Need a little inspiration for Thanksgiving side dishes? You’ve come to the right spot! I’ve rounded up the best options for you – from roasted vegetables and casseroles to potatoes cooked a myriad of ways (mashed, baked, candied, you name it!). I’m all about easy, healthy, and foolproof recipes on the big day!
Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes I’ve Ever Made
While a perfectly roasted turkey always takes center stage at Thanksgiving, the truth is that having a good assortment of side dishes is key. And the best Thanksgiving sides can often outshine the turkey! So here are a few things to think about:
- Classics are classics for a reason: While you can get creative in the kitchen, don’t look past mainstay classics like creamy mashed potatoes, honey glazed carrots, and balsamic bacon Brussels sprouts. These three are a must (if I do say so myself).
- Offer a mix of textures, flavors, and colors: The beauty of a Thanksgiving table is the wide variety it offers. So lean into that bright yellow creamed corn, vibrant orange sweet potato casserole and deep red cranberry sauce.
- Balance lighter options with heartier ones: We all love carbs on Thanksgiving, but remember to balance your dinner spread with veggie-forward dishes, refreshing salads, and cozy soups.
- Multitask with different appliances: The kitchen is a crowded place on Thanksgiving, so make sure to choose some sides made on the stove, some made in the oven, and some made in an air fryer (yes, it works great!).
- My top 10 list: And if you’re really undecided on what to make, I’m starting you off with my top 10 Thanksgiving side dishes below. These are reader favorite recipes year after year!
Top 10 Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Best Mashed Potatoes: A quintessential side dish that’s a no-brainer for your Thanksgiving dinner table. This is a no-fail recipe that ensures the fluffiest and creamiest consistency.
Sweet Potato Casserole: Whipped sweet potatoes are given an even sweeter boost with maple syrup and warming spices, then topped with a nutty pecan crumble. No marshmallows are needed here!
Honey Glazed Carrots: This easy sheet pan recipe transforms the simple carrot into a highly addictive side dish. It’s sweet, savory, and beautifully caramelized.
Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash: Make this savory twist on roasted acorn squash with herbs and shredded parmesan cheese. It’s a perennial winner and reader favorite!
Creamed Corn: This classic Thanksgiving side dish is buttery, rich, perfectly chunky, and will satisfy all corn lovers. Plus, it’s super easy to make with frozen corn!
Candied Yams: For an extra sweet touch to the table, everyone will love these candied yams. They’re tossed in a buttery, sugar-spiced glaze and baked to perfection.
Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts: For an elevated Brussels sprouts side dish, roast the sprouts, then toss with crispy bacon bits and a sweet balsamic glaze. This one always disappears fast!
Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes: A side of roasted potatoes is a given. And I’m partial to this easy recipe that’s loaded with extra garlic and herbs for a savory touch.
Stuffed Mushrooms: These are stuffed with the best cheesy, herby, and garlicky filling, then baked until golden with crumbled pecans on top!
Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce is a million times better than any store-bought version. And this one is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and a hint of orange.
Mashed Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Swap white potatoes for these sweet and savory spuds. They’re naturally sweet and vibrant.
Mashed Cauliflower: This is an easy way to sneak more veggies into your dinner spread, with garlicky herb goodness.
Mashed Butternut Squash: Don’t forget that you can mash butternut squash into the best side dish.
Roasted Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A classic Thanksgiving dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. And I a few flavor enhancement ideas on the recipe post.
Twice Baked Potatoes: The holiday side dish that always disappears fast! They’re creamy, cheesy, and dotted with bacon and chives.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These sweet potato cubes are tossed in delicious spices, then roasted until they have slightly caramelized edges.
Roasted Broccoli: All broccoli needs is fresh garlic and parmesan cheese to make it an outstanding side dish. And if you have an air fryer, this air fryer broccoli provides equally delicious results.
Roasted Butternut Squash: In addition to sweet potatoes, don’t forget that you can dice and roast little cubes of butternut squash. They have a sweet yet nutty flavor that makes them a great complement to other dishes on the table.
Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower: Roasted cauliflower is great. But when you add za’atar spice, dates, pine nuts, and thyme to the mix, it definitely kicks it up a couple notches.
Smashed Potatoes: If you’re looking for a new way to serve a side of potatoes this Thanksgiving, these smashed potatoes are it! They’re seasoned with garlic parmesan goodness and made extra crispy.
Baked Sweet Potato: Baked potatoes are a classic, but who can resist baked sweet potatoes! Just pop them in the oven and load them up with toppings like butter, green onion, chives, and sour cream.
Cabbage Steaks: If you’ve got cabbage lovers around the table, this is a deliciously unique side. Just don’t forget the roasted red pepper tahini to drizzle on top!
Sautéed Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Sauteed Cabbage: When sautéed, cabbage becomes beautifully caramelized and sweet! But the onions and garlic make it even better.
Sautéed Carrots with Bacon Dijon Dressing: I love carrots at Thanksgiving. But when I’m not making my honey-glazed recipe, this version with a bacon Dijon dressing is SO good.
