This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

When it comes to a perfect Thanksgiving feast it’s all about the side dishes. From traditional and comforting to light and healthy, here you’ll find a collection of the BEST Thanksgiving Side Dishes, appetizers, cocktails, and desserts, plus tips and tricks to guarantee an amazing Thanksgiving feast this year…and years to come. 

4 images in a collage of Thanksgiving side dish recipes including brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes, asparagus, and mashed potatoes.

If you grew up celebrating Thanksgiving, chances are, a handful of beloved side dishes always showed up at your holiday table.

You know, the “reliables”. The classics.

For my family, this consisted of mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, buttered corn, stuffing, and dinner rolls. The mashed potatoes were more butter and sour cream than actual potatoes, the green bean casserole and corn came from a can, stuffing from a box, and the dinner rolls came in a package of twelve.

Delicious, predictable, and classic, as a small child I had assumed that this was what all families ate for Thanksgiving.

Fortunately, I later learned that this wasn’t the case. 

After discovering this whole new world of delicious holiday side dishes, I decided it was time to cook (and try) them all – not exaggerating at all here (wink wink).

Here is my collection of classic side dishes, healthier alternatives, personal creations, and everything in between.

Crispy Herb and Butter Roasted Potatoes

What is Considered a Side Dish?

A side dish is sometimes referred to as a side order, or simply a side. It is a food or recipe that accompanies the main course or entreé.

In the case of Thanksgiving, the main course is typically a big fat turkey. Christmas, on the other hand, you’ll see a greater variety of entreés including ham, prime rib or roast beef tenderloin, salmon, and, of course, the traditional turkey dinner.

In any case, side dishes complement the flavors of your main course while also providing variety in flavor and texture to the meal as a whole. Because let’s be honest, who would get super excited about a few slices of plain turkey on their plate?

How Many Sides Should I Really Make?

Make extra is the best answer I have for this question.

The reason is that side dishes are the overwhelming favorite and allows guests to have a variety of different options to choose from.

As a general guideline aim for the following,

  • Veggie Dishes (pick 2)
  • Stuffing
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Salad
  • Rolls
  • Other – gravy and cranberry sauce

If you’re preparing Thanksgiving dinner for a large group of more than 8-10 people, I recommend doubling the salad and stuffing and adding an extra veggie dish. 

Baking sheet covered with parchment paper and perfectly charred and roasted Brussels sprouts.

Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dishes

The most popular Thanksgiving side dishes vary greatly based on where you live and from one family to another. However, there is one side dish that makes its way onto most Thanksgiving tables and that is mashed potatoes. Potatoes are inexpensive, loved by all ages, and easy to prepare (and transport!) 

Top 8 Thanksgiving sides:

  1. Mashed Potatoes
  2. Stuffing (aka dressing)
  3. Macaroni and Cheese (easily make this in your Instant Pot to save space in your oven)
  4. Rolls
  5. Cranberry Sauce
  6. Green Bean Casserole
  7. Sweet Potato Casserole
  8. Brussels Sprouts

Tips + Tricks to Keep Side Dishes Warm and Fresh

There’s no doubt that keeping everything warm and fresh may be the most challenging part of the whole Thanksgiving feast. Try these simple steps to keep things moving in the kitchen and the food warm:

  1. If you have one available, cook one dish in your Instant Pot and one dish in your Slow Cooker. These awesome kitchen gadgets are useful all the time but are awesome when you need to feed a lot of people. If you don’t own your own Instant Pot or Slow Cooker, ask a friend or relative if you could borrow one of theirs.
  2. Transfer gravy and sauces to a thermos. The thermos, not large enough to hold a big pot of soup, is the perfect size to store additional gravy that doesn’t fit in your gravy boat.
  3. Keep hot food stored in the microwave or cooler (minus the ice). 
  4. Utilize your toaster oven. They may be smaller than a larger oven, but just as mighty and perfect for storing mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
  5. Finally, whip out those electric blankets and crank up the heat. Simply cover each casserole dish with foil and nestle in your folded blankets.

Roasted acorn squash rings topped with a quinoa, apple, spinach, and dried cranberry stuffing, topped with pomegranates, and drizzled with tahini dressing.

Helpful Kitchen Tools and equipment

When it comes to cooking, there are a handful of tools and cooking equipment that are actually really quite helpful. Do you need everything listed below? No. But, they come highly recommended.

