Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes for Your Holiday Table

From creamy mashed potatoes to savory stuffing and everything in between, this collection of the best Thanksgiving side dishes has you covered! Each recipe is easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends.

For even more holiday inspiration, check out Easy Recipes for Thanksgiving and make your holiday meal one to remember. Don’t forget to grab the FREE Turkey Cooking Charts at the bottom of the post.

Table of Contents

• Thanksgiving Side Dishes at a Glance
• How Many Side Dishes Should You Have for Thanksgiving?
• How to Make Thanksgiving Dinner Easier
• Indulge in Flavor, Not Ads - Get Your Ad-Free Digital Cookbook Today!
• Recommended Kitchen Tools
• My Essential Kitchen Tools
• Get the Turkey Thawing and Roasting Cheat Sheets for Stress-Free Holiday Cooking
• LOVE these recipes? SAVE them for Later!
• Ranch Flavored Carrots
• Company Mashed Potatoes | Walking on Sunshine Recipes
• Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
• Sugar Snap Pea Casserole
• Cauliflower Mashed Potato Recipe
• Southern Cornbread Dressing - A Family Tradition by April Lee for Platter Talk
• Loaded Cauliflower Au Gratin Keto Recipe
• Lazy Slow Cooker Sweet Corn Spoonbread
• Sausage Stuffing Dressing
• Instant Pot Acorn Squash
• Family Favorite Green Bean Casserole
• Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
• Garlic Butter Bread Rolls
• Fresh Green Bean Casserole From Scratch
• 15 Minute Mustard Green Beans
• Recipe FAQ's
• 💬 Comments

How Many Side Dishes Should You Have for Thanksgiving?

For most families, Thanksgiving dinner isn’t complete without a generous variety of side dishes. Here are a few helpful guidelines to plan your menu:

• Plan for at least four to six different sides if you’re hosting a traditional holiday meal. (For my family, I usually prepare eight!!!)
• Include a mix of favorites such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans, corn pudding, mac and cheese, carrots, or cornbread stuffing.
• For a large group, it’s always better to make a few extra sides so there’s plenty of variety for everyone.
• Choose recipes that can be prepared a day or two ahead of time to save time and reduce stress on Thanksgiving Day.

The recipes below include plenty of ideas to help you build your perfect Thanksgiving menu.

How to Make Thanksgiving Dinner Easier

Here are a few helpful tips to make Thanksgiving dinner run smoothly and stress-free:

• Plan your menu early, including appetizers, sides, the turkey, and desserts. This helps you shop efficiently and avoid last-minute stress. For extra guidance, use my Thanksgiving Planner to stay organized.
• Create a schedule for your Thanksgiving prep, from planning your grocery list and shopping early to timing when each dish goes in the oven.
• Prepare dishes in advance. Cranberry sauce can be made up to three days ahead, and pie crusts can be frozen two weeks before you need them.
• Ask family and friends for help. My sister always brings the pies, and my sister-in-law brings her sweet potato casserole. All this helps make the day so much easier!
• Set the table ahead of time. I like to set mine two days before Thanksgiving. Check out a few of my easy Thanksgiving Centerpiece ideas for inspiration!
• Need more help? Check out my post on Tips for Hosting a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

Recommended Kitchen Tools

• 9x13 Aluminum Pans: Disposable aluminum pans make cleanup quick and easy. They’re perfect for baking, reheating, or transporting dishes to family gatherings and potlucks.
• Food Warming Mat: A convenient way to keep multiple dishes warm before serving. The adjustable temperature settings make it perfect for buffets or holiday dinners.
• Triple Slow Cooker Buffet Server: Great for keeping side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, and gravy warm during dinner. Each pot has its own temperature control and lid rest, making serving effortless.