25 Thanksgiving Sides That’ll Have Everyone Forgetting the Turkey

Thanksgiving sides are where the real magic happens, turning a simple meal into something unforgettable. These 25 recipes prove that the turkey isn’t the only reason people rush to the table. From creamy classics to fresh takes on old favorites, each one holds its own as a holiday standout. By the end, you might just wonder why the bird ever got top billing in the first place.

Roasted acorn squash slices garnished with chopped herbs and shredded cheese, served on a white plate with sprigs of fresh parsley. — Roasted Acorn Squash. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

A side dish of green beans topped with crispy fried onions,. — Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions cook in about 25 minutes and bring a sharp, savory flavor to the Thanksgiving table. Fresh beans get a quick sauté with garlic and a topping of crisp fried onions for crunch and contrast. It’s a simple side dish that tastes far richer than the effort it takes. No one misses the casserole version once these hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Cranberry Apple Stuffing

A glass baking dish filled with a baked stuffing sits on a wooden cutting board. A serving spoon is in the stuffing, and a red cloth is draped to the left, perfect for cozy fall recipes. — Cranberry Apple Stuffing. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cranberry Apple Stuffing bakes in about an hour and brings together bread, apples, cranberries, and herbs in one balanced Thanksgiving side. The fruit adds sweetness while the herbs give it that classic holiday aroma. The contrast between the soft center and golden crust keeps each bite interesting. It’s the kind of stuffing that makes turkey feel optional.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts roast for 30 minutes until the edges crisp and the glaze turns sweet and tangy. The combination of olive oil and vinegar gives them a deep, caramelized finish that wins over even the skeptics. They’re quick to make yet look like something from a restaurant plate. These sprouts are the kind of side that steals attention from everything else on the platter.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Mashed cauliflower in a white bowl. — Loaded Cauliflower Mash. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Loaded Cauliflower Mash comes together in 30 minutes with steamed cauliflower, cheddar cheese, and sour cream for a rich, smooth texture. It’s the perfect stand-in for mashed potatoes when you want something a little lighter but still comforting. The creamy flavor holds its own against any Thanksgiving gravy or roast. People always go back for seconds once they find out it’s part of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad takes about 25 minutes and stays crisp long after it’s dressed, making it great for Thanksgiving prep. The mix of apples, cranberries, and nuts brings a mix of crunch and sweetness to balance heavier dishes. It feels bright but still seasonal enough to belong on the holiday table. Guests who thought they didn’t like Brussels sprouts always ask for the recipe after this one.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage. — Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes take roughly 40 minutes and deliver that smooth, buttery texture every Thanksgiving meal needs. Yukon Golds blend easily with cream and butter for a side that defines comfort food. They’re easy to make ahead and stay fluffy when reheated. The bowl always empties fast because this is one dish nobody forgets to grab first.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey Garlic Carrots roast in 30 minutes, turning tender carrots into a glossy, flavorful side. The honey caramelizes slightly while the garlic adds a bold contrast that pairs perfectly with roasted meats. It’s quick to make but feels festive enough for Thanksgiving dinner. Their shiny glaze makes them one of the first dishes people notice.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Baked sweet potato slices on a cutting board with a spoon. — Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices take about 35 minutes and come out tender inside with crisp, caramelized edges. The brown sugar and cinnamon coat each slice in a sweet glaze that highlights classic Thanksgiving flavors. They’re easy to arrange on a sheet pan and roast while other dishes cook. Somehow, these humble slices always end up being the most talked-about side.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Zesty Butter Beans

Cooked butter beans in a skillet with herbs and seasonings. — Zesty Butter Beans. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Zesty Butter Beans simmer for 25 minutes and bring a creamy yet bright side to the Thanksgiving spread. Garlic, herbs, and lemon give them depth while keeping the flavor fresh. Their smooth texture contrasts well with crispy and roasted dishes on the table. This easy recipe proves beans can hold their own next to any holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Butter Beans

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan. — Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms takes 30 minutes and transforms simple ingredients into a rich, savory side. Garlic, broth, and mushrooms give it depth while the cauliflower keeps it light but hearty. It’s a dish that works perfectly for Thanksgiving when you want variety beyond the classics. Every spoonful feels comforting without weighing down the plate.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

A bowl of creamy potato salad with specks of pepper, garnished with cherry tomatoes and lettuce on a decorative white plate. — Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad comes together in about 45 minutes with potatoes, eggs, vinegar, and mustard for bold, tangy flavor. It’s creamy yet sharp, adding variety to a Thanksgiving table filled with rich sides. This salad can be made ahead and tastes even better after sitting overnight. It brings a nostalgic touch that balances the holiday meal perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