  • Microplane grater – This handy little kitchen tool is used for two primary jobs in my kitchen, but they’re tedious jobs that I would probably otherwise skip – citrus zesting and grating ginger. You guys, these tasks are tiresome, I know. Bit the Microplane makes it SO easy.
  • Garlic press – I mean, does anyone actually enjoy mincing garlic…by hand? I don’t. The garlic press does it for you.
  • Instant Pot – Helpful for busy weeknights and weekends and to cook tough meats, beans, and lentils that would otherwise take forever. The Instant Pot isn’t something I use daily, but it is something I use often. It is also amazing for the holidays since it takes up so little space on the countertop and won’t take up valuable real estate in the oven or on the stovetop.
  • Slow Cooker – Similar to the Instant Pot in space-saving we have the slow cooker. For holiday meal planning the slow cooker does require a bit more planning ahead, but it’s fantastic for dump, and walk away type recipes.
  • Mandoline Slicer – You know all those thinly sliced potatoes in scalloped potatoes? Unless you’re super good with a knife and have no fear of losing a finger, use a mandoline slicer. Speaking of losing a finger, though, DO NOT skip the handguard. Trust me, I learned from experience.
  • Dutch Oven – I love love love my Lodge 7.5 quart Dutch Oven. Great for soups, stews, roasting chicken, cooking mashed potatoes, etc.
  • Digital Meat Thermometer – Although I don’t have a turkey recipe on this site, I’m leaving this kitchen must-have here anyway because it really is a must-have. 
  • Serving Spoons – I know, this seems like a total no-brainer, but if I’m being entirely honest, I wouldn’t have enough serving spoons to host a full Thanksgiving dinner at my house with more than 12 people. Come to think of it, I wouldn’t have enough serving plates either…

Start with Appetizers

I know, this is a post for Thanksgiving side dishes, BUT everyone loves a good appetizer…or two.

Appetizers range from light, simple, or pre-made to full-blown cheese and charcuterie spreads that span entire tables. Grapes, cheese, crackers, and dip are my go-to whenever I’m hosting and I need to get something out with as little effort as possible.

See below for a few of my other favorite appetizers and snacks.

Beautiful Autumn Cheese Board (Vegetarian)

Gooey baked brie with maple candied walnuts on a small wood serving board with grapes and sliced bread.
4.88 from 24 votes

Baked Brie Recipe

Baked Brie with honey and candied walnuts is ready in under 15 minutes! So good and so easy to make, enjoy this delicious, warm, and gooey baked brie recipe with maple candied walnuts for an irresistible combination of sweet and savory at your next holiday party or gathering.
View Recipe
Sweet and Tangy Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
4.85 from 96 votes

Cranberry Meatballs Recipe (Crock-Pot)

Cranberry Meatballs are made by slow-cooking frozen meatballs in a sweet and tangy homemade cranberry bbq sauce. So easy to make, these delicious little meatballs are the perfect holiday or party appetizer!
View Recipe
Soppressata and Radish Provolone Cones
4.84 from 6 votes

Soppressata and Radish Provolone Cones Recipe

Soppressata and Radish Provolone Cones. A fun and delicious holiday snack or appetizer made with provolone cheese, soppressata, thinly sliced radish, pepperoncini, and pine nuts. Easily customizable and ready in under 15 minutes, everyone will love these delicious little provolone cones.
View Recipe
A close up of bread bowl sitting on top of a wooden cutting board, filled with Hot Crab Artichoke Dip
4.89 from 18 votes

Hot Crab Artichoke Dip Recipe

Hot Crab Artichoke Dip in Mini Bread Bowls are an easy and delicious snack perfect for all your holiday or entertaining needs. Filled with artichoke, spinach, lump crab meat, and cheese, guests will love the fun and delicious cheesy flavor of this crab artichoke dip.
View Recipe
Beautiful Autumn Cheese Board (Vegetarian)
4.86 from 14 votes

Beautiful Autumn Cheese Board Recipe (Vegetarian)

Keep entertaining easy with a beautiful Autumn Cheese Board filled with a variety of fresh fruit, crackers, dips, and cheese. Ready in just minutes, pair a selection of cheeses with a few of your favorite wines and get the party started!
View Recipe
Baked Sweet Potato Rounds topped with a mixture of goat cheese, ricotta, and fresh herbs and garnished with dried cranberries, walnuts, and honey.
4.75 from 27 votes

Sweet Potato Appetizer Recipe

Sweet Potato Appetizers are loaded with delicious flavors from a medley of ricotta, goat cheese, walnuts, cranberries, honey, and fresh herbs.
View Recipe
honey walnut goat cheese crostini on wood
4.89 from 26 votes

Honey, Walnut and Goat Cheese Crostini Recipe

Honey Goat Cheese Crostini made with crunchy toasted bread and spread with creamy goat cheese, sticky honey, toasted walnuts, and sweet ruby red pomegranate arils. A perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy, everyone loves this easy 15-minute appetizer!
View Recipe

Thanksgiving Salads and Slaws

I didn’t grow up with a salad on my Thanksgiving table. Far too healthy for my mid-western born and raised parents. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have one on your table (only if you want one, of course).

Aside from the stuffing, salads are typically my favorite part of the entire meal. Fresh and crunchy, they are a welcome alternative in flavor and texture to all the other, much heavier, Thanksgiving sides.

