27 Thanksgiving Sides Guests Always Ask About First

Kicking off the holiday playlist of flavors, I’ve been thinking about all those Thanksgiving sides that somehow steal the spotlight before the turkey even arrives. My guests practically hover around the table, ready to ask about their favorite sides the moment they walk in. It’s always funny how they know exactly what they’re hoping will be served, and they start chatting about it first thing. These classics just have a way of making the whole day feel extra cozy.

Broccoli Cranberry Salad Guests Can’t Stop Talking About

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

This tangy-sweet broccoli salad with cranberries and a creamy honey dressing is always the first side bowl to empty at Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cranberry Salad Guests Can’t Stop Talking About

Cranberry Fluff Everyone Fights Over First

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.

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Sweet, tangy, and irresistibly fluffy, this cranberry fluff salad is the retro favorite guests ask about before the turkey’s carved.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Fluff Everyone Fights Over First

Cheesy Hash Brown Bake That Disappears Fast

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

This creamy, cheesy hash brown casserole topped with crispy cornflakes is the cozy comfort side your guests will beg for seconds of.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hash Brown Bake That Disappears Fast

Roasted Sweet Potatoes Guests Always Remember

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

Caramelized sweet potatoes and juicy pears make this simple, elegant dish a Thanksgiving side guests never forget.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes Guests Always Remember

Cranberry Fig Sauce Guests Swear Is Gourmet

Cranberry sauce in a bowl with fresh cranberries — Cranberry Sauce With Port And Figs, A Little Sweet & Tart. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This port wine and fig cranberry sauce feels restaurant-level fancy—and it’s always the side everyone asks the recipe for.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Fig Sauce Guests Swear Is Gourmet

Honey Hasselback Sweet Potatoes That Shine

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

Drizzled with honey and sprinkled with pecans, these caramelized sweet potatoes steal the spotlight on any Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Honey Hasselback Sweet Potatoes That Shine

Loaded Mashed Potato Bake That Vanishes First

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

Creamy mashed potatoes baked with cheese and green onions—guests never skip this indulgent favorite at Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Bake That Vanishes First

Cranberry Relish Guests Ask About Every Year

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

Roasted cranberries and grapes make this vibrant relish the one side dish that guests remember—and request—year after year.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Relish Guests Ask About Every Year

Southern Corn Pudding That Steals the Spotlight

A baked corn pudding with a serving spoon removing a portion. — Best Southern Corn Pudding Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This buttery, custardy corn pudding is rich, golden, and irresistibly Southern—the side your guests can’t stop raving about.
Get the Recipe: Southern Corn Pudding That Steals the Spotlight

Roasted Squash & Cranberry Side That Pops

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 feta combine for a colorful side that wows everyone before the main course lands.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Squash & Cranberry Side That Pops

Grilled Corn Salad Guests Line Up For

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

Grilled corn, blueberries, and a hint of cumin make this bright salad the unexpected hit of any Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad Guests Line Up For

Cheesy Cauliflower Bake That Wins Every Time

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

Bubbly cheese, creamy cauliflower, and smoky paprika—this casserole is always gone before anyone asks for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Bake That Wins Every Time

Green Bean Potato Salad Guests Can’t Get Enough Of

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

Tossed in honey vinaigrette, this hearty green bean and potato salad brings balance and brightness to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Potato Salad Guests Can’t Get Enough Of

Baked Cranberry Sauce Guests Always Rave About

A bowl of chunky homemade cranberry sauce with visible walnut pieces, served with a silver spoon. Walnuts are scattered on a cloth napkin in the background. — Oven-Baked Cranberry Sauce With Walnuts And Grand Marnier. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Infused with citrus, Grand Marnier, and crunchy walnuts, this baked cranberry sauce delivers flavor guests can’t stop praising.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cranberry Sauce Guests Always Rave About

Zucchini Casserole That Wins Thanksgiving Over

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

Rich, creamy, and topped with a golden crunch, this cheesy zucchini casserole is the surprise hit that everyone asks about first.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Casserole That Wins Thanksgiving Over

Irresistible Creamy Pea Salad for Thanksgiving

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

This creamy pea salad with cheddar and bacon is the cool, colorful side everyone asks for first. A make-ahead favorite for your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Irresistible Creamy Pea Salad for Thanksgiving

Tangy Red Cabbage Slaw Guests Can’t Resist

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. — Tangy Red Cabbage Slaw Guests Can’t Resist. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Add crunch and color to your Thanksgiving table with this creamy red cabbage slaw. Buttermilk dressing gives it a tangy twist everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Red Cabbage Slaw Guests Can’t Resist

Crispy Roasted Potato Salad with Bacon

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

This warm, crispy roasted potato salad with bacon skips the mayo but keeps all the comfort. A crowd-pleasing twist on classic Thanksgiving potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Potato Salad with Bacon

Skillet Creamed Corn Everyone Fights For

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 Everyone Fights For. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Sweet, buttery, and rich — this creamy skillet corn will have everyone at the table asking for seconds before the turkey’s even carved.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Creamed Corn Everyone Fights For

Baked Mac and Cheese That Steals the Show

A spoon scooping out creamy mac and cheese from a black bowl. — Baked Mac and Cheese That Steals the Show. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This Southern-style baked mac and cheese is gooey, golden, and unforgettable. The kind of comfort food your Thanksgiving guests will talk about all year.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mac and Cheese That Steals the Show

Brown Butter Cauliflower with a Spicy Kick

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

Roasted cauliflower with nutty browned butter and a hint of spice makes this side dish totally crave-worthy on your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Cauliflower with a Spicy Kick

Cheesy Mexican Cornbread for the Holidays

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

This moist, cheesy Mexican cornbread made with creamed corn and green chilies brings a flavorful twist to traditional Thanksgiving sides.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mexican Cornbread for the Holidays

Pimento Mac and Cheese That Wows Guests

Two plates of pimento mac and cheese. — Pimento Mac and Cheese That Wows Guests. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This pimento mac and cheese bakes up creamy and bold, with a touch of Southern charm. Guests can’t help asking for the recipe first.
Get the Recipe: Pimento Mac and Cheese That Wows Guests

Classic Carrot Raisin Salad with a Twist

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

This bright and tangy carrot raisin salad adds sweet crunch to your Thanksgiving feast. An old-fashioned favorite guests always remember.
Get the Recipe: Classic Carrot Raisin Salad with a Twist

Crispy Crushed Potatoes Guests Can’t Stop Eating

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 Potatoes Guests Can’t Stop Eating. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

These golden crushed and roasted potatoes are crispy on the edges and fluffy inside — a Thanksgiving side no one skips over.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Crushed Potatoes Guests Can’t Stop Eating

Old-Fashioned Kentucky Spoon Bread Magic

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

Warm, buttery, and custardy — this Southern spoon bread melts in your mouth and makes the perfect comforting Thanksgiving side dish.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Kentucky Spoon Bread Magic

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes That Disappear Fast

A spoon full of au gratin potatoes with cheese. — Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes That Disappear Fast. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Layers of tender potatoes, cream, and Gruyère bake into the dreamiest Thanksgiving side — this one’s always gone first.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes That Disappear Fast

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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