Discover the Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes—a curated list of the most beloved, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing recipes that complete any holiday feast. From creamy classics to modern twists, these sides bring warmth, comfort, and festive spirit to your Thanksgiving table.
Why You’ll Love these Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Discover why these Thanksgiving side dishes are a must-have for your holiday feast. Packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for family gatherings, these recipes include traditional favorites, modern twists, and crowd-pleasing vegetables. Make your Thanksgiving table complete with sides that everyone will love!
Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a perfect Thanksgiving side—sweet, nutty, and buttery with a hint of warm spices. Crispy on the edges and tender inside, they pair beautifully with turkey and all your holiday favorites.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes 🍠
3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter 🧈
2 tbsp pure maple syrup 🍁
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 🌿
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg ✨
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
1/2 cup chopped pecans 🌰
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish 🌿
Butternut Squash Casserole
This Butternut Squash Casserole is a creamy, comforting side dish perfect for Thanksgiving. Sweet roasted squash topped with a buttery, crunchy topping makes every bite warm, cozy, and irresistible.
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed 🎃
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter 🧈
1/4 cup brown sugar 🍬
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 🌿
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg ✨
Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
1/2 cup heavy cream or milk 🥛
1/2 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
Topping:
1/2 cup chopped pecans 🌰
1/3 cup brown sugar 🍬
1/4 cup melted butter 🧈
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs 🍞
Roasted Butternut Squash with Candied Walnuts
This Roasted Butternut Squash with Candied Walnuts is a sweet and savory Thanksgiving side. Tender roasted squash pairs perfectly with crispy, caramelized walnuts, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed 🎃
2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 🌿
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg ✨
Candied Walnuts:
1/2 cup walnut halves 🌰
2 tbsp brown sugar 🍬
1 tsp butter 🧈
Pinch of salt 🧂
Optional: fresh thyme or parsley for garnish 🌿
Roasted Garlic Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes
These Roasted Garlic Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes are creamy, rich, and full of flavor. Roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow depth, while mascarpone makes the potatoes extra smooth and indulgent—a perfect side for any Thanksgiving feast.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
2 lbs (900g) russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 🥔
1 head garlic, roasted 🧄
4 oz (115g) mascarpone cheese 🧀
1/2 cup unsalted butter 🧈
1/2 cup whole milk or cream 🥛
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish 🌿
Butternut Squash with Brown Butter Hazelnuts
This Butternut Squash with Brown Butter Hazelnuts is a rich, nutty, and cozy Thanksgiving side dish. Sweet roasted squash tossed in nutty brown butter and topped with crispy hazelnuts creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed 🎃
3 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈
1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped 🌰
1 tbsp maple syrup 🍁 (optional for extra sweetness)
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
Optional: fresh thyme for garnish 🌿
Mushroom and Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
This Mushroom and Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash is a healthy, hearty, and festive Thanksgiving side. Roasted acorn squash filled with savory mushrooms, fluffy quinoa, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that’s both nourishing and elegant.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
2 medium acorn squashes, halved and seeded 🎃
2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
1 cup cooked quinoa 🍚
1 cup mushrooms, diced 🍄
1 small onion, finely chopped 🧅
2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins 🍇 (optional)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans 🌰
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves 🌿
1/4 cup grated Parmesan or vegan cheese 🧀 (optional)
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Miso Butter
These Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Miso Butter are a savory-sweet twist on a classic Thanksgiving side. The umami-rich miso butter adds depth to creamy mashed sweet potatoes, making every bite comforting, flavorful, and unique.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed 🍠
3 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈
1 tbsp white miso paste 🍶
1/4 cup milk or cream 🥛
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
Optional: chopped chives or parsley for garnish 🌿
Vegan Green Bean Casserole
This Vegan Green Bean Casserole is a creamy, comforting, and plant-based Thanksgiving side. Tender green beans are smothered in a rich, dairy-free mushroom sauce and topped with crispy fried onions, creating a dish that’s both classic and cruelty-free.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
1 lb (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed 🌿
2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
1 medium onion, thinly sliced 🧅
2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced 🍄
