• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Butter & Baggage logo
  • Recipe Search
    • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Breads & Biscuits
    • Breakfast
      • Muffins
    • Casseroles
    • Desserts
      • Bars
      • Brownies
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Fruit Desserts
      • Pies, Cobblers & Crisps
    • Main Dishes
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Seafood
    • Pasta
      • Mac and Cheese
    • Salads
    • Sauces & Dips
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Soups & Chilis
  • Shop
  • My Favorites
  • Kitchen Hacks
  • About
    • Editorial Policies
    • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Search
  • Recipe Index
  • Kitchen Hacks
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Editorial Policies
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » MSN Slideshows

    34 Fall Side Dishes That Deserve a Spot on Your Thanksgiving Menu

    Published: Oct 17, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Thanksgiving might be all about the turkey, but let’s be honest, the real stars of the table are the fall side dishes. From creamy casseroles and roasted veggies to buttery rolls and cozy potato bakes, these seasonal sides bring all the warmth and flavor we crave this time of year. Whether you’re hosting or just bringing a dish to share, it’s the perfect excuse to try something new and make those classic comfort foods shine even brighter.

    Classic Creamy Pea Salad for Thanksgiving

    A bowl of pea salad with a serving spoon.
    Classic Creamy Pea Salad for Thanksgiving. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    This creamy pea salad brings cool crunch and cheddar flavor to your Thanksgiving spread. Simple, nostalgic, and perfect with turkey.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Creamy Pea Salad for Thanksgiving

    Red Cabbage Slaw with Buttermilk Dressing

    A bowl of creamy coleslaw with shredded purple cabbage, carrots, and herbs sits on a gray cloth napkin next to vintage silver utensils—perfect as one of your favorite dinner side dishes.
    Red Cabbage Slaw with Buttermilk Dressing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    My All-American Summer Menu 🇺🇸

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Delicious summer recipes just in time for the season

    Add a pop of color to your holiday table with this creamy buttermilk coleslaw. Fresh, tangy, and irresistible next to roasted meats.
    Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Slaw with Buttermilk Dressing

    Roasted Potato Salad with Crispy Bacon

    Southern style Ranch potato salad in a glass bowl next to green onions.
    Roasted Potato Salad with Crispy Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Skip the mayo and go savory—this warm roasted potato salad with bacon is a comforting side everyone will pile onto their plate.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Potato Salad with Crispy Bacon

    Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole with Crunch

    A spoon full of hashbrown casserole.
    Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole with Crunch. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Bring comfort to the table with this creamy hash brown casserole—gooey cheese and a crispy cornflake topping make it a crowd hit.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole with Crunch

    Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pears

    Balsamic vinegar being poured over roasted sweet potatoes.
    Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pears. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Give your sweet potatoes a modern twist with roasted pears and balsamic glaze—a fall side that feels fancy but stays easy.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pears

    Honey Glazed Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

    Hasselback sweet potatoes on a black platter with honey on the side.
    Honey Glazed Hasselback Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These honey-drizzled Hasselback sweet potatoes are the showstopper side your Thanksgiving table has been waiting for.
    Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

    Loaded Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

    A spoon full of twice baked mashed potatoes.
    Loaded Twice-Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    All the buttery, cheesy flavors of twice-baked potatoes—without the fuss. This casserole will steal the spotlight from the turkey.
    Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

    Old-Fashioned Southern Corn Pudding

    A baked corn pudding with a serving spoon removing a portion.
    Old-Fashioned Southern Corn Pudding. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This creamy, golden corn pudding is a classic Southern side that fits perfectly between stuffing and cranberry sauce.
    Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Southern Corn Pudding

    Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

    A bowl of crock pot mac n cheese in a bowl next to a spoon.
    Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Skip the stovetop—this slow-cooked mac and cheese delivers creamy, cheesy comfort that’s effortless for your holiday feast.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

    Microwave Loaded Mashed Potatoes

    A serving spoon in a bowl of microwaved mashed potatoes.
    Microwave Loaded Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Short on oven space? These creamy loaded mashed potatoes come together fast—right in the microwave.
    Get the Recipe: Microwave Loaded Mashed Potatoes

    Cheesy Cornbread Corn Pudding

    A spoonful of cornbread corn pudding.
    Cheesy Cornbread Corn Pudding. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Part pudding, part cornbread—this cheesy, golden bake pairs beautifully with roasted turkey and gravy.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cornbread Corn Pudding

    Baked Mac and Cheese with Cottage Cheese

    A serving of mac and cheese being removed from a casserole dish.
    Baked Mac and Cheese with Cottage Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Rich, baked, and ultra-creamy, this mac and cheese uses cottage cheese for an irresistible texture and flavor upgrade.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Mac and Cheese with Cottage Cheese

