37 Side Dishes That Take Over the Table Before the Turkey Arrives

Holiday dinners always get a little wild when everyone starts showing off their favorite side creations, and the dishes somehow end up stealing the spotlight. It’s almost funny how they quietly take over the vibe around the table, long before anyone even thinks about carving the turkey. By the time dessert talk starts, it barely matters what arrives next because the spread has already won everyone over.

Show-Stopping Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole

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

This luscious sweet potato casserole with a billowy homemade marshmallow topping steals attention long before the turkey hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Show-Stopping Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole

Creamy Red Slaw That Outsparks the Main Dish

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 Slaw That Outsparks the Main Dish. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

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This vibrant, creamy buttermilk coleslaw adds crunch and color that guests reach for before anything else on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Red Slaw That Outsparks the Main Dish

Balsamic Veggies That Steal the First Bite

A platter of asparagus with mushrooms next to a container of balsamic vinegar — Balsamic Veggies That Steal the First Bite. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These caramelized balsamic asparagus and mushrooms deliver bold flavor in minutes—guaranteed to get scooped up before turkey time.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Veggies That Steal the First Bite

Layered Apple-Sweet Potato Crowd-Pleaser

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-Sweet Potato Crowd-Pleaser. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This sweet-savory layered casserole blends apples and sweet potatoes into a dish so irresistible, guests always come back for seconds first.
Get the Recipe: Layered Apple-Sweet Potato Crowd-Pleaser

Crispy Potatoes That Vanish Before Turkey

A serving spoon in a bowl of crispy potatoes and onions. — Crispy Potatoes That Vanish Before Turkey. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Golden, crispy roasted potatoes with sweet onions bring big flavor—and disappear faster than any entrée on the table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Potatoes That Vanish Before Turkey

Bacon Ranch Potato Salad Everyone Attacks

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

This ultra-creamy bacon-packed potato salad is the kind of side guests dig into before anything else hits their plate.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Potato Salad Everyone Attacks

Warm Roasted Potato Salad Guests Devour

A glass bowl of roasted potato salad — Warm Roasted Potato Salad Guests Devour. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This warm, tangy roasted potato salad with bacon brings rustic comfort that draws crowds long before the turkey carving begins.
Get the Recipe: Warm Roasted Potato Salad Guests Devour

Silky Mascarpone Mash That Steals the Show

Butter on top of a bowl of mashed potatoes. — Silky Mascarpone Mash That Steals the Show. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These ultra-creamy mascarpone mashed potatoes are so rich and dreamy, they’re guaranteed to overshadow any entrée—even the turkey.
Get the Recipe: Silky Mascarpone Mash That Steals the Show

Crispy Grilled Wedges Everyone Grabs First

Someone dipping a potato into a bowl of sauce. — Crispy Grilled Wedges Everyone Grabs First. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

With crisp edges and fluffy centers, these fast grilled wedges are the kind of side that disappears before guests sit down.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Grilled Wedges Everyone Grabs First

Creamy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Take Over

These velvety, layered scalloped sweet potatoes deliver holiday comfort that guests dive into long before the turkey is served.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Take Over

Skillet Creamed Corn That Stops the Table

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 That Stops the Table. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This rich, buttery creamed corn cooks in minutes but brings the kind of flavor that makes guests forget there’s a turkey coming.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Creamed Corn That Stops the Table

Honey-Kissed Bean & Potato Salad Stealer

A platter of green bean and potato salad. — Honey-Kissed Bean & Potato Salad Stealer. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Fresh green beans and tender potatoes in a bright honey vinaigrette create a refreshing side that gets attention instantly.
Get the Recipe: Honey-Kissed Bean & Potato Salad Stealer

Classic Carrot Salad That Pops Pre-Turkey

A bowl of carrot raisin salad with a serving spoon. — Classic Carrot Salad That Pops Pre-Turkey. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This nostalgic carrot-raisin salad brings sweet crunch and bright flavor that stands out the moment it hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Carrot Salad That Pops Pre-Turkey

Crispy Air-Fryer Potatoes That Win First Pick

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. — Crispy Air-Fryer Potatoes That Win First Pick. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These air-fried baked potatoes turn out perfectly fluffy and crisp, earning the spotlight before the turkey even arrives.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air-Fryer Potatoes That Win First Pick

Pretzel-Crunch Sweet Potato Scene-Stealer

A large spoon full of sweet potato casserole. — Pretzel-Crunch Sweet Potato Scene-Stealer. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This sweet-salty casserole pairs creamy potatoes with a crunchy pretzel topping—guaranteed to become the dish guests rave about first.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel-Crunch Sweet Potato Scene-Stealer

Candied Yams That Steal the Spotlight Early

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 buttery candied yams show up ready to win the table long before the turkey makes its entrance. They simmer into a rich, caramel-like glaze that begs for a second helping.
Get the Recipe: Candied Yams That Steal the Spotlight Early

Crispy Crushed Potatoes Guests Grab First

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. — New Potatoes, Crushed And Roasted. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These golden smashed potatoes roast up with crispy edges that pull attention from any main dish on the table. They’re easy to personalize with toppings, making them a fast favorite.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Crushed Potatoes Guests Grab First

Loaded Mash That Steals the Show Fast

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

This quick loaded mash comes together in the microwave but tastes like it cooked all day. It’s creamy, comforting, and bold enough to upstage the turkey without trying.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mash That Steals the Show Fast

