Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve already started thinking about all the sides you want to make (and more importantly, eat!). This is why I’ve compiled my very extensive list of over 50 Thanksgiving Side Dishes!
Email Me the Recipe!
From time to time, we'll send you Well Plated emails. You can unsubscribe anytime. Have an account? Log In.
Thanksgiving Side Dishes Everyone Will Love
Over many years of countless recipe tests and inspiration, my list of healthy side dishes and Thanksgiving recipes has grown.
These recipes taste INCREDIBLE and THEY WORK!
Holiday meals are special, and these recipes live up to the task.
- Every recipe on this list has received numerous stamps of approval from both adults and kids.
- The ingredients are simple and can be found at any grocery store.
- These Thanksgiving sides are EASY. Even beginner cooks can make them!
- You’ll find both classic Thanksgiving sides for a traditional meal, as well as unique Thanksgiving sides if you’re looking to mix it up.
To make browsing these healthy Thanksgiving sides as easy as possible, I have organized them into categories for you.
If you would like to jump to a specific section, simply click the appropriate link below. Otherwise, keep scrolling to see them all!
Table of Contents
- Thanksgiving Side Dishes Everyone Will Love
- What Should I Cook for Thanksgiving?
- What Are the Most Popular Side Dishes for Thanksgiving?
- How Many Sides Does Thanksgiving Have?
- Sweet Potato Thanksgiving Sides
- Mashed Potato Thanksgiving Sides
- Cheesy Potato Thanksgiving Sides
- Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes
- Thanksgiving Green Beans
- Brussels Sprouts Side Dishes
- Squash Thanksgiving Side Dishes
- Thanksgiving Salad Recipes
- Cranberry Sauce Recipes for Thanksgiving
- Corn Thanksgiving Sides
- Unique, Impressive, and Easy Thanksgiving Sides
- Vegetable Casserole Side Dishes
- Roasted Vegetables
- Breads and Rolls
What Should I Cook for Thanksgiving?
Whether you want to follow a what a traditional Thanksgiving menu is or not, the choice is completely up to you, which is part of the fun!
When preparing a typical Thanksgiving Day menu at our house, here’s my game plan:
- Appetizers. I start with a few of my healthy Thanksgiving appetizers, like Pumpkin Goat Cheese Crostini, Pineapple Cheese Ball, Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms, and Ham and Cheese Pinwheels.
- Main Course. Next, I’ll serve a hearty and delicious main dish with a handful of my healthy Thanksgiving sides from the list below. Make your favorite (we always do Thanksgiving Turkey or Smoked Turkey, but you could also do Crockpot Ham), then surround it with any of the recipes on this list.
- Side Dishes. Pick a mix from this list, ensuring you have classics (stuffing), starches (potatoes), and a green veggie (green beans or Brussels sprouts).
- Desserts. Because no one is ever too full! I like to serve at least two desserts so my guests have options. Sweet Potato Pie, Pecan Pie Bars, and Gluten Free Apple Crisp are tried-and-true favorites.
What Are the Most Popular Side Dishes for Thanksgiving?
The most popular Thanksgiving side dish can vary based on where you live, but you’ll almost always find some version of these top 5 Thanksgiving side dishes:
- Mashed Potatoes (probably the most popular Thanksgiving side dish)
- Stuffing
- Bread
- Cranberry Sauce
- Green Bean Casserole
The best part? You can try them all!
I have a recipe for all of these options in the list below.
How Many Sides Does Thanksgiving Have?
Your Thanksgiving menu can have as many sides as you want/need to feed your guests and meet any dietary requirements. According to this article:
- For sides like mashed potatoes and stuffing, you should have at least one dish for every five people and at least two dishes for 10 people or more.
- If you’re serving a salad, one should be enough unless you’re serving 20 people or more.
- For vegetable sides, you’ll want to serve at least one for five people or less, a minimum of two for 10 people or less, and three for 20 people or more.
