Every year, I get a little too excited about planning the Thanksgiving menu.
I’m the kind of person who starts thinking about those yummy Thanksgiving side dishes before I even think about the turkey!
Last year, I tested out a new sweet potato recipe that I thought was going to steal the show, but you know what ended up being everyone’s favorite?
My roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon!
It wasn’t fancy, but sometimes it’s the simplest dishes that end up being a hit.
So, when I start making my Thanksgiving menu ideas, I always include a mix of tried-and-true favorites and new things to experiment with.
That way, there’s always a good balance of flavors—and a couple of surprises too.
Roasted & Seasonal Veggies
For a burst of flavor and color, roasted vegetables are a must-have on any holiday table.
Thanksgiving side dishes with Brussels sprouts, like maple-glazed or balsamic-roasted options, are always crowd-pleasers.
These seasonal veggies bring a savory balance to richer dishes, adding both texture and taste.
1. Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries
Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in the oven until crispy on the edges.
Drizzle with maple syrup during the last few minutes of roasting to add that touch of sweetness.
Once they’re done, toss in dried cranberries for a pop of color and flavor that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
2. Garlic Herb Roasted Carrots And Parsnips
Peel and chop your carrots and parsnips, then coat them in a mix of olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs (I love using rosemary or thyme).
Roast until tender and golden brown on the edges.
These veggies are such a cozy side that pairs well with any Thanksgiving spread.
3. Balsamic-Glazed Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Fry up some bacon until crispy, then set it aside while you roast Brussels sprouts in the oven.
Toss the Brussels sprouts in a bit of balsamic vinegar before the last few minutes of roasting to give them a tangy, caramelized glaze.
Crumble the bacon on top right before serving for a savory crunch.
4. Roasted Butternut Squash With Sage And Brown Butter
Dice butternut squash into cubes and roast with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender.
While that’s roasting, brown some butter in a pan, tossing in a few sage leaves for a crispy, aromatic touch.
Pour the browned butter over the roasted squash just before serving to make it extra indulgent.
5. Honey-Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Almonds
Slice Brussels sprouts in half, then roast them with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.
Once they’re golden and crispy, drizzle with honey and sprinkle toasted slivered almonds on top.
The combination of sweet and crunchy makes these irresistible!
6. Roasted Root Vegetables With Thyme
Chop up your favorite root vegetables (like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes), and toss them in olive oil with a handful of fresh thyme.
Roast until caramelized and tender, turning once during cooking.
This dish is super simple but brings out the natural sweetness in the veggies.
7. Sautéed Brussels Sprouts With Caramelized Onions
Thinly slice Brussels sprouts and sauté them in a pan with olive oil.
In a separate pan, caramelize some onions by cooking them low and slow until they’re sweet and golden.
Mix the two together and let the flavors meld for a simple yet flavorful dish.
Perfect Potatoes
Thanksgiving side dishes made with potatoes are classics for a reason.
From creamy mashed potatoes to crispy roasted varieties, these dishes are a staple that can be dressed up with garlic, herbs, or cheese.
Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food that everyone loves to pile onto their plates.
8. Garlic Mashed Potatoes With Olive Oil
Boil potatoes until tender, then mash them with a generous amount of olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
If you want them extra creamy, add a splash of plant-based milk.
This dairy-free version is still rich and flavorful—perfect for any guests with dietary restrictions.
9. Crispy Smashed Potatoes With Rosemary
Boil small potatoes until just tender, then smash them flat with the bottom of a cup.
Roast them in the oven with olive oil, salt, and fresh rosemary until crispy and golden.
These potatoes are a fun twist on your traditional mashed potatoes.
10. Creamy Mashed Potatoes With Roasted Garlic
Roast a head of garlic by slicing off the top, drizzling with olive oil, and wrapping it in foil until soft and caramelized.
Mash it into boiled potatoes with butter and a splash of cream for the most flavorful mashed potatoes you’ll ever taste.
It’s a small step that makes a huge difference!
11. Parmesan-Crusted Roasted Potatoes
Cube potatoes and toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and plenty of grated Parmesan.
Roast until the edges are golden and crispy, and the cheese forms a delicious crust.
These crispy potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
12. Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes With Pecans
Bake whole sweet potatoes until soft, then scoop out the flesh and mash it with butter, cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar.
Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins, top with chopped pecans, and bake again until warm and toasty.
They look fancy but are super easy to make!
13. Sweet Potato Gratin With A Crunchy Topping
Layer thinly sliced sweet potatoes in a baking dish and cover with a mix of cream, butter, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
Bake until the potatoes are tender, then top with breadcrumbs and a little Parmesan for a crunchy finish.
