30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (2024)

There's no doubt that the turkey has an unfair advantage in the Thanksgiving popularity game. You bust out the big bird once a year, and the delicious side dishes tend to take a back seat… until now! There's no match for these 30 whimsical Thanksgiving side dish recipes that are sure to steal the dinnertime spotlight.

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (1)

Complement your apple cider braised chicken thighs with a side of sausage & mushroom stuffed acorn squash! (via Brit + Co)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (2)

Roasted Butternut Squash, Kale and Cranberry Couscous

This appetizing salad will serve as an excellent Thanksgiving side dish that everyone will appreciate eating. (via Brit + Co)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (3)

Crock Pot Bacon Green Beans

Crockpot recipes are an easy way to prepare Thanksgiving side dishes when it's almost time to eat dinner. Don't be afraid to make these green beans with bits of bacon sprinkled throughout. (via Brit + Co)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (4)

Spinach Artichoke Muffins

Two of our favorite comfort foods combine to create a side dish perfect for a down-home Thanksgiving. Creamy spinach artichoke dip makes these corn muffins rich and moist. (via Brit + Co.)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (5)

Triple Threat Potatoes

Why choose between baked, mashed, or fried potatoes when you can have all three in one? (via Brit + Co)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (6)

No Yeast Dinner Rolls

You don't always have to use yeast to make soft and fluffy dinner rolls. This recipe works if you've exhausted your energy and want to make something quick. (Via Brit +Co)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (7)

Butternut Potato Puffs

We couldn't pass up this side based on it's adorable name alone! Just squeeze seasoned potato-butternut squash puree through a large, star-topped piping bag and bake 'til golden brown all over. (via BitterSweet)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (8)

Two-Bite Mac and Cheese Cups

Keep the kids from fighting over who gets more spoonfuls of mac and cheese by transforming the casserole into bite-sized cups! You can thank your muffin pan for this (and other) savory munchies. (via Fifteen Spatulas)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (9)

Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

This whimsical side dish is the number one spotlight stealer on our list, and you'll be happy to know it's so easy to make! Just slice your biscuit dough in eight segments, bake, and brush with melted butter for shine. Don't forget to finish with sliced pecan “stems." So cute! (via Beyond Kimchee)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (10)

Roasted Stuffed Onions

Not only do we recommend making these stuffing-stuffed onions, but we also dare you to say it three times fast without slipping up. ;) (via Smitten Kitchen)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (11)

Sangria Cranberry Sauce

You bet we're gonna give this sangria-spiked cranberry sauce a try at our Brit + Co Thanksgiving potluck. (via SheKnows)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (12)

Potato Rings with Homemade Buttermilk Ranch

We imagine the whole “don't play with your food" rule was set before these awesome potato rings were made. Though, maybe reserve the potato ring toss from across the dining table for Friendsgiving. (via Spoon Fork Bacon)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (13)

Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Biscuits

We're nuts about this creative concoction. A layer of bubbling marshmallow oozes through the center of these sweet potato muffins, which is sure to satisfy any mid-meal sweet tooth. (via Smitten Kitchen)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (14)

Applesauce Mac & Cheese

Why leave applesauce all by its lonesome when you can have it buddy up with mac and cheese? While it may sound strange, apples and cheese totally go together, so be sure to give it a try! Mix in some chicken-apple sausage to amp up the apple flavor even more. (via Adventures in Cooking)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (15)

Sweet Potato Tots

We love this sweet twist on classic tater tots. We'll also go ahead and say we wouldn't be opposed to dipping them in gravy during Thanksgiving meal time. (via Your Vegan Mom)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (16)

Acorn Squash Fondue

Fondue is such a fun way to enjoy a meal with family and friends, especially when it's housed in a squash. (via Food52)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (17)

Roasted Root Vegetable Pizza

Leave it to Martha to find an amazing way to make roasted root veggies irresistibly appealing. If you serve pizza at Thanksgiving dinner, you win. (via Martha Stewart)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (18)