Sweet Potato Thanksgiving Sides
A classic, beloved part of our Thanksgiving dinner! You can go sweet or savory with Thanksgiving sweet potato recipes.
With a sticky honey glaze, candied pecans, and tender apples, these glazed sweet potatoes are an easy make-ahead side dish for any holiday!
Check out this recipe
My family's favorite sweet potato casserole! It's creamy and decadent, a balance of sweet and savory, with an irresistible pecan topping.
Check out this recipe
These air fryer sweet potato cubes are ready in under 20 minutes! They're an easy side dish that's sweet, smoky, garlicky, and irresistible.
Check out this recipe
These healthy twice baked sweet potatoes are creamy and light, thanks to cream cheese and Greek yogurt, and have an irresistible crunchy pecan topping!
Check out this recipe
Southern sweet potato soufflé is an easy Thanksgiving side dish! Roasted sweet potato filling is topped with an irresistible pecan streusel.
Check out this recipe
Use these crockpot sweet potatoes as a starting point for mashed sweet potatoes or casseroles, or just slice them open and serve them with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Check out this recipe
Oven roasted sweet potatoes are crispy outside, tender inside and seasoned to perfection. Jazz them up with toasted pecans or fresh herbs!
Check out this recipe
This easy method makes perfect mashed sweet potatoes in half the time for a hassle free, healthy side dish.
Check out this recipe
These easy mashed sweet potatoes are creamy, full of cozy spices, and sweetened with a touch of maple syrup. Make-ahead option too!
Check out this recipe
With butter, maple syrup, and cozy spices, these old-fashioned Southern candied sweet potatoes are a stellar addition to any holiday table!
Check out this recipe
Mashed Potato Thanksgiving Sides
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser of the Thanksgiving table. Use the slow cooker or Instant Pot to free up space on the stovetop.
These easy, creamy garlic mashed potatoes give the classic a little upgrade with a heavy dose of delicious garlic!
Check out this recipe
Readers agree: this is BEST mashed potatoes recipe ever! Creamy, buttery, and delicious, they're perfect for holiday dinners.
Check out this recipe
These Instant Pot mashed potatoes are perfect for a crowd! With herbs, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan, they're creamy and full of flavor.
Check out this recipe
Free up oven space with make ahead crockpot mashed potatoes. Unbelievably rich and creamy, they'll be everyone's favorite Thanksgiving side!
Check out this recipe
Cheesy Potato Thanksgiving Sides
Cheese + potatoes = happy guests!
It doesn't get any better than cheesy homemade scalloped potatoes! This easy recipe is a holiday crowd pleaser—and great for making ahead too.
Check out this recipe
Save oven space by making these easy, creamy Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes. They're tender and perfect!
Check out this recipe
This cheesy hash brown casserole recipe is made from scratch, but it's still super easy. Don't skip the buttery, crispy cornflake topping!
Check out this recipe
Scalloped potatoes are layered with creamy goat cheese, garlic, and rosemary, for an irresistible side dish and spin on scalloped potatoes.
Check out this recipe
Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipes
Forget the soggy, bland stuffing recipes from your past (and ditch the box!). These flavorful and fun stuffings will become a star on your table.
This rustic chestnut stuffing recipe with bacon, mushrooms, and prunes is the BEST Thanksgiving side dish for turkey, chicken, or duck.
Check out this recipe
With meaty sausage, herbs, and crusty bread, this is the best sausage stuffing—and it's also great for making ahead!
Check out this recipe
This savory cornbread stuffing with sausage, apple, and herbs will steal the show at your Thanksgiving. It's easy to make ahead too!
Check out this recipe
This savory Wild Rice Stuffing with Cranberries is a gluten free and vegan stuffing, made easy in the slow cooker!
Check out this recipe
The slow cooker keeps stuffing warm, frees up the oven, and is great for a crowd. What's not to love?!