The only problem with salads is that leftovers can be somewhat tricky – especially if your green of choice is baby spinach.

Shredded Brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage, unlike other more delicate greens (like spinach), hold up much better against heavy dressing. To combat this, always wait to add dressing or vinaigrette until just before serving.

Even better, if you’re preparing a large salad, only toss half of the salad with half of the dressing or vinaigrette. If guests eat up the first half, toss together the second half. If not, you’ll have fresh leftovers for the next days.

A bowl of shredded brussels sprouts salad

Balsamic vinegar salad dressing being poured into a white bowl filled with spinach, pear and feta salad.
4.82 from 150 votes

Spinach, Pear, and Feta Salad Recipe

Spinach, Pear, and Feta Salad with Walnuts and Pomegranate Arils. Ready in just 5 minutes, this salad is easy, delicious, and perfectly suited for any holiday or occasion. Sprinkled with sweet pomegranate arils and earthy walnuts, this salad is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy.
View Recipe
A bowl of beet salad
5 from 9 votes

Easy Beet Salad Recipe

Easy and delicious, this Roasted Beet Salad Recipe is filled with tender sweet beets, cherry tomatoes, hazelnuts, and drizzled with a smooth and creamy homemade Miso Dressing.
View Recipe
Glass bowl filled with raw beets, shredded kohlrabi, apples, green onion, feta, and sunflower seeds all mixed together.
4.81 from 63 votes

Crunchy Beet and Kohlrabi Salad Recipe

Beet and Kohlrabi Slaw is the perfect combination of sweet beets, spicy kohlrabi, and tart apples. Fresh, crisp, and crunchy, enjoy this vibrant and delicious slaw mixed with fresh citrus juice, creamy feta, and sunflower seeds as a healthy side dish, light lunch, or added to your favorite tacos.
View Recipe
A close up of a bowl of shredded Brussels sprouts salad
4.84 from 25 votes

Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe with Lemon Vinaigrette

The BEST Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe. Made with shredded Brussels sprouts, chopped kale, grated carrot, pomegranate arils, candied pecans, and creamy avocado all tossed in a light Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette. This easy salad is the ultimate fall and winter essential perfect for lunch, dinner, and holiday meals. 
View Recipe
Tossed together crunchy apple coleslaw dressed with a light dijon vinaigrette.
4.80 from 80 votes

Crunchy Apple Coleslaw Recipe

This Apple Coleslaw Recipe is made with sweet apples, shredded cabbage, green onions, and a light dijon vinaigrette. Healthy, crunchy, and super easy to make, enjoy this apple slaw with all your favorite lunch and dinner recipes.
View Recipe
Autumn Apple Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
4.92 from 12 votes

Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe with Poppyseed Dressing

Easy Autumn Apple Pasta Salad Recipe made with fresh baby spinach, sweet apples, crisp celery, dried cherries, mandarin oranges, and buttery pecans, all tossed with a homemade Poppyseed Dressing. Enjoy this fresh, delicious, and festive apple pasta salad as a light lunch or holiday appetizer.
View Recipe
Shredded Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons
5 from 3 votes

Shredded Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad Recipe with Homemade Croutons

Homemade Caesar dressing mixes with fresh and crunchy shredded Brussels Sprouts and homemade croutons for an easy and delicious Shredded Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad.
View Recipe
Beet, Avocado + Quinoa Salad with Herb Vinaigrette
4.87 from 30 votes

Quinoa Beet Salad Recipe

This Quinoa Beet Salad is so simple to whip together, but it’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and sweet, savory flavor. The homemade honey Dijon vinaigrette is delicious, and the chopped veggies have such a nice crunch–it’s one of those deliciously easy recipes that’ll make a great addition to your lunch rotation!
View Recipe
Salad bowl filled with baby spinach, sliced apples, avocado, sliced red onion, dried cranberries, pistachios, and feta cheese all tossed with a light red wine vinaigrette.
4.70 from 13 votes

Easy Spinach Salad Recipe

This Easy Spinach Salad Recipe is made with fresh baby spinach, crisp sweet apples, red onions, pistachios, dried cranberries, and creamy avocado, all tossed with a light homemade red wine vinaigrette.
View Recipe

Delicious Thanksgiving Soup Recipes

Just like salad, we never had soup on our Thanksgiving or Christmas table. I mean, soup? Who wants soup on Thanksgiving?

You guys, I want soup!

And depending on where you live, maybe you want soup, too.

Why is soup such a fantastic Thanksgiving side dish? 

  1. You can easily make it ahead of time, refrigerate, and reheat. Instead of making it the day of Thanksgiving, make it the day before and reheat.
  2. Soup is great for guests with dietary restrictions. We all have at least one or more family members that are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, or all of the above. Good soup will make everyone happy.
  3. Leftovers are always good. You know, just in case.

