23 Thanksgiving Side Ideas That Always Seem to Disappear First
Thanksgiving always feels smoother when you have 23 go-to side ideas that hold up in any setting, quiet meals, shared tables, or full holiday spreads. I like options that bring warmth and familiarity without making the day stressful, and this group does exactly that. If you want choices that fit the season and feel comforting, this list has plenty to work with.
Cheesy Eggplant Casserole
There’s something about this Cheesy Eggplant Casserole that makes it impossible for people to resist. It’s creamy, cheesy, and hearty enough to rival any classic Thanksgiving side. Watch it disappear faster than you can say, “Who wants seconds?”
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole
Fresh Beet Salad
Bright, refreshing, and full of earthy goodness, this Fresh Beet Salad always stands out among the holiday lineup. The bold colors catch everyone’s eye, but it’s the crisp and tangy flavors that get people coming back. Perfect if you want something light on the table.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad
Classic Southern Cornbread
Thanksgiving feels incomplete without the warm, crumbly goodness of this Classic Southern Cornbread. It’s just sweet enough to make your palate perk up, while still pairing beautifully with turkey and gravy. Everyone grabs an extra piece of this timeless favorite.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Cornbread
Fresh Greek Salad
Adding a crunch of freshness to the Thanksgiving spread, this Fresh Greek Salad is always a hit. The variety of textures and bold, tangy flavors make it a refreshing break from heavier comfort foods. It’s the salad everyone needs but didn’t know they wanted.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Greek Salad
Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
When it comes to comfort food with a touch of elegance, this Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto fits the bill beautifully. Smooth, rich, and so cozy, it’s a dish that feels indulgent without being over the top. Expect compliments and empty bowls; every time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
Savory Cornbread Stuffing
You can’t celebrate Thanksgiving without stuffing, and this Savory Cornbread Stuffing is about as classic as it gets. Moist, flavorful, and packed with every bit of holiday spirit, it’s one of those must-have sides. People usually fight for the last helping, so make room on your plate!
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
These Crispy Sweet Potato Fries are the kind of side that everyone goes for before the turkey is served. The perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors makes them totally irresistible. They’re light and crunchy, balancing out all the creamy sides perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Even Brussels sprouts skeptics fall for this Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze at Thanksgiving. The sweetness of the caramelization paired with the tangy balsamic glaze is a flavor combination that feels like pure magic. People always leave room for these!
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower
If you’re aiming to impress, this Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower brings both looks and flavor to the table. It’s golden, tender, and beautifully seasoned, making it a standout side dish. Pair it with gravy, or enjoy it solo; it’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Mashed Potato Casserole
Creamy, comforting, and packed with rich flavors, this Mashed Potato Casserole is a Thanksgiving classic that never goes unnoticed. It pairs perfectly with turkey, gravy, or mushroom-based sauces, making it a crowd favorite. Most folks will be coming back for seconds; guaranteed!
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole
Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto
Rich and savory, this Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto feels like a touch of sophistication added to the Thanksgiving spread. Every bite is buttery, earthy, and packed with irresistible flavor. It’s not just a side; it’s a conversation starter at the table.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto
Rich Creamed Spinach
Creamy and indulgent, this Rich Creamed Spinach is the understated star of the side dish lineup. It’s flavorful enough to stand on its own yet pairs beautifully with nearly everything on the table. With its smooth texture, it always finds a way onto every plate.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Few dishes feel as warm and comforting as these Mashed Sweet Potatoes on Thanksgiving. Their natural sweetness mixed with creamy goodness makes them a perfect companion to savory dishes. People always go back for just one more scoop, even if they claim they’re full!
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mushroom Gravy
No Thanksgiving table is complete without this Mushroom Gravy; it’s rich, earthy, and so smooth, you’ll be tempted to pour it on everything. Whether it’s mashed potatoes, stuffing, or turkey, this gravy turns everything into pure comfort food. It’ll be gone before the end of the meal!
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy
Crunchy Celery Salad
Crunchy, bright, and refreshing, this Crunchy Celery Salad acts as the perfect counterbalance to heavier sides. Its crisp texture and punchy flavors wake up your palate while keeping things light. Once people try it, they always come back for more.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad
Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce
A little sweet, a little spiced, and oh-so-smooth, this Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce is like a warm hug on your Thanksgiving table. It’s great to serve alongside roasted dishes, adding a touch of cozy sweetness to the meal. By the end of the night, this dish is always scraped clean.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce
Sourdough Stuffing
This Sourdough Stuffing gives just the right amount of hearty texture and tangy flavor to your Thanksgiving spread. Perfectly soft with crisp edges, it’s always one of the most popular items at the table. You’ll notice guests scooping more than their fair share of this one!
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing
Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Elegant and comforting, this Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi adds a touch of richness to the Thanksgiving lineup. They’re soft as pillows, with just enough flavor to stand out among the heavier sides. Bring out this dish and watch everyone hunt down the serving bowl!
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Stuffed Acorn Squash
If you want a side that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this Stuffed Acorn Squash truly delivers. With its savory filling and natural hints of sweetness, it’s a dish that impresses at first glance. Don’t be surprised when people ask how you made it; it’s unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash
Tender Roasted Broccoli
Simple yet packed with flavor, this Tender Roasted Broccoli is the kind of dish that complements everything else on the table. It’s roasted to perfection, with just the right balance of crisp and tenderness. You’ll find even veggie skeptics reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli
Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
Golden on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside, these Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes are irresistible little bites of perfection. They’re a crowd-pleasing addition to your Thanksgiving table. Don’t bother making too few; these always go first!
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
Buttermilk Biscuits
Warm, buttery Buttermilk Biscuits are a Thanksgiving staple that never overstays its welcome. They’re soft, flaky, and perfect for scooping up gravy or making mini sandwiches with turkey. A basket of these tends to vanish before you even notice!
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Comfort food at its finest, these Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are the dish everyone looks for the second they sit down. Rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness, they’re a guaranteed hit. People never leave scraps of this classic behind; it’s that good!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
