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Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes

These delicious Thanksgiving side dishes will steal the spotlight away from the turkey. There is truly something for everyone on this list. Pick a few and wow your guests this year!

Other Thanksgiving recipes that guests will love include this Thanksgiving punch and fall charcuterie board!

A collage of six photos with best Thanksgiving side dishes.
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Family Favorite Side Dishes

Many would argue that the array of side dishes are the best part about the Thanksgiving menu. While the Thanksgiving appetizers, roasted turkey, pies and other holiday desserts are delicious, it’s usually the side dishes that are the star of the show. So many tasty options!

Every year, my plate is always jam packed with all the yummy sides. There are so many delicious options to choose from, so why only pick a few? I love to load them all on my plate and dig in. I mean, that’s the best part about Thanksgiving, right? :)

You’ll find all of your favorites in this amazing round up. Whether it’s easy, healthy, slow cooker or traditional Thanksgiving sides, you’re bound to find it here! And although these may be the best Thanksgiving sides, that certainly doesn’t mean you can only make them in November. These dishes are delicious year-round!

Traditional Thanksgiving Sides

Sometimes the best course of action is to keep it classic. These traditional dishes will be familiar to everyone, old and young alike. For most people, these are the classics—recipes like macaroni and cheese and stuffing will likely be the first dish to disappear. Yum!

Sweet potato casserole with pecans.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Mashed sweet potatoes topped with toasted pecans and a delicious brown sugar crumble. Add in marshmallows to make this sweet potato casserole the ultimate holiday side dish. 
Total Time: 40 minutes
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mashed potatoes in white bowl with butter
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Smooth, fluffy and creamy mashed potatoes that take just 30 minutes to make! My all time favorite side dish recipe and a must-make for Thanksgiving.
Total Time: 30 minutes
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green bean casserole served with wooden spoon
Green Bean Casserole Recipe
This green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that everyone loves! Tender green beans covered in a creamy mushroom sauce, then topped with cheese and crispy fried onions.
Total Time: 30 minutes
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The best cheesy scalloped potatoes.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy, comforting and indulgent, cheesy scalloped potatoes are a classic side dish. A rich and decadent cheese sauce is layered with potatoes then baked until tender!
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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Green bean bundles on baking sheet.
Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
These crispy bacon wrapped green bean bundles are the best savory side dish to enjoy this holiday season! Impressive and elegant yet so easy to make.
Total Time: 40 minutes
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homemade cranberry sauce
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
A fresh and delicious homemade cranberry sauce recipe made with only 3 simple ingredients! Just as easy as the canned sauce, but with so much more flavor!
Total Time: 15 minutes
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spoonful of baked macaroni and cheese
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Baked macaroni and cheese topped with an extra layer of golden, bubbly cheese. This delicious side dish is creamy, comforting and loaded with flavor. 
Total Time: 45 minutes
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sausage stuffing in casserole dish
Sausage Stuffing Recipe
This sausage stuffing recipe will convert anyone who tries it into a stuffing lover! The bread is soft with lightly toasted edges and the flavor is incredible! 
Total Time:
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twice baked potatoes
Twice Baked Potatoes
One of my all-time favorite side dishes! These twice baked potatoes make the perfect appetizer and are a true crowd pleaser! So easy and yummy!
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
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Easy Side Dishes

Making a full dinner is a lot of work. Why not give yourself a break by choosing simple sides? These Thanksgiving side dishes are easy to create and come together quickly. Don’t confuse “easy” with “lack of flavor”, however. I always round out our table with at least a couple of these.

Spoonful of cheesy potatoes in a white baking dish.
Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
This easy cheesy potatoes is going to be your new go-to side dish for the holidays. Flavorful potatoes in a cheesy sauce and topping make this the ultimate casserole!
Total Time: 40 minutes
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mashed potatoes made in the instant pot
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
These EASY instant pot mashed potatoes are made in just 30 minutes! Everything comes together in one pot, making clean up a breeze!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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cornbread stuffing
Cornbread Stuffing
This easy make-ahead cornbread stuffing will easily become the star of any festive meal. Slightly sweet cornbread, sage sausage, veggies, and herbs result in unforgettable mouthwatering flavors and textures that cannot be found in a box!
Total Time: 55 minutes
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spoonful of mac and cheese
Homemade Mac and Cheese
This homemade macaroni is creamy, rich and the ultimate comfort food! It's made with simple ingredients in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
Total Time: 25 minutes
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Deviled eggs on a white plate.
Easy Deviled Eggs Recipe
Easy deviled eggs are a classic recipe made with simple ingredients including hard boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, sweet pickle relish and a sprinkle of paprika on top! Perfect for potlucks and parties.
Total Time: 25 minutes
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scalloped sweet potatoes recipe
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Savory scalloped sweet potatoes layered with a creamy rosemary sauce and cheddar and gruyere cheese. The perfect flavorful side dish recipe that everyone will love!
Total Time: 50 minutes
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Mashed red potatoes in a bowl.
Mashed Red Potatoes
Perfectly creamy and fluffy mashed red potatoes bursting with garlic flavor. Made with just 5 ingredients in 30 minutes. These are the perfect easy side dish to serve at your next holiday gathering or Sunday dinner! 
Total Time: 30 minutes
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corn casserole
Corn Casserole
Creamed corn casserole is a classic holiday side dish that's so easy to make and takes only 5 minutes of prep! Soft, creamy and extremely comforting. This recipe is a big family favorite!
Total Time: 55 minutes
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roasted potatoes in white bowl
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Rosemary roasted potatoes are perfectly seasoned and crispy on the outside and tender and fluffy on the inside. These delicious herb roasted potatoes are as easy to make as they are addicting! 
Total Time: 45 minutes
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Healthy Thanksgiving Sides

