21 Easy Thanksgiving Sides That Complete the Feast

Thanksgiving isn’t complete without the extras that steal the spotlight from the turkey. These 21 easy sides turn any spread into a meal worth stretching your waistband for. From creamy classics to crunchy favorites, they’re the kind of dishes guests “just sample” and somehow end up finishing.

Fresh Beet Salad

Deep reds and crisp greens line the plate, catching eyes as soon as Fresh Beet Salad lands among all the Thanksgiving favorites. Guests lean in for a first bite, often remarking on the brightness compared to heavier dishes. Fall gatherings need something this refreshing to balance the feast. I like to serve this salad chilled, giving the whole meal a lively start.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Golden glaze shines on half-cut pieces of Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze that always trigger requests for seconds. Autumn’s comforting aroma fills the room, adding depth to the meal. These sprouts turn skeptics into fans every Thanksgiving. Their sweet tang draws out friendly debates about favorites as plates are passed.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Rich Creamed Spinach

Rich Creamed Spinach becomes a conversation starter, especially when the chill in the air makes everyone crave something hearty. The contrast of color and texture brings a gentle sophistication to the Thanksgiving table. Friends linger over this dish, wondering what makes it so crowd-pleasing year after year.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Steamy, golden scoops offer immediate comfort, so Mashed Sweet Potatoes sit front and center throughout holiday gatherings. Forks dig in as the smooth texture sets a cozy, familiar tone. Autumn dinners feel richer with this classic beside roasted meats. I love that this simple side always brings smiles, creating a moment of quiet appreciation at any table.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Roasting transforms a plain vegetable into something spectacular, and Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower proves this with every Thanksgiving feast. The golden exterior makes for dramatic slicing, drawing in curious guests. The gentle aroma pairs well with fall spices. Sharing this centerpiece feels memorable, giving even classic tables a modern twist.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

Spiced aroma drifts through the kitchen once Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce is served, offering a sweet counterpoint to richer sides. Kids and adults alike seem to find comfort in this smooth, autumn-flavored bite. I resort to making extra, since plates always come back for another scoop. Applesauce adds a touch of simplicity that rounds out any Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

Fall brings cool air, and everyone wants something warming, so Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto ends up a requested favorite. Creamy spoonfuls combine with earthy aroma, surprising guests with just how impressive homemade risotto gets. I see quick forks and cheerful talk as plates start filling up.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

Golden edges and soft middles draw enthusiastic reactions when Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges appear among the Thanksgiving sides. Guests like how they hold up, staying inviting throughout the meal. Autumn gatherings need options like these that feel both fun and filling. I make extra every year, holiday tables just look better with plenty of wedges going around.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

Sourdough Stuffing

Seasonal gatherings deserve bold flavors, and Sourdough Stuffing delivers with every chewy bite. The fragrance alone gets everyone talking about Thanksgiving memories. This stuffing brings people back for more, becoming a highlight alongside turkey or vegetarian mains.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing

Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Silky texture and bright color combine in Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto, helping the Thanksgiving table stand out. Guests comment on the gentle sweetness and how each scoop feels comforting on cold evenings. Holiday meals need sides that taste special yet easy to share. Risotto rounds out autumn menus awesomely.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Fresh Greek Salad

Crisp flavors cut through richness, and Fresh Greek Salad brings balance to a heavy Thanksgiving lineup. Colorful bites draw the eye, making the meal feel more festive and accessible. I spot guests chatting over these lighter options before diving into heavier staples. Greek salad always adds zing for those wanting something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Greek Salad

Mashed Potato Casserole

Bubbles and golden crust announce Mashed Potato Casserole as a holiday staple, making every bite as smooth and filling as possible. Plates stack up fast compared to other sides. Friends and family linger nearby, waiting for the first spoonful to hit their plate. I love that this casserole keeps the mood comforting without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole

Savory Cornbread Stuffing

Cornmeal crumbles make Savory Cornbread Stuffing stand out, especially once the plates of turkey and gravy roll in. The subtle crunch and rich flavor help this dish keep attention. Warmth lingers at the table as everyone tries it for the first time. Cornbread stuffing rounds out the meal, setting tradition with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing

Mushroom Gravy

Steaming sauce poured over mains and sides brings guests together, especially when Mushroom Gravy makes its way across the table. The smell hints at deeper flavors, making even simple vegetables taste luxurious. I see surprise as people discover how well mushroom works during Thanksgiving. The conversation always turns to which gravy wins the holiday.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy

Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Pillow-soft dumplings like Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi help me shake up Thanksgiving norms with ease. Each bite feels gentle against heavier main dishes, inspiring curiosity at the table. Friends ask for help learning how it’s made. Gnocchi offers a playful way to enjoy classic autumn flavors.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

Autumn’s cooler evenings call for comfort, so Cheesy Eggplant Casserole gets attention every time I serve it at Thanksgiving. Forks stretch for oozy, bubbly portions, sparking quiet “wow” reactions that ripple down the table. Side dishes need excitement, and this casserole provides it in droves. Eggplant transforms into something everyone talks about well after the meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

Classic Southern Cornbread

Golden crust and tender insides of Classic Southern Cornbread remind guests of holiday traditions and relaxed gatherings. The steamy aroma pulls everyone toward the oven, asking who baked cornbread this year. Southern recipes make Thanksgiving extra cozy, offering a moment to slow down. Sharing homemade cornbread kicks off any feast with warmth.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Cornbread

Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Cool autumn blocks give way to Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes, a surprise favorite that sparks smiles and stories. Their crunchy shape stands out among softer sides, bringing quick requests for the recipe. Holiday crowds love a little novelty between bites of classic fare. Potato croquettes add some fun for both big and small guests.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Crunchy Celery Salad

Bright notes and a pleasing crunch set Crunchy Celery Salad apart during Thanksgiving parties, inviting everyone to sample something different. The fresh, crisp flavors help the meal stay balanced between rich classics. I watch trays empty faster than expected, grateful for options that bring easy excitement. Celery salad works best served chilled with a simple drizzle.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad

Tender Roasted Broccoli

Broccoli transformed by roasting adds a new dimension to autumn dinners, and Tender Roasted Broccoli proves how simple sides get snatched up quickest. A little char boosts the appeal, while the color sits perfectly in a fall spread. I see kids and adults reaching for seconds, enjoying a lighter bite among so many festive choices.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Everyone expects Crispy Sweet Potato Fries to spark excitement as the meal wraps up, so I always plan for extra servings. The warm golden fries fill plates with crunch and color, fitting seamlessly into any autumn spread. Friends chat about which sides were their favorites, often landing right back on sweet potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Fries