The Ultimate List of Thanksgiving Side Dishes

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Need a little inspiration for Thanksgiving side dishes? You’ve come to the right spot! I’ve rounded up the best options for you – from roasted vegetables and casseroles to potatoes cooked a myriad of ways (mashed, baked, candied, you name it!). I’m all about easy, healthy, and foolproof recipes on the big day!

A baking sheet filled with parmesan herb roasted acorn squash

Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes I’ve Ever Made

While a perfectly roasted turkey always takes center stage at Thanksgiving, the truth is that having a good assortment of side dishes is key. And the best Thanksgiving sides can often outshine the turkey! So here are a few things to think about:

  • Classics are classics for a reason: While you can get creative in the kitchen, don’t look past mainstay classics like creamy mashed potatoes, honey glazed carrots, and balsamic bacon Brussels sprouts. These three are a must (if I do say so myself).
  • Offer a mix of textures, flavors, and colors: The beauty of a Thanksgiving table is the wide variety it offers. So lean into that bright yellow creamed corn, vibrant orange sweet potato casserole and deep red cranberry sauce.
  • Balance lighter options with heartier ones: We all love carbs on Thanksgiving, but remember to balance your dinner spread with veggie-forward dishes, refreshing salads, and cozy soups.
  • Multitask with different appliances: The kitchen is a crowded place on Thanksgiving, so make sure to choose some sides made on the stove, some made in the oven, and some made in an air fryer (yes, it works great!).
  • My top 10 list: And if you’re really undecided on what to make, I’m starting you off with my top 10 Thanksgiving side dishes below. These are reader favorite recipes year after year!

Top 10 Thanksgiving Side Dishes

A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes

Best Mashed Potatoes: A quintessential side dish that’s a no-brainer for your Thanksgiving dinner table. This is a no-fail recipe that ensures the fluffiest and creamiest consistency.

Mashed sweet potato topped with a pecan crumble in a white casserole dish.

Sweet Potato Casserole: Whipped sweet potatoes are given an even sweeter boost with maple syrup and warming spices, then topped with a nutty pecan crumble. No marshmallows are needed here!

Honey glazed carrots in a white bowl on a table.

Honey Glazed Carrots: This easy sheet pan recipe transforms the simple carrot into a highly addictive side dish. It’s sweet, savory, and beautifully caramelized.

Parmesan herb roasted acorn squash on a platter with a fork

Parmesan Herb Roasted Acorn Squash: Make this savory twist on roasted acorn squash with herbs and shredded parmesan cheese. It’s a perennial winner and reader favorite!

A pan of creamed corn.

Creamed Corn: This classic Thanksgiving side dish is buttery, rich, perfectly chunky, and will satisfy all corn lovers. Plus, it’s super easy to make with frozen corn!

Candied yams in a casserole dish.

Candied Yams: For an extra sweet touch to the table, everyone will love these candied yams. They’re tossed in a buttery, sugar-spiced glaze and baked to perfection.

Balsamic bacon brussels sprouts on a serving platter.

Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts: For an elevated Brussels sprouts side dish, roast the sprouts, then toss with crispy bacon bits and a sweet balsamic glaze. This one always disappears fast!

Garlic roasted potatoes in a bowl.

Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes: A side of roasted potatoes is a given. And I’m partial to this easy recipe that’s loaded with extra garlic and herbs for a savory touch.

Stuffed mushrooms on a plate.

Stuffed Mushrooms: These are stuffed with the best cheesy, herby, and garlicky filling, then baked until golden with crumbled pecans on top!

Homemade cranberry sauce in a glass bowl.

Cranberry Sauce: Homemade cranberry sauce is a million times better than any store-bought version. And this one is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and a hint of orange.

Mashed Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Mashed sweet potatoes topped with butter.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Swap white potatoes for these sweet and savory spuds. They’re naturally sweet and vibrant.

A bowl of mashed cauliflower

Mashed Cauliflower: This is an easy way to sneak more veggies into your dinner spread, with garlicky herb goodness.

Mashed butternut squash in a white bowl.

Mashed Butternut Squash: Don’t forget that you can mash butternut squash into the best side dish.

Roasted Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Roasted brussels sprouts in a large white bowl.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A classic Thanksgiving dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. And I a few flavor enhancement ideas on the recipe post.

A platter of twice baked potatoes.

Twice Baked Potatoes: The holiday side dish that always disappears fast! They’re creamy, cheesy, and dotted with bacon and chives.

Roasted sweet potatoes on a sheet pan.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These sweet potato cubes are tossed in delicious spices, then roasted until they have slightly caramelized edges.

A plate of roasted broccoli.

Roasted Broccoli: All broccoli needs is fresh garlic and parmesan cheese to make it an outstanding side dish. And if you have an air fryer, this air fryer broccoli provides equally delicious results.