This sweet potato dish is comfort food at its best.
14. Classic Mashed Sweet Potatoes With A Maple Drizzle
Boil sweet potatoes until they’re tender, then mash them with butter, a little cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Drizzle with maple syrup just before serving for a sweet twist on the classic.
It’s a simple but delicious way to bring out the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.
Hearty Stuffings & Dressings
Stuffing is a must on Thanksgiving, combining bread, herbs, and savory flavors.
Whether you choose a traditional recipe or add your own twist, stuffing is one of the most-loved Thanksgiving side dishes.
For something different, try adding roasted sweet potatoes or apples for a seasonal touch.
15. Herb Stuffing With Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Make your favorite herb stuffing recipe, then mix in roasted sweet potato cubes for a seasonal twist.
The sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness that complements the savory herbs perfectly.
16. Sausage And Sweet Potato Stuffing
Brown some sausage in a pan, then mix it into your favorite stuffing recipe along with roasted sweet potato chunks.
The sausage adds a savory, hearty flavor, while the sweet potatoes give a bit of balance. It’s a new take on a classic that’s sure to be a hit.
17. Wild Rice Stuffing With Pecans And Cranberries
Cook wild rice and mix it with roasted pecans, dried cranberries, and your favorite stuffing herbs.
The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish unique and festive. It’s also a great gluten-free option for your Thanksgiving table.
18. Cornbread Stuffing With Fresh Herbs
Bake a batch of cornbread, then crumble it up and mix it with sautéed onions, celery, and fresh herbs like sage and thyme.
Bake it until golden and crisp on top. This cornbread stuffing is a southern-inspired twist that’s full of flavor.
19. Gluten-Free Stuffing With Roasted Vegetables
Toss together your favorite gluten-free bread cubes with roasted veggies like carrots, onions, and parsnips.
Add in fresh herbs and bake until crispy on top. It’s a simple way to make stuffing more inclusive without sacrificing flavor.
20. Herbed Apple Stuffing with Pecans
Combine stuffing with diced apples, sautéed onions, and pecans for a sweet and savory stuffing.
The apples add a touch of brightness and the pecans add an amazing crunch. It’s a refreshing take on a Thanksgiving staple.
21. Vegan Mushroom And Sage Stuffing
Sauté mushrooms with onions and garlic, then toss them with cubed bread, vegetable broth, and fresh sage.
Bake until golden and crispy. This vegan stuffing is hearty and full of earthy flavors, making it a great addition to any Thanksgiving menu.
Warm Breads and Rolls
Freshly baked breads and rolls are the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table.
Warm, fluffy, and ideal for soaking up gravy, these are the sidekicks to your other Thanksgiving side dishes.
From dinner rolls to cornbread, there’s always room for bread at Thanksgiving.
22. Gluten-Free Cornbread With Maple Butter
Bake a batch of gluten-free cornbread using almond milk and olive oil.
While it’s still warm, serve it with maple butter (just mix softened butter with a bit of maple syrup). It’s a comforting and allergy-friendly side that everyone will love.
23. Sweet Potato Biscuits With Honey
Mix mashed sweet potatoes into your biscuit dough for a soft, tender biscuit with a hint of sweetness.
Brush them with honey as soon as they come out of the oven for an extra touch of flavor. They’re perfect for sopping up gravy or cranberry sauce.
24. Whole Wheat Rolls With A Hint Of Molasses
Make your favorite dinner roll recipe, but swap out some of the flour for whole wheat and add a tablespoon of molasses.
It gives the rolls a deeper, richer flavor that pairs beautifully with Thanksgiving dishes. Serve them warm with butter for a cozy touch.
25. Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls With Rosemary
Use a gluten-free flour blend to make soft, fluffy dinner rolls, and mix in some chopped rosemary for extra flavor.
These rolls are perfect for guests with dietary restrictions but taste just as good as traditional ones. They’re light, fluffy, and flavorful.
26. Flaky Crescent Rolls
Make crescent rolls from scratch using creamy butter for a flaky, golden crust.
These rolls are so buttery and delicious! Serve them fresh from the oven for the best results.
27. Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins
Add canned pumpkin to your cornbread batter for a moist and flavorful twist.
These muffins are slightly sweet and pair perfectly with savory dishes like stuffing and mashed potatoes.
Plus, they’re great for grabbing as a quick snack later!
28. Soft Sourdough Rolls
Bake up a batch of soft sourdough rolls for a tangy, chewy side that’s perfect for soaking up gravy.
The slight sourness of the bread complements the rich flavors of Thanksgiving dishes. These rolls are easy to make ahead and reheat right before dinner.