Check out this recipe
These individual stuffing muffins with cranberries, apples, and sausage update classic Thanksgiving stuffing by baking it in a muffin tin.
Check out this recipe
Thanksgiving Green Beans
Green bean casserole with mushrooms is tradition for a reason (spoiler: it’s DELISH!). Not a fan of the casserole version? My easy Roasted Green Beans are a simple swap.
No cans here! This green bean casserole is a delicious made from scratch recipe with incredible flavor.
Check out this recipe
This French Onion Green Bean Casserole swaps traditional fried onions for caramelized onions, a buttery crouton topping, and gruyere cheese!
Check out this recipe
Fresh green beans and an easy homemade cream sauce make this my family's favorite way to make green bean casserole!
Check out this recipe
Brussels Sprouts Side Dishes
The vegetable that has found redemption in recent years. There’s nothing sad or soggy about the plethora of Brussels sprouts recipes on my site.
Crispy, caramelized bacon Brussels sprouts with maple syrup are irresistible! The perfect easy side dish to dress up any dinner menu.
Check out this recipe
This sheet pan Brussels sprouts salad with bacon, shallots, pecans, and Parmesan is easy to make and tastes totally elevated.
Check out this recipe
Crispy roasted balsamic Brussels sprouts are the perfect easy side dish! A touch of honey balances the tangy vinegar for maximum flavor.
Check out this recipe
Smashed Brussel Sprouts are one of the most delicious ways to cook Brussels sprouts! The sprouts are pressed flat then roasted, so they have lots of crispy edges.
Check out this recipe
Pan sautéed Brussels sprouts are a quick, easy way to make delicious Brussels sprouts you'll want to eat every night! They're crispy, caramelized, and addictive!
Check out this recipe
Just add olive oil, salt and pepper and you can enjoy crispy, caramelized roasted Brussels sprouts for Thanksgiving dinner. This easy recipe is so delish!
Check out this recipe
Crockpot Brussels Sprouts are an easy slow cooker recipe that frees your oven and tastes DELICIOUS!
Check out this recipe
Squash Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Fall’s favorite veggies! These butternut squash and acorn squash recipes are perfect for a holiday spread.
Cubes of butternut squash are tossed with maple syrup, cinnamon, and rosemary, then roasted to caramelized perfection.
Check out this recipe
Savory butternut squash casserole pairs cozy caramelized squash with kale and a cheesy Parmesan topping. Perfect for holidays or a vegetarian main dish!
Check out this recipe
This easy Roasted Butternut Squash with Parmesan and Garlic is simple and always a hit.
Check out this recipe
For a quick roasted acorn squash side dish that's ready in 30 minutes, try baked acorn squash slices with brown sugar and pecans.
Check out this recipe
Instant pot stuffed acorn squash with wild rice, cranberries, and chickpeas is a healthy and filling vegan recipe for any occasion.
Check out this recipe
This easy butternut squash mac and cheese sneaks butternut squash into the sauce for a healthy twist. Great for toddlers and picky eaters!
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Risotto with Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese, and Brown Rice. This easy risotto recipe is as creamy as traditional risotto. NO stirring required!
Check out this recipe
Thanksgiving Salad Recipes
Salad recipes this flavorful can hold their own at a table full of other tantalizing sides. From kale salad to classic broccoli salad, each brings beautiful color and freshness.
This crisp, colorful winter coleslaw is made with red and green cabbage, apples, and cranberries for a simple, refreshing, and quick Thanksgiving side dish.
This cozy, healthy butternut squash salad is filled with fall flavors. You can make it ahead too!
Check out this recipe
Broccoli bacon salad is a classic! With crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, sweet-tart cranberries in a creamy dressing, it's easy and always a hit.
Check out this recipe
This simple winter salad recipe combines kale, pomegranate, feta, and pecans in a zippy vinaigrette.