2 tbsp all-purpose flour 🌾
1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk 🥛
1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari 🌱
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
1 cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade) 🧅
Brown Butter Green Beans
These Brown Butter Green Beans are a simple yet elegant Thanksgiving side dish. Fresh green beans are tossed in nutty, aromatic brown butter and lightly seasoned, creating a dish that’s rich in flavor and perfectly tender.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
1 lb (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed 🌿
3 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈
2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
1/4 cup toasted almonds or hazelnuts, chopped 🌰 (optional)
1 tsp lemon juice 🍋 (optional, for brightness)
Brussels Sprouts with White Balsamic Pear Chutney
These Brussels Sprouts with White Balsamic Pear Chutney are a sweet and tangy Thanksgiving side. Roasted Brussels sprouts are paired with a delicate pear chutney and a hint of white balsamic, creating a dish that’s elegant, flavorful, and festive.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
1 lb (450g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved 🌿
2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
Pear Chutney:
2 ripe pears, peeled and diced 🍐
1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar 🍶
2 tbsp brown sugar 🍬
1/2 tsp ground ginger 🌿
Pinch of salt 🧂
Balsamic-Fig Glazed Brussels Sprouts
These Balsamic-Fig Glazed Brussels Sprouts are a sweet, tangy, and elegant Thanksgiving side. Roasted Brussels sprouts are coated in a rich balsamic and fig glaze, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for the holiday table.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
1 lb (450g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved 🌿
2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
1/3 cup fig preserves or fig jam 🍯
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 🍶
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional) 🌱
1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans 🌰 (optional, for garnish)
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Maple-Mustard Glaze
These Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Maple-Mustard Glaze are a sweet, tangy, and crunchy Thanksgiving side. Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts are tossed in a maple syrup and mustard glaze, giving each bite perfect caramelization and bold flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
1 lb (450g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved 🌿
2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
2 tbsp pure maple syrup 🍁
1 tbsp Dijon mustard 🌱
1 tsp apple cider vinegar 🍶 (optional, for extra tang)
Cider-Glazed Brussels Sprouts
These Cider-Glazed Brussels Sprouts are a sweet and savory Thanksgiving side dish. Roasted Brussels sprouts are tossed in a rich apple cider glaze, creating a dish that’s caramelized, flavorful, and perfect for the holiday table.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
1 lb (450g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved 🌿
2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
1/3 cup apple cider 🍎
1 tbsp maple syrup 🍁
1 tsp Dijon mustard 🌱 (optional)
1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts 🌰 (optional, for garnish)
Wild Rice Pilaf with Brussels
This Wild Rice Pilaf with Brussels Sprouts is a hearty, nutty, and festive Thanksgiving side dish. Earthy wild rice is combined with roasted Brussels sprouts, aromatic herbs, and toasted nuts, creating a dish that’s flavorful, wholesome, and perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
1 cup wild rice 🍚
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth 🥣
1 lb (450g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved 🌿
2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
1/2 cup chopped onions 🧅
2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts 🌰
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves 🌿
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries 🍇
The Best Broccoli Cheese Casserole
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting Thanksgiving side dish. Tender broccoli florets are baked in a rich cheese sauce and topped with a crispy golden crust, making it an irresistible favorite for family and guests.
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
4 cups fresh broccoli florets 🥦
2 tbsp butter 🧈
1/4 cup all-purpose flour 🌾
2 cups milk 🥛
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 🧀
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
1/2 tsp garlic powder 🧄
1/2 cup breadcrumbs 🍞
2 tbsp melted butter 🧈 (for topping)
Wild Rice and Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
This Wild Rice and Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is a hearty, creamy, and comforting Thanksgiving side dish. Nutty wild rice blends perfectly with tender broccoli and a rich cheesy sauce, creating a dish that’s both wholesome and indulgent.
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
1 cup wild rice 🍚
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth 🥣
3 cups broccoli florets 🥦
2 tbsp butter 🧈
1/4 cup all-purpose flour 🌾
2 cups milk 🥛
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
1/2 tsp garlic powder 🧄
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
1/2 cup breadcrumbs 🍞
2 tbsp melted butter 🧈 (for topping)
Coriander Roasted Carrots
These Coriander Roasted Carrots are a simple, flavorful, and elegant Thanksgiving side dish. Sweet roasted carrots are tossed with ground coriander, olive oil, and a touch of honey, creating a dish that’s aromatic, caramelized, and irresistible.
