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Thanksgiving is a time for family, fun, and most importantly, food! While the turkey may take center stage, its sides go beyond the classic options to truly complete the meal. So, for this year, I’ve listed something unique, and a twist of classic and modern sides to cater to everyone’s needs. From Southern classics and fresh vegetable sides to potato, pasta, and Mexican-inspired options are sure to please your guests. Here are some mouthwatering Thanksgiving sides that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Southern Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Jalapeño Cornbread
Want to have something spicy to add up heat to your meal? No problem! The Jalapeño cornbread is the way to add a savory kick, in which every bite features spicy jalapeños, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh scallions. Make sure to add the right amount of spice without getting overwhelmed with jalapeño peppers. A perfect bold flavor to add to any Thanksgiving party.
Cornbread Muffins
Ah! cornbread muffins. My favorite side for almost every family gathering; these tender, light, and airy sweets can soak all the gravy on your plate. I am sure these can be your favorite pick too, and you’ll definitely love their golden crust with a soft, fluffy middle that melts in your mouth. Whether you plan to eat them plain or use them with butter spread, both options are great. So, why not grab these bites for this season?
Vegetable Side Dishes
Glazed Carrots
If nothing else works for you, I am sure these glazed carrots will definitely do wonders. This quick and easy side dish gets ready in under 30 minutes and brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots. Since, the carrots are usually glazed with brown sugar and butter, the shiny coating with the bright orange color and mesmerizing flavors make even picky eaters fall in love with them.
Roasted Butternut Squash
For Thanksgiving meal, I love adding some colorful dishes, and the roasted butternut squash is my go-to choice. Tossed with onions, spinach, and cranberries, this subtly sweet dish catches excellently fills your taste buds with flavors. The creamy and nutty butternut squash with cranberries offers contrasting flavors to bring a burst of fall colors to your Thanksgiving meal.
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Green beans are my favorite for any holiday dinner, and I think they don’t have to be plain. These garlic parmesan green beans are one of the most flavorful vegetable side dishes and are super easy to make. I bet these garlic and parmesan coated green beans can be an irresistible meal. This side is a great option if you want a simple yet flavorful veggie dish.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Here comes the dish that gets a mixed opinion for being served as a side. But I think when they are thyme roasted and paired with cranberries, they will disappear first for any potluck dinner or a family gathering. If you’re already serving a glazed ham or grilled chicken, serving these sprouts will balance the richness of flavors.
Stovetop Broccoli Casserole
If oven baking is not an option, this stovetop broccoli casserole is here to save the day. On Thanksgiving day, I whip up this creamy, cheesy dish right on the stove, and leave the oven for the turkey and pies. When prepared using a stovetop, the broccoli stays even nicer and tender while the cheesy sauce makes it a comforting side that everyone craves. If you’ve got roast turkey, or baked salmon on the menu, this casserole complements the meat.
Sweet Potato Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
Sweet Potato Casserole
Of all the Thanksgiving sides, the sweet potato casserole is the most favorite option adopted in various versions. The flavorful sweet potatoes, topped with brown sugar-pecan crumble or toasted marshmallows blend so well with roast turkey and even my favorite pumpkin pie. This casserole is a sure crowd-pleaser and brings warm fall flavors that fit perfectly with the rest of your meal. And if you’re serving something green like green bean almondine, it’ll combine with the richness of the sweet potatoes nicely.
Bourbon Sweet Potatoes
If you want something more indulgent, coconut-bourbon sweet potatoes are an ideal side to add to your dinner table. This flavors of bourbon and coconut excellently combine with sweet potatoes making it a classic side dish that is sure to impress your guests. So, if have something like BBQ ribs or pulled pork, these sweet potatoes are an amazing but delicious match. For sides like this, I always finish off the meal with pumpkin cheesecake to make a memorable dinner.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Buttered and mashed sweet potatoes are my husband’s favorite side, and he loves their air fryer version to stay low fat. This elegant touch always stands out on the table and it’s the best alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. The best part is that they pair wonderfully with turkey meatloaf and grilled steak on the Thanksgiving table.