Check out this recipe
This easy sweet potato salad recipe with bacon is the best! Made with a zippy mustard vinaigrette and no mayo, it's perfect for potlucks.
Check out this recipe
Red and green grapes, apples, and pecans are tossed in a sweet, creamy Greek yogurt dressing to make this Midwest favorite.
Check out this recipe
This delicious roasted beet salad with arugula, apple, cranberries, and feta looks stunning and is tossed in an easy balsamic dressing.
Check out this recipe
Crisp apples, toasty walnuts and creamy feta or blue cheese make this apple walnut salad ideal for holidays and parties. Simple and beautiful!
Check out this recipe
Introducing the perfect fall side: pear salad with walnuts, feta, and cranberries, tossed in a maple apple cider vinaigrette. Easy and delish!
Check out this recipe
This Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad with maple vinaigrette, walnuts, and Parmesan is stunning and absolutely delicious. It keeps well in the refrigerator, so it's great for meal prep and entertaining.
Check out this recipe
This simple, perfect arugula salad with lemon balsamic dressing and Parmesan is easy, flavorful, and ready in minutes.
Check out this recipe
Cranberry Sauce Recipes for Thanksgiving
From classic cranberry sauce to a refreshing relish, these recipes will add brightness to your spread.
Made with fresh cranberries, oranges, apples, and nuts, this easy cranberry orange relish is the perfect fresh side for Thanksgiving!
Check out this recipe
Homemade cranberry orange sauce that’s bright, fresh and ready in minutes! This easy Thanksgiving recipe has the perfect sweet-tart flavor.
Check out this recipe
Corn Thanksgiving Sides
I know some people enjoy having cheesy corn casserole at Thanksgiving, but I’m partial to luscious creamed corn!
This corn pudding recipe is creamy and delicious and so easy that it requires only 5 minutes of prep and a handful of ingredients!
Check out this recipe
You won't believe how easy it is to make this homemade creamed corn recipe! It's rich, creamy, and a secret ingredient makes it extra delish.
Check out this recipe
This cheesy, creamy Corn Casserole is made without Jiffy but is still super easy! Ditch the mix for this delicious homemade version.
Check out this recipe
This is the most incredible cheesy crock pot creamed corn you will ever taste! A delicious made from scratch recipe that's even easier thanks to the slow cooker.
Check out this recipe
Unique, Impressive, and Easy Thanksgiving Sides
While traditional side dishes are tasty, these unique dishes will surprise and delight your guests.
Pineapple casserole with cheese and buttery crackers is an easy sweet and savory side to pair with ham, turkey, and more!
Check out this recipe
Braised cabbage is seared to build flavor, then simmered to make it tender. Parmesan, herbs and lemon make this easy side extra delicious!
Check out this recipe
This crockpot applesauce is made with the peels and naturally sweetened with honey (NO sugar!), so it's extra nutritious and super easy too!
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot cauliflower mac and cheese is creamy, easy, and healthy—and you can’t taste the veggies!
Check out this recipe
This healthy pumpkin mac and cheese is made with Greek yogurt to lighten it up, but bacon and caramelized onions make it DELISH!
Check out this recipe
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus is one of my favorite recipes for easy entertaining because it never fails to impress!
Check out this recipe
Kids will love this thick and creamy Instant Pot mac and cheese and you'll love how easy it is to make!
Check out this recipe
Crispy air fryer asparagus is a fast, healthy side dish that requires just 7 minutes of cooking and 5 ingredients. Don't skip the Parmesan!
Check out this recipe
This easy beet risotto recipe is made with roasted beets for extra depth of flavor.
Check out this recipe
With 5 minutes prep time, these honey glazed carrots are an easy side dish you'll make again and again! Roasted to caramelized perfection.
Check out this recipe
Vegetable Casserole Side Dishes
Vegetables baked in a creamy sauce with a crispy topping? Add some to my plate!