Fresh Salads
Salads bring a refreshing contrast to the heavier dishes at Thanksgiving.
For those looking for Thanksgiving side dishes that are dairy-free, salads can be loaded with seasonal ingredients like roasted sweet potatoes, cranberries, and nuts.
They add a crisp and light element to balance out the feast.
29. Spinach Salad With Roasted Sweet Potatoes And Pecans
Toss fresh spinach with roasted sweet potato cubes, toasted pecans, and a simple vinaigrette.
The roasted sweet potatoes add a warm, hearty element to the salad, while the pecans give a satisfying crunch.
This salad is a light and refreshing addition to the Thanksgiving spread.
30. Brussels Sprout Slaw With Cranberries And Apples
Thinly slice Brussels sprouts and mix with dried cranberries, diced apples, and a tangy vinaigrette.
It’s a fresh, crunchy side that balances out the heavier dishes on the table. Plus, the cranberries and apples add a nice Thanksgiving touch.
31. Kale And Sweet Potato Salad With Tahini Dressing
Massage kale with olive oil and salt, then toss in roasted sweet potato cubes and drizzle with a creamy tahini dressing.
This salad is packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a great lighter option for your Thanksgiving meal.
32. Mixed Greens With Roasted Sweet Potatoes And Feta
Toss roasted sweet potato cubes with mixed greens, crumbled feta, and a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds.
Drizzle with a light honey mustard vinaigrette for a salad that’s both hearty and refreshing.
33. Cranberry, Apple, And Jello Salad
Make a jello salad with a mix of cranberry juice and apple chunks for a fun and festive side.
The jello adds a touch of sweetness, while the cranberries and apples bring a tart, refreshing bite. It’s a nostalgic dish that adds a pop of color to the table.
34. Sweet Potato And Quinoa Salad With A Citrus Vinaigrette
Roast sweet potato cubes and toss them with cooked quinoa, chopped parsley, and a tangy citrus vinaigrette.
This salad is light, fresh, and packed with flavor. The quinoa adds a bit of protein, making it a more substantial side.
35. Apple, Kale, And Walnut Slaw With Maple Vinaigrette
Thinly slice kale and mix with crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and a maple vinaigrette.
This slaw is crunchy, slightly sweet, and a perfect balance to heavier Thanksgiving dishes.
Gravy & Sauces
Gravy and sauces tie your meal together, enhancing every bite.
Whether it’s a classic pan gravy or a sweet potato-based version, these toppings are key to making your Thanksgiving side dishes shine.
And don’t forget the cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy twist!
36. Garlic Mushroom Gravy
Sauté mushrooms with garlic and onions, then simmer with vegetable broth and thicken with a bit of flour or cornstarch.
It’s a rich, umami-packed gravy that’s perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes or stuffing.
37. Gluten-Free Gravy
Make a delicious gluten-free gravy by using cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a thickener instead of traditional flour.
Start by whisking your chosen thickener into turkey drippings or vegetable broth, then simmer until it thickens into a rich, smooth sauce.
This gluten-free gravy has all the flavor of the classic version, perfect for pouring over your Thanksgiving side dishes.
38. Classic Pan Gravy With A Twist Of Herbs
After roasting your turkey, make a pan gravy with the drippings, flour, and broth.
Add a handful of fresh herbs like sage or thyme to give the gravy a more aromatic, savory flavor. It’s a classic that never fails but with a little something extra.
39. Cranberry Sauce With A Citrus Kick
Simmer fresh cranberries with orange juice and a bit of sugar until they burst and form a sauce.
The orange juice gives the cranberry sauce a bright, citrusy flavor that balances out the tartness of the cranberries. It’s a must-have on any Thanksgiving table.
40. Jello Cranberry Relish With Orange Zest
Mix up a cranberry Jello with orange zest and chunks of fresh cranberries for a fun and tangy side dish.
It’s a retro recipe that adds a pop of color and flavor to the table. The citrus and cranberry combo is perfect for Thanksgiving.
41. Vegan Gravy With Roasted Garlic And Thyme
Roast garlic until soft and golden, then blend it into a vegetable-based gravy with fresh thyme.
This gravy is rich and flavorful, with a depth of flavor that even non-vegans will love. It’s great over mashed potatoes or stuffing.
42. Sweet And Tangy Cranberry Sauce With Apple Cider
Simmer cranberries with apple cider, a splash of vinegar, and a bit of sugar for a sweet-tart sauce.
The apple cider adds a warm, spiced flavor that complements the tanginess of the cranberries. It’s an easy way to elevate your classic cranberry sauce.
Comfort-Food Casseroles
Casseroles bring cozy, rich flavors to your Thanksgiving meal.
