When it comes to Thanksgiving, the side dishes are honestly the best part.
Sure, the turkey gets all the attention, but it’s those creamy, cheesy, golden-baked sides that everyone actually talks about later.
I pulled together irresistible Thanksgiving side dishes that check every box—comforting classics, lighter veggie options, and a few unexpected twists that make the table feel extra special.
Whether you’re hosting the whole family or just bringing one dish to share, there’s something here guaranteed to get rave reviews.
1. Traditional Stuffing
Thanksgiving wouldn’t feel the same without stuffing. I always find myself going back for a second spoonful because it’s warm, savory, and so perfectly soaks up the gravy.
2. Cheesy Creamed Corn
If you want something that feels indulgent but still simple, cheesy creamed corn is it. The sweetness of the corn pairs with that melty cheese in such an effortless way that even picky eaters can’t resist.
3. Hokkaido Milk Rolls
Soft, fluffy, and a little sweet—these rolls almost melt the moment you tear them open. I honestly think no holiday spread is complete without a bread basket, and these feel like the kind of rolls you’d happily eat three of before realizing dinner hasn’t even started.
4. Brown Butter Green Beans with Pistachios
Here’s where a side dish can feel unexpectedly elegant. The nuttiness from the pistachios and that rich brown butter make plain green beans taste like something you’d order at a restaurant. If you want to surprise everyone with a vegetable that actually gets compliments, this is it.
5. Mac and Cheese
You can’t talk Thanksgiving sides without someone asking, “Is there mac and cheese?” It’s creamy, it’s golden on top, and it’s the dish that kids and adults equally fight over.
6. Scalloped Potatoes
There’s something so satisfying about cutting into layers of thinly sliced potatoes swimming in cream and butter. I always notice how this dish disappears first because it’s rich without feeling too heavy, and it’s one of those sides you’ll probably be scraping the pan for at the end.
7. Crispy Oven Potatoes
Sometimes the simplest dish ends up stealing the show. Tossed with a bit of seasoning and roasted until they’re golden and crackly, these potatoes give you that crunch you crave.
8. Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes
The glaze makes these sweet potatoes taste almost dessert-like. I like how the maple caramelizes just enough to bring out their natural sweetness without overwhelming the rest of the meal.
9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts don’t always get the best reputation, but roasting completely changes the game. The edges get charred and crispy, the inside stays tender, and suddenly everyone is reaching for seconds.
10. Hasselback Butternut Squash with Pecans & Bacon
This one looks almost too pretty to eat. The thin slices fan out beautifully, and the caramelized pecans with bacon give it that sweet-and-savory bite.
11. Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
These aren’t the kind of green beans you push to the side of your plate. With that garlicky bite and a sprinkle of parmesan, they taste fresh but still cozy.
12. Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
I love how the maple syrup caramelizes in the oven, giving the squash a glossy finish and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s the kind of side you don’t have to dress up too much.
13. Crispy Parmesan Acorn Squash Rings
You don’t see acorn squash at every Thanksgiving table, but when it shows up like this, coated in parmesan and crisped to perfection, it’s impossible to ignore.
14. Cajun Creamed Spinach with Bacon
Spinach doesn’t usually feel bold, but with cajun seasoning and crispy bacon on top, it turns into something completely different. I’d call this a sleeper hit—you don’t expect it to stand out, yet it does, and you might even go back for more instead of the potatoes.
15. Caramelized Onion Dip
Every spread needs a dip, and this one always wins people over. The onions cook down until they’re sweet and jammy, then folded into creamy cheese—it’s addictive in the best way.
16. Green Bean Bundles
There’s something about food that’s wrapped up neat and tidy—it just feels special. These little bundles usually come tied with bacon or a strip of scallion, and they’re fun because you can grab one and get both flavor and presentation in a single bite.
17. Roasted Delicata Squash
Delicata squash doesn’t need much to shine. A drizzle of oil, a bit of salt, and the oven does the rest. What I like most is that you don’t even have to peel it, which makes it way less fussy than other squashes, and you get that natural sweetness with almost no effort.
18. Baked Gnocchi with Greens
This dish leans a little more modern, but it’s a cozy one. If you’ve got guests who like something a bit unexpected on the table, they’ll probably appreciate this one.
19. Candied Yams
Sweet, sticky, and topped with marshmallows if you’re keeping things classic—candied yams are pure nostalgia. You might already be picturing them alongside the turkey, and honestly, they taste exactly like Thanksgiving should.