Whole Roasted Shallots

Shallots become sweet and caramelized after roasting in the oven. The addition of butter and tangy balsamic make this a worthy side dish. (via Salt & Lavender)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (19)

Mashed Sweet Potato and Kale Puffs

Combine multiple sides into one dish with this recipe. It's finger-food friendly, so you can dig in while using your fork to scoop up plenty of turkey. (via Basically Cooking)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (20)

Parmesan Risotto Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuff acorn squash with Parmesan risotto to make this elegant side dish. It works well as a vegetarian entree too. (via Culinary Ginger)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (21)

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Sometimes a salad is just what you need to counteract the heavy holiday food on the table. This one is perfect for colder weather, made with a blend of shaved broccoli and Brussels sprouts. (via Salt n Pepper Here)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (22)

Sauerkraut Mashed Potato Casserole

Liven up a tray of mashed potato casserole with simple additions. Tangy sauerkraut and sweet apples bring dynamic flavor to each bite. (via Plated Cravings)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (23)

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes With Pumpkin Seed Pesto Butter

Hasselback sweet potatoes are ideal for soaking up big flavors. These are topped with pumpkin seed pesto butter, along with fragrant basil, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. (via Sip + Sanity)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (24)

Garlic Parmesan Carrot Fries

Skip the glazed carrots and opt for these crunchy carrot “fries" instead. A coating of cheese, garlic, and herbs helps them crisp up in the oven. (via Delightful Mom Food)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (25)

Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Cauliflower doesn't get enough love in the kitchen. When pureed and mixed with soft roasted garlic and plenty of olive oil, it's like the sophisticated cousin of mashed potatoes. (via Evolving Table)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (26)

Sweet Potato and Chickpea Fall Salad

Salads aren't just for summer. This hearty version, made with sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and maple tahini dressing, deserves a place on the holiday table. (via Running to the Kitchen)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (27)

Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

For really crispy mashed potatoes, cook them twice. First until they're tender; then, smash them flat, sprinkle with cheese, and finish cooking. (via Domestic Gothess)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (28)

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Onions

Did someone request a cheesy side dish that's not mac and cheese? Make this scalloped potatoes with caramelized onions dish to satisfy their taste bud's desires. (via Half Baked Harvest)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (29)

Classic Deviled Eggs

Thanksgiving isn't complete without a platter of classic deviled eggs! (via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog)

30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (30)

Cajun Potato Salad

Tell your dad's famous potato salad to move over because there's an updated version in town that doesn't want to share the spotlight. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

For more Thanksgiving side dishes and delicious holiday recipes, follow us on Pinterest.

Additional reporting by Justina HuddlestonandJasmine Williams.

Lead image via Half Baked Harvest.

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30 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That Will Shine During Dinner (2024)

FAQs

What Thanksgiving sides can I make-ahead of time? ›

Casseroles
  • 1 / 6. Make-Ahead Creamy Mac & Cheese Casserole. ...
  • 2 / 6. Baked Polenta with Greens, Artichokes, and Gruyère. ...
  • 3 / 6. Chickpea Casserole with Lemon, Herbs & Shallots. ...
  • 4 / 6. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese. ...
  • 5 / 6. Loaded Cheesy Cauliflower Bake. ...
  • 6 / 6. Wild Rice and Kale Casserole.

What is the number one Thanksgiving side dish? ›

Mashed potatoes are a traditional Thanksgiving side dish for a reason, and we definitely look forward to serving up this delicious dish every November.

What is the least favorite side dish for Thanksgiving? ›

And the least favorite side dish for Americans on Thanksgiving is -- green bean casserole. 31.4 percent of people surveyed do not like it.