Save your calories for the important stuff—like pumpkin pie with fresh whipped cream! :) These are some of my favorites—all the flavor and none of the guilt. Plus, these are a good option to accommodate various diets like gluten-free or vegetarian.

green beans
Green Beans
Perfectly tender, flavorful and fresh green beans that make an amazing side dish recipe. Learn how to cook them 2 ways – sautéed or roasted in the oven.
Total Time: 15 minutes
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close up of roasted sweet potatoes on baking sheet
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Easy oven roasted sweet potatoes made with just 5 simple ingredients. Perfectly crispy and caramelized with amazing flavor! 
Total Time: 40 minutes
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maple roasted vegetables in a white bowl
Maple Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Tender roasted vegetables with caramelized maple and bacon. This delicious side dish will turn anyone into a veggie lover! 
Total Time: 45 minutes
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fall salad in a white bowl
Fall Salad
This easy fall salad is filled with chopped greens, apples, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds and roasted butternut squash. Then topped with a maple balsamic dressing that brings out the delicious fall flavors!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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roasted brussels sprouts with cranberries and pears on baking sheet
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Cranberries
Roasted brussels sprouts with pears, cranberries and a sweet honey glaze! Crispy, caramelized and completely delicious. These are the best brussels sprouts I've ever had!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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oven roasted butternut squash on baking sheet
Oven Roasted Butternut Squash
Perfectly roasted butternut squash that's tender, caramelized and full of fall flavors! Makes a great side dish and can be added to salads, pasta, soups and more. 
Total Time: 35 minutes
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bowl of apple cranberry spinach salad
Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad
Apple cranberry spinach salad filled with greens, crisp apples, dried cranberries, walnuts, feta cheese and a delicious honey dijon dressing. An easy salad recipe that's full of flavor!
Total Time: 10 minutes
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roasted asparagus recipe
Roasted Asparagus Recipe
Crisp-tender oven roasted asparagus is fresh, healthy and ready in 15 minutes. This simple vegetable side dish is easy to make and a great addition to any meal.
Total Time: 15 minutes
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pear and pomegranate salad
Pear Salad
Fresh pear salad filled with mixed greens, juicy sliced pears, pomegranate seeds, candied pecans, feta cheese and topped with a balsamic dressing. This is the perfect salad to serve at your holiday dinner this year! 
Total Time: 5 minutes
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Vegetable Side Dishes

These sides will help complete your meal and add a dose of healthy to your table. You can make virtually any veggie you like with one of these clever ideas, whether you prefer them roasted, in a casserole, or covered in cheese—there’s an option for you.