A dish of beets, sweet potatoes, and parsnips roasted in the oven with sprigs of sage. — Oven Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables roast for about 45 minutes and bring earthy sweetness to the Thanksgiving spread. Carrots, parsnips, and potatoes caramelize until crisp on the edges and soft in the center. They add color, texture, and a sense of comfort to any plate. By the end of dinner, only the herbs are left on the pan.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Plate of butternut squash in front of an air fryer with a blue napkin in the background. — Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Butternut Squash takes just 20 minutes, making it one of the fastest sides you can serve for Thanksgiving. Cubes of squash crisp up on the outside while staying soft and buttery inside. It’s simple, flavorful, and frees up oven space for bigger dishes. Guests always reach for seconds because it’s too good to pass by.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes take 45 minutes and turn a classic side into something special for Thanksgiving dinner. The browned butter adds a nutty depth while the garlic blends smoothly into every bite. They’re rich enough to stand alone but still welcome a drizzle of gravy. Once on the table, these potatoes usually disappear before anything else does.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish. — Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes bake in about an hour, giving time for the skins to crisp and the filling to turn creamy inside. Mashed potato centers mix with cheese, butter, and green onions for that over-the-top flavor people expect at Thanksgiving. They can be made ahead and reheated without losing texture. Every scoop feels like comfort in its best form.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Small baking dish with scalloped potatoes. — Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy Scalloped Potatoes bake in about an hour and fill the kitchen with the smell of cheese and cream bubbling together. Each layer of potatoes softens into a rich, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with any main dish. This side dish feels timeless and festive at the same time. It’s one of those Thanksgiving recipes that people look for the moment they sit down.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Cranberry Fluff

Cranberry Fluff takes just 15 minutes to mix and chills into a creamy, fruit-filled side that doubles as dessert. The tart cranberries balance the sweetness for a light, nostalgic dish that feels like the holidays. It adds color and contrast to the table without any effort. Every spoonful brings a burst of flavor that feels perfectly at home next to savory sides.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Fluff

Fruit Salad with Pecans and Honey Dressing

A closeup is shown of Thanksgiving Fruit Salad with apples, grapes, pears, oranges, and pecans. — Fruit Salad with Pecans and Honey Dressing. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Fruit Salad with Pecans and Honey Dressing comes together in about 20 minutes and brings freshness to the Thanksgiving table. The apples, pears, and grapes stay crisp while the honey dressing adds a touch of sweetness. The pecans add crunch and keep it from feeling too light. It’s the kind of side that refreshes your palate between all the rich dishes.
Get the Recipe: Fruit Salad with Pecans and Honey Dressing

Almond, Cranberry and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole

Baked almond, cranberry, and sweet potato stuffing with oats and rosemary in a glass dish. — Almond, Cranberry and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Almond, Cranberry and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole bakes in about an hour and combines sweet potatoes with tart cranberries and nuts for texture. The result is both hearty and festive, with a balance of sweet and savory that works perfectly for Thanksgiving. It reheats well and brings variety to the usual stuffing lineup. People always remember this one after the meal is over.
Get the Recipe: Almond, Cranberry and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic

Roasted brussels sprouts with pomegranate and goat cheese. — Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic cook in just 15 minutes and free up valuable oven space. The air fryer gives them a crisp finish while the toppings add bursts of flavor and color. They’re easy to make but look impressive on the table. Even the skeptics end up piling these on their plates.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic

Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole bakes in about 40 minutes and brings all the creamy comfort that defines Thanksgiving. Tender beans mix with savory sauce and a golden topping that stays crisp. It’s the side that feels like home and tradition in one bite. No matter how many dishes you make, this one always gets cleaned out first.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Garlic and Herb Stuffing

Garlic herb stuffing with toasted bread cubes and fresh herbs in a serving bowl. — Garlic and Herb Stuffing. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Garlic and Herb Stuffing takes about an hour to bake and fills the kitchen with the unmistakable scent of Thanksgiving. Cubed bread soaks up broth and butter, while herbs and garlic add depth and aroma. It’s easy to make ahead and reheat without drying out. This stuffing easily earns a spot beside or even in place of the turkey.
Get the Recipe: Garlic and Herb Stuffing

Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

Golden fondant potatoes coated in garlic butter and arranged neatly in a skillet. — Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes take about an hour and combine crisp, golden tops with soft, buttery centers. The slow roasting gives them a luxurious texture that feels right at home on a Thanksgiving spread. They look elegant but are surprisingly simple to make. Once people taste them, it’s hard for anything else on the plate to compete.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes coated in glossy orange glaze on a baking sheet. — Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes roast in about 40 minutes and bring bright, citrus flavor to a holiday classic. The glaze caramelizes around the sweet potatoes, giving them a glossy, rich coating. It’s both comforting and refreshing in one bite. This side keeps things interesting while staying true to Thanksgiving flavors.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Roasted Acorn Squash

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced. — Roasted Acorn Squash. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Roasted Acorn Squash takes about 35 minutes and captures the essence of fall in every tender, golden slice. The natural sweetness deepens as it roasts, making it perfect for Thanksgiving sides that balance hearty mains. It’s simple to prepare and easy to serve family-style. The color alone makes it feel like a dish worth celebrating.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Acorn Squash

Can’t stop thinking about the sides? Find more to love in my side dish recipes.