33 Thanksgiving Sides Grandma Always Claimed Were the Real Feast

Funny how holiday planning always brings back memories of Thanksgiving and the way grandma talked about her sides like they were the real feast. She claimed certain dishes deserved more attention than the turkey itself, and honestly, it still makes me laugh. Whenever I’m putting a menu together, I can almost hear her reminding me what really mattered on that table. Those little traditions keep her spirit in every bite.

Caramelized Southern Candied Yams

Sweet potatoes cooking in a skillet. — Caramelized Southern Candied Yams. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Test these classic Southern candied yams now—sweet, buttery, and caramelized to perfection with just three simple ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Southern Candied Yams

Grandma’s Pesto Bow Tie Pasta Side

Delicious pesto pasta salad with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes in a glass bowl. — Grandma’s Pesto Bow Tie Pasta Side. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

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Colorful bow tie pasta tossed in fresh basil pesto—an easy side Grandma swore was a Thanksgiving must.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Pesto Bow Tie Pasta Side

Grandma’s Burrata & Orange Salad

Close-up of a vibrant spring salad with slices of fresh mozzarella, orange segments, arugula leaves, and cracked black pepper sprinkled on top. — Grandma’s Burrata & Orange Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Creamy burrata paired with juicy oranges makes a light, refreshing side Grandma always served first.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Burrata & Orange Salad

Grandma’s Cheesy Ham Corn Casserole

A serving spoon in a corn casserole. — Grandma’s Cheesy Ham Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Creamy, cheesy, and full of ham—this corn casserole is the classic side Grandma swore made Thanksgiving special.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Cheesy Ham Corn Casserole

Grandma’s Bacon Green Beans

A bowl of Green Beans with Bacon and Onions, topped with crispy bacon pieces and caramelized onions, sits on a light cloth napkin with serving utensils. A small dish of extra bacon crumbles is nearby for added flavor. — Grandma’s Bacon Green Beans. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Fresh green beans cooked with bacon and onions, a savory side that always made Grandma’s table shine.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Bacon Green Beans

Grandma’s Skillet Brown Butter Cornbread

Rich, buttery cornbread baked in a skillet—Grandma’s secret for a golden, irresistible Thanksgiving side.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Skillet Brown Butter Cornbread

Homemade Green Bean Casserole

A serving spoon in a green bean casserole made from scratch, — Homemade Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Fresh green beans baked in a creamy sauce—Grandma never used canned soup, and neither should you!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Green Bean Casserole

Grandma’s Classic 7-Layer Salad

A bowl of seven layer salad next to individual servings. — Grandma’s Classic 7-Layer Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Bright, colorful layers of veggies and dressing make this classic salad a table favorite Grandma swore was essential.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Classic 7-Layer Salad

Grandma’s Pimento Mac & Cheese

Two plates of pimento mac and cheese. — Grandma’s Pimento Mac & Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Creamy, cheesy mac with zesty pimentos—this baked favorite was always a hit at Grandma’s Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Pimento Mac & Cheese

Creamy Kentucky Spoon Bread

A cornbread muffin on a plate with a spoon of honey. — Creamy Kentucky Spoon Bread. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Soft, buttery, and almost pudding-like, this Kentucky spoon bread is a cozy side worth perfecting before the holiday crowd arrives.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Kentucky Spoon Bread

Grandma’s Instant Pot Baked Beans

Sweet, smoky baked beans cooked in minutes—Grandma’s secret side that everyone rushed for.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Instant Pot Baked Beans

Grandma’s Balsamic Asparagus & Mushrooms

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

Roasted asparagus and mushrooms with balsamic glaze—a simple side Grandma claimed stole the show.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Balsamic Asparagus & Mushrooms

Grandma’s Cheesy Macaroni Salad

A bowl of macaroni salad next to a wooden spoon. — Grandma’s Cheesy Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Creamy, cheesy, and chilled—Grandma swore this macaroni salad was the true star of Thanksgiving sides.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Cheesy Macaroni Salad

Grandma’s Corn & Cucumber Yogurt Salad

A creamy cucumber salad with corn in a glass bowl with a serving spoon — Grandma’s Corn & Cucumber Yogurt Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Creamy corn and cucumber salad dressed with yogurt and herbs—a fresh side Grandma swore elevated the table.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Corn & Cucumber Yogurt Salad

Grandma’s Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

A clear bowl of ranch potato salad. — Grandma’s Bacon Ranch Potato Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Loaded with bacon and creamy ranch dressing, this potato salad was Grandma’s ultimate Thanksgiving crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Grandma’s Simple Macaroni Salad

Close-up of creamy macaroni salad with elbow pasta, diced carrots, celery, pickles, and a mayonnaise-based dressing—just like recipes mom used to make—mixed together with two gold-colored utensils. — Grandma’s Simple Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

Quick, creamy, and crunchy—Grandma’s simple macaroni salad was a last-minute table hero.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Simple Macaroni Salad

