22 Easy Side Dishes for Thanksgiving!

It’s almost Thanksgiving—the one day of the year when we all try to channel our inner chef and pull off a feast that rivals Grandma’s best. But let’s be real, we’ve all got that one dish that never quite makes it to the table without a mini kitchen disaster. This list of 22 easy Thanksgiving side dishes is here to save the day (and your sanity). Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just keeping it low-key, these dishes are so simple yet so delicious, they’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

I’m confident these side dishes will not only impress your guests but also give you the time to actually enjoy the holiday yourself (because isn’t that the point?). From creamy mashed potatoes to perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon – because almost everything is better with bacon – I’ve got all the Thanksgiving classics, plus a few fresh new twists to spice up your spread. Let’s dig in!

1. Garlic Roast Potatoes

These crispy, golden garlic roast potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with garlicky goodness. Potatoes are a must on Thanksgiving, and this version delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs potatoes, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss diced potatoes in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through.
4. Garnish with parsley before serving.

2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes are everything—creamy, buttery, and smooth, the perfect companion to that big slice of turkey. What’s Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes? This recipe is simple, classic, and always a hit.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chives (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender.
2. Drain and mash with butter and cream until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with chives.

3. Wild Rice Pilaf

This wild rice pilaf brings a nutty, earthy flavor to your table with sautéed veggies and a pop of fresh herbs. This is a great gluten-free side dish that adds some variety to the usual carb-heavy spread.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth (make sure you use a gluten-free brand, if that’s important to you) 
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Cook the wild rice in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
2. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil until soft.
3. Toss the cooked rice with sautéed veggies and parsley before serving.

4. Homemade Cranberry Sauce

This homemade cranberry sauce is tart, sweet, and the perfect pop of color and flavor on your Thanksgiving table. Ditch the canned stuff—this sauce is super easy and tastes 1000 times better.

Serves: 6

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 for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
3. Let cool before serving.

5. Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese

This mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, making it the ultimate comfort food for Thanksgiving. Because who says mac and cheese doesn’t belong at Thanksgiving? This dish is a total hit with both kids and adults.

Serves: 6

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.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in heavy cream and cheeses until smooth.
3. Toss cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, then transfer to a baking dish.
4. Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until golden.

6. Glazed Carrots

These glazed carrots are sweet, buttery, and just the right amount of tender, making them the perfect side to balance out your savory dishes. This simple yet elegant side dish adds color and a bit of sweetness to your Thanksgiving spread.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Boil carrots for 5-7 minutes until tender.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in honey and brown sugar.
3. Toss the carrots in the glaze and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Pumpkin Biscuits

These fluffy pumpkin biscuits are subtly sweet, with just a hint of cinnamon, making them a perfect Thanksgiving bread option. These biscuits bring a warm, festive flavor to your table, and they pair perfectly with everything from turkey to cranberry sauce.

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/4 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in pumpkin and milk until dough forms.
4. Roll out dough, cut into biscuits, and bake for 12-15 minutes.

8. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

These Brussels sprouts are crispy, caramelized, and tossed with crispy bacon for a smoky, savory punch. Even Brussels sprout skeptics can’t resist this dish. Bacon makes everything better!

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread on a baking sheet and sprinkle bacon on top.
3. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

9. Baked Parmesan Zucchini

Tender zucchini sticks baked to perfection and topped with a crispy Parmesan crust—simple, healthy, and addictive. If you’re looking for a lighter veggie side, this dish is full of flavor but won’t weigh you down.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 4 zucchini, quartered 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). Toss zucchini with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Arrange on a baking sheet and sprinkle with Parmesan.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden.

10. Garlic Butter Mushrooms

These mushrooms are sautéed in rich garlic butter, then baked to perfection for a side dish that’s bursting with umami flavor. Mushrooms are hearty, earthy, and pair perfectly with Thanksgiving mains.

Serves: 6

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, then sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes.
2. Add mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
3. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley.

11. Broccoli Cheese Casserole

This cheesy broccoli casserole is creamy, comforting, and topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust. It’s veggie heaven! Even picky eaters will love it.

