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75 Best Thanksgiving Sides That Will Have Everyone Coming Back for Seconds

Potatoes, green beans, and dinner rolls are included!

By Erin Cavoto and Kara Zauberman
thanksgiving side dishes
RALPH SMITH

It might be called Turkey Day, but everyone knows that Thanksgiving dinner is all about the sides! "Sometimes, I even forget to put the turkey on my plate," Ree Drummond admits. As long as you have a table full of Thanksgiving side dishes, we're pretty sure your family will be happy (with or without the holiday turkey!). So, we've rounded up some of our favorite Thanksgiving sides that are sure to steal the show. Choose from traditional favorites, like cranberry sauce and stuffing recipes, or opt for some non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner ideas, like crispy ranch potatoes. We've also included plenty of Thanksgiving vegetable sides for those who want to ensure your family eats their veggies.

Of course, this collection of sides has all the classics that are considered Thanksgiving traditions, including creamy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing (or dressing, if that's what you call it), and green bean recipes. Plus, there are plenty of comforting fall casserole recipes, too. Think: butternut squash casserole, Brussels sprouts casserole, and cheesy cauliflower gratin. If new ideas are what you’re after, why not try the twice-baked sweet potatoes with streusel topping or the cheesy pull-apart garlic bread instead of regular dinner rolls.

Not sure which direction to choose? Start with some traditional sides then add in a couple of exciting new dishes to keep all your guests satisfied. After all, no one will be upset if you have a few Thanksgiving leftovers. 😉

1

Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes

best thanksgiving sides crock pot scalloped potatoes
Caitlin Bensel

A cheesy, creamy sauce made with Gruyère and sharp white Cheddar makes these potatoes the ultimate comfort food! It might just become your new family favorite.

Get the Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes recipe.

SHOP CROCK-POTS

2

Corn Soufflé

best thanksgiving sides corn souffle
Caitlin Bensel

Grab your favorite corn muffin mix to make this fluffy, delicious casserole! It's studded with fresh corn, too, and jalapeño peppers for a spicy kick.

Get the Corn Soufflé recipe.

3

Hot Pepper Cranberry Sauce

best thanksgiving sides hot pepper cranberry sauce
David Malosh

This version of cranberry sauce is sweet and spicy! Even cranberry sauce skeptics will want to reach for a spoonful.

Get Ree's Hot Pepper Cranberry Sauce recipe.

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4

Air Fryer Green Beans

best thanksgiving sides air fryer green beans
Caitlin Bensel

A Thanksgiving recipe that's ready in just 15 minutes? Yes, please! These simple green beans are a no-brainer for any holiday dinner.

Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.

5

Ranch Potatoes

best thanksgiving sides ranch potatoes
Caitlin Bensel

It's not your typical potato recipe, but these crispy spuds sprinkled with ranch seasoning mix are so dang good! To serve them up, we added a quick ranch dressing on the bottom of the platter.

Get the Ranch Potatoes recipe.

SHOP PLATTERS

6

Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese

best thanksgiving sides crock pot mac and cheese
Caitlin Bensel

No need to take up space on your stovetop or oven for this mac and cheese. It's made entirely in the slow cooker!

Get the Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese recipe.

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7

Stuffing with Chorizo and Poblanos

best thanksgiving sides stuffing with chorizo and poblanos
David Malosh

Here's a fun twist on stuffing for those who like a bit of heat! It's made with chorizo, which is typically seasoned with bold spices, and poblano peppers.

Get Ree's Stuffing with Chorizo and Poblanos recipe.

8

Maple-Glazed Carrots

best thanksgiving sides maple glazed carrots
Ryan Liebe

Maple syrup is the key ingredient to making these roasted carrots perfect sweet and glazed. It also pairs well with the fresh thyme and coriander seasoning.

Get Ree's Maple-Glazed Carrots recipe.

9

Buttermilk Biscuits

best thanksgiving sides buttermilk biscuits
Will Dickey

Become a biscuit-baking pro with this simple step-by-step recipe. You'll find out all the tricks and tips you need for making perfect biscuits every time.

Get the Buttermilk Biscuits recipe.

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10

Pepper Jack Mashed Potatoes

best thanksgiving sides pepper jack mashed potatoes
David Malosh

Creamy mashed potatoes get a cheesy, spicy kick with this recipe that calls for chili powder, cayenne pepper, and pepper jack cheese. We love how the top gets all melted and browned.

Get Ree's Pepper Jack Mashed Potatoes recipe.

SHOP POTATO MASHERS

11

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

twice baked sweet potatoes with streusel
Caitlin Bensel

Take your baked sweet potatoes to the next level by adding a sweet crumble and a drizzle of hot honey! You'll never go back to the old way of making sweet potatoes again.

Get the Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe.

12

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

shaved brussels sprouts salad in wood bowl
Caitlin Bensel

You can find pre-shaved Brussels sprouts in bags at most super markets these days. It'll save you a step in prepping for your Thanksgiving dinner.

Get the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe.

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13

Roasted Cauliflower

roasted cauliflower in bowl
Caitlin Bensel

Cauliflower is more popular than ever these days so why not make it for Thanksgiving?! This method for cooking the veggie is simple yet tasty.

Get the Roasted Cauliflower recipe.

14

Jalapeño Cornbread

jalapeno cornbread in cast iron red surface
David Malosh

Not everyone likes to sway from tradition during the holidays, but adding jalapeños to your cornbread is an easy way to switch things up. Your family will thank you!

Get Ree's Jalapeño Cornbread recipe.

15

Garlic Green Beans

garlic green beans
Caitlin Bensel

For an alternative to green bean casserole, this recipe keeps things simple. So simple that it's ready in just 15 minutes!

Get the Garlic Green Beans recipe.

SHOP COOKWARE

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16

Candied Sweet Potatoes

candied sweet potatoes
Caitlin Bensel

Skip the canned yams and make homemade candied sweet potatoes instead. They're warm, sweet, and oh-so comforting.

Get the Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe.

17

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

creamy butternut squash pasta in purple bowl
Caitlin Bensel

Calling all pasta lovers! The creamy butternut squash sauce on this pasta dish just screams fall. Finish it off with a garnish of sage and walnuts for even more seasonal flavor.

Get the Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta recipe.

18

Pull-Apart Cheese Bread

pull apart cheese bread
Caitlin Bensel

This is not your typical bread basket! The cheesy stuffed bread is over-the-top good! Best of all? You only need three ingredients to make it!

Get the Pull-Apart Cheese Bread recipe.

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19

Mushroom Gravy

mushroom gravy in teal pan
Caitlin Bensel

You'll want to drizzle (or pour) this gravy over your whole plate! It's savory, creamy, and made from mushrooms so it's vegetarian-friendly, too.

Get the Mushroom Gravy recipe.

20

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

mashed sweet potatoes
Caitlin Bensel

It'll be hard to stop at just one scoop of these sweet, fluffy potatoes. It's a fun alternative to sweet potato casserole.

Get the Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe.

SHOP POTATO MASHERS

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