19 Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas That Get People Talking

ByMandy

Thanksgiving tables are full of chatter, but nothing gets people talking like good food. These 19 side ideas have a way of stealing the spotlight from the main course every single year. They’re comforting, crowd-approved, and always the first thing guests ask about. When the compliments start flying before dessert, you know these sides did their job.

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

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.

Bright flavors meet earthy tones in this dish made from beets. Fresh Beet Salad offers a vibrant addition to your Thanksgiving table while standing out for its unique texture and taste. The mix highlights freshness, making it a refreshing counterbalance to hearty mains. A simple option with strong appeal.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad

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.

Packed with flavor, Savory Cornbread Stuffing pairs perfectly with everything else on your plate. This side dish brings together unique tastes while also being filling. The crumbly texture and bold profile make it a classic that guests won’t stop mentioning. It’s a centerpiece idea disguised as a side.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

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

This crispy option pleases crowds with its satisfying crunch. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries are unforgettable and widely loved for their exciting taste. They carry a hint of sweetness balanced with irresistible crispiness. A fun choice guests won’t stop going back for, it’s simple yet gratifying.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Tender Roasted Broccoli

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

Light yet full of character, this roasted choice gets attention for its flavor. Tender Roasted Broccoli turns a simple ingredient into a standout side dish. The roasting adds depth while keeping it easy to enjoy. A subtle but often praised option for those seeking variety.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

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.

This warm, inviting choice feels extra memorable among other dishes. Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto sets itself apart with textures people love. The unique style makes it different from traditional rice-based options. Not an ordinary choice but definitely worth considering.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

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.

Crisp choices like Fresh Greek Salad bring balance to heavier plates. This salad earns its spot at the table with its burst of freshness and texture variety. This option feels filling without taking up too much room. It’s easy, healthy, and offers a great contrast to richer dishes.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Greek Salad

Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

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

Warm richness can turn heads during a feast, especially when paired with simple mains. Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto becomes memorable for its unbeatable texture that’s second to none. Blending with other plates, it’s almost impossible to ignore. Guests will appreciate this option’s ease to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

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.

Crowd pleaser with rich textures, this favorite always completes a Thanksgiving feast. Cheesy Funeral Potatoes bring comfort and warmth to the celebration with distinctive creamy layers. The taste becomes an unforgettable highlight for everyone enjoying them. Perfect for those hungry bellies.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Mushroom Gravy

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with mushroom and onion gravy, garnished with rosemary.
Mushroom Gravy. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A smooth way to top already delicious dishes that connects flavors across the plate. Mushroom Gravy enhances other items yet stays impactful alone. It’s rich without overpowering the main meals it pairs with. Thanksgiving wouldn’t feel complete for some without it nearby.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy

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.

Crisp bite meets soft texture in this popular treat that makes its way around the table quickly. Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes are the kind of dish guests will talk about long after dinner ends. They blend well with other serving offerings while also standing out alone. People rarely leave any behind.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

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.

This creative dish transforms a simple vegetable into something unforgettable. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze shine with their unique flavor combination. Perfectly charred, they’re hard to resist. You’ll find these making a strong impression for all at the table.
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.

Smooth and hearty layers define this dish, making it a welcome addition alongside many offerings. With Cheesy Eggplant Casserole in the mix, meals have a better balance of depth. It’s hard not to notice how the combination keeps everyone coming for seconds. A reliable pairing choice anyone would enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

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.

A centerpiece that celebrates simplicity while adding something memorable to the gathering. Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower holds up with texture and flavor that’s unlike most options. Guests tend to appreciate cooking ideas like this because it’s both neat and generous. Ready to be talked about.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

A plate of golden-brown gnocchi garnished with rosemary, served with a black fork.
Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Those looking for something original will enjoy this unique addition to mealtime discussions. Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi creates light yet bold servings. Guests love how differently appealing potatoes become here compared to other options. It’s a dish that nicely completes bigger festive spreads.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

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.

A traditional option that never fails to bring warmth across generations. Classic Southern Cornbread holds its place among top holiday favorites because of its fulfilling flavor. This side adds depth to plates and complements almost everything beautifully. Guests will definitely recognize its heartiness.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Cornbread

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

A dish of mashed sweet potatoes topped with shredded cheese and caramelized onions in a white bowl.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Smooth textures bring comfort in plates with contrasting dishes popping up everywhere. Mashed Sweet Potatoes hit all the right notes when mixed into any festive plate. This one manages blending simplicity yet richness that stays memorable amongst so many bold flavors. Certain to be mentioned over conversation.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Crunchy Celery Salad

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

Unexpected twists in texture leave guests refreshed between servings. Crunchy Celery Salad offers a light change that many appreciate at the table. Feels refreshing placed among richer options without losing its own charm. The balance it brings can surprise even regular Thanksgiving lovers.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad

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.

A comforting green option that pairs beautifully with anything else you may have. Rich Creamed Spinach stays exciting yet easygoing being nearby heavier plates featured around it. People remember how smooth its presentation becomes within shared moments. Stands tall during conversation circles afterward.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach

Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

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

Bold bites keep food lovers involved longer wherever they’re brought into meals. Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges find spaces across tables quicker than anticipated showing appeal right away. Their light snaps highlight gatherings perfectly despite seeming casual beforehand simplicity-wise overall more thoughtful.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

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