23 Thanksgiving Side Recipe Ideas That Deserve a Round of Applause from Guests

ByMandy Applegate

Busy hosts feel confident serving one of these 23 Thanksgiving side recipes during family gatherings. Potlucks work well when each person brings a favorite, rather than every side on the list. Rotating certain dishes adds variety from year to year. I’ve noticed that a good selection means guests always leave the table happy.

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

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 veggies, briny olives, and a burst of tang make this Fresh Greek Salad a refreshing change of pace on Thanksgiving. I always notice guests filling their plates with bright colors. It’s that inviting crunch that pairs so nicely with heavier dishes. Everyone appreciates a cool, healthy option before heading for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Greek Salad

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.

Bubbly, golden comfort food draws a crowd faster than you can say Thanksgiving. Putting this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes at the center of the spread guarantees nothing’s left behind. I see people coming back to scoop up just a bit more. Creamy layers with a hint of nostalgia win over every age group.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Buttermilk Biscuits

Three golden-brown biscuits are stacked, with the top one missing a bite. A small sprig of greenery with red berries is visible in the corner.
Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Pull-apart biscuits make the meal feel extra warm as the butter melts onto every soft layer. This Buttermilk Biscuits keeps the bread basket the busiest spot at dinner. I love hearing how much people enjoy the pillowy texture. No Thanksgiving table feels complete without them.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

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.

Tender sprouts, shiny glaze, and a hint of sweetness keep these veggies from being ignored. Passing this Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze draws even those who think they don’t like Brussels sprouts. I get plenty of requests for the recipe each year. They always linger on the plate until the very end.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

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.

Silky bites in rustic orange transform holiday side dishes into an autumn dream. This Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi always surprises guests with something new. I enjoy the cozy texture and light, earthy flavor. It’s fun to watch people discover a new favorite at Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Stuffed Acorn Squash

A roasted acorn squash half filled with a stuffing of couscous, apples, nuts, raisins, and fresh herbs sits on a plate.
Stuffed Acorn Squash. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Golden squash halves brimming with hearty filling look right at home on autumn tables. This Stuffed Acorn Squash adds a festive pop of color and cozy aroma. I love offering a vegetable main for guests who prefer lighter options. Everybody scoops right down to the shell.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash

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.

Oven-baked favorites make the house feel warm, but this risotto does even more. This Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto onto plates brings both color and richness to the holiday. I notice people reaching for seconds almost immediately. It’s a good choice for anyone craving something truly comforting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

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

Hand-cut fries with a little bit of crunch fit right into festive gatherings. This Crispy Sweet Potato Fries beside the turkey always sparks conversation. I make extra since their sweet flavor gets everyone reaching in for more. Kids and grown-ups alike grab handfuls all night.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

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.

Centerpiece-worthy vegetables create buzz and quickly draw curious eyes. Lifting the lid on this Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower shows off a golden crust and tender inside. I delight in hearing how flavorful each slice can be. Roasted cauliflower always feels special on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

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

Creamy rice with hearty mushrooms adds a touch of restaurant luxury at home. This Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto means no one misses the meat. I watch guests lean in for another scoop. The deep, savory flavor brings everyone together at Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

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.

Baked until bubbly and golden, rich eggplant finds its fans quickly during the meal. This Cheesy Eggplant Casserole makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. I always count on second helpings disappearing fast. Melted layers keep each bite interesting and unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

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.

Finger-friendly sides are always a hit during casual Thanksgiving gatherings. These Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes on a platter gets everyone reaching in with a grin. I find leftovers never last long enough for the next day. The fluffy middle and crunchy outside make a memorable pair.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Tender Roasted Broccoli

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

Roasted florets sprinkled with just enough crispness can make even skeptics reconsider broccoli. This Tender Roasted Broccoli brings big flavor for something so simple. I grab extra before it disappears. Each serving feels like a healthy treat with a bit of holiday cheer.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

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.

Filling the kitchen with a savory aroma, this stuffing brings a Southern twist to Thanksgiving. Diving into this Savory Cornbread Stuffing means dinner will be a hit. I serve plenty since it pairs so well with every dish. Cornbread makes the yearly feast far more memorable.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing

Mashed Potato Casserole

A baked casserole topped with crispy fried onions and sliced green onions, served in a white oval dish on a tiled surface with a beige cloth nearby.
Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Creamy potatoes with a golden topping bring comfort to cold November nights. Finding a spot for this Mashed Potato Casserole always keeps people smiling. I watch as the pan empties before anyone has room for pie. The cloud-like texture is worth the anticipation.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole

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.

Steaming wedges with crispy edges make a rustic addition alongside all the classics. This Classic Southern Cornbread keeps things old school and comforting. I like how it balances everything from ham to gravy. Guests are never shy about sneaking a second slice.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Cornbread

Crunchy Celery Salad

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

Cool, refreshing salads can freshen up a heavy plate at any holiday gathering. This Crunchy Celery Salad on the buffet provides crunch and brightness when the meal gets rich. I enjoy the snap in every forkful. Salads like this one give Thanksgiving a modern twist.
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.

Leafy greens become an instant favorite once they’re cooked down into something creamy. This Rich Creamed Spinach means guests find comfort and color on their plates. I like how a simple dish adds big flavor to the occasion. This classic never disappoints.
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.

Autumn menus shine with sides that feel both rustic and fun. These Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges gives everyone something to munch while the main course finishes. I set out extra dipping sauces for variety. A little crunch brings warmth to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

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.

Vivid pink and red slices bring festive cheer to even the most traditional spread. This Fresh Beet Salad starts conversation and curiosity. I make this for color as much as flavor. A tangy bite wakes up the palate between richer dishes.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad

Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

A jar labeled
Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Nothing says fall quite like a bowl of homemade applesauce on the Thanksgiving buffet. This Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce offers gentle spice for big and small appetites. I enjoy a scoop with turkey or sweet potatoes. The comforting scent fills the kitchen long after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

A bowl of mashed sweet potatoes topped with crispy caramelized onions and grated cheese.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Heaping spoonfuls of silky orange mash bring comfort to every plate during the holidays. Going for this Mashed Sweet Potatoes before dessert always works out. I find the balance of sweet and earthy flavor lifts up every meal. Warm, inviting, and perfect for a crowd, it’s a side that always fits in.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet 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 rich sauce ties every part of Thanksgiving together in ways no other side can. This Mushroom Gravy over potatoes or stuffing creates comfort like no other topping. I notice there’s rarely any left for seconds. Each drop of sauce helps every dish shine just a little more.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy

A vegetarian for over 45 years, Mandy has taught herself to be creative in the kitchen, using traditional appliances and air fryers. Traveling extensively, Mandy loves learning and adapting vegetarian recipes from across the world.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *