35 Best Thanksgiving Sides to Complete Your Holiday Feast

Thanksgiving sides are the backbone of a holiday feast, adding texture, color, and a whole lot of flavor to your plate. They’re the dishes that make your main course even better, giving you that full, festive spread that feels like a celebration. Whether you’re serving up traditional favorites or adding something fresh to the table, great side dishes can bring everyone together and keep the meal exciting.

Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Mascarpone Cheese

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

One bite and you’ll agree these are the BEST make ahead mashed potatoes. This creamy side dish can be reheated in the slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Mascarpone Cheese

Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

Creamy macaroni salad with a wooden spoon. — Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

FREE EMAIL BONUS: Southern staples made simply & cozy

A Southern-style macaroni salad made with a creamy mayo, sour cream and dijon mustard dressing. Mix with cheddar cheese to finish, and served chilled.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

Sweet and Savory Southern Cornbread Dressing – Never Dry

A serving spoon in a casserole dish of cornbread dressing. — Sweet and Savory Southern Cornbread Dressing – Never Dry. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This Cornbread Dressing recipe is an old Southern classic made with store-bought cornbread, herbs, veggies, and a whole lot of butter. It’s a mix of sweet and savory, making it the perfect side dish for your next holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe:Sweet and Savory Southern Cornbread Dressing – Never Dry

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Our all time favorite homemade cranberry sauce recipe includes crunchy walnuts and a splash of Grand Marnier.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce

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

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

Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

A spoon scooping out creamy mac and cheese from a black bowl. — Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Poole’s Diner is a classic with a creamy base and crusty cheese on top. Comfort food at its BEST.
Get the Recipe: Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

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

Mexican Cornbread Recipe With Creamed Corn

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

Try a Tex-Mex version of Southern cornbread made with creamed corn and green chilies. A super moist cornbread that you can prep in 10 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cornbread Recipe With Creamed Corn

Southern Style Baked Mac And Cheese With Pimentos

Two plates of pimento mac and cheese. — Southern Style Baked Mac And Cheese With Pimentos. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Pimento mac and cheese is an easy, baked pasta dish made with zesty pimentos in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with even more golden cheddar.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Baked Mac And Cheese With Pimentos

Old Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins

A bowl of carrot raisin salad with a serving spoon. — Old Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Fresh carrot raisin salad is EASY and so flavorful! All you need is a bowl and a grater to make this slightly sweet classic salad.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Carrot Salad With Raisins

New Potatoes, Crushed And Roasted

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.

New Potatoes, Crushed and Roasted are first boiled and then crushed before roasting in the oven. They are like mashed potatoes with crispy edges. Easy to make and everyone can top the way they like. A great versatile side to almost any dish.
Get the Recipe: New Potatoes, Crushed And Roasted

Kentucky Spoon Bread

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

This Kentucky spoon bread recipe bakes up moist with a dense custardy texture creamy flavor, and the perfect golden, buttery color.
Get the Recipe: Kentucky Spoon Bread

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Casserole With Gruyere

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

This side dish casserole for cheesy scalloped potatoes is made with thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes and fresh garlic, milk and cream, plus gruyere cheese.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Casserole With Gruyere

Cranberry Sauce With Port And Figs, A Little Sweet & Tart

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

Cranberry Sauce with port and figs will be the star of your holiday meal as it’s both sweet and tart and a little decadent!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce With Port And Figs, A Little Sweet & Tart

Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

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

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

No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

Southern style Ranch potato salad in a glass bowl next to green onions. — No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This warm Roasted Potato Salad is not only great for your next potluck or cook out, but it’s perfect for a simple dinner.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

Hash Brown Casserole With Corn Flakes

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

An old fashioned casserole with cheesy potatoes and a crunchy cornflake topping. Frozen hashbrowns make this cheesy hashbrown potatoes recipe a breeze to make.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Casserole With Corn Flakes

Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Pears

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

Not as sweet as sweet potato casserole, Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pears is a healthy addition to your Thanksgiving or Holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Pears

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Honey

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

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with honey and pecans are not only fun but just add cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper for an amazing side dish.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Honey

Twice Baked Mashed Potato Casserole

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

All the flavors of a twice baked potato in a casserole. Baked mashed potatoes with cheese and green onions are the perfect side dish.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Mashed Potato Casserole

Best Southern Corn Pudding Recipe

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

A Southern Corn Pudding with fresh corn is an easy side that you can prep in 10 minuets. Make it ahead of time for an easy Holiday side.
Get the Recipe: Best Southern Corn Pudding Recipe

Easy Crock Pot Mac And Cheese Recipe

A bowl of crock pot mac n cheese in a bowl next to a spoon. — Easy Crock Pot Mac And Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

With just 6 ingredients, this Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe will be your new favorite side. You don’t even have to cook the pasta, just dump and go!
Get the Recipe: Easy Crock Pot Mac And Cheese Recipe

Loaded Mashed Potatoes In The Microwave

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

Loaded mashed potatoes are a quick and easy weeknight side dish that’s made in the microwave for those nights when you’re too busy to cook.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potatoes In The Microwave

Cornbread Corn Pudding

This baked cornbread casserole features a custardy cornbread pudding base,mixed with toasted cornbread and fresh or frozen corn. Top with grated cheese!
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Corn Pudding

Baked Macaroni & Cheese With Cottage Cheese

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

With cottage cheese blended into its sauce, this baked one-pot mac and cheese recipe is ultra-creamy. A delicious twist on classic mac & cheese.
Get the Recipe: Baked Macaroni & 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.

You’ll love this Grilled Corn Salad with Blueberries with a little cumin, onions and cilantro to give this a savory twist.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Salad With Blueberries

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Homemade Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans Recipe

Slow cooker Boston baked beans are made with plenty of bacon, molasses, garlic, and onions to create a rich thick savory sauce.
Get the Recipe: The Best Homemade Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans Recipe

With a mix of classic favorites and innovative new dishes, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. As you prepare your holiday meal, these delicious sides will perfectly complement your main dishes and make your Thanksgiving celebration even more memorable! If you need some desserts to go with these sides, you’ll find easy to make scrumptious desserts at Easy Southern Desserts – check them out!

Explore Recipes

MSN Slideshows