Shallow speckled bowl filled with creamy butternut squash soup topped with homemade croutons fresh thyme, and everything but the bagel seasoning.

Instant Pot filled with creamy blended butternut squash soup
4.88 from 25 votes

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

This Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup Recipe is super easy to make right in your pressure cooker. Made with simple, healthy ingredients like onions, carrots, butternut squash, fresh ginger, and garlic, the whole family will love this smooth and comforting fall soup recipe. Vegan and gluten-free. 
View Recipe
Two white soup bowls filled with ginger carrot soup and garnished with coconut cream, cilantro, and black sesame seeds.
4.80 from 34 votes

Carrot Ginger Soup Recipe

This Creamy Carrot Ginger Soup is made with fresh ingredients like carrots, onion, potatoes, and ginger. One of my favorite soups to serve when I'm feeling under the weather, this quick and easy recipe cooks in one pot and is loved by both kids and adults alike.
View Recipe
Small black ramekin filled with roasted butternut squash soup and garnished with coconut milk, pumpkin seeds, and ground cinnamon.
4.91 from 11 votes

Curried Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

This Curried Butternut Squash Soup is made with classic autumn flavors such as fresh ginger, garlic, butternut squash, and hints of ground cinnamon. Just as creamy and delicious as my popular butternut squash soup recipe.
View Recipe
Large pot filled with blended Acorn Squash Soup.
4.84 from 90 votes

Acorn Squash Soup Recipe

Acorn Squash Soup is irresistibly smooth, creamy, and delicious. Made with healthy veggies like oven-roasted acorn squash, carrots, celery, and cauliflower and then blended with fresh garlic, ginger, and a touch of ground cinnamon, grab a bowl and get cozy with a bowl of this easy acorn squash soup. Vegetarian & Gluten-Free.
View Recipe
Shallow speckled bowl filled with creamy butternut squash soup topped with homemade croutons fresh thyme, and everything but the bagel seasoning.
4.83 from 57 votes

Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

This Butternut Squash Soup Recipe is perfectly creamy, nourishing, and so easy to make! Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this naturally vegetarian and gluten-free butternut squash soup is cozy and delicious and everyone's favorite fall comfort food! Stovetop and slow cooker instructions included.
View Recipe
A bowl of soup made with cauliflower leeks and potatoes
4.79 from 56 votes

Cauliflower Leek and Potato Soup Recipe (Dairy-Free)

Leek and Potato Soup, made with healthy vegetables and creamy potatoes, is rich and comforting without the need for heavy creams or butter.
View Recipe

Thanksgiving Potato Recipes

I grew up eating my dad’s classic, buttery, homemade mashed potatoes loaded with milk, sour cream, and tons of salt. They were (and still are) amazing. And, until I started making my own, the only mashed potatoes I really, truly liked. 

Here are some helpful tips before making your own beautiful potato creations:

  • Best potatoes for mashing – Choose a higher starch potato such as Russet, Red Potatoes, and Yukon Gold. These potatoes result in the fluffiest, smoothest, and overall best-tasting mashed potatoes. Russet potatoes have thicker, tougher skin compared to Yukon gold. I always peel my potatoes when I’m making mashed potatoes, but especially so if I’m using Russet potatoes.
  • Best potatoes for roasting – The best potatoes for roasting, boiling, gratins, and casseroles are waxy potatoes. This includes Yukon Gold, Baby Potatoes (aka New Potatoes), Red Bliss, and fingerlings.
  • Best all-purpose potato – Yukon Gold potatoes, directly in the middle of the starch-to-waxy spectrum, are the ideal multi-purpose potato perfect for mashing, frying, and definitely roasting.

More helpful information about potatoes:

Potato Types: A Guide to Popular Types of Potatoes

Waxy vs. Starchy Potatoes: Which One to Use?

A close up of Sweet potato side with herbs

Sweet potatoes on the other hand, well, I didn’t even have my first taste of these sweet spuds until I was in my twenties. An instant favorite, I have never struggled to enjoy sweet potatoes.

Did you know sweet potatoes aren’t actually part of the potato family? They’re actually considered a root vegetableI know. CRAZY.

Sweet potatoes are incredibly healthy. One cup provides half of your daily vitamin C and 400% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A. They’re also high in fiber which is never a bad thing.

