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    Home > Recipe Roundups

    30 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes

    Published: Oct 30, 2022 | Updated: Oct 30, 2022

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    30 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes Chef Lindsey Farr
    30 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes Chef Lindsey
    Chef Farr's 30 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes

    I’ve collected the 30 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes to make your Thanksgiving dinner planning incredibly easy! They are grouped into categories, so you just have to choose one from each for a balanced and flavorful meal!

    30 Best Thanksgiving Side dishes plated pink plates
    Table of Contents
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • 30 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes!
    • Yeasted Thanksgiving Dinner Rolls
    • Quick Thanksgiving Bread Side Dishes
    • Sweet Potato Thanksgiving Side Dishes
    • Stuffing Recipes for Thanksgiving
    • Potato Thanksgiving Side Dishes
    • The Best Thanksgiving Condiments
    • Vegetable Thanksgiving Side Dishes
    • Lasagna Thanksgiving Side Dishes

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How far in advance can you make Thanksgiving side dishes?

    Generally you can prepare most Thanksgiving side dishes up to a week in advance. I think it is best to prepare by pre-cutting vegetables, bread for stuffing, and herbs. That way the side dishes are easier to assemble and prepare the day before or the day of Thanksgiving. Some items like fresh rolls and mashed potatoes are best made the day they are served.

    How to select Thanksgiving side dishes?

    I like to break up the side dishes by categories and select a few from each. I always have several different vegetable side dishes including a sweet potato dish, a stuffing or dressing, and then a bread or dinner roll. After I pick the flavors I make sure that the dishes range between very little hands-on preparation to more active preparation needed. You don’t want to choose all very complicated dishes that require too much prep on Thanksgiving Day. Select some easier and some more complicated recipes, and be sure that some of the preparation can be done in the weeks before.

    How many side dishes should you have for Thanksgiving?

    This is ultimately a personal choice, but the fun of Thanksgiving is in the variety! I like to have at least 4 side dishes no matter the number of guests. Two vegetable side dishes, a stuffing or dressing, and a sauce. The more guests, the more variety and options you can have! Have fun with it. They don’t have to be complicated as long as they are flavorful and they all taste good together!

    30 Best Thanksgiving Side dishes plate in hand

    30 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes!

    I’ve broken down the 30 Best Thanksgiving side dishes by categories to make it easier to select the perfect Thanksgiving dinner menu!

    Yeasted Thanksgiving Dinner Rolls

    I love to have a homemade yeasted dinner roll or bread on the Thanksgiving dinner table. A well-selected roll will allow your guests to sop up all those fabulous flavors on Thanksgiving day and make leftover sandwiches the next day.

    Pumpkin Herb Dinner Rolls Perfect Texture

    These pumpkin herb dinner rolls are on my Thanksgiving Menu for 2022. Savory yeasted pumpkin roll flavored with browned butter and herbs.

    Pumpkin Herb Dinner Rolls
    These are the perfect savory Pumpkin Herb Dinner Rolls. Rosemary, sage and thyme are bloomed in browned butter for a deep, complex flavor. These yeasted rolls are soft, tender and full of flavor. I’ll give you all the tips and tricks for perfect rolls every single time.
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    Pumpkin Herb Dinner Rolls Perfect Texture
    Potato Dinner Rolls being torn apart

    You can never go wrong with soft, tender Potato Dinner Rolls. These rolls do require making mashed potatoes but that can be done up to a week in advance. I usually cook a larger batch of potatoes and mash them. Then take out what I need for this roll recipe and transform the rest into easy weeknight Mashed Potatoes.

    Easy Potato Dinner Rolls
    These are the best Potato Dinner Rolls. They are easy enough for a beginner baker but are soft, tender and buttery! They use real mashed potatoes for a rich flavor!
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    Potato Dinner Rolls being torn apart
    Rosemary Sourdough Rolls on wooden board

    These Rosemary Sourdough Rolls have that perfect browned exterior and chewy interior. The rosemary flavor will complement any other side dish you choose and also my Roasted Herb Turkey! Consider making a double batch because they will be gone before you go back for seconds.