Serves: 6

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). Steam broccoli until tender.
2. In a saucepan, melt cream cheese with milk until smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar.
3. Toss broccoli with the cheese sauce and transfer to a baking dish.
4. Top with breadcrumbs and bake for 20 minutes.

12. Creamed Spinach

This creamed spinach is rich, creamy, and oh-so decadent, with a touch of garlic and Parmesan to make it extra flavorful. It’s a luxurious side dish that pairs beautifully with turkey and gravy.

Serves: 6

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. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
2. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

13. Herbed Couscous

Fluffy couscous is tossed with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon, making it a light and refreshing side that’s perfect for balancing out all the rich Thanksgiving dishes.

Serves: 6

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, then stir in couscous and olive oil.
2. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
3. Stir in parsley and lemon juice before serving.

14. Caramelized Onion Tart

This caramelized onion tart is buttery, flaky, and packed with sweet, rich onion flavor. It’s a total showstopper!

Serves: 6

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). Caramelize onions in butter for 20 minutes.
2. Roll out puff pastry and place on a baking sheet.
3. Spread caramelized onions over the pastry and top with Gruyère cheese.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden. Garnish with thyme.

15. Creamy Pumpkin Risotto

Creamy, rich, and full of pumpkin flavor, this risotto is a festive and hearty addition to your Thanksgiving spread. It’s a twist on a classic risotto that brings warm fall flavors to your plate.

Serves: 6

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. Stir in rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
2. Add white wine and cook until absorbed.
3. Gradually add broth, one cup at a time, stirring until absorbed.
4. Stir in pumpkin puree and Parmesan before serving.

16. Leek Gratin

Leek gratin is creamy, cheesy, and bubbling with flavor, making it a unique and delicious side for your Thanksgiving feast.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 4 leeks, trimmed and sliced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sauté leeks in butter until soft.
2. Transfer to a baking dish, pour cream over the top, and sprinkle with cheese.
3. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

17. Peas with Pancetta

Tender peas are cooked with crispy pancetta for a savory, slightly sweet side dish that’s simple yet flavorful. This dish adds a nice pop of green and a touch of savory-sweetness to your Thanksgiving table.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen peas
• 4 oz pancetta, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté pancetta in olive oil until crispy.
2. Add peas and cook for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
3. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

18. Cheddar Biscuits

These cheddar biscuits are buttery, flaky, and packed with cheesy goodness, making them an irresistible addition to any Thanksgiving meal. Warm, cheesy biscuits are the perfect side for soaking up gravy and sauces.

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in cheese and milk until dough forms. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.

19. Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

This Apple Cranberry Coleslaw is crunchy, tangy, and sweet, with a refreshing apple cider vinaigrette that brightens up your Thanksgiving spread. It’s a light and refreshing side dish that contrasts beautifully with heavier Thanksgiving fare.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss together cabbage, apple, and cranberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat.

20. Creamy Polenta with Mushrooms

This creamy polenta is topped with sautéed mushrooms, making it a hearty and satisfying side dish that feels both rustic and elegant. Polenta is a great alternative to mashed potatoes, and the mushrooms add an earthy, umami flavor.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions:

1. Bring vegetable broth to a boil and slowly whisk in cornmeal. Cook, stirring, for 20 minutes until thickened.
2. Stir in Parmesan and butter. Set aside.
3. Sauté mushrooms and garlic in a skillet until browned. Serve over polenta.

21. Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

These roasted chickpeas are crispy, spicy, and addictive—perfect for snacking or as a crunchy side dish. They add a fun, spicy crunch to your meal, and they’re super easy to make.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne, and salt.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until crispy.

22. Brussels Sprout Salad with Cranberries and Parmesan

This Brussels sprout salad is fresh, crunchy, and tossed with dried cranberries and shaved Parmesan for a light and festive side dish. It’s a fresh, crisp alternative to cooked veggies, with a pop of sweetness from the cranberries.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, shredded
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss together Brussels sprouts, cranberries, and Parmesan.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss to combine before serving.

There you have it—22 easy and delicious side dishes that will make your Thanksgiving spread the talk of the table. From classic comfort foods to fresh, modern takes, these recipes are sure to please every guest. Happy Thanksgiving, and happy cooking!