20. Cornbread Stuffing
Stuffing made with cornbread hits differently than the traditional version. If you’ve only ever had regular stuffing, you’ll notice how this one feels more Southern, in the best possible way.
21. Cheesy Baked Potatoes
There’s nothing complicated here—just baked potatoes loaded with gooey cheese. But sometimes that’s all you need. You’ll notice how the cheese bubbles over the edges and turns golden, making it impossible to skip.
22. Honey Glazed Carrots
Carrots get a glossy, almost candy-like coat when cooked with honey. You could eat a few and not even realize you’re eating a vegetable.
23. Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes usually lean heavy, but this version feels lighter while still being creamy. If you’ve got someone at the table who avoids dairy, they won’t feel left out. You’d be surprised how rich they taste even without the butter and cream.
24. Hasselback Potatoes with Herb Butter
Every slice of these potatoes fans out just enough to let the garlic and herbs seep in. It’s one of those dishes that looks like you spent hours preparing, but it’s really the oven doing the magic.
25. King’s Hawaiian Stuffing
This one has that hint of sweetness from the rolls that makes stuffing taste completely different. I’ve found people either light up with nostalgia when they try it or ask for the recipe right away. Either way, it never lasts long once it’s served.
26. Sweet Potato Casserole
This dish feels like dessert disguised as a side. Between the creamy base and that crunchy pecan topping, it brings a cozy sweetness that balances out all the savory plates around it.
27. Butternut Squash with Quinoa
If you like something a little more wholesome on the table, this one’s for you. The nutty flavor of quinoa pairs so well with the roasted squash that it feels hearty without being too filling. It’s a nice change of pace from the heavier classics.
28. Green Bean Casserole
Holiday tables almost expect this dish to show up. Creamy, crunchy, and familiar, it’s the kind of side that makes everyone feel at home. I always think of it as the most “Thanksgiving” vegetable dish you can make.
29. Honeycrisp Harvest Salad
I always reach for something crisp to balance out all the buttery casseroles, and this salad never lets me down. You’ll notice how the Honeycrisp apples stay fresh and juicy, giving you that sweet crunch right when you need it most.
30. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Cranberries
If you’ve ever sworn you don’t like Brussels sprouts, this version will make you think twice. The salty bacon and tart cranberries give every bite a punch of flavor, and I promise you’ll end up sneaking more onto your plate than you planned.
31. Green Beans with Butter Onions
You know those sides that don’t try too hard but still feel special? That’s exactly what this is. The onions get buttery and mellow, coating the beans in just enough richness to make them shine.
32. Roasted Cauliflower & Chickpea Salad
I love how this dish sneaks in as both hearty and light at the same time. You get the charred edges of cauliflower, the nutty chew of chickpeas, and suddenly you’ve got a side that feels filling but doesn’t weigh you down.
33. Spiced Carrots with Whipped Feta
You’ll probably taste these carrots before you even sit down, because the warm spices make the whole kitchen smell incredible. The whipped feta gives it a creamy tang that I didn’t know carrots needed until I tried it. Once you do, you won’t want to go back.
34. Sausage & Herb Stuffing
Stuffing already feels essential on Thanksgiving, but adding sausage takes it up a notch. I like how it adds a little richness that lingers, the kind that makes you think, this is the version I’ve been missing.
35. Corn Casserole
This one feels like the side everyone secretly looks forward to. It’s soft, a little sweet, and buttery in a way that makes you want to take just one more spoonful. You’ll end up eating it alongside everything else without even realizing it.
36. Miso Green Bean Casserole
You know the classic version, but this one’s different. The miso gives it a savory kick that keeps you going back for another bite. I like that it feels familiar and brand new at the same time—you’ll definitely notice the upgrade.
37. Garlic Potato Stacks
Pulling one of these stacks off the pan feels like stealing a little treasure. The layers crisp around the edges, and the garlic sneaks into every slice.
38. Brussels Sprouts with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette
Not every side needs to play it safe. This dish is bold, with that sharp vinaigrette and the bite of blue cheese cutting through the sprouts. If you’re the type who likes strong flavors, you’ll claim this one as your favorite right away.
39. Crispy Broccolini Au Gratin
Broccolini gets roasted until crisp, then topped with a blanket of bubbling cheese. You’ll appreciate how it feels just fancy enough, without being fussy.
That wraps up my list of Thanksgiving side dishes, and I’m already craving half of them. From fluffy rolls to sweet potato casseroles, it’s hard to pick a favorite.
I’m leaning toward trying a caramelized onion stuffing this year—it just feels cozy and a little different. Which one are you planning to serve at your table?
