Even though folks try to claim the bird as the reigning hero, everyone knows the real favorites of the holiday are the Southern Thanksgiving side dishes, from buttery mashed potatoes to our favorite green beans.
We’ll have cornbread dressing, not stuffing (although I love this stuffing recipe!), and this gravy can be drizzled over all of it.
Southern Thanksgiving Side Dishes
You’ll find classics on this list, like mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese, as well as more unique dishes like succotash and fried cabbage.
Whether you’re a fan of savory, sweet, or spicy, this lineup has it all. Each dish brings a touch of Southern charm to your Thanksgiving feast, making it a memorable and delicious occasion for all.
When you’ve chosen your sides for your Thanksgiving feast, be sure to check out our desserts.
You’ll never go wrong with Southern classics like Pecan Pie, Sweet Potato Pie, or Fudge Pie, but you can also add our famous Cream Cheese Banana Pudding or try your hand at a Southern Caramel Cake.
Skillet Dressing Recipe
This Skillet Dressing Recipe with Pear, Sage, and Bacon is just right for a smaller crowd—and it's bursting with fresh flavor!
Whipped Sweet Potatoes
Whipped sweet potatoes make such a cozy and tasty side for a holiday feast! Make these with simple ingredients for the best flavor. Top with a pat of butter or drizzle gravy over top. Either way, these are such a yummy addition to Thanksgiving.
Cranberry Jezebel Sauce
Craving a unique cranberry sauce? Discover a flavorful twist with zesty orange and sweet pineapple. A must-try for your Southern holiday spread!
Cheese Pudding
This cheese pudding recipe is such a delicious side! It has a rich, eggy custard with so much sharp cheddar cheese. Mix in white bread and bake to golden perfection. Your family is sure to enjoy this dish.
Butter Beans
Butter beans are a classic dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. Make these to go with Thanksgiving for a Southern side that is easy, budget-friendly, and so filling. Add some bacon and plenty of butter to give this dish the best holiday flavor.
Southern Squash Casserole
With tender squash, loads of cheese, and the best buttery crumb topping, this is a dish to be thankful for! Serve this for the holidays to the delight of your family. Or make this dish anytime you have more squash than you know what to do with.
Southern Green Beans
These Southern green beans are flavored with bacon and cooked low and slow until tender. They’re the perfect Thanksgiving side dish for your table.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Skip the marshmallows and make this amazing streusel-topped sweet potato casserole for a cozy and delectable addition to your holiday meal. This one is a family favorite!
Southern Fried Cabbage
Add this keto fried cabbage with salty bacon to your holiday table for an easy and extra flavorful side that everyone will enjoy, and your keto lifestyle guests will greatly appreciate.
BEST Cheese Grits
Grits are a classic Southern option that everyone will love to find on the Thanksgiving menu. Use white cheddar cheese and eggs to make an ultra-creamy side that goes well with all of the classic Thanksgiving dishes.
Buttermilk Biscuits
Make buttermilk biscuits for your holiday feast. The flaky layers will hit the spot, whether covered in melty butter or swiping through the remnants of gravy left on your plate.
Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes
It wouldn’t be the holidays without a dish of sweet potatoes on the table. This recipe roasts them to perfection with vanilla and honey to bring an even sweeter flavor than your guests will anticipate.
Broccoli Casserole with Bacon
Broccoli casserole is such an easy and flavorful side dish to add to your holiday menu. With plenty of sweet onions, loads of cheese, and the crispiest topping, your guests are destined to want a second scoop of this at every holiday meal.
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with our creamy and irresistible Macaroni and Cheese recipe. Picture tender macaroni enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce that’s baked to golden perfection.
Fried Okra
This fried okra is a perfect side for a fall feast. It is light and crispy, thanks to the cornmeal-based coating. You will love it with all of the trimmings for Thanksgiving.
Pineapple Casserole
Make this sweet and buttery pineapple casserole for a distinctly delicious side dish. It pairs beautifully with ham, beef, or turkey for a wonderful Thanksgiving side dish that everyone will enjoy.
Pear Salad
Give a nod to your Southern roots by serving this old-fashioned dish at Thanksgiving. Pear salad is such a simple yet unique option to bring to your table. Your family will love seeing this classic dish make a comeback!
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
You have to have a big bowl of mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving. This recipe has the best thick and creamy flavor, just like you might find in a Southern country kitchen. You will love these smothered in gravy or loaded with butter.
Parmesan Asparagus
Parmesan roasted asparagus makes for such an easy side. Everyone loves roasted asparagus, but adding parmesan cheese to it makes it just the thing for holiday meals.
Copycat Rudy’s BBQ Creamed Corn
This simple copycat for creamed corn tastes like it came from Rudy’s BBQ, but really, it cooks in the slow cooker for a fuss-free and flavorful side that pairs well with turkey, roast beef, or ham.
Jalapeno Creamed Corn with Bacon
Make this creamed corn with bacon and spicy jalapeno peppers for a nice, savory side dish. This is easy and has a great blend of seasonings and the perfect kick of heat to complement a variety of main courses.
Deviled Eggs
Don’t forget the deviled eggs on Thanksgiving! This recipe has the best creamy filling for a classic option that everyone will make room on their plate for.
Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Bacon
Sautéed Brussels Sprouts topped with a lemon and Dijon vinaigrette, then sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and bacon—a new twist on a favorite vegetable!
Succotash
Bring a medley of colors and textures to your Thanksgiving menu with this succotash recipe. This is filled with tasty veggies like corn, peppers, and tomatoes and has a salty kick of bacon to bring a variety of flavors into one yummy side.
Southern Cornbread
An epic meal like Thanksgiving dinner needs a variety of great flavors. Make this Southern-style cornbread to add a traditional classic to your bread basket.
These Southern Thanksgiving side dishes are just a few of our favorites—be sure to check out our entire Southern Thanksgiving Dinner Menu, as well as our Thanksgiving for Two Menu, if you have a smaller crowd.
And don’t forget your Thankfulness Tablecloth to save memories for each generation.
Thanksgiving is a time to cherish the flavors of tradition and embrace the excitement of trying something new. These dishes embody the heart and soul of Southern cuisine, bringing comfort and warmth to your table.
So, whether you stick with the classics or venture into uncharted culinary territory, we wish you a memorable Thanksgiving filled with good food, family, and gratitude.
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