17 Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Got More Love Than the Turkey
Everyone knows the turkey gets all the spotlight, but these 17 side dishes might just steal the show. They’re the ones guests keep asking about long after the plates are cleared. Each one brings that comforting, home-cooked feel that turns a meal into a memory. Don’t be surprised if the turkey feels a little left out this year; it’s hard to compete with sides this loved.
Cornbread Stuffing
Thanksgiving just wouldn’t feel complete without a classic crowd-pleaser that anyone can enjoy. Cornbread Stuffing combines hearty, comforting textures that are perfect for chilly fall gatherings. Packed with flavor, it’s a dish that often becomes the star of the table, stealing attention from the turkey itself.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing
Beet Salad
Adding a refreshing balance to rich holiday plates doesn’t get better than this vibrant option. Beet Salad brings bold colors and earthy flavors, which stand out among other Thanksgiving dishes. Its natural sweetness and satisfying crunch give it a spot at the table no one wants to skip. This side always leaves guests talking long after dinner ends.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad
Sweet Potato Fries
Perfect for a cozy autumn meal, this side packs everything you need for a nostalgic holiday bite. Sweet Potato Fries quickly earn attention for their texture, prompting everyone at the table to grab a handful. They’re ideal for pairing alongside the richness of traditional turkey while staying a favorite with kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Greek Salad
All the heavy dishes of Thanksgiving make this option a welcome, fresh addition to the table. Greek Salad is a colorful way to lighten up the spread and keep flavors balanced during the meal. It’s the crunch and burst of freshness that makes guests go back for seconds, proving that even lighter dishes can outshine the main course.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad
Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Fall dinners set the stage for hearty, comforting dishes like this one, making it a clear favorite. Sweet Potato Gnocchi has a soft, pillowy texture that feels right at home among Thanksgiving dishes. It’s a side that gets repeat mentions, thanks to its ability to balance deliciousness with simplicity. Guests tend to talk about it long after the turkey is gone from their plates.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Creamed Spinach
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without crowd-favorite hearty sides that everyone loves. Creamed Spinach is a classic option that rarely gets overlooked on fall tables loaded with holiday offerings. The creamy richness keeps guests coming back for more, often eclipsing the main dish entirely.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach
Eggplant Casserole
Gathering around warm dishes is one of the joys of Thanksgiving, and this dish fits right in. Eggplant Casserole is a rich and satisfying addition that surprises guests with how well it complements other sides. Layers of flavor are shared in every forkful, making it hard to resist second servings.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Funeral Potatoes
As the fall months unfold, the search for comforting dishes reaches its height. Funeral Potatoes are a nostalgic and hearty side, stealing thunder from all the traditional main dishes at the table. Though its name may surprise some, its rich depth and golden warmth win over newcomers in no time.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Cinnamon Applesauce
Warm, sweet, and perfect for flavorful little scoops, this dish draws everyone in. Cinnamon Applesauce is one of those versatile fall sides that fits just as well beside turkey or dessert. Its natural sweetness makes it shine even with the savory lineup of Thanksgiving dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Applesauce
Sweet Potato Wedges
Even simple dishes can hold their own in a crowded fall spread, and this one proves it every time. Sweet Potato Wedges have just the right balance of texture and flavor to be enjoyed by everyone at the table. They’re a great way to make Thanksgiving feel relaxed and easy-going while still impressing guests.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges
Mushroom Risotto
Sitting down to a Thanksgiving meal can be overwhelming, but this cozy side is worth the focus. Mushroom Risotto brings a unique richness that complements everything else on the table without fading into the background. The textures and flavors make it a winner for anyone looking for a dish that provides warmth and depth.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto
Roasted Broccoli
Holiday meals don’t always need to be heavy, especially when balanced with fresh sides like this one. Roasted Broccoli offers that perfect bite, loaded with texture and just the right amount of flavor to stand out. Even surrounded by warmer dishes and desserts, it pulls its own weight, making it a solid addition to Thanksgiving gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli
Southern Cornbread
Fall traditions often call for hearty, nostalgic sides that add warmth to the table. Southern Cornbread delivers that just-right balance of texture and flavor, making it perfect for pairing with the rest of the meal. While many guest plates are overlooked as they focus on their turkey, this one often gets devoured early on.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread
Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Among the staples at Thanksgiving tables, there’s always room for a side that offers a fresh twist. Roasted Whole Cauliflower becomes a centerpiece all on its own, stealing the spotlight with its tender texture. Hearty and pleasing, it surprises everyone with how well it pairs with other holiday staples.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Celery Salad
Take a break from traditional Thanksgiving flavors with a lighter addition like this one. Celery Salad provides a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness of heavier options on the table. Its clean bite feels tailor-made for fall gatherings, especially when balanced with warm, comforting dishes surrounding it.
Get the Recipe: Celery Salad
Butternut Squash Risotto
Cool autumn nights often call for warm and filling sides that keep the spirit of Thanksgiving alive. Butternut Squash Risotto is that dish everyone can agree on, adding a creamy texture that fits right into the holiday vibe. It’s an unexpected addition that grabs attention as soon as it hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto
Sautéed Kale
Even in the fall, lighter options still find their way onto Thanksgiving tables. Sautéed Kale provides just the right amount of flavor and texture to balance heavier dishes. While it’s simple and unassuming, the depth of flavors surprises guests who weren’t expecting to enjoy it as much as they do.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Kale
