37 Thanksgiving Sides Worth Making Even If You Only Make One

Feels like every Thanksgiving sneaks up faster than the last, and I’m always scrambling to pick just one side that won’t disappoint. Honestly, with all the options out there, I end up mixing and matching ideas until I land on something that really feels worth the effort. So if the plan is to make only one dish that stands out this holiday, I’ve rounded up sides that are cozy, reliable, and basically guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Trust me, picking from this lineup will make the whole day a lot easier.

Thanksgiving Candied Yams Worth Making

A bowl filled with southern candied yams and sweet potatoes, covered in a shiny brown sugar syrup, with a spoon scooping some out. — Southern Candied Yams Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These tender, caramel-coated yams are a simple, classic side that brings cozy Thanksgiving sweetness to every plate.
Get the Recipe: Southern Candied Yams Recipe

Crispy Crushed Potatoes for the Feast

A smashed new potato being removed form a pan. — New Potatoes, Crushed And Roasted. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

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Boiled, smashed, and roasted, these potatoes deliver crisp edges and fluffy centers—an irresistible pick for any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: New Potatoes, Crushed And Roasted

Microwave Mashed Potatoes Made Easy

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

These microwave mashed potatoes come together fast, loaded with comforting flavor that makes them holiday-worthy in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potatoes In The Microwave

Sweet Potato Bacon Bake to Impress

Sweet potato casserole with a serving spoon. — Easy Sweet Potato Casserole With Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This bourbon-kissed casserole brings smoky bacon, pecans, and brown sugar together for a rich, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sweet Potato Casserole With Bacon

Sweet Potato–Peach Bake for the Holiday

A Spoon full of sweet potato casserole. — Sweet Potato Casserole With Tart Peaches. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Ripe peaches add a bright, fruity twist that turns this comforting sweet potato casserole into a standout Thanksgiving pick.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Tart Peaches

Creamy Gruyere Scalloped Potatoes

A close-up of homemade scalloped potatoes with a golden, bubbly cheese and cream topping, sprinkled with black pepper. A serving spoon rests in the dish, and a small bowl of grated cheese is visible in the background. — Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Casserole With Gruyere. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Layered with cream, garlic, and melty Gruyere, this comforting potato dish brings rich, elegant flavor to any Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Casserole With Gruyere

Cranberry Broccoli Salad for Holiday Crunch

A bowl of broccoli salad with a serving spoon. — Broccoli Salad With Cranberries And A Honey Yogurt Dressing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This crisp, sweet-tangy broccoli salad brings color, freshness, and crunch—an ideal balance to heavier Thanksgiving dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Broccoli Salad That Deserves the Spotlight

Cheesy Hashbrown Bake with Crunch

A spoon full of hashbrown casserole. — Hash Brown Casserole With Corn Flakes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Creamy potatoes meet a buttery cornflake topping for a nostalgic, ultra-comforting side that fits right into any Thanksgiving menu.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Casserole With Corn Flakes

Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes Delight

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

Cheesy, creamy, and loaded with baked-potato flavor, this casserole makes a hearty, comforting side fit for the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Mashed Potato Casserole

Ultra-Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Best Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These potatoes roast up shatter-crisp on the outside and fluffy inside, making them a can’t-miss choice for any Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Potatoes

Southern Sweet Potato Pudding Magic

Sweet potato pudding in a casserole dish next to serving spoons. — Sweet Potato Pudding. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Made with grated sweet potatoes, this silky, custardy classic brings warm Southern flavor perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pudding

Crispy Potatoes with Pimento Cheese

A spatula full of crispy skillet potatoes. — Crispy Breakfast Potatoes With Pimento Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Golden-crispy skillet potatoes meet creamy pimento cheese for a savory, Southern-style side that belongs on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Breakfast Potatoes With Pimento Cheese

Light Sweet Potato Soufflé with Pear

A baked sweet potato souffle in a casserole dish next to serving spoons. — Easy Sweet Potato Souffle With Pear. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Airy, lightly sweet, and brightened with pear and honey, this soufflé adds a fresh twist to traditional Thanksgiving flavors.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sweet Potato Souffle With Pear

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pears

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

Lightly sweet and naturally caramelized, these pear-tossed sweet potatoes offer a fresh, healthier take for the holiday lineup.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Pears

Roasted Squash and Cranberries Shine

A close-up of roasted butternut squash, apples, and cranberries topped with crumbled goat cheese on a black plate, perfect as one of your Thanksgiving sides. A red plaid napkin is partially visible in the background. — Roasted Butternut Squash With Cranberries And Feta. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Sweet squash, tart cranberries, and creamy cheese come together for a vibrant, flavor-packed side that brightens the Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Squash and Cranberries

Thanksgiving Gruyere Potato Gratin

Potatoes au gratin in a baking dish with a serving spoon. — Crispy Potatoes Au Gratin With Gruyere. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Layered, golden, and irresistibly creamy, this crispy gratin is the kind of Thanksgiving side that steals the entire table—and guarantees everyone asks for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Potatoes Au Gratin With Gruyere

Cheesy Ham & Potato Bake for the Big Feast

Baked Ham Cheese & Potato Casserole (No Canned Soup). Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This cozy casserole packs hearty layers of potatoes, ham, and melty cheese—an easy, crowd-loving side that fits right into any Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Baked Ham Cheese & Potato Casserole (No Canned Soup)

Sweet Potatoes with Fluffy Marshmallow Top

A spoon dipping out a portion of sweet potato casserole with marshmallow topping. — Sweet Potato Casserole With Homemade Marshmallow Topping. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This holiday favorite gets a fresh upgrade with silky sweet potatoes and a light, homemade marshmallow topping that tastes like pure celebration.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Homemade Marshmallow Topping

