Here in this blog, we will show you 39 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Wow Your Guests.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and—of course—amazing food. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just keeping it cozy with a few loved ones, side dishes are what bring a Thanksgiving meal together. While the turkey might be the main attraction, the sides are often the true stars of the show.
From creamy mashed potatoes to savory stuffing, these dishes add depth, flavor, and a dash of comfort to your table. So, if you’re looking to add some wow-worthy yet simple dishes to your Thanksgiving spread, here are 39 easy Thanksgiving side dishes that are guaranteed to impress.
39 Easy Thanksgiving SIDE DISHES TO WOW YOUR GUESTS
1. Classic Mashed Potatoes
There’s nothing quite like creamy mashed potatoes. Make them fluffy and buttery, with a touch of garlic for extra flavor. Pro tip: Add a splash of warm cream or milk for the best texture.
2. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Sweet and indulgent, this classic dish combines sweet potatoes and marshmallows for a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
3. Green Bean Almondine
A simple yet elegant side, this dish features green beans sautéed in butter and topped with toasted almonds for a crunch that complements any main course.
4. Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Maple syrup and Brussels sprouts might seem unlikely, but the sweet and savory combo makes for a side dish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
5. CORNBREAD MUFFINS
Cornbread muffins are a perfect Thanksgiving side because they’re easy to make and serve. Plus, the slightly sweet flavor pairs well with savory dishes.
6. GARLIC PARMESAN ROASTED POTATOES
A twist on classic roasted potatoes, these are tossed with garlic and Parmesan for a crispy, flavorful finish that your guests will love.
7. ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH SAGE
This warm, cozy side dish combines butternut squash with fresh sage, roasted to caramelized perfection.
8. CREAMED SPINACH
Rich, creamy, and a little indulgent, creamed spinach is a classic side that adds a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving table.
9. SAUTÉED MUSHROOMS WITH THYME
Earthy, savory, and packed with flavor, sautéed mushrooms are an easy way to elevate your Thanksgiving menu.
10. BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This classic comfort food, with a crispy breadcrumb topping, is a must-have for Thanksgiving. Make it extra creamy with a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère.
WHY SIDE DISHES ARE ESSENTIAL FOR THANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving is about variety, and side dishes allow you to cater to everyone’s tastes. From light and healthy options like roasted vegetables to indulgent choices like creamy casseroles, sides provide a balance that’s essential to a memorable meal. Plus, they’re often easier to prepare in advance, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones on the big day.
11. HONEY-GLAZED CARROTS
These tender carrots are coated in a sweet honey glaze, making them a kid-friendly and vibrant addition to your spread.
12. BROWN BUTTER MASHED SWEET POTATOES
Swap out regular mashed potatoes for sweet potatoes and add a touch of brown butter for a nutty, rich flavor that feels gourmet.
13. CRANBERRY SAUCE WITH ORANGE ZEST
Skip the canned cranberry sauce this year and make it from scratch! With a hint of orange zest, this cranberry sauce adds a fresh and tangy kick.
14. STUFFED ACORN SQUASH
Stuffed with wild rice, cranberries, and herbs, acorn squash is a beautiful and healthy side dish option for your Thanksgiving table.
15. BALSAMIC-GLAZED PEARL ONIONS
These tiny onions are slow-cooked with balsamic vinegar for a sweet, caramelized side that complements any meat dish.
TIPS FOR CREATING THE PERFECT THANKSGIVING SPREAD
1. MIX UP THE FLAVORS:
Aim for a variety of flavors, savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy. So every bite is a unique experience.
2. BALANCE HEAVY AND LIGHT SIDES:
Include a mix of indulgent dishes and lighter vegetable-based sides to keep the meal well-rounded.
3. PLAN AHEAD:
Many sides, such as casseroles and sauces, can be prepped a day or two in advance.
4. CONSIDER DIETARY NEEDS:
Think about any dietary restrictions your guests may have. Include a few vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free options to accommodate everyone.
16. SKILLET CORNBREAD
Skillet cornbread has a crispy crust and a moist, fluffy center. Perfect for soaking up gravy!
17. BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BACON AND CRANBERRIES
Bacon adds a smoky flavor to Brussels sprouts, while dried cranberries bring a touch of sweetness.
18. GARLIC AND HERB PULL-APART BREAD
This soft, buttery bread is infused with garlic and herbs ideal for sharing and dipping.
19. HERBED WILD RICE PILAF
Wild rice with fresh herbs, nuts, and dried fruits adds a lovely earthy flavor and texture contrast to your table.
20. ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES
A medley of root vegetables, carrots, parsnips, and beets, roasted to perfection. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
21. CHEESY SCALLOPED POTATOES
Creamy and cheesy, these scalloped potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
22. CAULIFLOWER GRATIN
For a lighter yet creamy side, cauliflower gratin with a touch of Gruyère is a perfect addition to your spread.
23. MAPLE BACON BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Combining Brussels sprouts with maple and bacon results in a sweet-savory side that’s irresistible.
24. BUTTERED CORN ON THE COB
Simple and classic, buttered corn is always a hit. Serve it with a sprinkle of sea salt and fresh herbs.
25. ROASTED GARLIC GREEN BEANS
Toss green beans with roasted garlic for a flavorful, easy side that pairs well with almost any dish.
26. BROCCOLI CHEDDAR CASSEROLE
Cheesy and creamy, this broccoli casserole is an indulgent way to get your greens.
27. STUFFING WITH SAGE AND SAUSAGE
Hearty and savory, this stuffing recipe with sausage and sage is a twist on the traditional dish.
28. GLAZED SWEET POTATOES
These sweet potatoes are roasted with brown sugar and cinnamon, creating a caramelized exterior.
29. PARKER HOUSE ROLLS
Soft, fluffy, and buttery, these rolls are perfect for mopping up gravy.
30. CRANBERRY PECAN SALAD
A fresh salad with dried cranberries, pecans, and a light vinaigrette adds color and freshness to the table.
31. APPLE AND SAUSAGE STUFFING
This variation adds a hint of sweetness and a delicious contrast to the savory flavors in the sausage.
32. GARLIC SMASHED POTATOES
These are like mashed potatoes, but with a bit of texture left in, giving them a rustic appeal.
33. GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
A traditional Thanksgiving staple, green bean casserole is creamy and topped with crunchy fried onions.
34. KALE AND QUINOA SALAD WITH CRANBERRIES
For a healthy, hearty option, this kale and quinoa salad is packed with nutrients and flavor.
35. BAKED SWEET POTATO FRIES
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these sweet potato fries are a fun twist on traditional sides.
36. ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH LEMON
Lemon adds a fresh, bright flavor to roasted asparagus, balancing out the richer dishes.
37. SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP
Perfect as an appetizer, this creamy dip made with spinach and artichokes will start your meal on a delicious note.
38. HONEY BUTTER SKILLET CORN
Corn kernels cooked with honey and butter bring out the natural sweetness in this easy side.
39. APPLE CRANBERRY COLESLAW
This fresh and tangy coleslaw with apples and cranberries is a refreshing contrast to heavier sides.
With these 39 easy Thanksgiving side dishes, you’re well on your way to creating a Thanksgiving meal that’s as memorable as it is delicious. From comforting classics like mashed potatoes and stuffing to fresh salads and flavorful casseroles, there’s something here to please everyone at the table.
So, choose a few dishes that stand out to you, get creative, and enjoy a stress-free, flavorful holiday with your loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!
This post showed you 39 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Wow Your Guests.