Roasted butternut squash cubes fresh out of the oven.

Roasted Butternut Squash: In addition to sweet potatoes, don’t forget that you can dice and roast little cubes of butternut squash. They have a sweet yet nutty flavor that makes them a great complement to other dishes on the table.

Roasted cauliflower with za'atar spice in a bowl.

Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower: Roasted cauliflower is great. But when you add za’atar spice, dates, pine nuts, and thyme to the mix, it definitely kicks it up a couple notches.

A baking sheet of smashed potatoes

Smashed Potatoes: If you’re looking for a new way to serve a side of potatoes this Thanksgiving, these smashed potatoes are it! They’re seasoned with garlic parmesan goodness and made extra crispy.

Baked sweet potato is a healthy side dish or main meal. Learn how to bake sweet potatoes in the oven perfectly.

Baked Sweet Potato: Baked potatoes are a classic, but who can resist baked sweet potatoes! Just pop them in the oven and load them up with toppings like butter, green onion, chives, and sour cream.

Cabbage steaks with red pepper tahini sauce

Cabbage Steaks: If you’ve got cabbage lovers around the table, this is a deliciously unique side. Just don’t forget the roasted red pepper tahini to drizzle on top!

Sautéed Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Sauteed cabbage in a pan on a table.

Sauteed Cabbage: When sautéed, cabbage becomes beautifully caramelized and sweet! But the onions and garlic make it even better.

Sauteed carrots with bacon Dijon dressing in a pan

Sautéed Carrots with Bacon Dijon Dressing: I love carrots at Thanksgiving. But when I’m not making my honey-glazed recipe, this version with a bacon Dijon dressing is SO good.

A white bowl with garlic sauteed spinach with a spoon.

Garlic Sauteed Spinach: Fresh spinach leaves become perfectly wilted with a savory, garlicky aroma. Don’t overlook an easy Thanksgiving side dish such as this — it only takes 10 minutes!

Green beans garnished with shallots and lemon in a white bowl.

Green Beans with Shallots and Lemon: Green beans are a classic for Thanksgiving. But give them some oomph with shallots, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest!

A pan with fried cabbage and a large serving spoon on a table.

Fried Cabbage: The crispy bacon and Dijon mustard gives this fried cabbage a really big flavor enhancement. This is a personal favorite!

Casserole Thanksgiving Side Dishes

A white dish with green bean casserole in it.

Healthy Green Bean Casserole: This healthy green bean casserole skips the canned soup. Instead, it has layers of fresh green beans, a creamy homemade mushroom sauce, and it’s topped with crispy shallots for the perfect crunch.

Scalloped potatoes in a pan.

Scalloped Potatoes: This one is admittedly a bit decadent, as the potatoes simmer in a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce. But if that sounds like your jam, this side dish is one to indulge in.

A turkey casserole dish on a table with a spoon in it.

Lighter Turkey Casserole: If you’re doing an alternative main this year but still want some turkey flavor, this is a great casserole idea. Chopped turkey is tossed with wild rice, peas, and a simple mushroom gravy sauce.

Air Fryer Thanksgiving Side Dishes

A plate of air fryer baked potatoes

Air Fryer Baked Potato: Made in the air fryer, these baked potatoes have a crispy skin, and soft, fluffy insides. They’re the perfect base for adding your favorite toppings!

A big bowl of air fryer Brussels sprouts

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: While roasted Brussels sprouts are a staple recipe, I love that the edges on these sprouts are even crispier!

Air fryer broccoli on a plate

Air Fryer Broccoli: This is the best way to get crisp-tender broccoli in under 10 minutes. Just toss the florets with a simple seasoning and then pop them into the air fryer.

A plate of air fryer carrots

Air Fryer Carrots: These perfectly cooked carrots are seasoned just right, and super speedy in the air fryer.

A white bowl filled with air fryer green beans

Air Fryer Green Beans: The best part (in my opinion) is that the air fryer adds that addictively crispy touch to them. So the end result is tender-crisp green beans with toasted edges. Delicious! 

Salad Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Waldorf salad in a large white bowl.

Waldorf Salad: It’s hard to resist this simple (and classic) fruit and nut salad tossed in a tangy-sweet, creamy dressing. There’s a reason why this salad is super popular for Thanksgiving, it’s so refreshing!

Shaved Brussels sprouts salad in a white bowl.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Cranberries and Apples: If you’re not roasting Brussels sprouts, this salad needs to be on your table. It’s a simple mix of Brussels sprouts, red apples, and cranberries – tossed in a homemade lemon vinaigrette.

Broccoli salad in a bowl.

Broccoli Salad: You can never go wrong with bringing a big bowl of broccoli salad to a holiday dinner party!