    Grilled Corn Salad with Blueberries

    A clear glass bowl of corn salad with blueberries.
    Grilled Corn Salad with Blueberries. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Bright, smoky, and just a little sweet—this grilled corn and blueberry salad adds color and freshness to your fall menu.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad with Blueberries

    Cheesy Cauliflower Bake with Crunch

    A spoon taking out a serving of cauliflower casserole.
    Cheesy Cauliflower Bake with Crunch. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This cheesy cauliflower bake delivers all the comfort of mac and cheese—without the carbs. Creamy, crisp, and totally crave-worthy.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Bake with Crunch

    Green Bean and Potato Salad with Honey

    A platter of green bean and potato salad.
    Green Bean and Potato Salad with Honey. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This warm green bean and potato salad with honey vinaigrette adds a cozy, balanced touch to your Thanksgiving table.
    Get the Recipe: Green Bean and Potato Salad with Honey

    Cranberry Sauce For Thanksgiving

    A white bowl of cranberry sauce with grapes.
    Cranberry Sauce For Thanksgiving. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving is a slightly sweet but tart cranberry dish that changes up your traditional sauce perfectly.
    Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce For Thanksgiving

    Quick and Easy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

    Quick and Easy Zucchini Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    When life gives you fresh zucchini, make this cheesy Zucchini Casserole! It’s loaded with fresh zucchini, a velvety cream sauce, herbs, cheesy pepper jack, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs! Bakes in 30 minutes and is make-ahead and freezer-friendly!
    Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Zucchini Casserole Recipe

    Oven Roasted Potatoes And Onions

    Oven Roasted Potatoes And Onions. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Try some easy oven roasted potatoes and onions for a spectacular side dish that is great with any meal.
    Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes And Onions

    Baked Italian Sausage Stuffing

    A casserole dish of baked stuffing with a serving spoon.
    Baked Italian Sausage Stuffing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    It’s not Thanksgiving without a good homemade stuffing recipe! This baked stuffing has Italian sausage and sourdough bread.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Italian Sausage Stuffing

    Creamy Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes

    Butter on top of a bowl of mashed potatoes.
    Creamy Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Rich, smooth, and make-ahead friendly, these creamy mashed potatoes get an upgrade from mascarpone cheese—your guests will beg for the recipe.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes

    Fall Macaroni Salad with Cheddar

    Creamy macaroni salad with a wooden spoon.
    Fall Macaroni Salad with Cheddar. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This creamy, tangy macaroni salad brings Southern charm to your Thanksgiving spread—cheddar and Dijon make every bite pop.
    Get the Recipe: Fall Macaroni Salad with Cheddar

    Southern Cornbread Dressing Classic

    A serving spoon in a casserole dish of cornbread dressing.
    Southern Cornbread Dressing Classic. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This buttery, herb-filled Southern cornbread dressing is moist, golden, and made to steal the Thanksgiving spotlight.
    Get the Recipe:Southern Cornbread Dressing Classic

    Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce

    A glass serving bowl with homemade cranberry sauce.
    Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This tart cranberry sauce with Grand Marnier and walnuts adds a luxe twist that will outshine the turkey itself.
    Get the Recipe: Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce

    Balsamic Asparagus and Mushrooms

    A platter of asparagus with mushrooms next to a container of balsamic vinegar
    Balsamic Asparagus and Mushrooms. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Earthy mushrooms and tender asparagus roast in balsamic glaze for an elegant fall side dish that’s Thanksgiving-ready.
    Get the Recipe: Balsamic Asparagus and Mushrooms

    Skillet Creamed Corn with Butter

    A skillet filled with creamy, cooked corn kernels being stirred by a wooden spoon. The creamed corn appears to be seasoned and mixed with a rich, creamy substance, creating a luscious texture. The background is a grayish cooking surface.
    Skillet Creamed Corn with Butter. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Just four ingredients make this rich, buttery creamed corn that’s ready in 10 minutes—your Thanksgiving plate needs this one.
    Get the Recipe: Skillet Creamed Corn with Butter

    Baked Southern Mac and Cheese

    A spoon scooping out creamy mac and cheese from a black bowl.
    Baked Southern Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Golden, cheesy, and baked to bubbly perfection—this Southern-style mac and cheese is pure Thanksgiving comfort.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Southern Mac and Cheese