    Rosemary Sourdough Rolls
    These Rosemary Sourdough Rolls are soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside! They are completely leavened with sourdough starter!
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    Rosemary Sourdough Rolls on wooden tray
    Easy Dinner Rolls Fluffy Interior

    These easy dinner rolls are so soft and tender that they melt in your mouth. With no additional preparation required (like in the potato dinner rolls) you can make them start to finish on Thanksgiving day!

    Easy Dinner Rolls
    These Easy Dinner Rolls are soft, tender and slightly buttery! With these step by step instructions, making perfect dinner rolls will be so easy you’ll want them every night!
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    Easy Dinner Rolls Fluffy Interior
    Pumpkin Spice Dinner Rolls Crumb

    I love a good side dish surprise. These Pumpkin Spice Dinner Rolls are an unexpected but delightful choice for Thanksgiving side dishes. They are savory but have just the faintest hint of brown sugar and warming pumpkin spice. They will pair beautifully with sweet potato casserole, any stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

    Pumpkin Spice Dinner Rolls
    These savory Pumpkin Spice Dinner Rolls are the perfect addition to a Fall dinner menu! They have all the pumpkin spice flavors you love but are soft, tender and chewy. An easy, yeasted dinner roll to spice up any occasion.
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    Pumpkin Spice Dinner Rolls Perfect Bun
    Honey Whole Wheat Buttermilk Rolls in basket

    If you wanted a more sensible choice, here it is! Each Whole Wheat Buttermilk Roll only has 50 calories and is 100% whole wheat! They are still light and fluffy and incredibly delicious.

    Honey Whole Wheat Buttermilk Rolls
    These Honey Whole Wheat Buttermilk Rolls are soft and fluffy with just a hint of honey! And they are only 50 calories each! Hearty, healthy dinner rolls that will complete any meal!
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    Honey Whole Wheat Buttermilk Rolls in basket

    Quick Thanksgiving Bread Side Dishes

    Some years there is no time for a yeasted roll side dish, and that is what cornbread and biscuits are for! These easy quick bread side dishes will complement any Thanksgiving dinner and come together in no time.

    Sweet Southern Cornbread a 30 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes

    Sweet Southern Cornbread is an easy alternative to yeasted bread for Thanksgiving. You can mix it up in one bowl or even in the same cast iron skillet you’ll bake it in!

    Sweet Southern Cornbread
    This Sweet Southern Cornbread is a buttery, sweet(er) cornbread with a velvety texture. It comes out perfect every single time.
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    Sweet Southern Cornbread a 30 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes
    Buttermilk Biscuits honey drizzle

    I lived in the South long enough to know that there are households where no meal is complete without a Buttermilk Biscuit. Do all the prep ahead of time and then bake them fresh for Thanksgiving dinner!

    The Best Buttermilk Biscuits
    These are the best buttermilk biscuits ever: soft, flaky and incredibly tender! Look no further for your new favorite biscuit recipe!
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    Buttermilk Biscuits cast iron
    The Ultimate Cornbread Recipe with butter

    This is my savory Cornbread Recipe. It isn’t as sweet as my Sweet Southern Cornbread, but it is still tender and soft. I use it to make cornbread stuffing but it also makes a wonderful side dish.

    The Ultimate Cornbread Recipe
    This is the Ultimate Cornbread Recipe! It is not too sweet but it is still soft, tender and moist! You can add anything to it to mix up the flavor or use it as the base for your favorite cornbread stuffing recipe!
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    The Ultimate Cornbread Recipe with butter

    Sweet Potato Thanksgiving Side Dishes

    There must be at least one sweet potato side dish on my Thanksgiving table! I prefer them on the sweeter side like in sweet potato casserole but I also love a good savory sweet potato side dish!

    Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes in blue bowl

    These Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes are the best of both worlds! They are a little sweet but mostly savory. Silky-smooth sweet potato puree mixed with maple syrup, butter, and a little bit of crème fraîche for an extra silky texture.

    Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes
    The are the best Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes! They are silky smooth, rich and creamy! Roasted sweet potatoes are sweetened with maple syrup and finished with butter and crème fraîche.
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    Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes in blue bowl
    The best Sweet potato casserole one of 30 best thanksgiving side dishes

    This is a decadent recipe for The Best Sweet Potato Casserole. A rich, buttery sweet potato base topped with a brown sugar pecan crumble. When they bake together you get the actual best sweet potato casserole. This is what Thanksgiving dreams are made of.