A plate of roasted potatoes
4.79 from 92 votes

Garlic Roasted Potatoes Recipe

With their perfectly crisp edges and creamy, tender centers, everyone loves these easy Garlic Roasted Potatoes. A versatile and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with just about any meal.
View Recipe
Golden cheesy potatoes au gratin in a white casserole dish.
4.77 from 47 votes

Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

My favorite Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe! Delicious layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in homemade cream sauce, shredded cheese, and baked until soft, golden, and bubbly.
View Recipe
Baked Sweet Potato
4.90 from 87 votes

Perfect Baked Sweet Potato Recipe

Perfectly Baked Sweet Potatoes have a soft, sweet, and fluffy inside with a crispy flavorful outside. One of my favorite easy side dish recipes, they’re packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Perfect for meal prep and delicious serve with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt.
View Recipe
White bowl filled with creamy, rich, and fluffy mashed potatoes and topped with melted butter and minced parsley.
4.85 from 19 votes

Mashed Potatoes Recipes (How to Make Mashed Potatoes)

This is the BEST Mashed Potatoes Recipe! These homemade mashed potatoes are rich, creamy, buttery, and super easy to make—a must-have side dish for any holiday table!
View Recipe
Roasted sweet potatoes on a large baking sheet covered with melted butter, brown sugar, and fresh herbs.
4.96 from 21 votes

Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe with Brown Sugar

Easy Herb and Brown Sugar Roasted Sweet Potatoes made with a handful of simple ingredients such as butter, brown sugar, fresh herbs, and sweet potatoes are guaranteed to become your new favorite sweet potato side this holiday season.
View Recipe
Baking pan filled with thinly sliced potatoes layered with garlic, herbs, butter, and cheese and baked until tender and crispy.
4.96 from 21 votes

Crispy Hasselback Potato Casserole Recipe with Garlic and Herbs

These Crispy Hasselback Potato Casserole with Garlic and Herbs are the absolute best potatoes you will ever make! Thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes are layered and coated with fresh herbs, garlic, butter, and shredded asiago cheese then baked until tender and creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside. A must-have side dish for any special occasion. 
View Recipe
Overhead image of baked scalloped potatoes.
4.82 from 32 votes

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

Scalloped Potatoes are an easy potato side dish made with thinly sliced potatoes and onions layered in a homemade cream sauce and baked until golden and bubbly.
View Recipe
Round serving bowl filled with small yellow boiled potatoes.
4.91 from 183 votes

Garlic Butter Boiled Potatoes Recipe (How to Boil Potatoes)

Creamy, perfectly boiled potatoes smothered in garlic and butter. Ready and on the table in just 30 minutes.
View Recipe
Large white casserole dish filled with sweet sweet potato casserole.
4.72 from 21 votes

Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Marshmallows

This Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is made with smooth and creamy mashed sweet potatoes and topped with brown sugar, pecans, and gooey mini marshmallows.
View Recipe
Mashed sweet potatoes cooked in an Instant Pot served in a round, shallow bowl and topped with extra butter.
4.83 from 23 votes

Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

These delicious Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are ready in approximately 30 minutes for a creamy, flavorful, perfect side dish. As written, this recipe is gluten-free and vegetarian.
View Recipe

Veggie Side Dishes

Even the pickiest of eaters will gobble up these delicious vegetable side dishes. Ranging from super healthy to creamy, gooey and cheesy, all vegetables are good vegetables.

  • TIP – If you’re hosting Thanksgiving for a large crowd with mixed tastes, I recommend making at least one veggie side dish that isn’t covered in cheese and cream. Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, and asparagus are crowd favorites, each easy and delicious to prepare in bulk.

Small white dishes filled with roasted brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes drizzled with homemade tahini sauce.

Sauteed Brussel Sprouts with Lemon, Garlic and Red Chili Flakes
4.67 from 24 votes

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts Recipe with Lemon, Garlic, and Red Chili Flakes

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts are not just for Thanksgiving. Enjoy these easy and delicious Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Lemon, Garlic, and Red Chili Flakes all year thanks to this easy to follow recipe.
View Recipe
Easy 5 Ingredient Herb Roasted Butternut Squash with Pine Nuts
4.89 from 17 votes

Easy 5 Ingredient Herb Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe with Pine Nuts

This easy 5 Ingredient Herb Roasted Butternut Squash with Pine Nuts is an easy fall dish perfect for busy weeknights or added to your holiday menu. Save time in the kitchen and use pre-peeled and chopped butternut squash and already toasted pine nuts.
View Recipe
A plate of honey glazed carrots
4.85 from 60 votes

Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Honey Glazed Carrots are the perfect holiday and dinnertime side dish. Super easy to make and incredibly delicious, they're a perfect combination of sweet and savory and made with a handful of simple ingredients.
View Recipe
Roasted cauliflower on a large baking sheet.
4.78 from 9 votes

Easy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Made with just four simple ingredients, this super easy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe is shockingly addictive and bursting with delicious flavor in every single tender bite. Completely customizable, Learn How to Roast Cauliflower right at home with this step-by-step guide and tutorial. 
View Recipe
Roasted asparagus.
4.92 from 24 votes

Roasted Asparagus Recipe

Delicious Roasted Asparagus Recipe made with fresh seasonal asparagus spears, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice.
View Recipe
Small serving plate with oven roasted green beans tossed in shredded parmesan cheese and candied slivered almonds.
4.88 from 8 votes

