17 Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas That Shut Up the Critics

ByMandy

Every family has that one self-proclaimed food expert who thinks they’re hosting a cooking show. Surprise them this Thanksgiving with 17 side dish ideas that make their commentary disappear faster than the mashed potatoes. These dishes know how to grab attention without stealing the spotlight.

A bowl of creamy spinach topped with grated cheese, being stirred with a spoon.
Rich Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Plates get scraped clean every time this classic hits the table. Cheesy Funeral Potatoes bring a creamy center and crisp top that makes seconds a must. Even the biggest critics end up quiet. Leftovers rarely make it to the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A plate of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with pine nuts on parchment paper.
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Tables get more interesting when crispy bites show up with a sweet drizzle. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze turn doubters into fans with every forkful. Works great with other veggie sides or solo. Always surprises picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

A slice of cheesy eggplant lasagna with tomato sauce is being lifted from a pan, showing stretchy melted cheese. A bowl is blurred in the background.
Cheesy Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Even the veggie-resistant crowd digs in when the layers melt together just right. Cheesy Eggplant Casserole stacks up flavor in each bite and looks great sliced. Think comfort food that earns compliments. Impossible for anyone to complain.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

Classic Southern Cornbread

Close-up of two stacked pieces of cornbread with melted butter on top, showcasing a golden-brown crust and moist, crumbly texture.
Classic Southern Cornbread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Warm golden squares bring a real comfort vibe to any meal. Classic Southern Cornbread is easy to eat with stew or just with butter. Crumbles up great for soaking up gravy. No side dish fights when this is on the table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Cornbread

Crunchy Celery Salad

A bowl filled with chopped celery, red onion, apples, almonds, and fresh herbs.
Crunchy Celery Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes you just want something pleasing and crisp with a little snap in every bite. Crunchy Celery Salad fills that gap and mixes up basic spreads. Goes well with heavy dishes. Makes even veggie haters pause for another scoop.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad

Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

A bowl of risotto topped with roasted pumpkin pieces, grated cheese, and fresh parsley, with a checkered napkin and herbs nearby.
Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy never goes out of style once risotto hits the plate next to mains. Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto is silky and keeps forks moving at the table. Each spoonful balances out big flavors. Quiet plates mean everyone is too busy eating.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries with a dipping sauce.
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fries always steal the show for those who want a side that’s easy to grab. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries stack up golden with a soft bite. Good for snacking while waiting for the turkey. Watch them disappear before the main course starts.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Fresh Beet Salad

A close-up of a salad featuring chopped beets, cucumber, feta cheese, walnuts, and fresh herbs on a white plate.
Fresh Beet Salad. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Color pops big time when fresh bowls are passed around with bright slices. Fresh Beet Salad stands out and gets people asking what’s in it. Works well with every main. Good way to change up the regular salad routine.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad

Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

Roasted sweet potato wedges sprinkled with herbs on parchment paper.
Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Wedges load up fast on plates so no one goes without a hearty side. Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges give a sweet crunch that pairs with just about anything. Grab a handful for more. Silence means everyone’s busy munching.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

Fresh Greek Salad

A bowl of Greek salad with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, green bell peppers, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
Fresh Greek Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Fresh and fulfilling bites full of crunch lighten up any plate with a wave of flavor. Fresh Greek Salad mixes salt and tang in every scoop. Works with any main and eats well the next day. Even salad skeptics will grab a fork.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Greek Salad

Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Breaded and fried patties garnished with chopped parsley are arranged on a plate next to a bowl of creamy dipping sauce with herbs.
Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Golden balls look great on every table with a crunch that says snack time. Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes keep hands reaching for more. Pop one after another without any mess. Even picky eaters grab a few.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower head cut in half, garnished with chopped parsley, on a white plate.
Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Plates stack up high when a whole veggie is cut right at the table. Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower breaks into soft florets with a toasty outside. Pairs with rich mains or lighter spreads. Everyone wants the last piece.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

A bowl of risotto with mushrooms and parmesan cheese.
Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bowls filled with creamy grains and mushrooms make side dish lovers happy. Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto brings that smooth bite you always want at big dinners. Fills the plate without weighing things down. No one complains about this one.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

Tender Roasted Broccoli

A bowl of roasted broccoli topped with grated cheese and seasoning.
Tender Roasted Broccoli. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Oven treats get crispy tips and a soft center that’s hard to put down. Tender Roasted Broccoli wins over even the biggest critics at family meals. Great for piling high without guilt. Keep extras on hand since plates empty quickly.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

Savory Cornbread Stuffing

A metal spatula lifts a serving of baked stuffing topped with chopped parsley from a white casserole dish.
Savory Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Forkfuls pile up when the pan comes around the table. Savory Cornbread Stuffing packs in flavor and keeps things from feeling dry. Soaks up gravy like a champ. Best part? It’s still awesome cold the next day.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing

Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

A jar labeled
Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet bowls land on plates for those who need a break from salty sides. Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce blends soft and cool, which calms down spicy bites. Good for topping or just eating alone. Even critics cannot complain.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

Rich Creamed Spinach

A bowl of creamy spinach topped with grated cheese, being stirred with a spoon.
Rich Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

No one argues when the greens are bathed in a thick sauce that clings to every leaf. Rich Creamed Spinach wins over fans who say they hate vegetables. Pairs well with big meats and softer sides. Seconds are almost a guarantee.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach

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