Thanksgiving is all about the main course, but the right side dishes can really steal the show. These 27 side recipes are perfect for adding variety and flavor to your holiday table, and they're simple enough to make at home. Whether you're looking for classic comfort foods or something a little different, there's something here for everyone. These sides are so good, your in-laws will be asking for the recipes before the meal is even over.
Sauteed Cabbage with Peppers
This dish combines sautéed cabbage with colorful bell peppers, creating a savory side with a slight crunch. The mild sweetness of the cabbage complements the peppers' natural tang. With only 20 minutes of cooking time, it's quick to prepare. It pairs well with heavier mains, adding freshness and texture to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed cabbage with peppers
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
This side offers fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes, made with Yukon Golds and butter. The dish is rich, smooth, and indulgent with a subtle buttery taste. Taking about 30 minutes to prepare, it's a simple yet comforting addition to any Thanksgiving spread. It's a classic that everyone at the table will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
These twice-baked potatoes are packed with a cheesy filling, making them both comforting and satisfying. The creamy interior combines sour cream, cheddar, and bacon for a savory flavor punch. They take about an hour to prepare, including baking time. The crispy potato skins add texture to this hearty side dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Honey Garlic Carrots
Sweet and garlicky, these honey-glazed carrots balance flavors beautifully. With honey and garlic as the stars, the carrots become tender with a slight caramelization after 25 minutes of cooking. This side pairs well with savory mains and adds a sweet note to the plate. It's a simple way to add a little more flavor to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots
Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes take traditional comfort food to the next level with the addition of brown butter and garlic. The nutty richness from the butter complements the smooth, garlicky potatoes. Ready in just 30 minutes, this side is both elegant and hearty. It's a flavorful twist that will impress any guest at the table.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Jerusalem Kugel Recipe
Jerusalem Kugel is a savory noodle dish flavored with caramelized sugar and black pepper. The noodles are tender yet slightly crispy on the edges, offering a balance of sweet and spicy flavors. This dish takes about an hour and a half to prepare, making it a great make-ahead option. It's a unique addition that adds depth to your side spread.
Get the Recipe: Jerusalem Kugel Recipe
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
These roasted carrots are coated in honey, giving them a caramelized finish with a sweet glaze. The dish takes 40 minutes, allowing the carrots to roast to tender perfection. It's a subtly sweet side that works well alongside savory dishes. This recipe keeps things simple yet flavorful, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Easy Oven Asparagus
Oven-roasted asparagus offers a tender yet slightly crisp side that enhances any meal. Drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper, this dish is ready in just 15 minutes. Its mild flavor complements both rich and light entrees. It's a perfect option for those seeking a quick and healthy side.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
This corn salsa offers a burst of fresh flavor with corn, lime juice, and a hint of spice. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and brings a zesty, slightly sweet taste to the table. The combination of jalapeños and cilantro makes it a vibrant side. It's a refreshing option that pairs well with heavier mains.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe with Red Wine
These carrots are cooked with red wine and honey, offering a complex sweet and spicy glaze. The red wine adds depth to the flavor, balancing out the natural sweetness of the carrots. This dish takes about 40 minutes to prepare and delivers a bold flavor profile. It's a sophisticated side that stands out on any plate.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe with Red Wine
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
This dish features sautéed Swiss chard, bringing earthy and slightly bitter greens to the table. The rainbow stems add a pop of color and texture, making the dish visually appealing. It takes just 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick yet nutritious side. It pairs well with heartier Thanksgiving dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Hasselback Potatoes
These thinly sliced potatoes offer a crispy texture on the outside and a tender interior. Ready in just over an hour, they are roasted to golden perfection with olive oil and butter. The garlic and herbs infuse each slice with flavor. This unique potato dish adds visual interest and variety to your table.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
These roasted Brussels sprouts are coated in a tangy balsamic glaze that balances their natural bitterness. Taking about 30 minutes to prepare, the balsamic reduction adds a sweet-tart finish. The crispy edges of the sprouts bring texture to the dish. This flavorful side is ideal for both sprout lovers and skeptics alike.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Worcestershire Green Beans
These green beans are tossed in Worcestershire sauce, adding a savory depth to a classic side. With a slight crunch from being quickly sautéed, they're ready in just 15 minutes. The sauce adds a rich, umami flavor that pairs well with any Thanksgiving main. It's a simple way to elevate a familiar vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans
My grandma's Russian Jewish carrot tzimmes
This carrot tzimmes is a sweet and savory side made with carrots, dried fruits, and honey. The slow-cooked dish takes about an hour, resulting in tender carrots with a rich, slightly caramelized flavor. It's a traditional recipe passed down through generations. The sweetness pairs well with hearty, savory mains.
Get the Recipe: My grandma's Russian Jewish carrot tzimmes
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic
This Brussels sprouts dish combines the crunch of air-fried sprouts with the tanginess of feta and sweetness of pomegranate seeds. The balsamic glaze adds depth, making it a well-rounded flavor experience. Ready in just 20 minutes, this side is both light and satisfying. It's a modern take on Brussels sprouts that's sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate and Balsamic
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
These green beans are packed with garlic flavor and topped with crispy fried onions. The beans remain tender-crisp while the onions add a crunchy texture. This side dish takes just 25 minutes to make, offering a quick and flavorful addition to your table. The savory garlic and onion combo make it a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Roasted Brussels sprouts are paired with crunchy almonds and tangy feta for a flavorful contrast. This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare, allowing the sprouts to become crispy on the outside and tender inside. The almonds bring nuttiness, while the feta adds creaminess. It's a balanced dish that enhances any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices
These sweet potato slices are baked with brown sugar, creating a caramelized coating. The dish takes 40 minutes to prepare and offers a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. The tender texture of the sweet potatoes contrasts with the crispy edges. It's a simple yet flavorful side that pairs well with savory mains.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices
Cranberry Apple Stuffing
This stuffing combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples for a well-rounded flavor. Taking about an hour to prepare, the bread cubes soak up all the juices, making it moist and flavorful. The combination of fruit adds a fresh twist to the traditional stuffing. It's a seasonal side that complements the main feast.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Loaded Cauliflower Mash
This mashed cauliflower is packed with cheese, bacon, and sour cream, offering a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes. The cauliflower becomes creamy and smooth, blending perfectly with the savory additions. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and healthier side option. It's indulgent without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Basic Polenta
This simple polenta is creamy, with a rich corn flavor, and can be paired with almost any dish. Taking about 30 minutes to prepare, the texture is smooth and comforting. It serves as a neutral base for more flavorful mains. It's a versatile side that adds a new dimension to your Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Basic Polenta
Screaming Skillet Green Beans
These green beans are sautéed until they reach a perfect tender-crisp texture, seasoned with a savory blend of spices. The dish takes just 15 minutes to make and offers a bold, fresh flavor. It's an easy side that adds a punch of taste to your plate. This is a great go-to for a quick green side.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans
Fennel Salad with Pears, Apples, and Mustard
This fresh salad features crisp fennel, juicy pears, and apples, all tossed in a tangy mustard dressing. It takes 20 minutes to prepare, adding a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes. The combination of sweetness from the fruit and the slight bite from the mustard creates a balanced flavor. It's a bright, crisp side that complements the meal.
Get the Recipe: Fennel Salad with Pears, Apples, and Mustard
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
A medley of root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are roasted until caramelized and tender. This dish takes 45 minutes, with the veggies becoming sweet and earthy in flavor. It's a hearty, colorful side that pairs well with any main dish. The roasting brings out the natural flavors, making it a must-have for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts
These Brussels sprouts are roasted with garam masala, offering a warm and slightly spicy flavor. Taking about 30 minutes to prepare, the seasoning adds a unique twist to the classic roasted sprouts. The dish is both fragrant and flavorful, with a perfect balance of spices. It's a bold and exciting side that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts
Roasted carrots are paired with crunchy hazelnuts, creating a satisfying texture contrast. The dish takes 40 minutes to prepare, allowing the carrots to caramelize and the hazelnuts to toast perfectly. The earthy flavor of the carrots complements the richness of the nuts. It's a sophisticated side that adds depth to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts
