Thanksgiving Side Dishes

These Thanksgiving Side Dishes are just what you need to round out a delicious Southern holiday feast! From old-fashioned casseroles and buttery vegetables to classic family favorites, these recipes are sure to bring everyone back for seconds. Whether you’re carrying on time-honored traditions or looking for something new to add to the menu, you’ll find plenty of homemade goodness to make your holiday table extra special. After all, it’s those comforting sides, made with love and shared around the table, that make Thanksgiving memorable!

Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes for Your Holiday Table

When planning your Thanksgiving menu, it’s always a good idea to think about variety and balance while including the classics we all love.

• Pair rich, hearty casseroles with lighter vegetable sides, and don’t forget a little something sweet with dishes like sweet potato casserole or cranberry sauce.
• To make the big day a little less hectic, prep any make-ahead dishes a day or two in advance, chop vegetables ahead of time, and organize your recipes according to oven temperature and cooking time.
• If you’re serving a crowd, consider setting up a buffet-style spread to keep the serving line moving and give everyone room to choose their favorite sides. Arrange dishes together by category, keep serving utensils handy, and label anything that may contain common allergens.
• One more helpful tip is to use disposable or reusable food storage containers to send leftovers home with family and guests. Set aside a few containers before dinner so you can easily share the holiday goodness without scrambling for something to pack it in. It’s a thoughtful Southern tradition that keeps the good food going long after the meal is over!
• A little planning goes a long way toward making Thanksgiving dinner more enjoyable, leaving you plenty of time to gather around the table and enjoy the good food and even better company!

Traditional Southern Thanksgiving Side Dishes

These Thanksgiving Side Dishes bring together the traditional Southern flavors we look forward to sharing year after year.

1 Southern Cornbread Dressing

No Southern Thanksgiving table would be complete without a pan of old-fashioned Southern Cornbread Dressing! Made with crumbled cornbread, savory seasonings, and plenty of homemade goodness, it’s a time-honored classic Thanksgiving side that brings a little taste of tradition to every bite. Yes, I Want This Recipe!

2 Slow Cooker Green Beans

These Slow Cooker Green Beans are an easy, hands-off side dish that’s full of good old-fashioned Southern flavor. Slowly simmered until tender with simple savory seasonings, such as salt and black pepper and a splash of chicken broth, they’re perfect for freeing up stovetop space on Thanksgiving while bringing a comforting taste of home to the holiday table. Yes, I Want This Recipe!

3 Southern Candied Yams

These Southern Candied Yams are a holiday table favorite, made with tender sweet potatoes coated in a buttery brown sugar glaze kissed with orange juice and warm spices. Sweet, rich, and full of old-fashioned goodness, they’re the kind of comforting side dish that tastes just like Thanksgiving at Grandma’s house! Yes, I Want This Recipe!

4 Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

This Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible! Made right in the slow cooker, it’s an easy, fuss-free way to serve up a family favorite while freeing up valuable oven space on Thanksgiving. With plenty of cheesy goodness in every bite, it’s sure to earn a spot on your holiday table! Yes, I Want This Recipe!

Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Vegetable Favorites

1 Southern Collard Greens

No Southern holiday feast would be complete without a pot of tender, slow-simmered Collard Greens! Cooked with savory seasonings until perfectly tender, this classic Southern side dish brings plenty of down-home flavor to the Thanksgiving table. They’re even better with a little pot likker and a slice of cornbread for soaking it up! Yes, I Want This Recipe!

2 Baked Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes

These Baked Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes are a delicious twist on a classic holiday favorite! Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are infused with savory garlic and fragrant herbs, then baked until warm and golden. They’re an elegant yet comforting addition to your Thanksgiving table and pair beautifully with just about everything on the menu. Yes, I Want This Recipe!

3 Southern Style Creamed Corn

This old-fashioned Stovetop Cream Style Corn is a Southern favorite that’s right at home on the Thanksgiving table! Made with sweet corn simmered in a rich, buttery, creamy sauce, it’s simple to prepare and delivers plenty of homemade goodness. It’s an easy, comforting vegetable side dish that pairs beautifully with all your holiday favorites. Yes, I Want This Recipe!