Thanksgiving side dishes with sweet potato, like a sweet potato casserole topped with pecans or marshmallows, offer a sweet and savory combination that everyone loves.
These dishes are comforting and full of flavor, perfect for the holiday table.
43. Sweet Potato Casserole With A Crunchy Pecan Topping
Mash cooked sweet potatoes with butter, cinnamon, and a bit of brown sugar, then top with a crunchy pecan streusel.
Bake until golden and bubbly. This casserole is a classic for a reason—it’s sweet, crunchy, and comforting.
44. Brussels Sprout And Bacon Gratin
Layer roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon and a creamy cheese sauce, then bake until bubbly and golden.
This gratin is rich, savory, and a total crowd-pleaser. The Brussels sprouts and bacon are a match made in heaven.
45. Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole With Crispy Onions
Make a creamy mushroom sauce with almond milk and toss it with blanched green beans.
Top with crispy fried onions and bake until bubbly. This dairy-free twist on the classic green bean casserole is just as comforting as the original.
46. Sweet Potato And Black Bean Casserole
Layer roasted sweet potatoes with black beans, salsa, and cheese, then bake until bubbly.
This casserole has a Southwestern twist that adds a little spice to your Thanksgiving spread. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make.
47. Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole With Almond Milk
Toss roasted Brussels sprouts with a dairy-free cheese sauce made from almond milk, and bake until golden and bubbly.
This vegan casserole is rich and creamy without any dairy, making it a great option for guests with dietary restrictions.
48. Cheesy Potato Casserole With A Golden Crust
Layer sliced potatoes with a rich, cheesy sauce, then bake until the top is golden and bubbly.
This casserole is pure comfort food, and the cheesy topping is irresistible. It’s perfect for any Thanksgiving table.
49. Creamy Sweet Potato And Spinach Bake
Layer cooked sweet potatoes with sautéed spinach and a creamy sauce, then bake until bubbly.
This bake is rich and hearty, but the spinach adds a nice balance. It’s a great way to sneak in some greens on Thanksgiving.
Sweety & Tangy Sides
Sweet and tangy sides like cranberry sauce and Thanksgiving side dishes with jello add a fun, nostalgic touch to your meal.
From jello salads with fruit to citrus-infused cranberry dishes, these sides are the perfect complement to balance out all the savory flavors on your plate.
50. Cranberry Jello Salad With Pineapple
Make a Jello salad with cranberry juice and chunks of pineapple for a refreshing, sweet side.
The pineapple adds a nice tropical twist to the classic Jello salad. It’s a colorful and fun addition to the table.
51. Maple-Glazed Carrots With Sweet Potatoes
Roast carrots and sweet potatoes together with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
The natural sweetness of the vegetables gets enhanced by the maple syrup, making this dish irresistible. It’s perfect for adding some extra color and flavor to the table.
52. Sweet Potato And Apple Bake With Cinnamon
Layer sliced sweet potatoes and apples in a baking dish, then sprinkle with cinnamon and bake until tender.
The natural sweetness of the apples pairs perfectly with the sweet potatoes for a warm and comforting side. It’s an easy way to bring fall flavors to your table.
53. Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beets
Roast sliced beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender and caramelized.
Once roasted, toss them in a balsamic reduction made by simmering balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey or sugar.
The earthy beets paired with the sweet-tangy glaze create a delicious contrast that complements any holiday meal.
54. Honey-Roasted Pears With Blue Cheese
Halve and roast ripe pears with a drizzle of honey until they’re soft and caramelized.
Top them with crumbled blue cheese for a bold, tangy flavor that contrasts the sweetness of the pears.
This side dish is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it a standout on your Thanksgiving table.
55. Glazed Brussels Sprouts With A Tangy Mustard Dressing
Roast Brussels sprouts until crispy, then toss them in a mustard vinaigrette just before serving.
The tangy mustard complements the roasted sprouts perfectly, giving them a bold flavor. It’s a simple but delicious side that adds a bit of zest to the meal.
56. Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage
Shred red cabbage and sauté it with apples, onions, and a mix of apple cider vinegar and brown sugar.
Cook it down until the cabbage softens and the sweet and sour flavors meld together. This dish adds a tangy brightness that pairs well with heavier Thanksgiving entrees.
The Perfect Side Dish Spread for a Memorable Thanksgiving
When it comes to crafting your Thanksgiving menu, it’s the side dishes that often steal the show.
So, mix and match your favorites, add a few new twists, and get ready to create a Thanksgiving meal that everyone will be talking about long after the last bite!
Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more easy, healthy and yummy meals to make for your family!