roasted vegetables
Roasted Vegetables
Delicious baked vegetables coated in olive oil, balsamic vinegar and flavorful spices. Perfectly crispy and roasted to perfection. These oven roasted veggies are always on repeat!
Total Time: 40 minutes
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glazed carrots recipe
Glazed Carrots Recipe
Perfectly caramelized glazed carrots that are crispy and have a hint of sweetness. Require only 3 simple ingredients and can be made on the stove, oven or crockpot!
Total Time: 25 minutes
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bowl of parmesan roasted broccoli
Roasted Parmesan Broccoli Recipe
This parmesan roasted broccoli is healthy, delicious and the best broccoli ever. Broccoli florets are tossed with seasoning, baked and then coated in Parmesan for a crispy side dish full of flavor!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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bacon wrapped asparagus
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
Deliciously roasted asparagus wrapped in crispy bacon slices. This bacon wrapped asparagus is one of my favorite side dish recipes that pairs perfectly with tons of dishes. And cooked in only 20 minutes, too!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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roasted cauliflower recipe
Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
This crispy roasted cauliflower is perfectly tender and full of delicious parmesan flavor. It will become one of your favorite side dishes!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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parmesan roasted carrots in white bowl
Parmesan Roasted Carrots Recipe
These Parmesan roasted carrots are an easy side dish that is both delicious and addicting! A flavorful crispy coating with a hint of garlic will be your new favorite way to eat carrots.
Total Time: 35 minutes
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oven roasted red potatoes in pan
Roasted Red Potatoes
These crispy and flavorful roasted red potatoes make a great side dish for any meal. They will become a new favorite in your monthly rotation!
Total Time: 40 minutes
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close up of candied yams in pan
Candied Yams
Baked candied yams coated in a sweet syrupy sauce is an easy side dish that brings a beautiful balance to all of the savory side dishes included in your holiday menu!
Total Time: 55 minutes
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roasted brussel sprouts in white bowl
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted brussels sprouts are easy to make, perfectly caramelized, and fork-tender. They're the best 30-minute classic side dish that no one can resist!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Slow Cooker Side Dishes

Free up your oven and use your slow cooker! These make-ahead Thanksgiving recipes and sides are great to put together early in the morning before you start your turkey.

dipping a fork into a bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe
Only takes 10 minutes to prep and is made with only a few simple ingredients! Pure comfort in a bowl and tastes absolutely amazing.
Total Time: 2 hours
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Mashed potatoes in crockpot.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
These crockpot mashed potatoes are easy to make in your slow cooker and result in creamy, smooth and velvety mashed potatoes! Best of all there is no boiling on the stovetop involved.
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
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creamed corn
Crockpot Creamed Corn
This slow cooker creamed corn is made with a secret ingredient to give this classic dish a twist! Super creamy, rich and has amazing flavor. 
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
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Brown sugar carrots in a white bowl.
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe
Using only 4 ingredients, these easy brown sugar glazed carrots are a definite crowd-pleaser. Coated in a butter and a brown sugar glaze, it's the perfect balance of tender and crunch in every bite!
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
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Slow Cooker Risotto with Butternut Squash and Sausage
Slow Cooker Risotto
This butternut squash risotto recipe is a savory, good-for-you dinner that's loaded with veggies and bits of sausage, all cooked together in the slow cooker. This dinner practically prepares itself and everyone will clamor for seconds.
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
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Crockpot cheesy potatoes recipes with melted cheese on top.
Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes
Super easy to make crockpot cheesy potatoes are tender, creamy and loaded with cheesy flavor. A crowd pleasing side dish for holiday potlucks or family dinners!
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
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stuffing inside of white crockpot
Crockpot Stuffing
This classic crockpot stuffing has timeless flavors and mouthwatering aromas! Add a little calm to the holiday chaos by making a simple delicious slow cooker stuffing!
Total Time: 55 minutes
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green bean casserole in crock pot
Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
One of the most popular holiday side dishes just got easier! Made with just 5 simple ingredients, this creamy, comforting crockpot green bean casserole is always a hit!
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
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Bread and Rolls

Don’t forget to round out your plate with a warm piece of homemade bread or dinner roll. I love to dip mine in turkey gravy or spread some garlic herb butter or dreamy orange butter on top. So yummy!

Dinner rolls in a baking dish.
Homemade Dinner Rolls
The absolute best dinner rolls you'll ever make! Super soft and fluffy with amazing flavor. Easily made with just 7 simple ingredients!
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
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drizzling honey on top of a piece of sweet cornbread
Sweet Cornbread
This sweet cornbread is one of my favorites to make during the fall. It's super moist, fluffy and pairs perfectly with a hot bowl of chili. 
Total Time: 40 minutes
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Potato rolls on baking sheet.
Potato Rolls
These homemade potato rolls are so tender and soft with an amazing flavor. The perfect dinner roll for any occasion!
Total Time: 3 hours
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Cornbread muffins on a plate.
Sweet Cornbread Muffins
These cornbread muffins are light and fluffy muffins with a deliciously sweet flavor! So easy to make and tastes amazing with chili and soup.
Total Time: 30 minutes
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lion house rolls on pan
Lion House Roll Recipe
These lion house rolls are hands-down my very favorite homemade roll recipe! Soft, fluffy and have a nice buttery taste. Perfect for the holidays or anytime you want an amazingly, delicious roll with dinner!
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
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french bread recipe
Homemade French Bread Recipe
The BEST homemade french bread recipe made in just 90 minutes! So easy to make and comes out golden and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. 
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
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Which recipe will you make this year? I can’t wait to load up my plate!

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