18 Easy Thanksgiving Sides Everyone Will Love
While the turkey usually takes center stage, it’s the Thanksgiving sides that are the stars and make your holiday dinner shine.
From creamy mashed potatoes and herbed baby potatoes to miso-glazed carrots, green beans, and Brussels sprouts with bacon, each dish adds color and balance to the meal.
You’ll also find a couple of fresh salads and bright cranberry sides that bring a pop of flavor to the table.
Most of these recipes are easy to prepare or can be made ahead, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday.
Thanksgiving Sides from Root Vegetables
If you’re looking to add warmth and color to your Thanksgiving sides, root vegetables are a perfect choice. From creamy mashed potatoes to roasted carrots and parsnips, these dishes bring that home-cooked comfort everyone loves. Here are a few easy recipes to try this year.
Roasted Potatoes With Peppers, Onions, and Parmesan
Your guests will be coming back for seconds of these Roasted Potatoes with Peppers, Onions, and Parmesan. Golden roasted potatoes pair perfectly with sweet peppers and caramelized onions in this irresistible side dish. The hint of Parmesan adds the final touch.
Miso Glazed Carrots Recipe
Miso Glazed Carrots Recipe adds a touch of unexpected flavor to your Thanksgiving feast. A maple and miso glaze creates the perfect balance of sweet and savory, bringing out the best in carrots. Simple, elegant, and perfect beside your turkey and stuffing.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Mashed Potatoes bring that cozy, comforting touch every Thanksgiving table needs. Buttery and smooth, they’re the kind of side everyone reaches for first. A true classic that pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy.
Slow Cooker Herbed Baby Potatoes
Slow Cooker Herbed Baby Potatoes bring effortless elegance to your holiday feast. Tender baby potatoes seared in butter and herbs create a savory treat that practically cooks itself. Add one more unforgettable dish to your Thanksgiving spread—with zero stress.
Sautéed Carrots and Parsnips with Honey
Brown Butter Sautéed Carrots and Parsnips with Honey adds a warm, nutty twist to your holiday spread. The maple-sweet honey balances rich brown butter as carrots and parsnips caramelize to perfection. A side that feels indulgent yet feels just right beside turkey and stuffing.
Root Vegetable Mash
Root Vegetable Mash transforms humble roots into a delicious side dish that everyone will love. Yukon gold potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and turnips come together with herbs for pure comfort. A cozy, wholesome mash that’s right at home on a Thanksgiving plate.
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole swaps marshmallows for a buttery, herb- and breadcrumb-topped crust that adds texture and depth. Canned yams speed up prep without compromising flavor, while thyme, garlic, and Parmesan bring savory balance. It’s a fresh twist on tradition that still feels like Thanksgiving.
Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Streusel
Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Streusel delivers creamy sweetness topped with crisp, toasted pecans and brown sugar. The contrast of smooth filling and crunchy topping makes every bite a standout. It’s a holiday side that tastes like a rich and luxurious treat.
Thanksgiving Sides With Vegetables
When it comes to Thanksgiving sides, corn, beans, and Brussels sprouts are always a hit. Whether you like them baked, sautéed, or roasted, these simple veggie dishes add flavor and freshness to your feast.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Honey-Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Garlic and Lemon are an easy way to dress up a classic veggie. The combination of honey, garlic, and lemon strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. A quick side that goes perfectly with turkey and mashed potatoes.
Roasted Green Beans And Potatoes
Roasted Green Beans and Potatoes is a simple side that delivers on flavor without fuss. Green beans and potato pieces get tossed with olive oil and herbs, then roasted until crisp and tender. A no-muss, no-fuss veggie option that fits right in alongside turkey and gravy.
Sautéed Green Beans With Shallots
Sautéed Green Beans with Shallots provide a quick and flavorful vegetable option for your Thanksgiving table. The green beans remain tender and crisp, while the shallots add a sweet, savory kick. A solid side that rounds out your plate without overdoing it.
Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is an easy side that always goes over well. The salty bacon adds flavor and crunch to the tender sprouts. A simple dish that fits right in with the rest of your Thanksgiving meal.
Fresh Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole contains a homemade mushroom cream sauce and is topped with homemade French-fried onions. It’s rich, comforting, and full of classic holiday flavor. The best part? You can make it ahead, so Thanksgiving Day feels a little easier.
Crock Pot Corn Casserole
Crock Pot Corn Casserole adds a simple twist to a traditional Southern holiday favorite. The combination of sweet corn and cornbread makes an easy, comforting side that complements the Thanksgiving menu perfectly. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make year after year.
Looking for more ways to use up your garden harvest? Check out all our vegetable recipes.
Thanksgiving Salads
Salads can be some of the best Thanksgiving sides. Made with fall ingredients, they add freshness, color, and a bit of balance to all the rich holiday dishes.
Apple Walnut Salad
Apple Walnut Salad combines crisp apples, candied walnuts, dried cranberries, and feta over a bed of greens, all drizzled with apple cider vinaigrette. It’s a fresh, crunchy contrast to heavier Thanksgiving sides. A bright salad that balances sweetness and tang without taking over your menu.
Winter Pear Salad
Winter Pear Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing adds a light, refreshing touch to the Thanksgiving table. It’s crisp, colorful, and just the right balance to all the hearty sides. A simple salad that feels fresh and festive.
Cranberry Relish Thanksgiving Sides
Skip the canned stuff this year and try something with a little more flavor. These cranberry Thanksgiving sides combine bright fruit and simple ingredients for a fresh take on a holiday classic.
Cranberry Compote
Cranberry Compote made from fresh cranberries and oranges. The rich red color looks beautiful alongside Thanksgiving dishes, and it’s ready in no time. A quick, festive side that brings a pop of flavor to your holiday meal.
Cranberry Orange Walnut Relish
Cranberry Orange Walnut Relish combines tart cranberries, zesty orange, raisins, and walnuts in a quick and easy side dish. It’s a nice counterpoint to rich mains. A holiday staple you’ll want to keep on rotation.
Thanksgiving sides are where the real comfort lives—creamy potatoes, colorful veggies, and those little touches that make the meal memorable. Pick a few of these recipes to try this year and mix something new in with your family favorites. Don’t forget to save or pin this post so you can find it easily when it’s time to plan your Thanksgiving menu.