When you think of Thanksgiving, the golden-brown roasted turkey often takes center stage. However, the true heart and soul of the holiday meal lie in the abundant, flavorful, and diverse side dishes. These accompaniments are what transform a simple dinner into a memorable feast. From creamy mashed potatoes to tangy cranberry sauce, the sides bring variety, tradition, and personality to your table. This guide presents the Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes, featuring a mix of timeless classics and modern favorites that are sure to delight every guest.
Moreover, a well-planned spread of side dishes ensures there is something for everyone, catering to different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you are hosting your first Thanksgiving or are a seasoned pro looking for new inspiration, this list provides a comprehensive look at the dishes that make the holiday special. Therefore, let’s explore the recipes that will earn a permanent spot in your family’s holiday tradition.
Why Side Dishes Are the Heart of Thanksgiving
While the turkey is the traditional centerpiece, the side dishes are where creativity and family heritage truly shine. For many families, Thanksgiving would not be complete without Grandma’s specific stuffing recipe or a particular type of sweet potato casserole. These dishes carry stories and memories, connecting generations through shared flavors. In addition, they provide the beautiful colors and textures that make the Thanksgiving plate so appealing, from the deep orange of butternut squash to the vibrant green of roasted asparagus.
Furthermore, side dishes offer incredible variety. A table filled with different options allows guests to customize their plates according to their preferences. You can balance rich, creamy casseroles with light, crisp salads and balance savory flavors with sweet and tart elements. This variety is especially important for guests with dietary restrictions, as many side dishes can easily be made vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. Ultimately, a great selection of sides ensures a satisfying and inclusive meal for everyone at the table.
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Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes: The Ultimate Holiday Feast Guide
A made-from-scratch version of the classic green bean casserole, featuring fresh green beans, sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy sauce topped with crispy fried onions.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 large shallot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water for 5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Transfer to an ice water bath, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and shallots and sauté until browned and softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir to combine, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
5. Combine the green beans, sauce, and 1 cup of crispy fried onions in a large bowl. Stir gently to coat evenly.
6. Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 20 minutes.
7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of crispy onions on top and bake an additional 5-10 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Let rest before serving.
Notes
To save time, blanch green beans and prepare the sauce a day ahead. Store separately in the fridge, then combine and bake on Thanksgiving Day. Swap fresh mushrooms with canned in a pinch, and use plant-based butter and cream for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
The Must-Have Potato Classics
Potatoes are an undisputed king of the Thanksgiving table. They are versatile, comforting, and universally loved. Consequently, no holiday spread is complete without at least one classic potato dish.
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
This is the quintessential comfort food. Fluffy, buttery, and rich, perfect mashed potatoes serve as the ideal base for a generous ladle of turkey gravy. Using Yukon Gold potatoes, plenty of butter, and warm cream is the secret to an unforgettable texture.
2. Roasted Garlic Potatoes
For a simpler yet equally delicious alternative, roasted potatoes are a fantastic choice. Tossed with olive oil, fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, and whole garlic cloves, they become crispy on the outside and wonderfully tender on the inside.
3. Classic Scalloped Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce create a decadent and elegant dish. Scalloped potatoes are rich, satisfying, and can be prepared ahead of time, which makes them a host’s best friend.
4. Candied Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
A nostalgic and sweet favorite, this dish features tender sweet potatoes coated in a brown sugar and butter glaze, then topped with melted marshmallows. It is a sweet treat that feels more like a dessert than a side.
5. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
For those who prefer a more savory-sweet balance, this casserole is the perfect solution. A smooth sweet potato base is topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan and brown sugar streusel. It offers a wonderful contrast in textures.
Vegetable Favorites to Brighten Your Table
Vegetables bring essential freshness, color, and nutrition to the rich Thanksgiving meal. These dishes prove that vegetables can be just as exciting as any other part of the feast.
6. Green Bean Casserole
An iconic American side dishes, the classic green bean casserole combines tender green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions. It is a comforting and savory bake that has graced holiday tables for decades.
7. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Simple yet elegant, honey-glazed carrots add a touch of sweetness and a vibrant pop of color. Sliced carrots are gently simmered in a glaze of honey, butter, and a hint of orange juice until tender and glossy.
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Roasting Brussels sprouts transforms them into a nutty, slightly sweet delicacy. When tossed with crispy bacon and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, they become an irresistible side that can convert even the most skeptical eaters.
9. Creamed Corn
Far superior to the canned version, homemade creamed corn is rich, sweet, and incredibly creamy. It is a simple dish made from fresh or frozen corn, heavy cream, butter, and a little bit of sugar.
10. Butternut Squash Soup
Starting the meal with a small cup of velvety butternut squash soup is a wonderful way to welcome guests. Seasoned with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this soup is the essence of autumn in a bowl.
11. Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
A quick and easy side that looks sophisticated. Fresh asparagus spears are tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, roasted until tender-crisp, and then finished with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Breads, Stuffing, and Dressings
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without something to soak up all the delicious gravy. Breads and stuffing are essential components of the holiday feast, providing hearty, savory flavors.
12. Classic Sage and Sausage Stuffing
A timeless favorite, this stuffing is packed with flavor from savory sausage, aromatic sage, onions, and celery. It can be baked inside the turkey or separately in a casserole dish for crispier edges.
13. Cornbread Dressing
A Southern staple, cornbread dressing has a slightly sweeter, more crumbly texture than its bread-based counterpart. It is a comforting and delicious alternative that pairs beautifully with turkey.
14. Buttery Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy, and brushed with melted butter, homemade dinner rolls are always a hit. They are perfect for mopping up every last bit of gravy and sauce from the plate.
15. Cranberry Orange Bread
This festive quick bread adds a sweet and tangy element to the table. It is studded with tart cranberries and flavored with fresh orange zest, making it a delightful addition to the bread basket.
Featured Recipe: The Ultimate Green Bean Casserole
Among the Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes, the Green Bean Casserole holds a special place. It is a classic for a reason: it is easy to make, incredibly comforting, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Here is how you can make a delicious version from scratch.
Ingredients
To create this classic side, you will need the following simple ingredients:
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions, divided
Step-by-Step Instructions: Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Following these steps will ensure you have a perfectly creamy and delicious green bean casserole.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for 5 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately drain them and plunge them into an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Then, drain well and set aside.
- Next, in a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to combine. Cook for one minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until it has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Afterward, remove it from the heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, combine the blanched green beans, the creamy mushroom sauce, and 1 cup of the crispy fried onions. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Finally, bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of crispy fried onions on top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
| Step | Action | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blanch Green Beans | Using an ice bath keeps the beans vibrant green and crisp. |
| 2 | Sauté Aromatics | Allow the mushrooms to brown well for a deeper flavor. |
| 3 | Make the Roux | Cook the flour for a full minute to avoid a pasty taste. |
| 4 | Create the Cream Sauce | Whisk continuously as you add liquid to prevent lumps. |
| 5 | Combine Ingredients | Fold gently to keep the green beans from breaking apart. |
| 6 | Assemble Casserole | Use a baking dish of the recommended size for even cooking. |
| 7 | Bake and Top | Add the final layer of onions near the end to prevent burning. |
Planning Your Menu of Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Choosing from a list of the Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes can be overwhelming. Therefore, a little planning goes a long way. First, aim for balance. Select a mix of dishes that cover different flavor profiles and textures. For instance, pair a rich and creamy macaroni and cheese with a light, acidic salad. Also, consider the colors on the plate; a vibrant mix of green, orange, and red makes the meal more visually appealing.
In addition, think about oven and stovetop space. Many hosts run into trouble trying to cook too many dishes at once. To avoid this, select several sides that can be made ahead of time. Casseroles, cranberry sauce, and even some desserts can be prepared a day or two in advance. Finally, consider your guest count. A good rule of thumb is to offer three to five side dishes for a small gathering and seven to nine for a larger crowd. This provides plenty of variety without creating too much work or waste.
Conclusion About Thanksgiving Side Dishes
The turkey may be the headliner, but the side dishes are the performers that make the show a success. They bring comfort, tradition, and excitement to the Thanksgiving table, ensuring every guest leaves happy and satisfied. This collection of the Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes offers a wealth of options, from timeless classics to new ideas, to help you craft the perfect holiday menu. By planning ahead and choosing a balanced selection of dishes, you can create a feast that your family and friends will talk about for years to come. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Side Dishes
How many side dishes should I make for Thanksgiving?
The number of side dishes depends on your guest count and ambition. For a smaller group of 4-6 people, 3 to 4 sides are usually sufficient. For a larger crowd of 10 or more, aiming for 5 to 7 different side dishes provides great variety and ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy.
What are the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes?
Based on national surveys and traditions, the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes consistently include mashed potatoes, stuffing or dressing, gravy, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and sweet potato casserole. These classics are considered staples on most American Thanksgiving tables.
Can I make some of these side dishes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making dishes in advance is a key strategy for a stress-free Thanksgiving, as long as you adhere to safe food preparation guidelines. Casseroles like green bean or sweet potato can be assembled a day ahead and baked on the day. Cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, and many desserts can be made two to three days in advance. Mashed potatoes can also be made ahead and reheated.
What are some good vegetarian Thanksgiving side dishes?
Many classic Thanksgiving sides are already vegetarian or can be easily adapted. For example, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, sweet potato casserole, and cranberry sauce are great options. For stuffing, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it a delicious vegetarian-friendly dish.