What Thanksgiving food can you prep the night before? ›

How to Prep Your Entire Thanksgiving Meal in Advance
  • Turkey. If cooking and carving the turkey is the most stressful part of your Thanksgiving dinner, do it a day ahead! ...
  • Gravy. ...
  • Mashed Potatoes. ...
  • Stuffing or Dressing. ...
  • Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • Green Bean Casserole or Sweet Potato Casserole. ...
  • Corn Pudding. ...
  • Salads.
Nov 21, 2022

What Thanksgiving food travels well? ›

** Every recipe in this collection was developed and refined by our team of 50 test cooks until they arrived at the best version.
  • Serves a Crowd. ...
  • Classic Sausage-Herb Cornbread Dressing.
  • Extra-Crunchy Green Bean Casserole.
  • Fluffy Make-Ahead Dinner Rolls.
  • Mashed Potato Casserole.
  • Easy Chocolate Chunk Brownies.

What can I serve on Thanksgiving instead of turkey? ›

Whatever the reason, here are 20 Thanksgiving recipes for a turkey-free table.
  • Roast Chicken With Maple Butter and Rosemary. Image. ...
  • Beef Wellington. Image. ...
  • Ombré Gratin. Image. ...
  • Skillet Pork Chops and Apples With Miso Caramel. Image. ...
  • Samosa Pie. Image. ...
  • Maple-Baked Salmon. Image. ...
  • Lasagna. Image. ...
  • Ina Garten's Make-Ahead Coquilles St.
Nov 10, 2022

What are the 3 traditional foods Americans eat during Thanksgiving? ›

Millions of people across the United States will sit down to a traditional Thanksgiving meal, including turkey, potatoes, squash, corn, and cranberries. These foods have become synonymous with Thanksgiving, but how did they end up on tables from Maine to California?

What are 4 commonly consumed foods at Thanksgiving other than turkey? ›

Cornish game hen, goose, duck, ham, beef, salmon, and mushroom recipes make worthy centerpieces for holiday meals.

What not to do at Thanksgiving dinner? ›

13 things you should never do on Thanksgiving
  1. Say the food will be ready at 5 p.m. when it won't be ready until 7 p.m. Everyone is hungry. ...
  2. Bring someone who wasn't invited. ...
  3. Make Jell-O salad. ...
  4. Bring up politics. ...
  5. Undercook or overcook the turkey. ...
  6. Come unannounced. ...
  7. Talk about how you're ruining your diet. ...
  8. Eat way too much.
Nov 5, 2018

What should you not forget for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Use this list to make sure you're prepared to have the feast you planned for.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk. A number of tasty desserts rely on this often forgotten item. ...
  • Cranberries or Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • Chicken Stock or Broth. ...
  • Simply Done Containers. ...
  • Foil, Parchment Paper, Pastic Wrap. ...
  • Centerpiece. ...
  • Nuts or Dried Fruit. ...
  • Dinner Rolls.
Nov 25, 2019

How many sides should you have at Thanksgiving? ›

How many dishes should I serve with the turkey? For 4 people, choose 1-2 appetizers and 3 sides. For 8 people, choose 1-3 appetizers and 3 sides. For 16 people, choose 2-3 appetizers and 3 or more sides.

What are the 5 most common sides served on Thanksgiving Day? ›

  • 01 of 21. Rustic Garlic Mashed Potatoes. ...
  • 02 of 21. Bacon-Topped Green Bean Casserole. ...
  • 03 of 21. Buttered Stuffing with Mushrooms. ...
  • 04 of 21. Classic Dinner Rolls. ...
  • 05 of 21. Bacon-Mushroom Twice-Baked Potatoes. ...
  • 06 of 21. Best Four-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese. ...
  • 07 of 21. Bourbon and Cider Pan Gravy. ...
  • 08 of 21.
Nov 9, 2023

How far in advance can I cook Thanksgiving sides? ›

Whether your family demands green bean casserole or scalloped potatoes alongside their turkey, these dishes can be prepped and assembled two whole days before the big event. Make sure to cover and refrigerate them, then stick the dish in the hot oven once you've taken the turkey out to rest.

What Thanksgiving dishes don't need refrigeration? ›

Most desserts on traditional Thanksgiving tables don't require refrigeration. Apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, fruit crumbles, betties, and cobblers can all travel for hours at room temperature and be ready to serve when you arrive.

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