10+ Thanksgiving Recipes Side Dishes to Delight Your Guests

Thanksgiving is a special time when families come together to celebrate and enjoy a delicious meal. While the turkey often takes center stage, the side dishes play a crucial role in making the feast memorable.

This article will guide you through a variety of Thanksgiving side dish recipes that will impress your guests and elevate your holiday meal.

From creamy mashed potatoes to vibrant roasted vegetables, side dishes add flavor and variety to your table.

You will find recipes that cater to everyone’s tastes, ensuring that your Thanksgiving dinner is both satisfying and festive.

Get ready to explore some fantastic options that will enhance your holiday tradition.

1) Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving table. They are creamy, fluffy, and packed with flavor. You can easily impress your guests with this simple recipe.

To make these potatoes, start by boiling peeled potatoes until they are tender. Drain them and return them to the pot.

Then, mash the potatoes with roasted garlic, butter, and cream for extra richness.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. This side dish pairs well with turkey and gravy, making it a perfect choice for the holiday.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of potatoes
• 4 cloves of garlic (roasted)
• ½ cup of butter
• ½ cup of heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks.
2. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender (about 15-20 minutes).
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
4. Mash the potatoes along with the roasted garlic, butter, and cream.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

2) Herb Stuffing with Sage

Herb stuffing with sage is a classic choice for your Thanksgiving table. This dish features toasted bread mixed with fresh herbs and savory sage, creating a tasty side that complements turkey well.

Start by toasting your bread until golden brown. Then, mix in chopped onions and celery cooked in butter. Fresh sage brings a wonderful aroma and flavor.

Next, combine everything with vegetable or chicken broth. Ensure the mixture is moist but not soggy. Bake it until the top is crispy and golden.

Ingredients

• 6 cups of toasted bread, cubed
• 1 cup of onions, chopped
• 1 cup of celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup of butter
• 2 tablespoons of fresh sage, chopped
• 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toast bread in the oven until golden brown.
3. Sauté onions and celery in butter until soft.
4. Mix bread, sautéed vegetables, sage, broth, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
5. Place in a greased baking dish and cover with foil.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crispy.

3) Maple Glazed Carrots

Maple glazed carrots are a tasty and easy side dish for your Thanksgiving table. Their sweet and slightly salty flavor pairs well with many main dishes, making them a favorite for everyone.

To make this dish, you’ll need fresh carrots and maple syrup. You can also add a little butter for richness. Roasting the carrots brings out their natural sweetness.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) fresh carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the carrots with maple syrup, butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the carrots on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender.

4) Cranberry Orange Relish

Cranberry orange relish is a refreshing side dish that adds a zesty touch to your Thanksgiving meal. It pairs well with turkey, mashed potatoes, and other festive dishes.

To make this relish, you’ll need fresh cranberries and oranges. The sweet and tangy flavors create a delicious contrast to savory foods.

This dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend together.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, peeled and sectioned
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) water

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the cranberries and remove any stems.
2. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil.
3. Add cranberries and orange sections, cooking until cranberries pop.
4. Remove from heat and cool before serving. Enjoy!

5) Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a classic side dish for Thanksgiving. It’s creamy and savory, making it a favorite for many families. This dish usually combines green beans, mushroom soup, and crunchy onion strings for a delicious texture.

To make it more special, you can add fresh ingredients. For example, using fresh mushrooms or even crumbled bacon can take the flavor up a notch. You can also try making it in an air fryer for a twist!

Ingredients

• 4 cups green beans, fresh or canned
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup crispy French-fried onions
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced, and ½ cup cooked bacon

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the green beans, mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Fold in half of the crispy onions.
4. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
5. Bake for 25 minutes.
6. Top with remaining onions and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

6) Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Parmesan roasted Brussels sprouts make a tasty and easy side dish for Thanksgiving. The crispy texture and cheesy flavor will delight your guests. You can prepare this dish quickly, making it a great choice for a busy holiday.

Start by washing and trimming the Brussels sprouts. After that, toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet, and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes. The sprouts should be golden brown and tender. Every few minutes, give them a stir for even cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and trim the Brussels sprouts.
3. Toss the sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread them on a baking sheet.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the sprouts.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.

7) Classic Mac and Cheese

Classic mac and cheese is a comforting dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loved by many. This dish brings warmth to your table and is sure to please your guests.

To start, you need macaroni, cheese, milk, and a few seasonings. This dish can be baked for a golden crust or made on the stovetop for a quick fix. Adding breadcrumbs on top gives it a nice crunch.

You can also mix in extras like bacon or vegetables to enhance flavor. It’s easy to customize based on your family’s taste.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) whole milk
• 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) half and half
• 3 cups (360 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: breadcrumbs for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Whisk in flour and cook for one minute.
5. Gradually add milk and half and half, stirring constantly.
6. Once the mixture thickens, add cheese until melted.
7. Combine with macaroni and season with salt and pepper.
8. Transfer to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

8) Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a classic dish for Thanksgiving. Its fluffy, creamy texture makes it a favorite among many. You can top it with marshmallows or nuts for added flavor and crunch.

To make this dish, you’ll need fresh sweet potatoes, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. The toppings can vary, with options like pecans or gooey marshmallows.

This casserole is easy to prepare ahead of time. Just bake it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup mini marshmallows or 1 cup chopped pecans

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel and mash the sweet potatoes.
3. Mix in brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon.
4. Spread the mixture in a baking dish.
5. Top with marshmallows or pecans.
6. Bake for about 30 minutes, until heated through and golden.

9) Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is a classic side dish that adds a rich and creamy touch to your Thanksgiving table. It’s quick to make and delivers great flavor. Plus, it’s a way to enjoy leafy greens!

To prepare creamed spinach, you’ll need fresh spinach, heavy cream, and cheese like Parmesan or provolone for extra richness. Garlic and onion enhance the taste, making it a delightful addition to your meal.

You can cook it on the stovetop for a speedy side dish or bake it for a comforting twist. This dish pairs well with turkey and stuffing, balancing the savory flavors on your plate.

Ingredients

• Fresh spinach
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese or provolone
• Garlic
• Onion

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté chopped onion and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until soft.
2. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
3. Stir in heavy cream and cheese.
4. Cook until the mixture is thick and creamy.

10) Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread dressing is a classic side dish for Thanksgiving. It combines the flavors of cornbread with herbs and vegetables, creating a comforting addition to your meal.

To make it, start with crumbled cornbread. You can use store-bought or homemade, depending on your preference.

Mix in sautéed onions and celery for added flavor.

Don’t forget the seasonings! You might want to add sage, thyme, or parsley to enhance the taste. Some recipes include broth and eggs to help bind the ingredients together.

Bake the dressing until it’s golden brown and crispy on top. This dish pairs well with turkey and gravy, making it a perfect choice for your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

• 3 cups crumbled cornbread
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• ½ cup chopped celery
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Sage, thyme, and parsley (to taste)
• Chicken or vegetable broth (as needed)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Melt butter in a pan. Then, sauté onions and celery until soft.
3. In a large bowl, combine cornbread, sautéed vegetables, and seasonings.
4. Add beaten eggs and enough broth to moisten the mixture.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.