    The Best Sweet Potato Casserole
    This Maple Sweet Potato Casserole has a crunchy brown sugar pecan topping and is just sweet enough!
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    Maple Sweet Potato Casserole in dish and on white plate
    An easy recipe for Sweet Potato Casserole Lightened Up! Still packed with brown sugar, buttery goodness but with half the calories!

    In case you aren’t here for the 100% decadence of my classic Sweet Potato Casserole above, I’ve lightened up the recipe for you. This Sweet Potato Casserole Lightened up recipe uses less butter and sugar, but still retains the silky texture and crumble topping for a healthier version on a classic.

    Sweet Potato Casserole Lightened Up
    My lightened up Sweet Potato Casserole still has all the buttery, brown sugar flavor of a traditional casserole with half the calories!
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    Brown Butter Sage Mashed Sweet Potatoes will liven up any meal! Easy, stunning and delicious!

    These Brown Butter Sage Mashed Sweet Potatoes are smooth, creamy, and flavored with browned butter and sage for a completely savory sweet potato side dish.

    Brown Butter Sage Mashed Sweet Potatoes
    Smooth and creamy mashed sweet potatoes with nutty brown butter and savory fresh sage come together in a beautiful and delicious side dish!
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    Brown Butter Sage Mashed Sweet Potatoes will liven up any meal! Easy, stunning and delicious!
    Hasselback Sweet Potatoes 30 best Thanksgiving side dishes

    This Hasselback Sweet Potato Casserole is even healthier than my lightened up sweet potato casserole. Slice sweet potatoes Hasselback-style then bake with a touch of butter until they are soft and tender. I sprinkle a little brown sugar pecan crumble over the top for a final bake. You get all the flavors of sweet potato casserole in a fun, healthier presentation!

    Hasselback Sweet Potato Casserole
    This Hasselback Sweet Potato Casserole is a fun twist on the traditional sweet potato casserole. It has all the flavors without all the work! The sweet potatoes are sliced thin and then baked under a generous covering of delicious brown sugar pecan topping for an easy, playful side dish.
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    Hasselback Sweet Potatoes Perfect Texture

    Stuffing Recipes for Thanksgiving

    Stuffing is my favorite part of Thanksgiving, and any round up of the 30 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes would be incomplete without a few of my favorites.

    Apple Sage Sausage Stuffing 30 best Thanksgiving side dishes

    This Apple Sage Sausage Stuffing has tons of fresh herbs, a little sweetness from the apples and a little spice from the sausage! It is a phenomenal addition to any list of the Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes.

    Apple Sage Sausage Stuffing
    This Apple Sage Sausage Stuffing is a sensational side dish! It has something for everyone! A little sweetness from the apples, a little spice from the spicy Italian chicken sausage, tons of savory flavors from aromatics and fresh herbs, and a little crunch from toasted pecans!
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    Apple Sage Sausage Stuffing detail on spoon
    Classic Cornbread Stuffing

    This Classic Cornbread Stuffing has a mix of crusty bread and cornbread for the perfect texture! There are tons of aromatics and just enough stock to keep it moist without being spongy.

    Classic Cornbread Stuffing
    This Classic Cornbread Stuffing uses fresh, savory cornbread with an abundance of spices, herbs and aromatics for a delicious side dish!
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    Classic Cornbread Stuffing
    Mushroom Cornbread Stuffing in white baking dish

    This Mushroom Cornbread stuffing is my favorite. It is made with 100% cornbread and tons of aromatics and herbs. The mushrooms give it body and texture while keeping it healthier. A few cranberries studded throughout gives it a little tartness.

    Mushroom Cornbread Stuffing
    This Mushroom Cornbread Stuffing is flavored with mushrooms and all the herbs! Cranberries are studded throughout for the perfect holiday side dish!
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    Mushroom Cornbread Stuffing in white baking dish

    Potato Thanksgiving Side Dishes

    I love to mix in different flavors and textures with Potato Side Dishes. Sometimes I go traditional with mashed potatoes, and other times I like to mix it up with cheesy, indulgent scalloped potatoes. I always try to balance the texture with whichever sweet potato side dish I choose.

    Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe melted butter 30 best Thanksgiving side dishes

    These Creamy Mashed Potatoes are a staple on my dinner table. They are easy to pull together and have just enough butter to make them feel decadent.

    Creamy Mashed Potatoes
    These Creamy Mashed Potatoes are easy enough for a weeknight and only contain three ingredients! A simple recipe from a professional chef for fast, delicious, creamy mashed potatoes.
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    Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe with vintage spoon in blue bowl
    Scalloped Potatoes on wooden server

    Scalloped Potatoes are my husband’s favorite side dish. They are a prerequisite in my house, but every year I tweak the recipe just a bit to try different cheeses or add another layer of flavor. It is creamy, cheesy and after one bite, you’ll be dreaming about it until next year.

    Scalloped Potatoes
    These Scalloped Potatoes are rich and creamy and super cheesy! Layers of perfectly cooked potatoes and cheesy béchamel bake together into one stunning side dish!
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    Scalloped Potatoes on wooden server
    Loaded Mashed Potatoes 30 best Thanksgiving side dishes

    Loaded Mashed Potatoes have all the toppings of loaded potatoes but mixed into smooth, creamy mashed potatoes! Silky mashed potatoes loaded with bacon, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and chives!

    Loaded Mashed Potatoes
    These Loaded Mashed Potatoes are bursting with bacon, sour cream, chives and cheddar cheese. Everything you love about loaded potatoes but mixed into smooth, creamy mashed potatoes!
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    Loaded Mashed Potatoes Delicious Spoonful
    Rosemary Roasted Potatoes close up 30 best thanksgiving side dishes

    These Roasted Rosemary Potatoes are a healthier option to mix up the best Thanksgiving side dishes. I make these all year round because they are flavorful and incredibly easy to make. If you need a low-key side dish, this is a great option.

    Roasted Rosemary Potatoes
    I make these Rosemary Roasted Potatoes at least once a week! They are easy, delicious and the perfect complement for roast chicken. The leftovers are phenomenal on salad!
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    Rosemary Roasted Potatoes featured

    The Best Thanksgiving Condiments

    You can’t forget the accoutrements! These are the sauces that will pull the whole meal together and transform leftover sandwiches into inspirational meals! No list of the 30 best Thanksgiving Side Dishes would be complete without a few complementary sauces!

    Maple Butter dark shadows

    Maple butter isn’t a sauce, but it does make any dinner rolls taste even more fantastic! Plus, it is the easiest thing you’ll make all day. Simply mix together maple syrup, kosher salt, and softened butter for a sweet, salty spread! Think of this as the enabler for, “okay, maybe just one more roll.”

    Homemade Maple Butter
    This easy Homemade Maple Butter recipe uses only 3 ingredients for a rich, salty-sweet butter spread. Maple butter is delicious on toast, quick breads, muffins or dinner rolls.
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    Maple Butter swirled
    Nanas Cranberry Chutney one of 30 best thanksgiving side dishes

    Thanksgiving dinner is not complete without a generous helping of Nana’s Cranberry Chutney. It is just a little sweet and very aromatic. The tart, fragrant sauce pulls all the different side dishes together and adds a welcomed burst of acidity.

    Nana's Cranberry Chutney
    My Grandmother's recipe for Cranberry Chutney is the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Easy and aromatic, a Holiday table wouldn't be complete without it!
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    Nanas Cranberry Chutney one of 30 best thanksgiving side dishes
    Gravy From Scratch Wood Slate Backdrop

    If you are already roasting a whole bird, then why not make a flavorful gravy from the pan drippings? Make this Easy Gravy Recipe with any pan drippings. I give you all the cheat codes for making it delicious no matter what happens.

    Easy Gravy from Pan Drippings
    A professional chef shows you how to make gravy from drippings! This easy gravy recipe makes a thick, rich, robust gravy that can be made with chicken or turkey pan drippings. You can also make it with butter for an equally delicious homemade gravy.
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    Gravy From Scratch Delightful Overhead
    Break out of the cranberry rut with this Spiced Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce| An easy recipe for any night or your holiday feast!

    This Spiced Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce is a flavorful twist on classic cranberry sauce. Fresh cranberries simmered with whole spices, brown sugar and apple cider for a tart and delicious side dish.