1 lb (450g) carrots, peeled and cut into sticks 🥕
2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
1 tsp ground coriander 🌿
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup 🍯
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish 🌿
Marsala Mushrooms
These Marsala Mushrooms are a rich, savory, and elegant Thanksgiving side dish. Tender mushrooms are sautéed and simmered in aromatic Marsala wine and garlic, creating a dish that’s full of depth, flavor, and perfect for holiday tables.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
1 lb (450g) mushrooms, sliced 🍄
2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
2 tbsp butter 🧈
2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
1/2 cup Marsala wine 🍷
1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth 🥣
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
Autumn Panzanella Salad
This Autumn Panzanella Salad is a fresh, colorful, and festive fall salad. Crunchy bread cubes, roasted vegetables, and seasonal fruits are tossed in a light, tangy dressing, making a dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
4 cups cubed crusty bread 🍞
2 cups roasted butternut squash cubes 🎃
1 cup roasted Brussels sprouts halves 🌿
1/2 cup dried cranberries 🍇
1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts 🌰
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced 🧅
3 tbsp olive oil 🫒
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 🍎
1 tsp Dijon mustard 🌱
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
Optional: fresh parsley or arugula for garnish 🌿
Autumn Delicata Squash Salad
This Autumn Delicata Squash Salad is a vibrant, seasonal, and wholesome Thanksgiving side. Roasted delicata squash combines with crisp greens, nuts, and a tangy dressing, creating a dish that’s both colorful and full of flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
1 medium delicata squash, seeded and sliced 🎃
2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
4 cups mixed salad greens 🥗
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries 🍇
1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts 🌰
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 🧀 (optional)
Dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 🍎
1 tsp Dijon mustard 🌱
1 tsp maple syrup 🍁
Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
Honeycrisp and Halloumi Salad
This Honeycrisp and Halloumi Salad is a fresh, sweet-savory, and festive Thanksgiving side. Crisp Honeycrisp apples are paired with golden, grilled halloumi cheese, crunchy nuts, and a light vinaigrette, creating a dish that’s both colorful and full of flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced 🍎
8 oz (225g) halloumi cheese, sliced 🧀
4 cups mixed salad greens 🥗
1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans 🌰
1/4 cup dried cranberries 🍇
2 tbsp olive oil 🫒 (for grilling halloumi)
Dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 🍎
1 tsp honey 🍯
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
Brussels Salad with Pear and Pecans
This Brussels Salad with Pear and Pecans is a fresh, crunchy, and festive Thanksgiving side. Shaved Brussels sprouts are tossed with sweet pear slices, toasted pecans, and a tangy vinaigrette, creating a dish that’s light, flavorful, and perfect for the holiday table.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
4 cups shredded Brussels sprouts 🌿
2 ripe pears, thinly sliced 🍐
1/2 cup toasted pecans 🌰
1/4 cup dried cranberries 🍇 (optional)
1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese 🧀 (optional)
Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil 🫒
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 🍎
1 tsp Dijon mustard 🌱
1 tsp honey 🍯
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
Autumn Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
This Autumn Salad with Maple Vinaigrette is a fresh, colorful, and flavorful Thanksgiving side. Seasonal vegetables, fruits, and nuts are tossed in a sweet and tangy maple vinaigrette, creating a dish that’s light, festive, and perfect for any holiday table.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
4 cups mixed salad greens 🥗
1 cup roasted butternut squash cubes 🎃
1/2 cup dried cranberries 🍇
1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts 🌰
1/2 cup sliced apples or pears 🍎🍐
1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese 🧀 (optional)
Maple Vinaigrette:
3 tbsp olive oil 🫒
1 tbsp maple syrup 🍁
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 🍎
1 tsp Dijon mustard 🌱
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
Warm Brussels Salad
This Warm Brussels Salad is a hearty, flavorful, and festive Thanksgiving side. Tender sautéed or roasted Brussels sprouts are combined with toasted nuts, dried fruits, and a light warm dressing, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
1 lb (450g) Brussels sprouts, halved 🌿
2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins 🍇
1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts 🌰
1 small shallot, thinly sliced 🧅
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 🍶
1 tsp Dijon mustard 🌱
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish 🌿
Roasted Squash Salad
This Roasted Squash Salad is a vibrant, sweet-savory, and festive Thanksgiving side. Tender roasted squash is combined with greens, nuts, and a flavorful dressing, creating a dish that’s both colorful and full of seasonal flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
1 medium butternut or delicata squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed 🎃
2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
4 cups mixed salad greens 🥗
1/2 cup dried cranberries 🍇
1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts 🌰
1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese 🧀 (optional)
Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil 🫒
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 🍎
1 tsp maple syrup 🍁
1 tsp Dijon mustard 🌱
Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
