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Thanksgiving might be all about the turkey, but let’s be honest, the side dishes steal the show every single year. I love seeing my family crowd around the table, everyone “just taking a little bit” of everything (and then going back for seconds).
From creamy potatoes to buttery rolls and those nostalgic casseroles we’ve been waiting for all year, these sides make the meal feel complete. I’ve gathered my favorite Thanksgiving sides that always get rave reviews and make hosting a little easier.
To make things simple, I’ve broken this list into categories so you can find exactly what you need. Whether you’re craving something creamy and comforting, light and veggie-packed, or a little sweet surprise, you’ll find it here. I’ve included my go-to recipes for potatoes, vegetables, dessert salads, and even a few rice dishes that deserve a spot at your Thanksgiving table.
Best Thanksgiving Potato Side Dishes
When it comes to Thanksgiving sides, potatoes are always a must at my house. From fluffy mashed potatoes to cheesy casseroles, these dishes are pure comfort food that everyone looks forward to. I love how they balance all the other flavors on the table and bring that cozy, homemade feel to every bite.
SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
This sweet potato casserole has been a must on my Thanksgiving table for as long as I can remember. I love how easy it is to make with canned sweet potatoes, a buttery brown sugar mix, and fluffy marshmallows on top. It’s simple, nostalgic, and one of those sides that always disappear fast. Whenever I serve it, people head straight for it and usually go back for seconds.
Potatoes Au Gratin
Our Potatoes au Gratin recipe is one of my go-to sides every Thanksgiving because it feels fancy but is totally doable. I love watching the thin potato slices soak in the creamy, garlicky sauce and turn golden under a blanket of melted cheese. Every time I serve it, someone comments that it tastes like it came from a restaurant, and I smile knowing it was made right in my own kitchen. It’s rich, comforting, and always a crowd favorite on my holiday table.
CRISPY SMASHED POTATOES
This Crispy Smashed Potatoes recipe is one of those sides I never skip during the holidays because it’s simple yet irresistible. I love how the potatoes turn golden and crunchy on the outside while staying creamy on the inside. Whenever I make them, people dig right in, and someone always sneaks a few extra. It’s easy, flavorful, and always earns a spot on my Thanksgiving table.
Mashed Potato Casserole
Mashed Potato Casserole has become one of my secret weapons for an easy, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side. I love that it can be made ahead and baked right before dinner, which keeps things stress-free on a busy day. The creamy potatoes, melty cheese, and crispy bacon topping always get everyone excited for seconds. It’s simple, comforting, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Loaded Mashed Potatoes is one of those indulgent sides I make when I want to spoil everyone, including myself. I mix in plenty of cream, cheese, bacon bits, and chives for the perfect comfort food combination. Every time I serve it, people light up at that first rich, creamy bite. It’s always one of the first dishes to disappear from the table.
Crack Potatoes
Crack Potatoes is one of those over-the-top comfort sides I always include when I want everyone in a food coma (in the best way). It combines creamy sauce, bacon, ranch seasoning, and loaded hash browns for a flavor-packed dish that disappears fast. Every time I bring it to a gathering, people go back for thirds before I even get a chance. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and totally worth the splurge on your Thanksgiving table.
Easy Thanksgiving Vegetable Side Dishes
I always make sure to have a few colorful veggie sides on the table to mix things up. They add a fresh pop of flavor and a little balance to all the rich dishes we love so much. These are the recipes that even the “I-don’t-like-vegetables” crowd happily scoop onto their plates.
Feta and Bacon Green Beans
Feta and Bacon Green Beans always make it onto my Thanksgiving table because they turn a simple veggie into something special. I toss crisp green beans with salty bacon, tangy vinaigrette, and creamy feta for the perfect mix of flavors. Even my kids, who usually skip the vegetables, ask for seconds. It’s quick, full of flavor, and one of my favorite ways to serve green beans.
Garlic Green Beans
That’s right, two green bean recipes in a row, because I feel that strongly that green beans should be included in your Thanksgiving dinner. These Garlic Green Beans are quick to make, full of flavor, and always a hit on my table. The garlic and Italian seasoning bring so much warmth and aroma that no one can resist them. They’re simple, fresh, and the perfect way to add a little green to all that holiday comfort food.
Green Bean Casserole
If you want to go classic, but next level green beans, then Green Bean Casserole is a sure thing. I love how the creamy mushroom sauce coats the tender green beans and the crispy onions add just the right crunch. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and always brings a wave of “this tastes just like home” from my family. No matter how many new recipes I try, this one always earns its spot at the table.
Oven-Roasted Vegetables
Oven Roasted Vegetables holds a special spot in my Thanksgiving lineup because it’s the side I turn to when I want color, texture, and zero stress. I toss carrots, peppers, onions, squash, and zucchini with olive oil, salt, and herbs, then let the oven work its magic until everything is tender and slightly caramelized. The mix of flavors and natural sweetness always surprises guests who expect plain veggies. It’s simple, honest, and one of those side dishes I’m proud to serve.