Oven Roasted Green Beans Recipe with Garlic and Parmesan

Oven Roasted Green Beans made with fresh green beans, garlic, parmesan cheese, and candied almonds. A perfect combination of savory and sweet, this easy roasted green beans recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes and perfect for any holiday or occasion.
View Recipe
Baking sheet covered with parchment paper and perfectly charred and roasted Brussels sprouts.
4.88 from 8 votes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Tender on the inside and perfectly golden and caramelized around the edges, learn how to make the very Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe with just five simple ingredients including olive oil, fresh garlic, salt, and pepper.
View Recipe
Small white plates filled with individual servings of oven-roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potato cubes drizzled with tahini and chopped parsley.
4.88 from 31 votes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Delicious Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes cooked until perfectly crispy and caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside. Easy to prepare and ready in just over 30 minutes.
View Recipe
Large skillet filled with sauteed pancetta and shallots with cooked sweet peas and garnished with mint.
4.81 from 36 votes

Peas and Pancetta Recipe

Peas and Pancetta- a delicious and easy holiday side dish made with peas, shallots, pancetta, and fresh mint. You can easily prepare the shallots and pancetta ahead of time, reheat with the peas, and turn this already easy holiday side into one even easier.
View Recipe
A close up halved roasted butternut squash that has been roasted in a white dish
4.87 from 917 votes

How to Roast Butternut Squash

Learning How to Roast Butternut Squash is quick and easy. Delicious served as a side or tossed in and among all your favorite fall recipes, Butternut Squash is a fall must-have and an easy substitute for pumpkin.
View Recipe
Four roasted acorn squash halves.
4.94 from 90 votes

Roasted Acorn Squash Recipe

Learn How to Cook Acorn Squash in the oven with this easy-to-follow guide and recipe. Delicious, tender, and made with just two simple ingredients, the whole family will love this healthy and nutrient-dense, winter side dish recipe.
View Recipe
A bowl Asparagus Gratin
4.82 from 92 votes

Cheesy Baked Asparagus Gratin Recipe

Made with a handful of simple ingredients like fresh garlic, cream, and two kinds of cheese, this Cheesy Baked Asparagus Gratin is rich, creamy, and super easy to prepare. 
View Recipe
White platter filled with roasted delicata squash rings roasted in maple syrup, cinnamon, and sprinkled with pepitas.
4.75 from 28 votes

Oven Roasted Delicata Squash Recipe

This Delicata Squash Recipe is roasted with sweet maple syrup, butter, and sprinkled with ground cinnamon for a flavorful and delicious autumn side dish everyone will love. Gluten-free + vegetarian.
View Recipe

Grains and Pasta

Rice dishes and mac and cheese may not have been on my Thanksgiving table growing up, but they’ve started finding their way there over the years more and more. I know, many of these dishes are far from the classic Thanksgiving sides we’re familiar with (except for maybe the mac and cheese), but just for fun, give them a try.

The stuffed acorn squash, butternut squash risotto, and butternut squash lasagna are my personal favorites.

Two white bowls filled with macaroni and cheese made in the Instant Pot

A close up of a wild rice pilaf
4.70 from 26 votes

Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe with Sweet Potatoes

Simmered in savory herb broth and sweet apple juice, this delicious Wild Rice Pilaf is light, fluffy, and extra delicious when mixed and mingled with sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, tart apples, and crunchy pecans. 
View Recipe
Two white bowls filled with macaroni and cheese made in the Instant Pot
4.94 from 16 votes

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese- creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe is cooked entirely in the Instant Pot and couldn't be easier to make. Enjoy this delicious space-saving side dish for the holidays, as a last-minute dinner, or whenever you feel like channeling your inner-child with a big bowl of cheese-covered noodles.
View Recipe
Roasted acorn squash rings topped with a quinoa, apple, spinach, and dried cranberry stuffing, topped with pomegranates, and drizzled with tahini dressing.
4.88 from 8 votes

Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe with Quinoa

These Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash are filled with cooked apples, dried cranberries, spinach, quinoa and drizzled with a creamy tahini garlic dressing. Colorful, festive, and easy to prepare, enjoy this delicious stuffed acorn squash recipe for the holidays or as a light and healthy dinner.
View Recipe
Brussels Sprouts and Potato Gratin
4.75 from 16 votes

Brussels Sprouts and Potato Gratin Recipe

This ultra-creamy Brussels Sprout and Potato Gratin Recipe with Crispy Fried Onions is the perfect holiday side dish for even the pickiest of veggie eaters. Made with real ingredients (no canned soup), Brussels sprouts, potatoes, and gooey melted gruyere and cheddar cheese, this beautiful gratin is guaranteed to be a new holiday favorite!
View Recipe
A close up of corn, with Cream
4.86 from 35 votes

