Tom Cooke
Thanksgiving is a time to gather around the table and savor the flavors of the season. While the turkey takes center stage, it’s the side dishes that truly enhance the meal. From creamy to savory, this list highlights the must-have Thanksgiving sides that bring comfort, flavor, and a touch of tradition to your holiday spread.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
There’s something about a bowl of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes that instantly feels like a warm hug. This classic is as essential as the turkey itself. Easy to prepare yet deeply satisfying, mashed potatoes have a way of bringing a little extra comfort to every plate.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Golden layers of tender potatoes and creamy cheese come together in this indulgent side dish. With hints of garlic and onion, each bite is rich and satisfying. It pairs beautifully with turkey and offers a comforting addition to your holiday feast.
Savory Stuffing
Picture bread cubes soaking up rich broth, aromatic herbs, and a mix of savory flavors. That’s stuffing—arguably the co-star of any Thanksgiving meal. Everyone has their twist on this timeless dish, but its hearty, comforting goodness stays the same.
Crispy Green Bean Casserole
A casserole that combines tender green beans with a velvety sauce and crispy onion topping? Yes, please! It’s a dish that screams nostalgia and adds the perfect crunch to your plate. It’s a dish that has earned its spot on Thanksgiving tables for generations.
Cranberry Sauce
This vibrant, tangy side adds a burst of color and flavor to your plate. Whether homemade or straight from the can, cranberry sauce delivers the perfect zing to balance the richness of Thanksgiving dishes. It’s like a little spoonful of joy in every bite.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Golden sweet potatoes topped with gooey marshmallows or crunchy pecans make this dish unforgettable. It’s sweet, warm, and oh-so-indulgent—perfect for those who want a side that feels like dessert. A true holiday classic that wins over everyone.
Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits
No Thanksgiving table is complete without a basket of fluffy, golden biscuits. It can be paired with gravy, butter, or jam, and these buttery delights are an irresistible addition. They’re not only warm and comforting but win over every guest.
Corn Casserole
Soft, sweet, and golden, corn casserole is a dish that feels like home. Combining creamed corn with a fluffy base, it’s a side that complements turkey perfectly. Loved for its gentle sweetness and tender texture, this dish rarely has leftovers.
Macaroni and Cheese
A creamy, cheesy masterpiece that’s beloved by kids and adults alike. Served with a crispy breadcrumb topping after baking to golden perfection or straight from the stovetop, mac and cheese adds a delightful, indulgent twist to your Thanksgiving meal. It’s a side dish that’s impossible to resist and always disappears fast!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Need a side dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious? This is it. Brussels sprouts roasted until golden bring a nutty, caramelized flavor to the table. Plus, olive oil and simple seasonings make sprouts shine, with optional add-ins like bacon or cranberries.