This easy spinach casserole recipe has a creamy sauce, plenty of cheese, and a crispy panko topping for a toasty finishing touch!
Check out this recipe
This creamy asparagus casserole recipe is made from scratch with mushrooms, cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. So easy too!
Check out this recipe
This cheesy broccoli casserole is a lightened up version of the classic and a total crowd-pleaser. The crispy panko topping is irresistible!
Check out this recipe
This cheesy broccoli rice casserole is made without canned soup for an easy, healthy, and a family favorite side dish for holidays.
Check out this recipe
This cheesy roasted cauliflower casserole with cream cheese and bacon is an easy, low-carb side dish perfect for holidays and gatherings!
Check out this recipe
This creamy and cheesy mixed vegetable casserole recipe is super easy and knock-your-socks-off delicious! Only needs 5 minutes of prep!
Check out this recipe
This easy cabbage casserole recipe is the perfect holiday side! Tender cabbage baked with a rich, creamy sauce and crispy topping, it's delicious!
Check out this recipe
Roasted Vegetables
Simple yet delicious! Roasted veggies are ideal, especially if you’ll be serving any guests with dietary restrictions.
Caramelized, tender, and just a little bit crispy, you’ll love these easy roasted root vegetables. A colorful and delicious side dish!
Check out this recipe
This roasted cabbage recipe takes 5 minutes of prep for a crispy, caramelized, garlicky and slightly sweet side dish. Best cabbage ever!
Check out this recipe
Delicious honey roasted carrots are incredibly easy and also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Check out this recipe
Tender, caramelized and absolutely delicious, this easy side pairs with turkey and practically any sides on the table!
Check out this recipe
Can't choose which veggies to roast for Thanksgiving? Make a bunch!
Check out this recipe
Oven roasted broccolini with garlic is ready in just 15 minutes. That's a win!
Check out this recipe
Roasted Broccoli and Carrots with Parmesan is tender inside and crispy outside, with awesome caramelized flavor.
Check out this recipe
The best easy roasted beet recipe, with no peeling and no foil! Tender and sweet, use this fuss-free method for sides, salads, and more!
Check out this recipe
This fast, versatile side dish is perfect for healthy weeknight dinners but also just as great for holiday meals!
Check out this recipe
Roasted onions are an easy side that goes with just about anything! They're tender with crispy edges and the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Check out this recipe
Breads and Rolls
A side that’s sure to please! (And also one that’s great for sopping up any extra gravy on your plate.)
This easy rosemary olive oil bread recipe is simple to make, even for beginners! Soft, tender, and perfect for soups and dipping!
Check out this recipe
These easy homemade dinner rolls take just 1 hour to make from scratch! Big, soft, fluffy and a bit little sweet, they make any meal special!
Check out this recipe
This easy drop biscuit recipe yields biscuits that are tender, fluffy and perfect for customizing with cheese and herbs. Ready in 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe
This no-knead bread recipe is easy, even if you’ve never baked a loaf before. It’s crusty on the outside and springy-soft on the inside!
Check out this recipe
These are the softest, fluffiest roasted garlic potato rolls! Made with instant potato flakes, roasted garlic and sage, they're packed with flavor too.
Check out this recipe
Easy, healthy homemade whole wheat crock pot bread is a fool-proof recipe that requires no rising.
Check out this recipe
This easy no knead focaccia recipe can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Check out this recipe
This quick and easy beer bread recipe is moist, buttery, and uses a few simple ingredients (no yeast)! Add cheese, hot honey or enjoy as is.
Check out this recipe
Dear Erin,
My entire Thanksgiving dinner, with the exception of the stuffing (which a friend made) and cranberry (which I bought 🤫), came from WellPlated! I dry brined the turkey, made roast potatoes and carrots with cumin and paprika, green beans, and mashed potatoes, and everything was so delicious!
Thank you!
Marie
So happy to hear that Marie! THANK YOU!