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110 Best Thanksgiving Sides for the Ultimate Holiday Menu

They outshine the turkey every year.

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thanksgiving side dishes
RALPH SMITH

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Watch out, turkey: It's time to let the Thanksgiving side dishes shine! Sure, the roasted bird gets a ton of attention as the main course on your holiday menu, but it’s the Thanksgiving sides that really steal the show. Even Ree Drummond admits that the creamy mashed potatoes and Thanksgiving dressing are her favorites: "Sometimes, I even forget to put the turkey on my plate," she says. Looking to fill your table with all the best side dishes? Here, you’ll find the ultimate round-up of more than 100 family-approved Thanksgiving sides, including show-stopping veggies, comforting Thanksgiving casseroles, and more.

Of course, this collection of sides has all the classics that are considered Thanksgiving traditions: potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing recipes, and green bean recipes. Plus, there are plenty of new fall dishes, too. Think: twice-baked sweet potatoes with streusel topping, pumpkin mac and cheese, or Thanksgiving bread recipes like the cheesy pull-apart garlic bread. Not sure which direction to choose? Start with some traditional sides then add in a couple of exciting new recipes to keep all your guests satisfied. After all, no one will be upset if you have a few Thanksgiving leftovers. 😉

1

Mashed Potato Casserole

mashed potato casserole thanksgiving side dish
C.W. Newell

Take your mashed potatoes to the next level by adding bacon, cheese, crispy fried onions, and even potato chips! It's guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds.

Get Ree's Mashed Potato Casserole recipe.

SHOP CASSEROLE DISHES

2

Green Beans Almondine

green bean almondine thanksgiving side dish
C.W. Newell

These tender green beans are tossed with butter, lemon, shallots, garlic, and crunchy toasted almonds. But the best part? They’ll be on the table in just 30 minutes.

Get the Green Beans Almondine recipe.

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3

Roasted Carrots with Honey Herb Butter

roasted carrots with honey herb butter thanksgiving side dish
David Malosh

The sweet and savory flavor of these roasted carrots are perfect for a Thanksgiving feast. Plus, they'll add a pop of color to your holiday table.

Get Ree's Roasted Carrots with Honey Herb Butter recipe.

4

Cornbread Stuffing with Chorizo

cornbread stuffing with chorizo thanksgiving side dish
David Malosh

Everything about this stuffing is loaded with flavor: the cornbread, chorizo, poblano peppers, and fresh herbs.

Get Ree's Cornbread Stuffing with Chorizo recipe.

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5

Baby Kale Salad with Acorn Squash

baby kale salad with acorn squash thanksgiving side dish
David Malosh

Add something fresh to your holiday table with this baby kale salad. It's full of autumnal flavor thanks to the roasted acorn squash, dried cranberries, and roasted pepitas.

Get Ree's Baby Kale Salad with Acorn Squash recipe.

SHOP SALAD BOWLS

6

Buttermilk Ranch Angel Biscuits

buttermilk ranch angel biscuits thanksgiving side dish
Will Dickey

These fluffy biscuits have an extra addition that makes them perfect for special occasions—they're flavored with ranch seasoning! Even the pretty herb garnish on top feels like an elegant touch.

Get the Buttermilk Ranch Angel Biscuits recipe.

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7

Creamy Potatoes with Chives

creamy potatoes with chives thanksgiving side dish
Con Poulos

Thanksgiving isn't a time to hold back, so these potatoes are extra-decadent, rich, and creamy! Just the way they should be.

Get Ree's Creamy Potatoes with Chives recipe.

8

Cranberry Sauce

homemade cranberry sauce thanksgiving side dish
Ralph Smith

For a classic cranberry sauce without too many bells and whistles, this homemade version will do the trick. You only need four ingredients to make it.

Get Ree's Cranberry Sauce recipe.

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9

Pumpkin Risotto

pumpkin risotto thanksgiving side dish
Caitlin Bensel

This creamy risotto is a fun new way to serve up something autumnal. It's made with pumpkin puree so it has tons of fall flavor. Just don't forget to finish it off with roasted pepitas on top.

Get the Pumpkin Risotto recipe.

10

Waldorf Salad

waldorf salad savory apple recipes
Will Dickey

This fresh, crunchy salad is made with chopped apples, grapes, celery, and nuts. You can serve it in a bowl or make elegant little lettuce wraps for a fun presentation.

Get the Waldorf Salad recipe.

SHOP DINNERWARE

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11

Herb Focaccia

herb focaccia thanksgiving side dish
Will Dickey

A basket of homemade bread will certainly impress your guests! This one is a fluffy loaf of focaccia that's packed with fresh parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme.

Get the Herb Focaccia recipe.

12

Mashed Potato and Wild Rice Stuffed Mushrooms

mashed potato and wild rice stuffed mushrooms thanksgiving side dish
Brenda Score / The Pioneer Woman

Enjoy the flavors of both mashed potatoes and wild rice stuffing in bite-sized form with these mini stuffed mushrooms. It'll be hard to stop at just one!

Get the Mashed Potato and Wild Rice Stuffed Mushrooms recipe.

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13

Giblet Gravy

giblet gravy thanksgiving side dish
Con Poulos

Made with giblets and the drippings from a roasted turkey, this gravy is the finishing touch on every Thanksgiving plate. It's not too thick, not too thin, but just right!

Get Ree’s Giblet Gravy recipe.

14

Quinoa and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash

quinoa and mushroom stuffed acorn squash thanksgiving side dish
Ralph Smith

Looking for a hearty side dish to satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters, alike? This stuffed acorn squash is your answer! It can double as a main course.

Get Ree’s Quinoa and Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe.

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15

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

air fryer brussels sprouts thanksgiving side dish
Will Dickey

Add a couple of easy side dishes (that don't take up oven space) to your menu. These seasonal Brussels sprouts are a crispy delight that come together in 25 minutes or less.

Get the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe.

SHOP AIR FRYERS

16

Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole

broccoli cheese and cracker casserole thanksgiving side dish
Danielle Daly

It doesn't get more comforting than broccoli and cheese sauce with loads of buttery crackers. Even picky eaters will agree to a scoop of this cheesy dish.

Get Ree's Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole recipe.

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17

Apple Cranberry Sauce

apple cranberry sauce thanksgiving side dish
Danielle Daly

A sweet-tart cranberry sauce will add plenty of zing to your holiday table. This one is made with seasonal apples, fresh cranberries, and bright orange zest.

Get the Apple Cranberry Sauce recipe.

18

Sausage Stuffing

sausage stuffing thanksgiving side dish
Danielle Daly

For a fluffy, pudding-like stuffing, try this recipe made with a combination of soft white sandwich bread and crusty French bread. It's the perfect textural experience!

Get the Sausage Stuffing recipe.

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19

Thanksgiving Salad

thanksgiving salad

How pretty is this Thanksgiving salad?! It also adds nice crunch thanks to the crisp apples, radicchio, fennel, and smoked almonds.

Get the Thanksgiving Salad recipe.

20

Slow Cooker Green Beans

slow cooker green beans thanksgiving side dish
Caitlin Bensel

These green beans are slow cooked in a sauce of tomatoes, garlic, paprika, and thick-cut bacon. So you know they're going to be loaded with flavor!

Get the Slow Cooker Green Beans recipe.

SHOP SLOW COOKERS

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