Cold Side Dishes
Cranberry-Raspberry Gelatin Salad
This cranberry-raspberry gelatin salad is a refreshing sweet side for a Thanksgiving spread that adds wonderful colors and flavors to your meal. The tartness of the cranberries and the sweetness of the raspberries create a light salad that balances out other dishes on your holiday table. If you plan to make heavier meals like glazed ham, or roast turkey, this can be a perfect pairing. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for the big day. Usually, I make this salad as a light pre-dessert treat.
Healthy Broccoli Salad
If you’re looking for a lighter, healthier version of a side dish, this broccoli salad can be the best choice. The crunch of fresh broccoli when tossed with sunflower seeds, cranberries, and a light yogurt dressing, gives a crisp element to your meal. Even though this is just a regular salad you can add, it still can complement any heavy meal that you’ve added to the menu.
Side Dishes for Vegans
Corn Pudding
Corn pudding is my favorite comforting side for Thanksgiving which combines excellently with all the entrées thanks to its rich, creamy and slightly sweet flavor. Since this side requires simply pantry ingredients, you shouldn’t miss this plant-based pdding without sacrificing taste. Its warm flavors blend perfectly with all the mains.
Herbed Green Beans
Green beans are my favorite and go-to side for a weekend dinner; so why not add this Middle Eastern dish to the Thanksgiving table? Green beanr with herbs like parsley, cilantro and mint give a magical aroma that is so irresistible. This is the best alternative to the usual green bean casserole while still being vegan. I’ve combined it with mashed sweet potatoes and corn pudding and the pairing worked perfectly.
Wild Rice Stuffed Squash
If you are looking for a plant-based centerpiece, the wild rice stuffed squash is a must-have side. The blend of rice with squash works amazing for any type of main. This dish is not only vegan, but also gluten-free, and an ideal option for diet-specific guests. Most importantly, its stunning look adds a showstopping element to your Thanksgiving spread.
Turkey Side Dishes
Cranberry Sauce
For me, cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving must-have. If you are using the canned version, it’s time to upgrade, and make homemade cranberry sauce with tart, jammy, and fresh flavors. These flavors pair perfectly with roast turkey or glazed ham. This version not just complements your protein requirements but also balances other sides like corn pudding or wild rice stuffed squash.
Gluten-Free Side Dishes
Gluten-Free Stuffing
If you are avoiding gluten, this gluten-free stuffing can be the best alternative to the traditional stuffing. With its classic flavors of Thanksgiving—sage, thyme, celery, and onions—you’ll feel something different. With this stuffing you can also use gluten-free bread or grains like quinoa or rice to achieve the desired texture. This stuffing goes well with zucchini noodles or green beans and works as a perfect companion to grilled chicken.
Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers With Cream Cheese
These gluten-free stuffed peppers with cream cheese are my favorite side dish as they bring a comforting and colorful element to the meal. The stuffing of ground beef, cream cheese, and veggies makes these peppers a flavorful, and satisfying side dish. I love pairing them with lighter sides like zucchini noodles or broccoli salad, for a balance of flavor on the Thanksgiving table.
Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
For vegans and vegetarians, these Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a healthy alternative to traditional pasta. Even my husband asks me to make these noodles for weekend. Believe me, they’re best for those who want to stay gluten-free while still enjoying a pasta-like side dish. I’ve tried to pair them with grilled salmon, as well as gluten-free stuffing and everything went perfectly.
Pasta Side Dishes
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese is a must-have for every special occasion when you have to serve a crowd. This butternut squash mac and cheese is a seasonal twist to the traditional mac & cheese but comes with a creamy and autumnal upgrade to excellently complement Thanksgiving dishes. The combination of velvety squash with melted cheese brings a cozy flavor and pleasant surprise to your guests. In my experience, this dish is one of the most favorite sides of my family.
