Thanksgiving side dishes have always been the part of the meal I look forward to most. From long-loved classics to recipes with a bit of a twist, this roundup gathers some of our favorite ways to fill out the holiday table.
Stuffing Recipes (or Dressing)
No Thanksgiving menu is complete without a great stuffing or dressing. From cornbread-based recipes to flavorful bread stuffings with herbs, fruit, or sausage, these dishes add warmth and hearty comfort to the meal.
Traditional Bread Stuffing with Herbs
This classic bread stuffing is perfect when you want a side that’s simple, savory, and reliably delicious. Fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme, buttery sautéed veggies, and hearty white bread cubes give it plenty of flavor and a buttery, fluffy texture with crisp edges.
Cranberry-Pecan Stuffing
This Cranberry Pecan Stuffing adds a sweet-savory twist to traditional bread dressing. It’s made with a mix of hearty wheat and white breads, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and herbs, and it can easily be prepared as a vegetarian side by using vegetable broth.
Sausage and Chestnut Stuffing
This Sausage and Chestnut Stuffing is rich, rustic, and full of cozy autumn flavor. The combination of cornbread and white bread creates a tender base that complements the savory sausage and sweet, earthy chestnuts.
Italian Sausage Stuffing with Parmesan and Herbs
A family favorite for years, this hearty Italian Sausage Stuffing is filled with sausage, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. It’s rich, comforting, and a delicious match for turkey.
Potatoes and Root Vegetables
From creamy mashed potatoes to roasted sweet potatoes and caramelized roots, this category brings cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort. These recipes are simple to prepare and pair beautifully with turkey.
Buttermilk Sweet Potato Casserole
This Sweet Potato Casserole is smooth, sweet, and a little tangy from the buttermilk, baked with a crunchy brown-sugar pecan topping. It’s been a staple on my family’s Thanksgiving table for decades.
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes come out extra creamy with the addition of cream cheese. They hold up well to reheating, making them a dependable side when the kitchen is busy. And of course, they’re made for soaking up turkey gravy.
Brown Butter Whipped Sweet Potatoes
Brown butter brings deep, nutty richness to these smooth and airy whipped sweet potatoes. Roasting the sweet potatoes first enhances their natural sweetness and adds a subtle caramelized note. It’s an elegant, simple side that pairs well with everything on the table.
Roasted Root Vegetables
This medley of roasted carrots, parsnips, and other roots caramelizes beautifully in the oven for a naturally sweet, earthy side dish. A touch of olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs keeps the preparation simple while letting the vegetables shine.
Air Fryer Root Vegetables (Maple Glazed)
These maple-glazed root vegetables cook up quickly in the air fryer, giving you tender centers and lightly crisp edges while freeing up valuable oven space. A light maple glaze adds gentle sweetness and enhances the vegetables’ natural flavor.
Cranberry Sauce Recipes
Sweet, tart, and vibrant, cranberry sauce is the bright note that balances the richness of the Thanksgiving plate. Whether you prefer a classic whole-berry recipe or something with citrus or wine, these sauces are easy to make and even easier to love.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
This classic homemade cranberry sauce has the right balance of tart and sweet, and it comes together in just a few minutes. The berries burst as they simmer, creating a ruby-red sauce that pairs beautifully with turkey or ham.
Port Wine Cranberry Sauce
Port wine, balsamic, honey, and herbs bring a velvety richness and savory notes to this elegant cranberry sauce. Make it ahead and pair it with turkey or ham, or let it shine as a flavorful addition to a holiday cheese board.
Apple Orange Cranberry Sauce
Fresh apples and bright orange make this cranberry sauce sweet-tart, vibrant, and aromatic. The fruit adds body and complexity while keeping the flavors familiar and comforting. Add an optional splash of Grand Marnier adds an extra festive touch.
Brandied Cherry Cranberry Sauce
This sauce blends tart cranberries with sweet-tart cherries and a splash of brandy for elegant, rich flavor. The brandy adds warmth without overpowering the fruit, creating a balanced and luxurious finish. It’s a standout accompaniment that pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or a holiday roast.
Mulled Wine Cranberry Sauce
This mulled wine cranberry sauce takes its cue from Vin Chaud, with warm spices, apple cider, and red wine simmered together. Orange zest and the wine give the cranberries a deep, rounded flavor without making the sauce heavy. It’s a cozy, festive addition to any holiday table.
Green Vegetables and Salads
Fresh green sides add a welcome balance to your Thanksgiving side dishes. Whether it’s crisp salads, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sautéed green beans, these dishes bring color and a lighter counterpoint to the richer parts of the meal.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate Glaze
These Brussels sprouts roast up with plenty of caramelized edges and a toasty flavor. A pomegranate glaze gives them a tart, glossy finish that brightens dish. It’s an easy side that adds both color rich flavor to the Thanksgiving plate.
Pear Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette
This salad layers sweet pears with bitter frisee lettuce, caramelized pecans, and blue cheese for a mix of textures and flavors that feels right at home in fall. The warm maple-bacon vinaigrette ties everything together without weighing it down. It’s a refreshing addition to a holiday menu while still keeping the cozy, seasonal feel.
Haricots Verts with Lemon-Herb Brown Butter
Tender haricots verts are tossed in a lemony brown butter sauce that’s simple but full of flavor. Fresh herbs keep the dish bright while the brown butter adds depth. It’s a quick, elegant green side that pairs well with any Thanksgiving main.
Fig Salad with Goat Cheese and Baby Arugula
This fig and arugula salad balances sweet fruit, peppery greens, and creamy goat cheese for a beautiful mix of textures and flavors. A light walnut oil and white balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together, adding a vibrant, fresh touch to your holiday menu.
Delicata Squash Salad with Brown Butter Vinaigrette
Roasted delicata squash adds natural sweetness and a tender bite to this fall-inspired baby spinach salad. The brown butter vinaigrette gives it a warm, nutty richness that feels right at home on a Thanksgiving table.