Creamed Corn Recipe

Creamed Corn is made from simple ingredients including frozen or canned sweet corn, milk, butter, and cream cheese. An easy side dish perfect for the holidays and family dinners, learn how to make this delicious homemade recipe on the stovetop or directly in your slow cooker.
View Recipe
A bowl of wheat berry salad
5 from 6 votes

Wheat Berry Salad Recipe with Orange Shallot Vinaigrette

This Wheat Berry Salad with Orange Shallot Vinaigrette is fresh, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Filled with roasted butternut squash and cauliflower, sweet dried cranberries, fresh green onion, and crunchy pumpkin seeds, this Wheat Berry Salad can be enjoyed for dinner, lunch, or as a delicious holiday side.
View Recipe
A bowl of Mushroom Rice Pilaf
4.82 from 16 votes

Mushroom Rice Pilaf Recipe

Mushroom Rice Pilaf is an easy and flavorful one-pot recipe made with wild mushrooms, garlic, herbs, and sprinkled with buttery, crunchy slivered almonds.
View Recipe
Shallow ceramic bowl filled with creamy butternut squash risotto.
4.84 from 278 votes

Easy Instant Pot Risotto with Butternut Squash Recipe

This delicious Butternut Squash Risotto is flavorful, delicious, and cooks entirely in your pressure cooker. Click here to learn more about arborio rice.
View Recipe
Serving a lasagna made with butternut squash, zucchini, spinach and cheeses in a large casserole dish
4.81 from 100 votes

Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe

See the top of this post to watch a VIDEO showing how to make this butternut squash lasagna recipe.
Made with layers of creamy butternut squash, zucchini noodles, no-bake noodles, cheese, and spinach, this Butternut Squash Lasagna is the most delicious of all autumn comfort foods.
Tip- Double the recipe and freeze one for later.
View Recipe

Healthier Alternatives to Classic Favorites

A few of your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes made health(ier). Don’t worry, flavor abounds in these phenomenal sides- you’ll never miss the canned soup filled classics.

Lighten up your favorite dishes with these easy tips:

  • If a recipe calls for whipping cream use half&half (or fat-free half&half), whole milk, or 2% instead.
  • Swap sour cream for fat-free Greek yogurt.
  • Do you really need the marshmallows on those sweet potatoes?
  • Put back the canned cream of mushroom or canned cream of chicken soup. There is nothing good for you in those jiggly chemical creations.

Cast Iron Skillet filled with homemade Healthy Green Bean Casserole Recipe made with homemade cream of mushroom soup and fried onions.

White serving bowl filled with creamy mashed cauliflower drizzled with brown butter and garlic.
4.93 from 27 votes

Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

This Creamy Mashed Cauliflower Recipe may be lower in carbs and calories but they are just as mouthwatering as regular mashed potatoes. Made with sour cream, parmesan cheese, garlic, and butter, these creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes are full of delicious buttery flavor and make the perfect, keto-approved side dish!
View Recipe
Herbed Apple and Pumpernickel Stuffing
4.84 from 25 votes

Herbed Apple and Pumpernickel Stuffing Recipe

Easy Herbed Apple and Pumpernickel Stuffing Recipe - Pumpernickel and Sourdough bread come together in this hearty, healthy and completely vegetarian version of everyone's favorite Thanksgiving side dish, stuffing!
View Recipe
Cast Iron Skillet filled with homemade Healthy Green Bean Casserole Recipe made with homemade cream of mushroom soup and fried onions.
4.93 from 13 votes

Healthier Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Healthy Green Bean Casserole Recipe. No one will miss the canned soup or fried onions thanks to this healthy alternative. Made entirely from scratch, this Green Bean Casserole is rich, creamy, and super easy to prepare.
View Recipe
Scalloped Root Vegetable Skillet. Skillet baked with thinly sliced red and yellow beets, sweet potatoes, and parsnips topped with rosemary, butter and parmesan cheese.
4.90 from 39 votes

Scalloped Root Vegetable Skillet Recipe

Red and yellow beets, turnips, and sweet potatoes thinly sliced and baked together with fresh herbs, butter, and freshly grated parmesan cheese in this fresh and delicious Scalloped Root Vegetable Skillet.
View Recipe
Butternut Squash and Cauliflower Mac n Cheese
4.80 from 15 votes

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe

Enjoy the best of fall flavors with this Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. A delicious and healthy alternative to traditional baked mac and cheese, even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. 
View Recipe
Lightened-Up Sweet Potato Casserole
5 from 4 votes

Lightened-Up Sweet Potato Casserole

This Lightened-Up Sweet Potato Casserole has all the taste of Sweet Potato Casserole without the guilt!
A bowl of mashed sweet potatos
4.94 from 15 votes

Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Super creamy Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes are the perfect complement to any lunch or dinner recipe and an easy vegetarian and gluten-free holiday side dish.
View Recipe

Cocktails and Desserts

I know, I know, definitely not your classic Thanksgiving side dish, BUT I do know that each of these things are always on my Thanksgiving table. As such, I couldn’t finish this round-up without sharing a few of my favorite cocktail and dessert recipes with you. Thanksgiving is a celebration, after all…right? 

