Thanksgiving is well known for its turkey, but what really brings people back for seconds (and maybe thirds) are the delicious side dishes. These classic choices and creative twists fill the table with color, flavor, and nostalgia. Getting the side dishes right can turn a good Thanksgiving into a truly memorable one.
If you’re planning your menu and want to impress everyone from picky eaters to serious foodies, it pays off to focus on the sides. Whether you stick with tradition or mix things up a bit, there’s something in this list for everyone. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding one or two new recipes to your usual spread—as every great Thanksgiving meal grows from a bit of tradition and a dash of fresh ideas.
Here are my top 10 side dishes for a Thanksgiving feast, plus easy-to-follow recipes for each. You’ll find a nice mix of comforting casseroles, fresh veggies, and a couple of sweet surprises. Each side dish brings its own personality and taste to the table, with something for everyone to enjoy.
1. Classic Green Bean Casserole
This dish has been making an appearance on Thanksgiving tables for decades. The mix of tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions is always a hit. It takes just a few minutes to put together, especially if you use canned soup. Plus, the crispy onion topping is everyone’s favorite—there never seems to be enough!
What You Need:
- 2 cans green beans (drained)
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make: Stir together beans, soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour into a baking dish, top with half the onions, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Add the rest of the onions and bake for another 5 minutes, until everything’s hot and the topping is next-level cool.
2. Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes need no introduction. Creamy, fluffy, and rich with butter, these are always super popular. You can keep them simple or switch up the flavor with garlic, cream cheese, or even a bit of sour cream for extra tang. Homemade mashed potatoes are a must for soaking up that savory gravy.
What You Need:
- 5 large russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2/3 cup milk (warm)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make: Boil potatoes until fork-tender. Drain, then mash with butter and gradually add warm milk until smooth. Season generously with salt and pepper for the perfect dish.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Brown Sugar Topping
This side adds a bit of dessert-like flair to dinner. The creamy sweet potatoes pair perfectly with the crunchy sweet topping, making every bite a treat. Kids and adults go for seconds of this one every year at my house. For an extra fall twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mix.
What You Need:
- 4 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- For topping: 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1 cup chopped pecans
How to Make: Mix sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Spread in a baking dish. Stir topping ingredients together, sprinkle over sweet potatoes, and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes.
4. Jiffy Cornbread Corn Casserole
If you’ve never tried this, you’re in for a treat. It’s simple, won’t break the bank, and brings together sweet and savory flavors alongside a moist, almost puddinglike texture. The blend of creamed corn and cornbread mix is both nostalgic and satisfying.
What You Need:
- 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix
- 1 can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can creamed corn
- 1 stick melted butter
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 eggs
How to Make: Mix everything together in a bowl. Spread into a greased 9×13 dish and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes, until golden and set in the center.
5. Southern Squash Casserole
Squash casserole is a staple in many Southern homes. The creamy, cheesy squash is topped with buttery crackers for a side that’s hard to resist. It’s a classic that pairs well with everything else on the table and gives a little crunch in every bite.
What You Need:
- 4 cups sliced yellow squash
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 egg
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed
- 2 tbsp melted butter
How to Make: Cook squash and onion in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain well. Mix squash, onion, cheese, mayo, and egg; pour into a baking dish. Top with crushed crackers tossed in melted butter. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
6. Roasted Asparagus
Roasted asparagus adds a fresh, green touch and balances out a heavier Thanksgiving meal. This one is easy and brings a lot of flavor with just a few simple ingredients. The tender spears and slight char make this veggie dish special—even folks who usually skip the greens may pick up a spear or two.
What You Need:
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon wedges (optional)
How to Make: Toss asparagus in oil, season with salt and pepper. Lay on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 12-15 minutes. Squeeze on lemon before serving if you like for a fresh pop.
7. Black Cherry Jello Salad
This retro side brings a burst of color and a sweet-tart flavor to the table. It’s fun, fruity, and perfect for balancing out savory dishes. For an extra bit of nostalgia, use a vintage Jello mold or serve in individual cups for a pop of personality.
What You Need:
- 2 boxes black cherry Jello
- 1 can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 can dark sweet cherries, drained
- 2 cups boiling water
How to Make: Dissolve Jello in boiling water. Stir in pineapple and cherries. Pour into a serving dish or Jello mold and chill until set, about 4 hours.
8. Cheesy Spinach Casserole
Spinach casserole brings a nice burst of green and fits right in with the other rich flavors on the table. The cheese and a bit of creaminess make this feel special, plus, it’s a sneaky way to get some veggies in—even the picky eaters will take notice. You can add a dash of garlic powder or nutmeg for extra flavor.
What You Need:
- 2 boxes frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper
How to Make: Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Spread in a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and browned on top.
9. Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Cranberries and Pecans
Crispy, slightly bitter sprouts with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans offer a great contrast to the meal’s usual richness. People who don’t usually go for Brussels sprouts may change their minds with this recipe. Try drizzling with balsamic glaze right before serving for a little extra flair.
What You Need:
- 1.5 lbs Brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Salt and pepper
How to Make: Toss sprouts with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Toss with cranberries and pecans before serving.
10. Ambrosia Salad
This is a light, creamy fruit salad loaded with mandarin oranges, pineapple, coconut, and mini marshmallows. It’s a playful side (or dessert) that always makes an appearance every year on my Thanksgiving table. Some folks add maraschino cherries or chopped nuts for even more fun.
What You Need:
- 1 can mandarin oranges, drained
- 1 can pineapple tidbits, drained
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup sour cream or whipped topping
How to Make: Toss everything together in a bowl. Chill for at least an hour before serving. That’s it, and it really couldn’t be easier.
Getting Your Side Dish Game On Point
Side dishes do more than fill out the table; they create memories. Mixing a few classics with some new-to-you recipes can really take your Thanksgiving dinner up a notch. People tend to remember the mashed potatoes that were extra creamy, the surprising squash casserole, or that sweet bite of Jello salad at the end. Don’t be afraid to prep a couple dishes ahead of time—that smooths the way so you can enjoy the holiday too. With these sides, your meal is set to be a crowd pleaser from start to finish. Try a couple of new combos this year, and you might just start a new tradition yourself.