21 Thanksgiving Side Dishes Everyone Will Be Reaching For

Thanksgiving sides can make or break the meal, and these 21 are the ones guests always ask about. Each one has that mix of comfort, color, and crowd appeal that keeps plates full and conversations happy. From casseroles to roasted vegetables, these are the dishes I keep coming back to year after year because they never let me down.

Fresh Beet Salad

Every table needs something that looks as good as it tastes, and Fresh Beet Salad does exactly that. Its bright hue draws attention before the first bite. I like serving it chilled between heavier sides; it keeps everything feeling balanced. Even people who think they don’t like beets usually ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

High heat unlocks deep flavor in Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze, which often win over guests who claimed they don’t like sprouts. Tangy glaze sets off their golden edges, and I love how quickly these vanish, even among heartier sides. Everyone wants a scoop and then asks for the secret to getting them just right.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Mashed Potato Casserole

Soft layers and a browned topping give Mashed Potato Casserole its place at my Thanksgiving table. Whenever I bring this out, responses range from comforted sighs to calls for extra servings. The light, fluffy potatoes underneath always keep things cozy, and kids go back for more as soon as their plates are clear.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole

Fresh Greek Salad

Sharp feta, juicy tomatoes and a lemony drizzle mean Fresh Greek Salad never fades into the background during Thanksgiving. I find this side cuts through rich and creamy mains, plus the inviting colors brighten up every spread. Friends exclaim about the crunch and briny tang, asking for the recipe even before the last bite disappears.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Greek Salad

Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

Rather than serving only dense casseroles, I make room for Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce. Its velvety texture and cinnamon aroma round out the meal, calming palates between savory bites. Children request extra spoonfuls, and I’ve noticed adults appreciate having something light in the mix.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

Tender Roasted Broccoli

Roasted florets of Tender Roasted Broccoli consistently prompt compliments once dinner starts. Slightly crisp stems offer a flavorful twist that stands up next to mashed potatoes and stuffing. I like watching people go for seconds, saying it tastes more vivid than steamed versions they’ve had before.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Shredded cheese melts into layers of potato in Cheesy Funeral Potatoes, making a golden casserole people fight over for seconds. After serving these, I know there won’t be any leftovers for breakfast. There’s always a moment when someone declares this their must-have Thanksgiving side.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Sourdough Stuffing

Rich tang from sourdough gives Sourdough Stuffing the kind of flavor depth I count on to wow Thanksgiving guests. Crusty cubes soak up herbs and broth, and every bite earns praise for its unique taste. This dish fits beautifully with mains and works wonders for open-faced leftover sandwiches later.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing

Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Plump pillows of orange Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi are the most playful dish on my holiday menu. The soft, sweet base surprises guests not expecting pasta with their meal. Each bite disappears quickly, especially when I serve them tossed with herbs or a swirl of butter.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Silky and slightly sweet, Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto is my pick for serving something truly seasonal. Its comforting texture brings out everyone’s best impressions of fall, and I notice it pairs well with turkey, chicken, or as a stand-alone vegetarian main for guests who want something special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Mushroom Gravy

No Thanksgiving plate is complete until Mushroom Gravy gets poured on top. It ties every flavor together in the best possible way. I make sure there’s plenty because everyone ends up asking for more. It’s the finishing touch that quietly steals the show.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Piled high in the middle of the table, Crispy Sweet Potato Fries disappear before anything else. Their vibrant orange and crunchy edges turn heads, and nobody waits for the main course to grab a few. If I want everyone’s attention, these are the fries I put out first.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

A pan of Cheesy Eggplant Casserole fits right into the Thanksgiving lineup while offering something different. It’s hearty, comforting, and a great option for anyone skipping meat. I like watching guests discover it for the first time. The second helping usually follows immediately.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

The table feels incomplete without Mashed Sweet Potatoes sitting front and center. They’re smooth, warm, and unmistakably seasonal. I’ve served them with everything from turkey to ham, and they never clash. Their gentle sweetness brings balance to the plate every single time.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Crunchy Celery Salad

Cool crunch and crisp flavor define Crunchy Celery Salad during holiday dinners. I find it refreshes palates between bites and the green pop livens up any table. People always talk about how calming it is alongside richer menu staples, and kids reach for it more than expected.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad

Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Spheres of potato with a crunchy coat, Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes stay popular wherever I serve them. Their texture means each bite contrasts perfectly with creamy sides. Often, I’ll offer these as appetizers, and more than one guest will ask for a plate to themselves.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Classic Southern Cornbread

Warm from the oven, Classic Southern Cornbread gets snapped up quickly. The slightly crumbly texture and hint of sweetness work with everything on my Thanksgiving buffet. Guests respond with delight and ask about the recipe, especially if they come from families that value homemade bread during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Cornbread

Rich Creamed Spinach

Lush, velvety Rich Creamed Spinach has become my signature green for Thanksgiving. I’ve found that people who claim not to like spinach end up loving this one, drawn by the gentle richness and the way it lifts all the other flavors.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach

Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

Large, golden wedges from Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges turn standard sweet potatoes into a crowd-pleaser. Their corners crisp in the oven and people announce they want the recipe after one bite. These wedges fit equally well next to roasts or alongside lighter vegetable dishes.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

When I carve Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower, guests gather with curiosity. Its golden shell hides a tender core, making every slice a centerpiece on my Thanksgiving table. I often hear requests for instructions, and the leftovers are quickly claimed for next-day lunches.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Savory Cornbread Stuffing

Bits of tender cornbread and fresh herbs blend in Savory Cornbread Stuffing, setting the stage for the Thanksgiving meal. I notice everyone gets excited when I set the bowl down; this side gets scooped up fastest and always draws comments about its unique flavor. It’s the dish that brings people together before the main course even arrives.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing