Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Introduction

A Thanksgiving feast isn’t complete without a dazzling variety of flavorful side dishes that complement your holiday turkey and wow your guests. From golden roasted vegetables to creamy casseroles and innovative twists on classics, these Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes ensure there’s something to please every palate at your table. With the right mix of timeless favorites and creative newcomers, your meal will feel abundant, delicious, and unforgettable.

Why These Side Dishes Stand Out

This curated list combines crave-worthy flavors, crowd-pleasing textures, and convenient prep options. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or contributing a dish to a potluck, each recipe on this list brings something special—think zesty cranberries, pillowy marshmallow-topped yams, and crisp, savory green beans. Many can be prepped ahead, making holiday meal planning less stressful and leaving you free to enjoy more time with family and friends.

How to Streamline Your Thanksgiving Sides

Simplifying your Thanksgiving meal starts with having organized recipes and a consolidated shopping list. By selecting your favorites from this list, you’ll save time and stress, ensuring every dish complements each other. Consider prepping dishes like casseroles and salads the day before, and leaving quick cooking sides (like roasted Brussels sprouts) for the big day. A little planning goes a long way toward a smooth, delicious Thanksgiving.

The Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes

1. Classic Green Bean Casserole
2. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
3. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
4. Sausage & Herb Stuffing
5. Honey-Glazed Carrots
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
7. Cranberry Orange Relish
8. Candied Yams
9. Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
10. Cheddar Cornbread
11. Macaroni and Cheese
12. Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
13. Sautéed Mushrooms with Thyme
14. Scalloped Potatoes
15. Garlic Parsnip Purée
16. Buttermilk Biscuits
17. Maple Roasted Acorn Squash
18. Broccoli Cheese Bake
19. Spinach Gratin
20. Wild Rice Pilaf with Pecans and Cranberries
21. Classic Dinner Rolls
22. Southern-Style Collard Greens
23. Herb-Roasted Root Vegetables
24. Creamed Corn Casserole
25. Shaved Fennel Citrus Salad

The ultimate Thanksgiving shopping list for these side dishes can include:
– Green beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, asparagus
– Bread cubes, sausage, celery, onions, leeks
– Fresh and dried herbs (parsley, thyme, sage, rosemary, tarragon)
– Cheddar cheese, Parmesan, cream, milk, butter
– Cranberries, oranges, apples, walnuts, pecans
– Cornmeal, flour, baking powder, eggs, buttermilk
– Olive oil, honey, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar
– Garlic, mushrooms, spinach, collard greens, root vegetables
– Rice, wild rice
– Salt, pepper, sugar, brown sugar, marshmallows
– Citrus fruits, fennel

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this entire list to automatically generate a master shopping list with all ingredients sorted by grocery store section—perfect for minimizing trips and ensuring nothing gets missed during holiday prep.

Instructions for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

1. Choose your favorite side dishes from this top 25 list based on guest preferences and oven space.
2. Read each recipe and note which ingredients and equipment are required in advance.
3. For make-ahead dishes (like casseroles and salads), prepare 1–2 days before Thanksgiving and store in the fridge.
4. On Thanksgiving Day, bake or reheat casseroles, prepare quick-cooking sides (roasted veggies, sautéed mushrooms), and make fresh salads.
5. Use your consolidated shopping list to double-check ingredients and minimize last-minute grocery runs.

Weekly Meal Planning

This list isn’t just for holidays—many of these sides make fantastic additions to weeknight meals. Save and schedule your favorite side dishes to streamline meals throughout the week and generate smart, consolidated shopping lists that eliminate duplicates and forgotten items.

Planning Benefits:

– Organizes ingredients by store section for fast, efficient shopping
– Calculates total ingredient quantities across all planned recipes
– Reduces food waste by helping you use overlapping ingredients
– Makes holiday and everyday meal prep more manageable

Pro Tip: When preparing for a busy week or a big feast, schedule your sides to see how your weekly ingredients interact—saving you money and time, and ensuring a deliciously coordinated menu.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: Varies per dish, typically 15–30 minutes
Cook Time: Varies per dish, typically 30–60 minutes
Total Time: All 25 sides can be prepped and cooked throughout your Thanksgiving week or chosen meal planning cycle.

Recap: Crowd-Pleasing Thanksgiving Sides

A spectacular Thanksgiving spread is all about the sides. With this Top 25 list, you’ll satisfy every guest, from traditionalists to adventurous eaters. Careful planning and a smart shopping strategy make serving an impressive, stress-free feast not only possible—but deliciously simple.