Honey Butter Skillet Corn
Honey Butter Skillet Corn is one of my favorite easy sides because it’s sweet, creamy, and impossible to resist. I melt honey butter and cream cheese with tender corn until it’s perfectly smooth and rich. It’s one of those dishes that always disappears first, and for good reason. Simple, comforting, and full of flavor, it fits right in with all the Thanksgiving favorites.
Classic Thanksgiving Dessert Salads
In my family, “dessert salads” are a Thanksgiving tradition we never skip. They’re sweet, fluffy, and just the right mix of fun and nostalgia. Whether it’s a creamy fluff salad or a fruit-filled favorite, these recipes always bring smiles (and seconds).
Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia Salad brings a sweet, creamy break from all the savory richness of Thanksgiving. I love how it comes together in one bowl with canned fruit, marshmallows, coconut, and yogurt for a light, refreshing bite. Every time I make it, people smile and are so glad there’s something sweet and simple among all the heavy dishes. It’s nostalgic, easy, and a tradition I never skip.
Cottage Cheese Jello Salad
This Cottage Cheese Jello Salad is the dish I turn to when I want a sweet, creamy break in the middle of all the heavy sides. I love how the tang of the cottage cheese balances the fruity flavors of orange Jell-O, pineapple, and mandarin oranges. Every time I serve it, someone always says it feels like dessert and dinner all at once. It’s nostalgic, light, and a unique addition that guests always ask about.
Raspberry Pretzel Salad
Raspberry Pretzel Salad is one of those sweet and salty recipes that everyone always asks about. I love the crunchy pretzel crust, creamy filling, and tart raspberry topping that come together perfectly in every bite. It’s a fun, nostalgic dish that feels special without being fussy. Every year, it ends up being one of the most talked about sides at Thanksgiving.
Grape Salad
Grape Salad is a refreshing, light side-salads I always look forward to when the table is full of rich dishes. I toss together sweet red and green grapes with a creamy mix of cream cheese, Greek yogurt, a bit of brown sugar, and lemon, then fold in crunchy walnuts for texture. It gives everyone that cool, fruity contrast they need mid-meal. It’s easy to make ahead, pretty to serve, and feels like a sweet little hug between the heavier sides.
Watergate Salad
Watergate Salad adds a pop of color and sweetness to the Thanksgiving spread. I mix pistachio pudding with crushed pineapple, marshmallows, and whipped topping for a creamy, fluffy treat that’s both retro and fun. Every time I make it, it disappears fast and reminds me why I keep it on the menu year after year. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing classic that always brings smiles.
Delicious Thanksgiving Rice Dishes
Rice might not be the first thing you think of for Thanksgiving, but trust me, it deserves a spot. These recipes are cozy, flavorful, and easy to make ahead — perfect for rounding out your feast. I love serving rice sides when I want something that feels hearty without being heavy.
Stick of Butter Rice
Stick of Butter Rice has earned a permanent spot in my Thanksgiving lineup because it feels indulgent without being complicated. I bake rice with French onion soup, beef broth, and yes—a whole stick of butter—and watch it pull together into rich, fluffy grains. When I serve it, people linger over that savory flavor and always ask how I made it. It’s bold, comforting, and one of the rice sides I look most forward to sharing.
French Onion Rice
French Onion Rice is one of my favorite surprise recipes to serve because it takes something simple — plain rice — and turns it into something unforgettable. With caramelized onion flavor from French onion soup, savory beef broth, and melted butter, each bite feels rich and comforting without being fussy. When friends taste it, they always ask what my secret is (and yes, I give away that it’s mostly about that soup + butter combo). It’s the kind of side that makes even the most straightforward meals feel special.
Souper Rice
Souper Rice is a creamy, comforting side that doesn’t demand much time or fuss. I stir together instant rice, chicken soup, broth, and Parmesan, cover it, let it steam, and it turns into something rich and velvety in just minutes. When guests taste it, they always remark how comforting and satisfying it is. It’s a simple shortcut that feels indulgent and always complements the other dishes perfectly.
Seasoned Rice
Seasoned Rice is a recipe I turn to when I want my rice to feel anything but ordinary. I sauté shallots and garlic, add spices and chicken broth, then let the rice soak it all in until every bite is aromatic and flavorful. Guests always mention how flavorful it tastes, and I love adding fresh parsley at the end for a pop of color. It’s an easy upgrade that makes this simple side feel special.
Thanksgiving might come once a year, but these side dishes make it worth the wait. No matter what kind of meal you’re planning, there’s something here that everyone will love. From creamy potatoes to colorful veggies, sweet salads, and comforting rice dishes, these recipes help make your table feel full of flavor and love. I hope they become part of your family’s Thanksgiving traditions, just like they have with mine.