    Spiced Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce
    Break out of the cranberry sauce rut with this Spiced Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce! Cranberries are simmered with brown sugar, apple cider, star anise, cinnamon, cardamom and tangerine zest!
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    Break out of the cranberry rut with this Spiced Apple Cider Cranberry Sauce| An easy recipe for any night or your holiday feast!

    Vegetable Thanksgiving Side Dishes

    Here are some vegetable side dishes that pack a flavor punch and range from very healthy to more decadent.

    Brussels Sprouts and Leeks with Lime ginger butter in skillet with spoon

    These Brussels Sprouts & Leeks are served with a lime ginger butter that elevates roasted brussels sprouts to a whole new level! This is another easy, healthy side dish to add to the mix.

    Brussels Sprouts & Leeks with Lime Ginger Butter
    These Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Leeks with a lime-ginger butter have layers of flavor! Caramelized brussels sprouts and leeks are finished with a lime ginger browned butter sauce so good, you’ll never look at brussels sprouts the same again!
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    Brussels Sprouts and Leeks with Lime ginger butter in skillet
    Creamy Swiss Cheese Mixed Vegetable Casserole red dish

    This Creamy Swiss Cheese Mixed Vegetable Casserole will be the easiest side dish you make all day. Just mix together the 5 ingredients and pop it in the oven! No chopping, no prep, no stress. Even if you forget to thaw the veggies, it will still be ready before the turkey!

    Creamy Swiss Cheese Mixed Vegetable Casserole
    Creamy, cheesy, flavorful. 5 ingredients and 5 minute prep time: This casserole couldn’t be easier yet it has a surprisingly complex flavor!
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    Creamy Swiss Cheese Mixed Vegetable Casserole red dish wooden serving spoon
    Easy Rosemary Lemon Roasted Cauliflower pink bowl on a green surface

    I love this recipe for Rosemary Lemon Roasted Cauliflower. It is healthy, flavorful and easy. You could even cut the cauliflower florets several days before Thanksgiving for an easy side dish.

    Rosemary Lemon Roasted Cauliflower
    This easy Rosemary Lemon Roasted Cauliflower will be your new favorite side dish! Cauliflower florets seasoned with fresh rosemary, thyme and lemon zest. It is fast, flavorful and versatile
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    Easy Rosemary Lemon Roasted Cauliflower on baking sheet

    Lasagna Thanksgiving Side Dishes

    These Lasagna recipes are for the Italian Americans out there and everyone else who feels lasagna is an essential Thanksgiving Side Dish. I was surprised the first time I heard this tradition, but then it all made sense. What is one more decadent, cheesy side dish among friends?

    Ultimate Lasagna Recipe slices on two plate with cheese pull

    This is my Ultimate Lasagna Recipe. It is tried and true and I have been making it since college. There is flavor packed into each and every layer for the best lasagna.

    The Ultimate Lasagna Recipe
    This is the Ultimate Lasagna Recipe! It has all the expected layers of cheese, pasta sauce and noodles, but I’ve built extra flavor into every single layer for the most mind-blowingly delicious lasagna EVER.
    Get the Recipe!
    Featured Post Dinner
    Spaghetti Squash Kale Lasagna

    This vegetarian Spaghetti Squash lasagna is shockingly delicious. It is packed with herbs and is gluten free. A healthier way to have your lasagna and eat it too!

    Spaghetti Squash Kale Lasagna
    This Spaghetti Squash Kale Lasagna is flavored with bright cilantro and asiago cheese! It’s healthy, vegetarian, hearty and flavorful!
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    Spaghetti Squash Kale Cilantro Lasagna

    This recipe for Whole Wheat Vegetable Lasagna uses whole wheat lasagna noodles and layers of summer squash for a healthier take on a family favorite. All the same great flavors of my ultimate lasagna but lightened up.

    Whole Wheat Vegetable Lasagna
    This recipe for Whole-Wheat Vegetable Lasagna will blow your mind! Hearty, filling layers of zucchini, squash, mushrooms, homemade sauce and cheese!!!
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    Whole-Wheat Vegetable Lasagna

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    Hi, I'm Lindsey! I am the baker, recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind Chef Lindsey Farr. I believe in delicious homemade food and the power of dessert! 

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