These are my favorite Thanksgiving side dishes that are better than the turkey. From veggies to potatoes, other starches, and baked goods, this guide includes all of the best sides to include on your menu this holiday season!
Figuring out what to have for Turkey day, AKA Thanksgiving day, can be a total pain. That’s why I’ve compiled all of my go-to Thanksgiving Appetizers, and now the best Thanksgiving sides, so you can plan your dinner with ease. I suggest choosing two veggie side dishes, two potato or starch dishes, and a baked good recipe as a starting point, to round out your guests’ plates. Try to choose some sides that you can make ahead of time, so you can enjoy Thanksgiving day too!
And don’t forget to freshen up on those knife skills before the big day! Learn How to Carve a Turkey with my easy, step-by-step guide.
And lastly, it’s not too early to plan for leftovers. A big pot of Turkey Chili or Turkey Sandwich made with leftover turkey is just what the doctor ordered!
These crispy bundles of bacon wrapped asparagus are an easy yet elegant side dish. Roast them in the oven and finish them off with grated parmesan cheese and balsamic glaze.
Easy, simple, and satisfying, these thick slices of cauliflower steak are golden and caramelized, a side dish with plenty of seasoning and serving ideas for customization!
Turn green beans from boring to brilliant by roasting them until they start to caramelize, along with some lightly pickled shallots and a generous handful of melted parmesan cheese. They’re easy enough to make on a weeknight and fancy enough for special occasions too!
Arugula, sharp cheddar cheese, and finely chopped walnuts are an apple salad’s best friends. There’s no bad time for it either! Apple salad is a crowd-pleasing side dish!
These roasted brussels sprouts are extra crispy, tossed with homemade candied bacon that will satisfy your sweet and salty cravings. It’s one of the best ways to get in your veggies!
If you’ve found this cauliflower mashed potatoes recipe, you’re probably looking for a healthy alternative to the real stuff! This mashed cauliflower recipe is surprisingly delectable without the carbs or bad fats. It’s a side dish dream.
It’s a fall and winter classic and a holiday staple: roasted root vegetables tossed in fresh herbs and olive oil. You don’t need a lot to make root veggies delicious to serve with most any main dish.
A whole cauliflower roasted in the oven until caramelized, drizzled with brown butter and chives, is a sight to see. It’s as delicious as it looks. Serve as a stunning side dish.
It’s hard not to love these thinly sliced, golden brown potatoes mixed with buttery caramelized onions and finished with fresh herbs. Lyonnaise potatoes are a French classic that pairs perfectly with turkey!
Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any occasion in between, mashed sweet potatoes make every meal better! This mashed sweet potato recipe with roasted garlic and a hint of nutmeg pairs well with almost any main dish.
Lobster mac and cheese is usually reserved for a fancy night out. But this recipe makes creamy lobster mac and cheese easy to bake at home! Better yet, a big pan means serving the whole crew and lots of leftovers.
Baguette and bread recipes in general are usually synonymous with “difficult to make.” This French baguette recipe is the easiest on the internet, while remaining fantastically delicious.
Want to make scrumptious, puffy popovers without special equipment? This recipe is easy, using just 5 ingredients, a standard muffin pan, and a little TLC!
These yeast rolls are warm, buttery, fluffy, and utterly irresistible! If you ever wanted to try your hand at homemade bread, this recipe is the easiest way to get started.
Drop biscuits are one of the easiest baked goods to make. Despite being so easy to make, these biscuits are tender, flaky, buttery, and one of the single best things you’ll ever put in your mouth.
And just like that, there you have it! Pick and choose your Thanksgiving side dishes from the above list, shop, make some recipes in advance, and most importantly, enjoy the day!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many side dishes do I need for Thanksgiving?
For a small gathering (3-4 people), I recommend an assortment of 3-4 sides. For a medium gathering (6-10 people), shoot for 5-6 sides. For a large gathering (10+ people), make 7-8 sides or more, and have your guests bring some so you’re not the only one cooking!
Should I include some vegan or vegetarian sides?
It’s always a good idea to include 2-3 sides dishes that are vegan or vegetarian to accommodate any guests that have dietary restrictions. Plus, this adds diversity to your Thanksgiving menu!
How do I reheat side dishes that I’ve made ahead?
Check out the individual recipes for reheating instructions. Many recipes can be made ahead and reheated or kept warm in the oven or on the stovetop for a few hours.
My Pro Tip
Grace’s Thanksgiving Tips & Tricks
Create a menu and shopping list early: plan the menu 3-4 weeks in advance, and shop for ingredients 5-7 days before Thanksgiving day.
Make a cooking schedule: include each dish’s cooking times and temperatures.
Delegate: Ask guests to bring a dish, like an appetizer or dessert.
Prep ingredients in advance: chop vegetables, measure spices, and make sauces the day before.
Use make-ahead recipes: at least 50% of the recipes you choose should be able to be made in advance!
Prioritize oven space: mix oven, stovetop, and slow cooker recipes to maximize space.
Keep dishes warm: follow reheating or warming instructions on recipes to keep dishes warm.
Set up a buffet: buffets are easier for large groups when serving everyone individually just causes unnecessary stress!
Set the table the night before: Lay out plates, utensils, and decorations in advance.
Enjoy the day: most importantly, embrace the day and spend quality time with loved ones!
If you’ve tried any of these Thanksgiving Sides or any other recipe on my website, please let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you. Please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating while you are here!
Hi, I’m Grace Vallo! Welcome to my kitchen! Here you’ll find kitchen-tested recipes and step-by-step tutorials with videos, giving home cooks the knowledge and confidence to cook and bake the most flavorful recipes for every season. Featured on the Food Network, Food & Wine, Taste of Home and more.
Can you come to my family’s house and cook for us this Thanksgiving?! I’ve made your popovers before and will definitely try them out again this holiday. So easy with only a few ingredients!
I’ve been wanting to mix up my family’s Thanksgiving veggies for years and these are finally the ideas I’ve been looking for. Can’t wait to try the cauliflower mash!
lobster mac & cheese is so epic! I love this idea and hopefully my fam will to. Thanks for sharing!
Can you come to my family’s house and cook for us this Thanksgiving?! I’ve made your popovers before and will definitely try them out again this holiday. So easy with only a few ingredients!
HA! I’ll be over in a few! 🙂 I love the popover recipe too!
Grace
I’ve been wanting to mix up my family’s Thanksgiving veggies for years and these are finally the ideas I’ve been looking for. Can’t wait to try the cauliflower mash!
Let me know how the cauliflower mash turns out!
Grace