Spaghetti squash, Brussels sprouts, and crispy shallots side dish in a bowl.

Spaghetti Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Crispy Shallots: Have a spaghetti squash on hand? Whip up this easy side dish with leftover Brussels sprouts and crispy shallots. It’s tender and crispy, all in one dish.

A big bowl of classic potato salad.

Classic Potato Salad: There’s a reason why this potato salad is requested every holiday season! It’s my mom’s special recipe.

A big bowl of German potato salad

German Potato Salad: Baby red potatoes are gently tossed with a tangy and savory bacon Dijon dressing that makes this hard to stop at one bite.

Roasted red pepper and chickpea salad in a white bowl

Roasted Red Pepper and Chickpea Salad: This roasted chickpea salad ticks all the boxes for unique, flavorful, and loaded with fresh veggies. Just prep some roasted chickpeas prior to making it!

A bowl of kale salad with parmesan.

Massaged Kale Salad: Even though this salad is simple, it’s surprisingly flavorful and will add a fresh, vibrant, green touch to your menu.

Cozy Soup Thanksgiving Side Dishes

A bowl of butternut squash soup.

Butternut Squash Soup: Without a doubt, butternut squash soup is one of those must-make recipes of the season. It’s naturally creamy, savory, and celebrates butternut squash in the best possible way.

Potato Leek soup in bowls on a table

Potato Leek Soup: If you can grab some leeks at this time of year, you won’t want to skip this potato leek soup. It has a ton of flavor and adds a cozy vibe all around.

Beet soup garnished with parsley in a bowl.

Beet Soup: Not only is this soup perfect for adding a bright pop of red to the table, but it’s such a delicious way to enjoy beets this season.

Roasted Cauliflower soup in a bowl, topped with cauliflower, almonds and thyme.

Roasted Cauliflower Soup: Light and comforting, this cauliflower soup is perfect for serving on the side and a sneaky way to add in more veggies.

Sweet potato soup topped with watercress and coconut cream.

Sweet Potato Soup: In addition to casseroles and mashed sides, you can turn sweet potatoes into a velvety, and delicious soup.

More Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas

If you make any of these Thanksgiving sides, I’d love to know how they turned out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration (and exclusive content), join my free newsletter.

The best Thanksgiving side dishes.

Ultimate Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Honey Glazed Carrots

5 from 6 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Lisa Bryan

Description

When it comes to the best Thanksgiving side dishes, these honey glazed carrots are a must-make recipe. And they're an easy sheet pan recipe!

Equipment

Ingredients 
 

Instructions 

  • Preheat your oven to 425F (220C). Then, cut the carrots on a diagonal, about 1"-1 ½" in length. If your carrots are large and thick, you can slice them in half as well.
    Carrots being chopped for honey glazed carrots.
  • In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced carrots with the honey, garlic, butter, oil, and spices.
    Honey glazed carrots being tossed in a glass bowl.
  • Pour the carrots and glaze onto a sheet pan and spread them out.
    Honey glazed carrots on a sheet pan before baking.
  • Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through. You can also broil for 2 to 3 minutes, to get caramelization on the edges.
  • Transfer the carrots to a serving dish and garnish with chopped herbs.

Lisa’s Tips

  • To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days in the fridge. 
  • To Freeze: Use a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
  • For Reheating: Simply reheat in the microwave until the carrots are warmed through.
  • I always recommend a heavy duty sheet pan when roasting veggies in the oven, so that your pan doesn’t warp and twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 499mg | Potassium: 746mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 38064IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Glazed Carrots, Honey Glazed Carrots, thanksgiving side dish, thanksgiving side dishes
Did you make this recipe?Mention @downshiftology or tag #downshiftology!

Originally posted November 2020, but updated to include new recipes and information for your benefit!

About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

5 from 6 votes

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20 Comments

  1. These healthy Thanksgiving side dishes are fantastic! I love how you’ve transformed traditional favorites into nutritious options. Can’t wait to add these to my holiday table!

  2. Holy cow! What an amazing list of sides! There are so many here I will probably make these throughout the winter so I can try as many as possible. Thanks for this post.

  3. I’ve been referencing this list of Thanksgiving side dishes since it posted! I can’t wait to make the roasted squash and candied yams this year.5 stars

    1. I’m happy you found this list of Thanksgiving side dishes helpful! And good choices with the roasted acorn squash and candied yams – those are delish. Happy Thanksgiving!

  4. I hesitated clicking your YouTube link because these lists usually just contain a watery cauliflower mash and some unseasoned broccoli, but I’m so glad I did! The salads alone are amazing! The sweet potato casserole looks divine. I’m even tempted to try the green bean casserole instead of my usual standby. 

  5. This is the best list! Mashed potatoes used to be my favorite side dish, but now I am loving the mashed sweet potatoes! So good!5 stars