Grandma’s Creamy Cheddar Pea Salad

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 the kind Grandma swore was the star of the table. Creamy, cheesy, and ready ahead.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Creamy Cheddar Pea Salad

Grandma’s Baked Mac & Cheese Twist

A serving of mac and cheese being removed from a casserole dish. — Baked Macaroni & Cheese With Cottage Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Cottage cheese makes this baked mac and cheese extra creamy, just like Grandma always insisted. A comforting, cheesy side everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Baked Mac & Cheese Twist

Tex-Mex Cornbread Grandma Swore By

A stack of Mexican cornbread on a rack. — Mexican Cornbread Recipe With Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Sweet, moist, and a touch spicy—this cornbread was always Grandma’s favorite side. Ready in minutes, it steals the plate.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Cornbread Grandma Swore By

Grandma’s Warm Bacon Potato Salad

Parsley being sprinkled over warm potato salad — No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This warm roasted potato salad with bacon is the side dish Grandma claimed outshone the turkey. Comforting, hearty, and smoky.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Warm Bacon Potato Salad

Grandma’s Tangy Cucumber Pickle Salad

A bowl of cucumber salad with onions and two serving spoons — Tangy Cucumber Salad With Apple Cider Vinegar. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This refreshing cucumber salad balances tangy vinegar and crisp veggies, a dish Grandma always recommended for the table. Light and bright for every feast.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Tangy Cucumber Pickle Salad

Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad Grandma Loved

A side dish of pesto pasta next to fresh parsley. — Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This easy parsley pesto pasta salad with walnuts was always a crowd pleaser at Grandma’s table. Simple, fresh, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad Grandma Loved

Grandma’s 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 that Grandma swore was a feast favorite. Quick, creamy, and unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Skillet Creamed Corn

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Grandma Swore By

Ranch pasta salad in a bowl with a wooden spoon. — Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

All the flavors of bacon, cheddar, and creamy ranch in a pasta salad that stole Grandma’s heart. A definite crowd pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Grandma Swore By

Grandma’s Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw

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.

This creamy red cabbage coleslaw was always a must-have on Grandma’s table. Quick, tangy, and full of color.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Grandma’s Southern Mac & Cheese

Baked macaroni and cheese in a round baking dish on a napkin with spoons. — Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

A baked mac and cheese classic Grandma swore was the real star of Thanksgiving. Creamy, cheesy, and irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Southern Mac & Cheese

Grandma’s Southern Baked Beans

A skillet of cooked baked beans. — Southern Baked Beans With Hamburger Meat. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Sticky, smoky baked beans with ground beef that Grandma claimed were the real feast side. Perfect for a holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Southern Baked Beans

Honey Vinaigrette Green Bean & Potato Salad

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

Tender green beans and new potatoes tossed in a sweet honey vinaigrette that Grandma swore made the table complete. Bright and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Honey Vinaigrette Green Bean & Potato Salad

Grandma’s Oven-Roasted Potatoes & Onions

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

Golden, crispy potatoes and onions roasted to perfection—the side Grandma claimed stole the spotlight. Simple, irresistible, and festive.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Oven-Roasted Potatoes & Onions

Grandma’s Classic Carrot & Raisin Salad

Carrot salad in a bowl. — Old-Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Sweet, tender, and crunchy—this carrot and raisin salad was a Grandma classic. A timeless side dish for every holiday.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Classic Carrot & Raisin Salad

Grandma’s Roasted Cranberry Sauce

A white bowl of cranberry sauce with grapes. — Roasted Cranberry Sauce to Try Early. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Sweet, tangy, and a little unexpected—this roasted cranberry sauce was always Grandma’s table secret. A must-try for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Roasted Cranberry Sauce

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes You’ll Love

Butter on top of a bowl of mashed potatoes. — Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes You’ll Love. Photo Credit: Butter and Baggage.

These creamy Yukon Gold mashed potatoes with mascarpone are the perfect side to test now—rich, silky, and stress-free for the big day.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes You’ll Love

Fluffy Mashed Potato Dinner Rolls

mashed potato rolls in a white towel. — Fluffy Mashed Potato Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These soft and pillowy rolls use mashed potatoes for extra tenderness—ideal to bake ahead and perfect for your Thanksgiving bread basket.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Mashed Potato Dinner Rolls

27 Thanksgiving Dishes Everyone Wishes They Had Thought Of First

A collage of four Thanksgiving side dishes: stuffed acorn squash, baked cheesy casserole, savory bread pudding with a serving spoon, and a basket of golden brown dinner rolls—plus cranberry creations that brighten every Thanksgiving plate.

Every year, when Thanksgiving rolls around, someone shows up with a dish so good it makes everyone at the table wonder why they didn’t come up with it first. From creative twists on classics to brand-new flavor mashups, these dishes have a way of stealing the spotlight.
Grab it here: 27 Thanksgiving Dishes Everyone Wishes They Had Thought Of First

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