4 Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are a delicious way to dress up a classic vegetable side dish! Fresh Brussels sprouts are paired with smoky, savory bacon and a touch of maple sweetness for the perfect balance of flavors. They’re easy to prepare and make a beautiful addition to your Thanksgiving table, even for guests or family members who think they don’t care for Brussels sprouts! Yes, I Want This Recipe!

Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Cozy Casseroles

1 Southern Squash Casserole

This Southern Squash Casserole is old-fashioned comfort food at its finest! Tender yellow squash is combined with a creamy, savory filling and topped with a buttery, golden cracker crust. It’s a beloved Southern classic that makes a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving table and is always a welcome sight at family gatherings. Yes, I Want This Recipe!

2 Sweet Potato Casserole

This classic Baked Sweet Potato Casserole is a must-have for a traditional Southern Thanksgiving feast! Made with tender sweet potatoes and a rich, buttery filling, it’s finished with a delicious topping that adds just the right amount of sweetness, crunch and texture. It’s a comforting holiday favorite that’s sure to earn a place on your Thanksgiving table year after year. Yes, I Want This Recipe!

3 Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole is a timeless Thanksgiving favorite that deserves a spot on every holiday table! This homemade version is made with tender green beans in a creamy, savory sauce with fresh mushrooms (no canned soup!) and finished with a crispy topping. This comforting casserole is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s one of those tried-and-true side dishes that makes a holiday meal feel complete. Yes, I Want This Recipe!

4 Mom’s Corn Pudding Souffle

My Mom’s Corn Pudding Soufflé is a cherished Southern favorite that’s right at home on the Thanksgiving table! Light, tender, and wonderfully creamy with just the right touch of sweetness, this old-fashioned side dish is a delicious cross between corn pudding and a soufflé. It’s a family recipe filled with homemade goodness and the kind of holiday nostalgia that makes every gathering a little more special. Yes, I Want This Recipe!

Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Salads and Chilled Favorites

1 Cranberry Pretzel Salad

This Cranberry Pretzel Salad is a festive twist on a beloved Southern potluck favorite! Featuring a buttery, salty pretzel crust, a creamy sweetened filling, and a bright cranberry topping, it brings together the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and salty flavors. It’s a beautiful make-ahead addition to your Thanksgiving table and a delicious way to bring a little extra holiday cheer to your gathering. Yes, I Want This Recipe!

2 Broccoli Salad

This classic Broccoli Salad is a fresh, crunchy addition to your Thanksgiving spread! Made with crisp broccoli, savory bacon, and a creamy, tangy dressing, it brings together the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to make ahead, travels beautifully, and adds a welcome pop of color to a table filled with traditional holiday favorites. Yes, I Want This Recipe!

3 Seven Layer Salad

Seven Layer Salad is a colorful Southern potluck classic that makes a beautiful addition to your Thanksgiving table! Layered with crisp lettuce, fresh vegetables, cheese, bacon, and a creamy, tangy dressing, every serving delivers a delicious combination of flavors and textures. It’s a wonderful make-ahead side dish that’s as pretty as it is delicious and always a welcome sight at family gatherings. Yes, I Want This Recipe!

4 Cranberry Fluff

This Cranberry Fluff Salad is a sweet, festive addition to your Thanksgiving table! Made with tart cranberries folded into a light, fluffy mixture with just the right touch of sweetness, it’s a delightful combination of creamy and fruity goodness. It’s an easy make-ahead favorite that adds a pretty pop of color to your holiday spread and is always a welcome addition to family gatherings. Yes, I Want This Recipe!

Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Homemade Breads and Rolls

1 Fluffy Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

Flaky, buttery Southern Buttermilk Biscuits are always a welcome addition to the Thanksgiving table! Made from scratch with simple ingredients, these homemade biscuits bake up tender and golden with those delicious, melt-in-your-mouth layers everyone loves. Serve them warm with a little butter or save one for sopping up every last bit of holiday gravy! Yes, I Want This Recipe!

