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Everyone knows Thanksgiving is really about the sides. Well, ok, it’s really about the desserts, but that’s a different post. These Southern Thanksgiving Side Dishes are the part of the meal I love the most, so I’ve gathered a bunch of my favorites here to share with you. Cornbread dressing, corn pudding, squash casserole, green beans cooked low and slow with bacon, and a few bright salads to cut through all that richness.

Most of these can be made a day or two ahead. I usually make my cornbread several days in advance and freeze it, and the same can be done with many of these sides. And almost all the prep work can be done in advance, making the day go a lot smoother.

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1
A white dish with cornbread dressing. 
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Made with cornbread, celery, onion, sage, and lots of good chicken stock–this classic Southern Cornbread Dressing is great for Thanksgiving dinner and as a side dish anytime! 
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2
Salad with kale, pomegranate seeds, apple slices, pine nuts, and shaved cheese, with a fork and creamy dressing.
Brussels Sprouts and Kale Salad Recipe
Brussels sprouts and kale shredded fine and tossed in a lemon Dijon dressing with apples, toasted pine nuts, pomegranate arils, and shaved Parmesan.
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3
Butternut Squash Soup in a large pot on a grey board with a striped towel.
Butternut Squash Apple Soup
Butternut Squash Apple Soup–roasted butternut squash, apples, and caramelized onions in a rich and creamy soup. Perfect for holiday menus!
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4
Easy Kale Salad with Mango Chutney Dressing is simple, elegant, healthy, and delicious! Filled with assorted dried fruit and toasted sunflower seeds, this salad is a pretty addition to any meal.
Easy Kale Salad
Easy Kale Salad with Mango Chutney Dressing is simple, elegant, nutritious, and delicious!
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5
A bowl of Southern mashed potatoes with a pat of butter on top.
Southern Mashed Potatoes
Southern Mashed Potatoes with creamy russets, melted butter, sour cream, and heavy cream for a comforting, homestyle side.
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6
Roasted butternut squash cubes on a baking tray with chopped green herbs, and a metal spatula lifting some pieces.
Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
Butternut squash cut into cubes and roasted until tender with golden-brown edges.
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7
A plate of sausage and herb stuffing with celery, mushrooms, and pecans.
Apple Sausage Stuffing Recipe
Apple sausage stuffing with toasted sourdough, mushrooms, pecans, and fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary, baked uncovered until golden and toasty.
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8
This Skillet Dressing Recipe with Pear, Sage, and Bacon is just right for a smaller crowd—and it's bursting with fresh flavor!
Skillet Dressing Recipe with Pear, Sage, and Bacon
This Skillet Dressing Recipe with Pear, Sage, and Bacon is just right for a smaller crowd—and it's bursting with fresh flavor!
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9
A close-up of a wooden spoon scooping out a portion of baked corn pudding from a white dish.
Corn Pudding Recipe
Creamy corn pudding made from scratch with two kinds of corn, three eggs, and a little cornstarch, baked until golden at the edges.
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10
A dish of green beans seasoned with herbs and pieces of bacon, served with a fork.
Southern Green Beans Recipe
Southern green beans are easy to make, tender beans that are flavored with bacon or ham hocks. These green beans are a must-have side dish on every Southern table.
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11
Butter beans with bacon and a wooden spoon.
Butter Beans Recipe
Butter beans cooked the old-fashioned way with bacon and just a little sugar.
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12
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole features a traditional pecan and brown sugar streusel topping rather than melted marshmallows.
Sweet Potato Casserole
A creamy sweet potato casserole that’s topped with crunchy pecan and brown sugar streusel.
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13
A plate of Southern broccoli casserole topped with melted cheese and black pepper, served on a beige dish.
Southern Broccoli Casserole
Southern Broccoli Casserole with crispy bacon, cheese, onion, and topped with toasted cheese crackers is the best broccoli casserole we've ever had! Your family will love this one!
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14
Closeup of a spoon of squash casserole held over the baking dish.
Squash Casserole
Squash Casserole with grated Cheddar cheese, crumbled buttery crackers, and fresh yellow squash.
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15
A fork holds a bite of creamy macaroni and cheese above a bowl, with another full bowl in the background next to a striped cloth.
Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Creamy baked mac and cheese with no eggs, made with a half-and-half cheese sauce and six cups of grated extra-sharp Cheddar, then baked until the top is golden brown.
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16
A plate of roasted pearl onions garnished with fresh herbs.
Honey-Glazed Roasted Pearl Onions Recipe
Pearl onions roasted in a dry sherry and honey glaze until golden brown, a side dish for weeknights and holiday dinners.
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17
Roasted Brussels Sprouts, caramelized with a little brown sugar and spiced up with some chili powder and cumin...these are divine!
Caramelized Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels Sprouts, caramelized with a little brown sugar and spiced up with some chili powder and cumin…these are divine!
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18
A white oval dish filled with glazed Brussels sprouts and bacon pieces sits on a brown cloth next to a silver spoon and sliced oranges.
Maple and Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Savory sweet maple and balsamic glazed brussels sprouts with crispy bacon is a tasty side dish.
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19
A bowl filled with a colorful three-bean salad, featuring green beans, wax beans, red kidney beans, diced red onions, and green bell peppers, mixed with a wooden spoon. Parsley garnish on the side.
Three Bean Salad
Old-fashioned three bean salad is a great side dish for grilled or roasted meats.
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20
A pear half on a lettuce leaf topped with a dollop of mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, and a maraschino cherry.
Southern Pear Salad Recipe
Pear Salad made with grated cheese and mayonnaise is an old-fashioned Southern favorite. Serve it as an appetizer or side dish to go with almost any meal. 
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21
A bowl of salad with arugula, apple slices, walnuts, pomegranate seeds, and cubes of feta cheese. Two small bowls with pomegranate seeds and walnuts are in the background.
Apple Pomegranate Salad Recipe
A fresh, colorful salad of apples, pomegranate, greens, and feta tossed in a sweet maple-balsamic dressing.
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22
A spoon drizzles dressing over a salad with kale, roasted sweet potatoes, red onion, and chickpeas on a stacked plate.
Kale Sweet Potato Salad Recipe
A hearty kale and sweet potato salad tossed with chickpeas, cranberries, and a honey Dijon vinaigrette for the perfect blend of flavor and texture.
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23
A bowl of mixed fruit salad with strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, kiwi, and orange segments, garnished with mint and served with white utensils.
Fruit Salad
A refreshing, colorful fruit salad with a zesty honey-lime dressing is perfect for breakfast, snack, or a light dessert!
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Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a recipe developer, writer, and fourth-generation Southern cook sharing trusted recipes that help keep Southern food traditions alive. Every recipe is carefully tested and designed for today’s kitchens, gatherings, and family tables.

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