Outshine the Turkey With the BEST Thanksgiving Sides at Your Holiday Dinner
Let’s be honest: when it comes to Thanksgiving, side dishes kinda steal the show, right?
Of all the Thanksgiving recipes I’ve made over the years, the sides are always what I look forward to most. With so many flavors and textures, they elevate the entire Thanksgiving meal.
These 18 tried-and-true Thanksgiving side dishes are guaranteed to be the stars of your holiday table!
I’ve divided this list into 3 categories: classic sides, make-ahead options, and traditional recipes with a twist. Each recipe is easy to prepare, with prep, timing, and storage tips to help keep the holiday stress-free.
So whether you’re craving a nostalgic favorite like Grandma used to make or want to add fun, festive flare to your holiday menu—these are the best Thanksgiving sides to choose from! 🙌🏼
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You really can’t go wrong with traditional Thanksgiving sides. These classic dishes are perfect for new holiday hosts and a great way to freshen up your favorite Thanksgiving staples.
Easy Turkey Gravy from Drippings
I love pouring this beginner-friendly turkey gravy over my entire Thanksgiving plate! It’s made with juicy turkey drippings, dry white wine, shallots, and a rich roux for the perfect thick, flavorful gravy—you might just want to eat it straight from the pot!
Ready in 20 minutes.
Crispy-Topped Sourdough Stuffing with Sausage & Mushrooms
This isn’t your average bland, soggy stuffing! Hearty sourdough bread is tossed in a savory egg and parmesan mixture, with flavorful add-ins like sage pork sausage, earthy mushrooms, and fresh herbs. It bakes up golden and crispy on the edges, with a melt-in-your-mouth center.
Ready in 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Chris’ Kinda-Famous Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
Step up your mashed potato game with roasted garlic! Yukon gold potatoes are boiled and mashed with plenty of butter and tangy buttermilk, then finished off with caramelized roasted garlic. These potatoes are creamy, buttery, rich—and so easy to make!
Ready in 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Crispy & Caramelized Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Perfect for sprout lovers and skeptics alike—this is the best Brussels sprouts recipe! Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts are tossed in a maple mustard sauce and finished with crispy pancetta, pine nuts, and parmesan. Sweet, tangy, and rich with crispy goodness in every bite.
Ready in 45 minutes.
Easy Sweet Potato Casserole with Candied Pecan Topping
Your grandma’s sweet potato casserole—minus the fuss (and the marshmallows!). Whipped sweet potatoes are mixed with maple syrup and cinnamon, then topped with candied pecans and walnuts. Minimal prep, but all the creamy, crunchy-sweet goodness of the classic.
Ready in 40 minutes.
Make Ahead Sides
Make ahead sides are a great way to save time on dinner prep. Just store them in the fridge, then bake, toss, or reheat right before serving.
Make Ahead Turkey Gravy (With or Without Drippings)
Turkey gravy—made with or without the drippings—for rich, decadent flavor! A concentrated turkey base with rosemary, sage, and thyme takes this classic up a notch. Prep it in just 30 minutes, then store and reheat. One of my favorite holiday time-savers!
Prep up to 5 days in advance.
Classic Make Ahead Stuffing with Fresh Herbs
Herbaceous, flavor-packed stuffing without the stress. Hearty bread cubes are tossed with aromatic veggies and fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley. The longer it sits, the better it tastes—just bake until tender with a crispy top.
Prep up to 3 days in advance.
Creamy Make Ahead Sweet Potato Casserole with Streusel Topping
A Thanksgiving classic with next-level texture! Creamy sweet potatoes are whipped with maple syrup and vanilla, then topped with a nutty brown butter streusel. The filling is melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a crunchy topping for the perfect sweet and savory bite. Store the components separately, then assemble and bake.
Prep up to 3 days in advance.
The Fluffiest Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
The fluffiest mashed potatoes are the ultimate holiday side! Made with just four ingredients—Yukon Gold potatoes, cream cheese, half and half, and plenty of butter. Less than 30 minutes of prep, then store in the fridge with butter on top for a decadently creamy finish when baked.
Prep up to 2 days in advance.
Fresh & Crispy Make Ahead Green Bean Casserole (From Scratch!)
Totally fresh and made from scratch, but still make-ahead friendly! Blanched green beans are smothered in a homemade béchamel with fresh mushrooms—no cans here! Topped with slivered almonds and crispy fried onions, it’s easy to make and adds a fancy touch to your holiday table. Store in the fridge and bake before serving.
Prep up to 2 days in advance.
Thanksgiving Salad with Cinnamon Cider Vinaigrette
Yes, you need a holiday salad! A hearty mix of kale, wild rice, and roasted sweet potatoes comes to life with spiced candied nuts, pomegranate arils, and soft goat cheese. Toss it all with a cozy cider cinnamon vinaigrette for a vibrant addition to your holiday table.
Prep components 5-7 days in advance.
Thanksgiving Classics with a Twist
These recipes take the flavors and textures of traditional Thanksgiving sides and give them a delicious upgrade! (Dare I say, they’re even better than the originals?)
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole with Crispy Herbed Bacon Breadcrumbs
Hold the sweet, heavy on the savory! Creamy sweet potatoes are whipped with roasted garlic and topped with a bacon and herb-infused panko. The velvety filling has just the right amount of sweetness balanced by a savory, crunchy topping.
Make ahead friendly. Ready in 2 hours.
Twice Baked Sweet Potato Casserole with Streusel Topping
Perfectly portioned twice-baked sweet potato casserole with extra crispy edges! Stuff spiced mashed sweet potatoes back into the skins and top with a generous streusel for crunch. Light, creamy, and not too sweet.
Ready in 2 hours.
Prosciutto Wrapped Green Bean Casserole Bundles with Crispy Onions
Individually portioned green bean casserole? Yes, please! Fresh green beans are wrapped in prosciutto, coated in a homemade creamy mushroom sauce, and topped with crispy fried onions—easy, fun, and fresh!
Ready in 45 minutes. Make ahead friendly.
Extra Flaky Pumpkin Biscuits with Garlic Herb Butter
Perfect for the savory pumpkin lover! Classic buttermilk biscuits get a fall twist with pumpkin puree, maple syrup, fresh sage, and warm spices. They’re savory with a hint of sweetness and packed with flaky, buttery layers.
Ready in 55 minutes.
Parmesan Crusted Roasted Delicata Squash
The most underrated side that deserves a spot on your holiday table! Sliced delicata squash is tossed with parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs, then roasted until tender and crispy. Super easy to prepare—no peeling required!
Ready in 40 minutes.
30-Minute Swirled Cranberry Cornbread Muffins
Inspired by my Grandpa Clarence’s famous cornbread—a treasured (and long-guarded) family recipe! This classic cornbread batter is swirled with whole-berry cranberry sauce for a light, fluffy, and flavor-packed twist.
Ready in 35 minutes.
We can’t wait for you to dig into the best Thanksgiving sides! Whether you’re craving something classic, make-ahead friendly, or with a modern twist — try one, or try them all!
If you do give them a try, be sure to let us know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo and tag @playswellwithbutter on Instagram. We LOVE hearing about and seeing your PWWB creations! ♡ Happy Thanksgiving!
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