recipe alternates layers of green zucchini and yellow squash, making it as pretty as it is tasty. It’s a perfect addition to bring some color and lightness to your feast.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole
Crock Pot Corn Casserole
Crock Pot Corn Casserole offers a sweet and velvety side dish, perfect for Thanksgiving. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the creamy goodness of this classic. It’s a comforting and delicious addition to any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Creamed Corn
Beet Gratin
Beet Gratin is a colorful and flavorful side dish that brings elegance to your Thanksgiving table. Layered with creamy cheese and savory spices, it’s a sophisticated and tasty alternative to more traditional sides. A perfect choice for adding some gourmet flair to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Beet Gratin
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