    Brown Butter Roasted Cauliflower

    Roasted cauliflower with brown butter in a serving bowl.
    Brown Butter Roasted Cauliflower. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Brown butter and roasted cauliflower come together in this nutty, crispy side dish that’s impossible to stop eating.
    Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Roasted Cauliflower

    Cheesy Mexican Cornbread

    A stack of Mexican cornbread on a rack.
    Cheesy Mexican Cornbread. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This moist, cheesy cornbread with green chilies adds a little spice and Southern flair to your Thanksgiving table.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mexican Cornbread

    Pimento Baked Mac and Cheese

    Two plates of pimento mac and cheese.
    Pimento Baked Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Packed with creamy cheese and zesty pimentos, this baked mac and cheese is a Southern must-serve on Thanksgiving Day.
    Get the Recipe: Pimento Baked Mac and Cheese

    Classic Carrot Raisin Salad

    A bowl of carrot raisin salad with a serving spoon.
    Classic Carrot Raisin Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This nostalgic carrot raisin salad adds color and sweetness to your holiday plate—easy, fresh, and perfectly Southern.
    Get the Recipe: Classic Carrot Raisin Salad

    Crispy Crushed New Potatoes

    Crispy smashed red potatoes topped with melted cheese and seasoning, arranged on a parchment-lined baking sheet—perfect for anyone who loves flavorful potato side dishes.
    Crispy Crushed New Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Boiled, smashed, and roasted to golden perfection—these potatoes are the crispy, buttery upgrade every Thanksgiving table needs.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Crushed New Potatoes

    Old-Fashioned Kentucky Spoon Bread

    A serving spoon full of spoon bread.
    Old-Fashioned Kentucky Spoon Bread. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Soft, buttery, and custardy, this traditional Kentucky spoon bread is a warm and nostalgic Southern side for Thanksgiving.
    Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Kentucky Spoon Bread

    Gruyere Scalloped Potatoes

    A spoon full of au gratin potatoes with cheese.
    Gruyere Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Layers of Yukon gold potatoes, garlic, and Gruyere melt into the ultimate creamy comfort food—your Thanksgiving table won’t be complete without it.
    Get the Recipe: Gruyere Scalloped Potatoes

    Cranberry Fig Port Sauce

    Cranberry sauce in a bowl with fresh cranberries
    Cranberry Fig Port Sauce. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Sweet, tart, and just a little boozy, this cranberry fig sauce with port wine adds gourmet flair to your Thanksgiving feast.
    Get the Recipe: Cranberry Fig Port Sauce

    Start things out with these 41 Finger Foods and Appetizers Everyone Loves

    A plate of golden-brown puff pastry bites on the left, with two close-up images of cheesy, baked savory rolls and a sandwich slider with poppy seeds on top on the right.
    Kick Off Football Season With 41 Finger Foods and Appetizers Everyone Loves. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

    The best part of football season isn’t just the action on the field—it’s the snacks that bring everyone together. From melty dips to crunchy, shareable bites, the right spread keeps the crowd fueled and happy. It’s a winning way to wrap up game day, proving that great food makes every moment even more memorable.
    Grab it Here: Start things out with these 41 Finger Foods and Appetizers Everyone Loves

    Explore Recipes

    MSN Slideshows
    « 16 Retro Dinners Worth Bringing Back
    30 Soups and Stews Worth Coming Home To »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

    More about me →

    Subscribe

    Cookout Side Dishes

    • Southern style Ranch potato salad in a glass bowl next to green onions.
      Loaded Ranch Potato Salad with Bacon
    • A scoop of summer squash casserole.
      Creamy Squash Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping
    • A serving bowl with a dressed peach and pasta salad.
      Summer Pasta Salad with Fresh Peaches
    • A wooden spoon with a serving of macaroni salad.
      Creamy Southern Macaroni Salad with Cheese

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Our All-Star Recipes

    • A round baking dish of mac and cheese with a serving spoon.
      Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese
    • A skillet of charred corn with a wooden spoon.
      Skillet Charred Corn with Bacon and Cream
    • A serving spoon of ground beef potato casserole.
      Hamburger Potato Casserole Without Canned Soup
    • A serving spoon of baked beans with hamburger.
      Southern Baked Beans with Ground Beef
    • A baked chicken tamale pie.
      Baked Chicken Tamale Pie Casserole with A Cornbread Crust
    • Square biscuits in a bowl with coffee cups.
      Square Buttermilk Biscuits (Tall & Flaky)

    COPYRIGHT © 2026 BUTTER & BAGGAGE | PRIVACY POLICY | WEB STORIES
    BRANDING & CUSTOMIZATION BY GRACE + VINE STUDIOS

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required