Pea Salad with Cheddar: A Southern Delight

A bowl of pea salad with a serving spoon. — Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This green pea salad is a Southern favorite that comes together in one bowl. Easy to make ahead, it’s flavorful with a touch of a spicy kick.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole: Gooey & Flavorful

A spoon taking out a serving of cauliflower casserole. — Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This cheesy cauliflower casserole is fast and easy to make. With sharp white cheddar and smoked paprika, it’s ooey gooey cheesy goodness!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

Butternut Squash Casserole with Wild Rice

A serving spoon in a baking dish of butternut squash casserole. — Butternut Squash Casserole With Wild Rice. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Butternut squash casserole is a comfort food dish that includes flavorful wild rice and a crunchy parmesan topping baked together in a creamy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Casserole With Wild Rice

Broccoli Salad with Cranberries & Honey Yogurt

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

You’re going to love this healthy broccoli salad served with a yogurt dressing that’s sweetened with honey. An old fashioned salad you’ll love.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad With Cranberries And A Honey Yogurt Dressing

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower with Browned Butter

Roasted cauliflower with brown butter in a serving bowl. — Spicy Roasted Cauliflower With Browned Butter. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Roasted Cauliflower is even better with some browned butter. Add a little spicy and some pumpkin seeds for a great side dish.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Roasted Cauliflower With Browned Butter

Green Bean Casserole: Made from Scratch

Follow these steps at home to make this creamy casserole with fresh green beans. No canned mushroom soup here! A homemade cream sauce is used.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Green Bean Casserole Without Canned Soup

Roasted Cabbage with Dried Cherries & Paprika

Cabbage roasted in the oven with cherries on a platter. — Roasted Cabbage In The Oven With Dried Cherries. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Slice up a couple of cabbage wedges and season them for a perfect roast cabbage recipe, a light side dish for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage In The Oven With Dried Cherries

Sweet Potato Bacon Bake That Takes Over

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

This casserole blends smoky bacon, sweet potatoes, and a crunchy topping that draws attention the moment it hits the table. It’s bold, rich, and hard to ignore until it’s gone.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Bacon Bake That Takes Over

Peachy Sweet Potato Bake Everyone Reaches For

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

This sweet potato bake brings a bright boost of peach flavor that stands out among traditional sides. It’s a warm, fruity twist that guests scoop before carving the turkey.
Get the Recipe: Peachy Sweet Potato Bake Everyone Reaches For

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes That Dominate Dinner

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

Layered with creamy sauce and rich Gruyere, this scalloped potato dish demands attention the moment it comes out bubbling. It’s the kind of side that threatens to outshine every other dish on the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes That Dominate Dinner

Crispy Hashbrown Bake That Beats the Bird

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

This cheesy hashbrown casserole gets its irresistible crunch from a golden cornflake topping. It’s the kind of comforting side that disappears before anyone even slices into the turkey.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Hashbrown Bake That Beats the Bird

Twice-Baked Mash Guests Want First

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

Loaded with cheese and green onions, this twice-baked mash brings all the flavor of a classic baked potato in spoonable form. It shows up creamy, cozy, and ready to take over the plate.
Get the Recipe: Twice-Baked Mash Guests Want First

Ultra-Crispy Roasted Potatoes Take Charge

Best Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These ultra-crispy roasted potatoes deliver crunch in every bite, making them impossible to ignore on a crowded table. They’re quick, dependable, and always the first to vanish.
Get the Recipe: Ultra-Crispy Roasted Potatoes Take Charge

Sweet Potato Pudding Guests Fight For

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

With its custardy texture and warm spice, this sweet potato pudding brings old-school comfort that draws in every guest. It’s rich, homey, and powerful enough to compete with the main course.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Pudding Guests Fight For

Crispy Pimento Potatoes That Take Over

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

These skillet potatoes crisp up beautifully and melt into creamy pimento cheese for a side no one expects but everyone wants. They’re bold enough to pull attention from any entrée on the table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Pimento Potatoes That Take Over

Sweet Potato Soufflé That Outshines Turkey

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

This light, airy sweet potato soufflé brings a hint of pear and honey that gives it a little lift over traditional sides. It’s elegant enough to compete with any star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Soufflé That Outshines Turkey

Roasted Sweet Potatoes That Rule the Table

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

These roasted sweet potatoes balance savory and sweet with just enough pear to make them stand out. They’re crisp, colorful, and guaranteed to rise to the top of the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes That Rule the Table

Crispy Potato Gratin Everyone Reaches For

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

This gratin stacks thin potatoes into irresistible crispy layers with a creamy, cheesy finish. It’s visually striking and impossible not to scoop before anything else.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Potato Gratin Everyone Reaches For

Ham & Potato Bake That Takes Center Stage

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

This hearty ham and potato bake brings layers of cheese and tender potatoes that grab attention fast. It’s rich, savory, and bold enough to compete with the holiday turkey.
Get the Recipe: Ham & Potato Bake That Takes Center Stage

27 Thanksgiving Dishes Guests Secretly Want More Than Turkey

A collage of four images showcases dishes that smell like Thanksgiving morning: pumpkin pie with whipped cream, a bowl of cranberry sauce, candied sweet potatoes, and a lattice-topped mixed berry pie with a slice removed.

Let’s be honest, when the big feast rolls around, turkey might get all the spotlight, but it’s those irresistible side dishes and desserts that everyone secretly craves. From creamy casseroles to perfectly baked pies, guests often pile their plates high before the bird even makes its way around.
Grab it here: 27 Thanksgiving Dishes Guests Secretly Want More Than Turkey

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