Crispy-Soft Fondant Potatoes

Fondant Potatoes. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

With crisp tops and buttery centers, these elegant potatoes feel restaurant-fancy yet surprisingly simple—just right for a standout holiday side.
Get the Recipe: Fondant Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes with Pretzel Crunch

A large spoon full of sweet potato casserole. — Pretzel Topped Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Sweet, salty, and wonderfully crunchy, this pretzel-topped bake adds playful texture to your Thanksgiving lineup—no one sees it coming.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

Apple-Layered Sweet Potato Bake

A close-up of a freshly baked apple crumble pie in a white dish, with a golden-brown crumb topping—perfect for Thanksgiving Apple Desserts. Whole apples and a towel are in the background. — Layered Apple And Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Thin layers of apples and sweet potatoes melt together into a warm, cozy side dish that balances savory notes with gentle natural sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Layered Apple And Sweet Potato Casserole

Roasted Potatoes with Caramelized Onions

A serving bowl of crispy potatoes and onions. — Oven Roasted Potatoes And Onions. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Roasted until crisp with sweet, golden onions, this simple side delivers big Thanksgiving flavor with almost zero effort.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes And Onions

Creamy Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

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

Bacon, cheese, and rich ranch dressing turn this classic potato salad into a flavor-packed side perfect for any holiday crowd.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Warm Roasted Potato Salad with Bacon

A glass bowl of roasted potato salad — No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Roasted potatoes and smoky bacon come together in a tangy, mayo-free side that’s warm, hearty, and perfect for fall gatherings.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

Cranberry Grape Relish for Holiday Shine

A white bowl of cranberry sauce with grapes. — Roasted Cranberry Sauce with Grapes

Sweet roasted grapes blend with tart cranberries to create a bright, jammy relish that lifts your Thanksgiving plate instantly.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Grape Relish That Shines Every Time

Mascarpone-Rich Yukon Mashed Potatoes

Butter on top of a bowl of mashed potatoes. — Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Mascarpone Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Ultra-creamy and melt-smooth, these indulgent mashed potatoes stay perfect when made ahead—ideal for stress-free Thanksgiving prep.
Get the Recipe: Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Mascarpone Cheese

Crispy Leftover Mashed Potato Patties

Potato Patties (With Leftover Mashed Potatoes). Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

Turn yesterday’s mashed potatoes into crisp-edged patties that make a tasty bonus dish for the holiday weekend.
Get the Recipe: Potato Patties (With Leftover Mashed Potatoes)

Quick Grilled Potato Wedges

Someone dipping a potato into a bowl of sauce. — Grilled Potato Wedges In Just 20 Minutes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These perfectly charred wedges come together fast, offering a crisp-tender potato side that pairs with any Thanksgiving main.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Potato Wedges In Just 20 Minutes

Creamy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes With Two Types Of Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Rich, velvety layers of sweet potatoes bake into a luxurious, crowd-pleasing side that adds warmth to any Thanksgiving plate.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Sweet Potatoes With Two Types Of Potatoes

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Made Easy

A plate of four baked potatoes, each split open and filled with fluffy, seasoned white potato filling. They are garnished with chopped herbs and a sprinkling of ground seasoning. The plate is placed on a yellow cloth. — Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Fluffy inside, crispy outside—these foolproof air-fried potatoes are quick, reliable, and ready to round out your Thanksgiving menu.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe

Cranberry Fluff That Finally Gets Its Credit

A black bowl filled with pink cranberry fluff salad topped with sugared cranberries, next to a white dish of cranberries and two pinecones on a blue-gray surface. — Festive Cranberry Salad With Whipped Cream And Marshmallows. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This mix of cranberries, apples, and marshmallows brings nostalgic sweetness and proves cranberry fluff deserves way more attention.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Fluff That Finally Gets Its Credit

Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn

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. — Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Rich, buttery Creamed Corn gets a homemade makeover with just four simple ingredients and 10 minutes on the stove.
Get the Recipe: Super Creamy Skillet Creamed Corn

Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette

A platter of green bean and potato salad. — Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Full of fresh flavors, this cold green bean salad recipe adds in tender new potatoes for a refreshing take on a classic meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans And New Potato Salad With Honey Vinaigrette

Cranberry Jello Salad That Deserves a Comeback

Festive Cranberry Jello Salad with Pineapple and Orange. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This jewel-red cranberry salad brings bright, nostalgic flavor that makes you wonder why it ever fell out of the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Jello Salad That Deserves a Comeback

Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk

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. — Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Looking for a mouthwatering red cabbage coleslaw recipe? Try our quick and easy Southern dish that is perfect for busy cooks. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk

Roasted Balsamic Asparagus And Mushrooms

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

Balsamic roasted asparagus and mushrooms is a great way to enjoy fresh produce. Roasting brings out so much flavor and it’s quick and EASY.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Balsamic Asparagus And Mushrooms

Cranberry Pecan Stuffing That Steals the Plate

Slow Cooker Cranberry and Pecan Stuffing. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

This slow cooker stuffing blends cranberries and pecans for a side that proves cranberries bring more depth than people expect.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Stuffing That Steals the Plate

Before the Turkey, Make These 22 Fall Sides Everyone Will Actually Eat

A collage of four Thanksgiving casseroles that deserve a comeback: mashed potatoes casserole, cranberry sauce, sliced and roasted sweet potatoes, and cheesy macaroni and cheese in bowls and trays.

Fall dinners are all about those cozy, crowd-pleasing dishes that somehow disappear before the turkey even hits the table. From buttery potatoes to roasted veggies with a little seasonal flair, these sides are the kind everyone will actually eat, no sad leftovers here.
Grab it here: Before the Turkey, Make These 22 Fall Sides Everyone Will Actually Eat

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