40 Best Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

Introduction

When Thanksgiving comes around, it’s the side dishes that truly steal the show. From creamy mashed potatoes to vibrant vegetable medleys, a thoughtfully curated selection of sides elevates the entire holiday meal and brings everyone together at the table. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or attending a potluck, this comprehensive list of the 40 best Thanksgiving side dish recipes is sure to have something for every taste and tradition.

A Feast of Flavor and Variety

What makes these Thanksgiving side dishes stand out? It’s all about comforting flavors, contrasting textures, and tried-and-true favorites with a creative twist. With everything from classic green bean casseroles to inventive roasted root vegetables, you’ll find options for both traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike. Serve these crowd-pleasers alongside your roast turkey, and you’re guaranteed a dazzling spread.

Side Dishes That Steal the Spotlight

At its heart, a successful Thanksgiving meal is all about balance: creamy alongside crispy, tangy next to sweet, and rich flavors offset by fresh, simple sides. Below are 40 varied recipes, each designed to shine in its own right while complementing your main course.

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Side Selection

From make-ahead casseroles to quick stovetop sautés, this collection covers all the essentials. Here’s a preview of the deliciousness you can expect:

1. Classic Creamy Mashed Potatoes
2. Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
3. Candied Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
4. Herb and Sausage Stuffing
5. Green Bean Almondine
6. Maple Glazed Carrots
7. Cornbread Dressing
8. Sautéed Haricots Verts
9. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
10. Cranberry Orange Relish
11. Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage
12. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
13. Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
14. Sweet Corn Pudding
15. Apple and Walnut Stuffing
16. Rosemary Roasted Red Potatoes
17. Creamed Spinach
18. Caramelized Onion Gravy
19. Wild Rice Pilaf with Pecans
20. Honey Glazed Parsnips
21. Classic Dinner Rolls
22. Brown Sugar Roasted Acorn Squash
23. Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread
24. Mashed Rutabaga and Carrots
25. Pecan-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole
26. Roasted Rainbow Carrots
27. Cauliflower Gratin
28. Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
29. Corn Maque Choux
30. Gouda and Bacon Potato Gratin
31. Garlic Herb Mushrooms
32. Apple Cranberry Coleslaw
33. Creamy Pumpkin Risotto
34. Southern Collard Greens
35. Sourdough Bread Stuffing
36. Classic Deviled Eggs
37. Savory Bread Pudding
38. Sage Brown Butter Roasted Vegetables
39. Italian Style Green Beans
40. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

💡 Meal Planning Tip: Save this Thanksgiving side dish collection to instantly create an organized shopping list. All your ingredients will be automatically sorted by store section for ultra-efficient holiday grocery trips.

Instructions

1. Choose your favorite side dish recipes from the list above.
2. Review the ingredients for each selected recipe and check what you already have at home.
3. Prepare a shopping list with all the necessary items, grouping similar ingredients together for efficiency.
4. Start with the recipes that can be made ahead of time (like casseroles or relishes), and plan simple vegetable dishes for the day of.
5. Follow each specific recipe’s instructions—most side dishes can be prepped before guests arrive and finished just before serving.
6. Reheat make-ahead dishes as needed and finish with fresh garnishes for beautiful presentation.

Weekly Meal Planning

Thanksgiving shouldn’t be overwhelming—especially when it comes to side dishes! Save your favorites and build your meal plan for the holiday and the days after. With CookifyAI, you can:

– Schedule when to prepare each side and plan leftovers
– Generate a consolidated shopping list that combines ingredients for all your chosen recipes
– Automatically calculate total ingredient needs so you buy just the right amount (no more running out of butter or herbs!)
– Organize shopping by store section and prevent duplicate purchases

Pro tip: If you’re planning several Thanksgiving meals—or want easy leftover dishes for the rest of the week—CookifyAI helps you see which ingredients overlap, so you can batch cook and reduce waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: Varies by dish (average 10–25 minutes per recipe)
Cook Time: Varies by dish (average 20–50 minutes per recipe)
Total Time: Most sides can be prepared and cooked within 1 hour each, with many suitable for make-ahead options.

Celebrate with flavor, variety, and ease by bringing these 40 Thanksgiving side dish recipes to your table—your guests will be thankful for every bite!