Garlic Sauteed Spinach: Fresh spinach leaves become perfectly wilted with a savory, garlicky aroma. Don’t overlook an easy Thanksgiving side dish such as this — it only takes 10 minutes!
Green Beans with Shallots and Lemon: Green beans are a classic for Thanksgiving. But give them some oomph with shallots, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest!
Fried Cabbage: The crispy bacon and Dijon mustard gives this fried cabbage a really big flavor enhancement. This is a personal favorite!
Casserole Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Healthy Green Bean Casserole: This healthy green bean casserole skips the canned soup. Instead, it has layers of fresh green beans, a creamy homemade mushroom sauce, and it’s topped with crispy shallots for the perfect crunch.
Scalloped Potatoes: This one is admittedly a bit decadent, as the potatoes simmer in a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce. But if that sounds like your jam, this side dish is one to indulge in.
Lighter Turkey Casserole: If you’re doing an alternative main this year but still want some turkey flavor, this is a great casserole idea. Chopped turkey is tossed with wild rice, peas, and a simple mushroom gravy sauce.
Air Fryer Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Air Fryer Baked Potato: Made in the air fryer, these baked potatoes have a crispy skin, and soft, fluffy insides. They’re the perfect base for adding your favorite toppings!
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: While roasted Brussels sprouts are a staple recipe, I love that the edges on these sprouts are even crispier!
Air Fryer Broccoli: This is the best way to get crisp-tender broccoli in under 10 minutes. Just toss the florets with a simple seasoning and then pop them into the air fryer.
Air Fryer Carrots: These perfectly cooked carrots are seasoned just right, and super speedy in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Green Beans: The best part (in my opinion) is that the air fryer adds that addictively crispy touch to them. So the end result is tender-crisp green beans with toasted edges. Delicious!
Salad Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Waldorf Salad: It’s hard to resist this simple (and classic) fruit and nut salad tossed in a tangy-sweet, creamy dressing. There’s a reason why this salad is super popular for Thanksgiving, it’s so refreshing!
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Cranberries and Apples: If you’re not roasting Brussels sprouts, this salad needs to be on your table. It’s a simple mix of Brussels sprouts, red apples, and cranberries – tossed in a homemade lemon vinaigrette.
Broccoli Salad: You can never go wrong with bringing a big bowl of broccoli salad to a holiday dinner party!
Spaghetti Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Crispy Shallots: Have a spaghetti squash on hand? Whip up this easy side dish with leftover Brussels sprouts and crispy shallots. It’s tender and crispy, all in one dish.
Classic Potato Salad: There’s a reason why this potato salad is requested every holiday season! It’s my mom’s special recipe.
German Potato Salad: Baby red potatoes are gently tossed with a tangy and savory bacon Dijon dressing that makes this hard to stop at one bite.
Roasted Red Pepper and Chickpea Salad: This roasted chickpea salad ticks all the boxes for unique, flavorful, and loaded with fresh veggies. Just prep some roasted chickpeas prior to making it!
Massaged Kale Salad: Even though this salad is simple, it’s surprisingly flavorful and will add a fresh, vibrant, green touch to your menu.
Cozy Soup Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Butternut Squash Soup: Without a doubt, butternut squash soup is one of those must-make recipes of the season. It’s naturally creamy, savory, and celebrates butternut squash in the best possible way.
Potato Leek Soup: If you can grab some leeks at this time of year, you won’t want to skip this potato leek soup. It has a ton of flavor and adds a cozy vibe all around.
Beet Soup: Not only is this soup perfect for adding a bright pop of red to the table, but it’s such a delicious way to enjoy beets this season.
Roasted Cauliflower Soup: Light and comforting, this cauliflower soup is perfect for serving on the side and a sneaky way to add in more veggies.
Sweet Potato Soup: In addition to casseroles and mashed sides, you can turn sweet potatoes into a velvety, and delicious soup.
More Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas
If you make any of these Thanksgiving sides, I’d love to know how they turned out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration (and exclusive content), join my free newsletter.
Description
When it comes to the best Thanksgiving side dishes, these honey glazed carrots are a must-make recipe. And they’re an easy sheet pan recipe!
-
Preheat your oven to 425F (220C). Then, cut the carrots on a diagonal, about 1″-1 ½” in length. If your carrots are large and thick, you can slice them in half as well.
-
In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced carrots with the honey, garlic, butter, oil, and spices.
-
Pour the carrots and glaze onto a sheet pan and spread them out.
-
Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through. You can also broil for 2 to 3 minutes, to get caramelization on the edges.
-
Transfer the carrots to a serving dish and garnish with chopped herbs.
- To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- To Freeze: Use a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
- For Reheating: Simply reheat in the microwave until the carrots are warmed through.
- I always recommend a heavy duty sheet pan when roasting veggies in the oven, so that your pan doesn’t warp and twist.
Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 499mg | Potassium: 746mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 38064IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 1mg
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Originally posted November 2020, but updated to include new recipes and information for your benefit!