Italian Pasta Salad
Why not serve something classic yet healthy to the Thanksgiving table? This Italian pasta salad is a bright, tangy, and refreshing salad that is the first to disappear from the serving table. The Italian pasta greatly combines with toppings like cherry tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, and a dressing of vinaigrette. This salad is a lighter side that pairs well with heavier dishes like Prime Rib Roast, glazed ham, or Italisn lasagna.
Mexican Thanksgiving Side Dish
Taco Dip Casserole
My favorite crowd-pleasing side, loaded with ground beef, cream cheese, and taco seasoning. This taco dip casserole is perfect for adding a fun twist to your Thanksgiving table. I love serving it alongside guacamole with tortilla chips for dipping. The best thing is that this casserole can be paired perfectly with lighter dishes like air fryer cauliflower bites or even a Mexican street corn casserole for a balance of spicy, and savory flavors.
Guacamole with Tortilla Chips
A must-have bowl for every lunch gathering when you want to serve something lighter yet satisfying side that complements many of the heavier Thanksgiving dishes. The creamy avocado guacamole with its lime flavors becomes a best match for sides like taco dip casserole or jalapeño cornbread. It’s also a perfect Mexican appetizer to serve while waiting for the main meal to be served.
Mexican Street Corn Casserole
A casserole that is inspired by the flavors of classic Mexican street corn. This casserole is packed with smoky flavors, cheese, and spices making it a standout side that pairs wonderfully with mains like grilled lamb chops, grilled chicken or Baked Ziti.
Slow Cooker Side Dishes (Crock Pot)
Slow-Cooker Sriracha Corn
Looking for a slow cooker side dish with a little kick? Look no further than this slow-cooker corn with Sriracha mayo to add a smoky, and spicy twist to your Thanksgiving menu. If your oven is reserved for some mains, this crockpot side can help you make things easier without overwhelming more traditional dishes. In my experience, it works perfectly with mains like Beef Wellington and baked salmon. You can also pair it with sides like guacamole or cheesy potatoes.
Air Fryer Sides
Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
Crispy on the outside and tender inside are the signature features of these air fryer cauliflower bites, which makes them a healthy addition to your Thanksgiving feast. They’re perfect for pairing with Stuffed Pork Loin, and Mexican street corn casserole, as a lighter option to balance out the heavier sides. I serve these bites with a dipping sauce, like ranch or buffalo.
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Potatoes when baked in the air fryer make perfectly crispy skin and fluffy insides. I think they are a fantastic base for toppings, like sour cream, cheese, or bacon bits. These potatoes are a great side for any Thanksgiving main, from roast turkey to glazed ham. For a lighter meal, pair them with Air Fryer carrot chips or go bold with something like jalapeño cornbread. If you want to get creative, stuff them with broccoli and cheddar or chili for a comforting side.
27 Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Complete Your Holiday Table
Ingredients
Vegetable Sides For Thanksgiving
- Glazed Carrots
- Roasted Butternut Squash
- Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Stovetop Broccoli Casserole
Southern Thanksgiving Side Dishes
- Jalapeño Cornbread
- Cornbread Muffins
Sweet Potato Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Bourbon Sweet Potatoes
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Cold Side Dishes
- Cranberry-Raspberry Gelatin Salad
- Healthy Broccoli Salad
Side Dishes for Vegans
- Corn Pudding
- Herbed Green Beans
- Wild Rice Stuffed Squash
Turkey Side Dishes
- Cranberry Sauce
Gluten-Free Side Dishes
- Gluten-Free Stuffing
- Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers With Cream Cheese
- Zucchini Noodles Zoodles
Pasta Side Dishes
- Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
- Italian Pasta Salad
Mexican Thanksgiving Side Dish
- Taco Dip Casserole
- Guacamole with Tortilla Chips
- Mexican Street Corn Casserole
Slow Cooker Side Dishes (Crock Pot)
- Slow-Cooker Sriracha Corn
Air Fryer Sides
- Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Instructions
- Choose from any of your favorite side that suit your Thanksgiving menu
- Gather necessary ingredients to make the recipe.
- Start making the recipe, and make sure to follow the steps.
- I hope you've made the side dish for your Thanksgiving meal.