2 Sweet Potato Cornbread

This Sweet Potato Cornbread is a delicious Southern twist on a beloved classic! Made with sweet potatoes for extra moisture and a subtle sweetness, it bakes up tender with a beautiful golden color and plenty of homemade goodness. It’s a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving bread basket and pairs beautifully with all those savory holiday favorites. Yes, I Want This Recipe!

3 Parker House Rolls

These homemade Parker House Rolls are soft, fluffy, and wonderfully buttery with their signature folded shape and golden tops. They’re a timeless dinner table favorite that feels right at home alongside a traditional Thanksgiving feast. Serve them warm from the oven with a pat of butter, and don’t be surprised when everyone reaches for seconds! Yes, I Want This Recipe!

4 Cornbread Muffins

These homemade Cornbread Muffins are a Southern staple that belong in every holiday bread basket! With golden edges, a tender crumb, and just the right touch of sweetness, they’re easy to serve and delicious alongside all your Thanksgiving favorites. Add a little butter while they’re warm, and you’ve got a simple homemade side that everyone will love. Yes, I Want This Recipe!

Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Sauces, Gravies and Relishes

1 Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

Take a little stress out of Thanksgiving Day with this Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy! Rich, savory, and full of homemade flavor, it’s prepared in advance so you can spend less time tending to the stove and more time enjoying the holiday. Smooth, velvety, and perfect for drizzling over roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and dressing, it’s one holiday helper you’ll be glad to have ready and waiting! Yes, I Want This Recipe!

2 Homemade Cranberry Sauce

No Thanksgiving feast would be complete without a bowl of homemade Cranberry Sauce! Made with fresh cranberries simmered until they burst into a beautiful, ruby-red sauce, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Easy to prepare ahead of time, this holiday classic adds a bright pop of color and a fresh, fruity contrast to all those rich, savory Thanksgiving favorites. Just before serving, garnish with a sprig of rosemary or fresh thyme for color. Yes, I Want This Recipe!

3 Cranberry Apple Chutney

This Cranberry Apple Chutney is a delicious sweet-and-tangy addition to your Thanksgiving table! Made with tart cranberries, crisp apples, and a blend of warm spices, it brings together wonderful seasonal flavors in every spoonful. It’s easy to prepare ahead and makes a lovely accompaniment to roasted turkey, holiday ham, and all your favorite Thanksgiving dishes. It’s also a delicious way to dress up leftover turkey sandwiches! Yes, I Want This Recipe!

4 Southern Chow Chow

This old-fashioned Southern Chow Chow is a tangy, sweet-and-sour relish that has been a favorite on Southern tables for generations! Made with a colorful medley of vegetables and a flavorful pickling brine, it’s the perfect accompaniment to roasted turkey, ham, beans, and all your favorite holiday dishes. A little spoonful adds just the right pop of flavor and brings a touch of traditional Southern goodness to your Thanksgiving spread. Yes, I Want This Recipe!

More Recipes You’ll Love

Whether you’re hosting a crowd or bringing a dish to share, these Thanksgiving Side Dishes will help make your holiday meal extra special.

• These Honey Garlic Carrots baked until tender, charred and sweet.
• Stuffing Muffins turns Thanksgiving stuffing into individual servings.
• Yukon gold potatoes are the star of my creamy Easy Mashed Potatoes recipe.
• Tender roasted Butternut Squash with sage and honey butter tastes just like fall.
• Add warmth to the table with this old fashioned Crock Pot Corn Casserole.
• Cranberry Apple Rice Pilaf adds crunch and sweetness to the side dish spread.
• If you’re entertaining Vegetarians at your Thanksgiving table this Tuscan Cheese Tortellini can be enjoyed as a delicious side dish or a main course.
• Roasted Parsnips and Carrots from Food Network.
  
  
  

From My Kitchen to Yours!

Wishing you good food, happy gatherings, and many delicious memories. Happy cooking!

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