Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy comforting, flavorful side dishes that highlight the best of fall ingredients. From classic stuffing to roasted vegetables, these 22 recipes bring seasonal tastes to your table.
Each recipe is easy to make, so you can focus on creating a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving meal.
Vegetable Sides
1-Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage
Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil and fresh sage. Roast until caramelized and tender. This dish is flavorful, aromatic, and perfect for fall.
2-Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Toss green beans with olive oil, garlic, and grated Parmesan. Roast until crisp-tender for a simple, flavorful side.
3-Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Roast Brussels sprouts with honey and balsamic vinegar for a sweet, tangy twist. The glaze caramelizes in the oven, adding depth to each bite.
4-Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Mash sweet potatoes with butter and cinnamon, then top with a pecan-brown sugar crumble. Bake until golden for a Thanksgiving classic.
5-Roasted Root Vegetables
Toss a mix of carrots, parsnips, and beets with olive oil and rosemary. Roast until tender for a colorful, earthy side dish.
6-Creamed Spinach
Sauté spinach in a creamy sauce with garlic and nutmeg. This rich, velvety dish brings comfort to the Thanksgiving table.
7-Maple Glazed Carrots
Glaze carrots with maple syrup and roast until tender. This sweet and savory side pairs well with any Thanksgiving main course.
Stuffings and Casseroles
8-Classic Bread Stuffing
Combine cubed bread, celery, onions, and herbs. Bake until golden and crisp on top for a traditional, flavorful stuffing.
9-Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage
Use cornbread and cooked sausage in this savory stuffing. Add celery and herbs for a slightly sweet and smoky flavor.
10-Broccoli Cheddar Casserole
Mix broccoli florets with cheddar cheese and a creamy sauce. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly and golden.
11-Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions
Toss green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce, top with crispy fried onions, and bake until bubbling. This classic side is always a crowd-pleaser.
12-Wild Rice and Mushroom Casserole
Combine wild rice with sautéed mushrooms and herbs. Bake until the flavors blend, creating a warm and hearty side.
Potatoes and Grains
13-Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mash potatoes with garlic, butter, and cream for a rich, smooth texture. This classic side dish pairs perfectly with Thanksgiving gravy.
14-Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere
Layer thinly sliced potatoes with Gruyere cheese and a creamy sauce. Bake until golden and bubbling for an elegant side.
15-Herbed Quinoa Pilaf
Cook quinoa with fresh herbs, garlic, and vegetable broth. This light, nutty dish complements heavier sides on the table.
16-Brown Butter Smashed Potatoes
Boil baby potatoes, then smash and roast them with brown butter until crispy. The nutty flavor of brown butter adds a delicious twist.
17-Maple Pecan Wild Rice
Cook wild rice with chopped pecans and a hint of maple syrup. This side has a slightly sweet taste that enhances other savory dishes.
Breads and Rolls
18-Buttermilk Biscuits
Mix buttermilk into the dough for soft, fluffy biscuits. Serve warm with butter or honey for a simple, satisfying side.
19-Honey Cornbread
Bake a batch of cornbread with a touch of honey. The slight sweetness and crumbly texture make it a comforting addition to any meal.
20-Parker House Rolls
These soft, buttery rolls are easy to make and perfect for Thanksgiving. Brush them with melted butter before serving.
21-Rosemary Focaccia
Top focaccia dough with fresh rosemary and olive oil. Bake until golden, and enjoy a flavorful, herbed bread with your meal.
22-Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
Add pumpkin puree to dinner roll dough for a subtle flavor and beautiful color. These rolls are soft, slightly sweet, and festive.
FAQs
Q: Can I prepare these side dishes in advance?
A: Yes, many of these sides can be prepped or fully cooked ahead of time. Dishes like mashed potatoes, casseroles, and breads can be made a day before and reheated on Thanksgiving Day.
Q: Are there gluten-free options in this list?
A: Yes! The roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, and quinoa pilaf are naturally gluten-free. For other recipes, you can substitute gluten-free ingredients as needed.
Q: How can I make these recipes vegetarian?
A: Most of these recipes are already vegetarian or can easily be adapted. For example, use vegetable broth in the stuffing and omit sausage from the cornbread stuffing.
Bottom Line
These 22 fall and Thanksgiving side dishes bring cozy flavors and seasonal ingredients to your table. From roasted vegetables to creamy casseroles, these recipes are simple to make and full of flavor.
Try a mix of these sides to create a Thanksgiving feast that everyone will enjoy.