See more DRINK and DESSERT recipes.

A close up of apple-pear Sangria

Three glasses of sangria made with red wine, oranges, lemon, apples, and cinnamon stick.
4.84 from 24 votes

Sangria Recipe

Delicious and refreshing, this is hands down, the Best Sangria Recipe. Made with a handful of simple, easily customizable, and perfectly balanced ingredients, learn How to Make Sangria right at home with this easy-to-follow Sangria Recipe!
View Recipe
A glass of Apple and Pear sangria
4.83 from 696 votes

Fall Sangria Recipe

Pear and Apple Fall Sangria Recipe- filled with fall's most iconic flavors, this delicious and refreshing white wine fall sangria is filled with sweet apples, pears, oranges, and cinnamon.
View Recipe
Cranberry Apple Cider Moscow Mule
5 from 7 votes

Cranberry Apple Cider Moscow Mule Recipe

Delicious any time of year, this Cranberry Apple Cider Moscow Mule is light, crisp and refreshing; perfect for a night in with friends or a large family gathering.
View Recipe
Two highball glasses filled with ginger beer, vodka, and fresh blackberries and raspberries.
4.86 from 7 votes

Blackberry Cranberry Moscow Mule Recipe

This Blackberry Cranberry Moscow Mule is made with fresh cranberries, blackberries, vodka, honey, and bubbly ginger beer. Almost too pretty to drink, enjoy this fun twist on the classic Moscow Mule at your next dinner party or holiday celebration!
View Recipe
Cucumber and Rosemary Gin and Tonic (aka The Drunk Cucumber)
4.83 from 34 votes

Cucumber and Rosemary Gin and Tonic Recipe (aka The Drunk Cucumber)

Lightly sweetened, this gin cocktail is filled with fresh cucumber and hints of rosemary to make a deliciously crisp and beautiful drink you'll be sipping all summer long. 
View Recipe
Holiday Peppermint White Russian
4.85 from 119 votes

Holiday Peppermint White Russian Recipe

Get festive this holiday season with this super easy Holiday Peppermint White Russian. Made with Kahlúa, Peppermint Schnapps and, of course, Vodka, this delicious cocktail will have everyone singing.
View Recipe
two gin and tonics on a table
4.80 from 90 votes

How to make a Gin and Tonic Recipe

The Gin and Tonic is both classic and refreshing. And unlike other cocktails, the g&t does not require added sugar or sweeteners!
View Recipe
Shallow serving bowl filled with apple crisp and topped with melting scoop of vanilla ice cream.
4.80 from 15 votes

Easy Apple Crisp Recipe

Apple Crisp Recipe made with thinly sliced tart apples blanketed in a buttery cinnamon-spiced oatmeal topping.
View Recipe
Large white bowl filled with creamy rice pudding topped with raisins, almonds, and cinnamon.
5 from 14 votes

Easy Rice Pudding Recipe

To make rice pudding use your favorite milk and your favorite long-grain or medium-grain white rice. Enjoy both warm and cold!
View Recipe
Caramelized Apple Oatmeal Cookies
4.93 from 14 votes

Caramelized Apple Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Deliciously spiced Caramelized Apple Oatmeal Cookies filled with buttery caramelized apples, chewy rolled oats, and drizzled with a sweet 2-ingredient glaze. 
View Recipe
Toffee Pecan Bars
5 from 7 votes

Toffee Bars Recipe

Rich and decadent Toffee Bar Recipe packed with crunchy English toffee bits, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips. A super easy and delicious treat perfect for any occasion!
View Recipe
Blood Orange Upside Down Cake
4.93 from 13 votes

Blood Orange Upside Down Cake Recipe

Quite possibly the easiest cake you will ever make, this Blood Orange Upside Down Cake takes only 10 minutes to prepare, giving you the perfect excuse to make a cake (and eat it too!) whenever, whereever!
View Recipe
Persimmon and Pumpkin Pudding Cake
4.78 from 31 votes

Persimmon and Pumpkin Pudding Cake Recipe

Try something new this holiday season with this super EASY Persimmon Pumpkin Pudding Cake. Basic and humble from the outside, but full of flavor, spice and holiday happiness on the inside.
View Recipe

 

Close up photo of Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon in a blue spotted dress, in the sunlight

Jessica Randhawa

Chef | Food Photographer

I’m Chef Jessica Randhawa, bringing over 14 years of experience in creating and publishing over 1200 mouthwatering recipes, coupled with invaluable kitchen tips and professional guidance, to transform your daily cooking into a truly enriching culinary adventure.

You may also like:

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *