17 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes for Turkey Day

Let’s be real: the turkey might get all the attention but the sides are what everyone’s really looking forward to. Everyone’s best Thanksgiving memories are about the creamiest mashed potatoes, grandma’s legendary stuffing recipe, or the corn casserole that always finishes first. The sides are where the tradition lives, and the reason people go back for seconds. Here are my favorite Thanksgiving side dishes that cover almost everything the dinner needs.

Also Read: 21 Amazing Thanksgiving appetizer ideas

Mashed Potatoes with Gravy

The one thing I need at the table. Russet or Yukon gold potatoes both work, but the Yukons have a natural buttery flavor that complements the mashed potatoes. First, boil the potatoes in salted water till they are fork tender. Then let them drain so they don’t turn the dish watery. Mash with plenty of butter and warm milk or cream. Don’t overwork or they can get sticky and gluey. For the gravy, use the turkey drippings if you have them. Whisk in flour and broth and let the gravy simmer till it is thick enough to coat a spoon. You can also make the ready-packet gravy to keep things easier. Keep the potatoes warm in the slow cooker till dinner time.

Green Bean Casserole

Who doesn’t love a good old green bean casserole? Fresh green beans in creamy mushroom sauce with fried onions on top is pure nostalgia. You can either use the canned soup or make the sauce from scratch by pulsing fresh mushrooms, butter, flour, and milk in the blender. For that classic look, cover the top completely with fried onions.

Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing

Stuffing is my favorite side dish. Start with bread cubes that have been left out to dry overnight. For extra crispiness, bake them at a low temperature in the oven. Cook onion and celery in butter and then add herbs like sage, thyme, along with salt and pepper. Add the bread and toss everything with chicken broth till the bread is slightly moist. Bake uncovered till the top gets crispy.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is at the center of the sweet or savory debate at Thanksgiving. The first layer is simple. You mash boiled sweet potatoes with butter, a little brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of cream. Then comes the topping, and here’s where you can choose. Toasted marshmallows give you that nostalgic, gooey, sweet version. For a more modern and grown-up take, you can top it with a brown sugar pecan streusel mixture. Whichever way you go, this casserole is always a hit.

Cranberry Sauce

Homemade cranberry sauce is surprisingly easy. You just need fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and about 10 minutes for the sauce to simmer. As the berries absorb the juice, they thicken and pop, forming a thick jelly-like sauce. I love to add a cinnamon stick while the sauce is simmering. Adjust the sugar so that it’s sightly sweet yet tart enough to cut through the heavy foods on the plate.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts is a great alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving sides. Trim and half the sprouts, toss them with olive oil, salt and pepper, and spread them cut side down on a hot baking sheet. Roast at high temperature till the edges are crispy brown and caramelized, while the insides are buttery soft and tender. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or lemon juice before serving. Get Recipe.

Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese is a great side for kids as well as adults. To make it taste more gourmet, use a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack or Gruyere. Make a simple sauce with butter, flour and milk, then stir in the cheese till smooth. Undercook the pasta slightly as it keeps on cooking in the oven. Top the pasta with breadcrumbs to give it that golden crunchy crust.

Honey Roasted Carrots

Honey roasted carrots are one of the easiest side dishes if you’re in a hurry. Simply toss peeled carrots with olive oil or butter, a drizzle of honey, salt and pepper. Roast them till tender for about 25 to 30 minutes. The honey caramelizes in the oven and gives the carrots a sweet and glossy finish. If you want them to look fancy, then use rainbow carrots.

Jalapeno Cornbread

Warm skillet full of cornbread is such a comforting side for Turkey day. It’s pretty easy to make from scratch – just mix cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, eggs, and butter. Add some jalapenos for that savory and spicy kick. Bake in hot cast iron skillet to get that crispy crust. Serve with pat of butter and drizzle of honey.

Southern Cornbread Dressing

If you’ve never tried cornbread dressing, then this is the year! Make your cornbread in advance. Crumble it, spread it on a bread pan and dry it out in the oven at low temperature. Mix cornbread, sauteed onions, celery, and bell pepper, and herbs like sage (lots of it) and thyme. Then mix it with chicken broth and eggs. Toss lightly, then bake. It’s addictively good!

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

Asparagus is easy to cook and it adds a fresh take to the table. Toss the asparagus spears with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and spread them apart on a sheet pan. Roast them till they’re tender but still have a bite, for about 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan when almost done and bake again for couple of minutes till the cheese gets golden and crisp. Squeeze lemon juice before serving. Recipe.

Fall Harvest Salad

This salad is fall veggies in a bowl. Start with mixed greens or baby kale, then add sliced apples or pears, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled goat cheese or feta. Roasted butternut squash cubes or sweet potato cubes also taste great in this salad. A simple apple cider vinaigrette dressing pulls it together. Add the dressing right before serving.

Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach elevates humble spinach into something fancy. Cook chopped spinach, fresh or frozen, and squeeze out most of the water. Make a creamy sauce with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and cream cheese or parmesan. A pinch of nutmeg brings that authentic steakhouse taste. Stir the spinach into the sauce and cook until thick and rich.

Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower can look too simple but is appreciated by all. Cut the cauliflower into florets, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a little curry powder. Roast at a high temperature till it caramelizes outside while becoming tender inside. Finish with lemon juice, fresh parsley, and some parmesan.

Corn Casserole

Corn casserole is sweet, savory, and delicious. Blend cornbread mix, kernel corn, sour cream, and melted butter. Spread it in a baking dish, and bake until set. The texture is soft and custardy, a little like a pudding. It’s mildly sweet, which pairs well with salty turkey and gravy. Add some jalapenos for a spicy kick.

Dinner Rolls

If you’re e bread fan like me, you need at least something doughy for dinner! These dinner rolls are best for mopping the gravy. Serve them fresh out of the oven in a lined basket.

Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasted root vegetables are an easy option to get guests to eat their serving of vegetables at dinner. Dice carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, turnips, and red onions into cubes. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Roast them at a high temperature till they’re tender inside and crisp outside. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar at the end adds a little shine and tangy flavor.

These Thanksgiving sides are the perfect blend of tradition, healthy options, and different textures. Start with essentials like dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Then add 1 or 2 veggies and stuffing. Make what you like, skip what you hate, and your guests will appreciate you for keeping their bellies full.