Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table with loved ones — and what makes that table so memorable are the side dishes. From creamy classics to fresh, vibrant options, this collection of Thanksgiving sides has something for everyone. Whether you’re craving the familiar comfort of cornbread dressing or looking to try a twist like maple bacon Brussels sprouts, these dishes will bring warmth, flavor, and tradition to your holiday meal. Check out our collection for the perfect sides to complete your feast.

Southern Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread dressing on a plate with a fork.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Bring Southern comfort to your table with this classic cornbread dressing. Rich with savory herbs and the unmistakable flavor of cornbread, it’s the dish that makes everyone feel at home.

Get the recipe: Southern Cornbread Dressing

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Bowl of mashed potatoes with fork.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving must. Fluffy and smooth, they’re perfect for pairing with gravy or just enjoying on their own.

Get the recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Apple

A bowl of pumpkin soup garnished with cream and parsley is placed on a gray cloth, accompanied by a spoon, a red apple, and a small striped gourd.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Indulge in the flavors of fall with this creamy butternut squash soup. Roasted squash and sweet apples create a delicious blend, perfect for cozy evenings.

Get the recipe: Butternut Squash Soup

Old-fashioned Green Beans

A dish of cooked green beans sprinkled with seasoning and bits of bacon, served with a fork on the side.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These green beans are slow-cooked with smoky bacon for that authentic Southern flavor. Tender, savory, and full of nostalgia, they’re just like Grandma used to make.

Get the recipe: Old-fashioned Green Beans

Sweet Potato Casserole with Streusel

A serving of sweet potato casserole topped with a pecan and crumb mixture sits on a white plate, with a fork on the table beside it.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Sweet and nostalgic, this casserole combines soft mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping. It’s that hint of sweetness every Thanksgiving spread needs.

Get the recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

A fork lifts a portion of creamy baked macaroni and cheese from a dish, showing melted cheese – the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving sides.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Comfort food at its finest—this mac and cheese is rich, cheesy, and oh-so-creamy. A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will reach for.

Get the recipe: Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Three Bean Salad

A bowl of three bean salad with chopped red onions and green vegetables, featuring kidney beans and other beans. A wooden spoon is placed in the salad.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

For a lighter, tangy option, this three bean salad offers color and crunch. It’s a bright mix that’s easy to prep ahead and makes a nice contrast to heavier sides.

Get the recipe: Three Bean Salad

Southern Giblet Gravy

A gravy boat filled with creamy sauce, topped with a sprig of rosemary, sits invitingly on a wooden trivet—an essential side for your Thanksgiving feast.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Top everything with this rich, traditional giblet gravy. Made from pan drippings and tender giblets, it’s the secret to making mashed potatoes and dressing truly sing.

Get the recipe: Southern Giblet Gravy

Easy Deviled Eggs

closeup of deviled eggs with paprika.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Deviled eggs are always a hit, especially on Thanksgiving. These are creamy, tangy, and perfect for adding a bite-sized classic to your table.

Get the recipe: Easy Deviled Eggs

Broccoli Casserole with Bacon

A serving of broccoli casserole, a perfect Thanksgiving side, graces a decorative plate with its crunchy topping. In the background, a glass baking dish brimming with more casserole rests on the marble surface.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A cheesy, hearty casserole with crisp bacon that takes broccoli to the next level. It’s warm, satisfying, and packs a smoky twist.

Get the recipe: Broccoli Casserole with Bacon

Apple Sausage Stuffing

A serving of stuffing on a floral-patterned plate, garnished with parsley, embodies the essence of Thanksgiving side dishes. A casserole dish sits invitingly in the background.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Apples and sausage give this stuffing a flavorful twist—savory, with a touch of sweet. It’s a great alternative or addition to traditional dressing.

Get the recipe: Apple Sausage Stuffing

Peach Chutney

A bowl of diced peaches and raisins sits on a white surface, perfect as a refreshing side dish for Thanksgiving, with whole peaches and plates elegantly arranged in the background.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A fruity addition that pairs well with roasted turkey or baked ham, this peach chutney is tangy, sweet, and just a bit spicy. It’s the unexpected touch that keeps the flavors interesting.

Get the recipe: Peach Chutney

Cranberry Orange Sauce

A white bowl filled with cranberry sauce, garnished with orange zest, sits amid cranberries, a slice of orange, and a pineapple wedge—a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving sides.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Ditch the canned sauce for this fresh cranberry and orange combination. Tart and vibrant, it adds a burst of flavor to every bite.

Get the recipe: Cranberry Orange Sauce

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

A white plate filled with roasted Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon, making the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. A serving spoon rests inside the dish.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Brussels sprouts roasted with maple syrup and crispy bacon for that salty-sweet mix. Even the Brussels sprouts skeptics will be converted.

Get the recipe: Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Pearl Onions

A plate of roasted pearl onions, perfect as a Thanksgiving side, is garnished with chopped parsley on a white plate, set on a table with a striped cloth and various ingredients nearby.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These roasted pearl onions are tender, caramelized, and almost too easy to make. A simple side that brings a subtle sweetness to the table.

Get the recipe: Roasted Pearl Onions

Southern Squash Casserole

Overhead closeup of baked yellow squash casserole in a white dish.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A Southern favorite, this squash casserole is creamy and topped with buttery cracker crumbs. It’s comforting, warm, and always a family favorite.

Get the list: Squash Casserole

Kale Salad with Mango Chutney Dressing

A bowl of kale salad with dried fruits, sunflower seeds, and dressing is served as a delicious side on a striped napkin, perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings and complete with two utensils.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

For a touch of green, this easy kale salad is fresh and crisp, dressed with a light vinaigrette. It’s a bright, healthy balance to all the indulgent dishes.

Get the recipe: Kale Salad with Mango Chutney Dressing

Bonus: How to Roast the Best Turkey

A whole roast turkey on a platter.
Image Credit: Southern Food and Fun.

No Thanksgiving is complete without a perfectly roasted turkey. Golden and juicy, this centerpiece dish brings everyone to the table, filling the air with the comforting aroma of herbs and rich flavors that define the holiday.

Get the recipe: The Best Roast Turkey

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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