15 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes Everyone Will Love

Thanksgiving is all about the turkey, but the side dishes are what really make the meal memorable. The flavors, textures, and colors you serve alongside the main course bring balance, warmth, and excitement to the table. This list features 25 side dishes that mix classic favorites with fresh, modern ideas—perfect for busy cooks who still want to impress guests.

From creamy potatoes and cheesy casseroles to roasted vegetables and light, refreshing salads, these sides will complement your Thanksgiving feast beautifully.

1. Roasted Garlic and Herb Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
  
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
  
• 3 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
   
2. Toss the potato cubes with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
   
3. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
   
4. Roast for 35–40 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and crispy.
   
5. Serve hot.
   

2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• Two pounds of russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
  
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (optional)
  

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until soft.
   
2. Drain and return to the pot.
   
3. Mash the potatoes with butter and cream until smooth.
   
4. Add salt and pepper, top with chives, and serve.
   

3. Honey-Glazed Carrots

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced
  
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  
• 2 tbsp honey
  
• 1 tsp brown sugar
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  

Instructions:

1. Boil the carrots until just tender.
   
2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then stir in honey and brown sugar.
   
3. Incorporate the carrots and mix for 2 to 3 minutes until thoroughly coated.
   
4. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
   

4. Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
  

Instructions:

1. Warm olive oil in a frying pan on medium heat.
   
2. Incorporate garlic and sauté until aromatic, roughly 1 minute.
   
3. Add green beans and sauté until crisp-tender.
   
4. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste if preferred. Serve warm.
   

5. Wild Rice Pilaf with Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice
  
• 2 cups vegetable broth
  
• 1 small onion, diced
  
• 1 carrot, diced
  
• 1 celery stalk, diced
  
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  

Instructions:

1. Cook wild rice in vegetable broth according to package directions.
   
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion, carrot, and celery until tender.
   
3. Mix the cooked rice with the vegetables and parsley.
   
4. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
   

6. Fresh Cranberry Sauce with Orange

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
  
• 1 cup sugar
  
• 1/2 cup orange juice
  
• 1/4 cup water
  

Instructions:

1. Combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and water in a saucepan.
   
2. Simmer over medium heat for 10–15 minutes until the cranberries pop and the sauce thickens.
   
3. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
   

7. Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Golden Crust

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
  
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
  
• 1/4 cup butter
  
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
   
2. Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in cream and cheeses until smooth.
   
3. Toss the pasta with the cheese sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
   
4. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until golden.
   

8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
  
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
   
2. Combine Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
   
3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring midway, until soft and caramelized.
   

9. Parmesan Zucchini Bake

Ingredients:

• 4 zucchini, cut into quarters lengthwise
  
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  
• 1 tsp garlic powder
  
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
   
2. Toss zucchini with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   
3. Arrange on a baking sheet and sprinkle with Parmesan.
   
4. Bake 15–20 minutes until golden and tender.
   

10. Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 1 lb mushrooms, cleaned
  
• 4 tbsp butter
  
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
  
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes.
   
2. Add mushrooms and cook 5–7 minutes until lightly browned.
   
3. Move to a baking dish and place in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
   
4. Garnish with parsley before serving.
   

11. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Ingredients:

• 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed
  
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
  
• 1/2 cup milk
  
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   
2. Steam broccoli until just tender.
   
3. In a saucepan, melt cream cheese with milk, then stir in shredded cheddar until smooth.
   
4. Combine broccoli with cheese sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
   
5. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
   

12. Creamed Spinach

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh spinach
  
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
  
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
  
• 2 tbsp butter
  

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant.
   
2. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
   
3. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, simmer 2–3 minutes until creamy.
   
4. Serve warm alongside your Thanksgiving mains.
   

13. Herbed Lemon Couscous

Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous
  
• 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
  
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
  

Instructions:

1. Bring vegetable broth to a boil, stir in couscous and olive oil.
   
2. Cover and let sit 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
   
3. Stir in parsley and lemon juice, season with salt if needed.
   

14. Caramelized Onion Tart

Ingredients:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  
• 2 tbsp butter
  
• 1 sheet puff pastry
  
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  
• Fresh thyme, for garnish
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   
2. Caramelize onions in butter over medium heat for 20 minutes until golden and soft.
   
3. Roll out puff pastry on a baking sheet and top with caramelized onions.
   
4. Sprinkle with Gruyère and bake 15–20 minutes until golden.
   
5. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
   

15. Creamy Pumpkin Risotto

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
  
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
  
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  
• 1/4 cup white wine
  
• 4 cups vegetable broth
  
• 1 small onion, chopped
  
• 2 tbsp butter
  

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion in butter until soft.
   
2. Add Arborio rice and toast 1–2 minutes.
   
3. Pour in white wine and cook until absorbed.
   
4. Slowly incorporate broth, one cup at a time, mixing until fully absorbed.
5. Stir in pumpkin puree and Parmesan before serving.
   

For more inspiration and the perfect centerpiece to your holiday meal, check out this detailed guide on cooking the juiciest Thanksgiving turkey:

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving is all about bringing people together, and the side dishes you serve are just as important as the turkey itself. These 25 recipes strike the perfect balance between comforting classics and fresh, flavorful twists, giving your holiday table variety, color, and warmth.

Whether you prefer creamy, cheesy, roasted, or light and fresh options, there’s something here for every taste. With these easy-to-follow recipes, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday with your loved ones.

Happy cooking, and may your Thanksgiving be full of flavor, laughter, and cherished moments.