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20 Savory Thanksgiving Sides to Elevate Your Feast

Elevate Your Feast: 20 Irresistible Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes to Complete Your Holiday Menu

As the aroma of autumn fills the air, thoughts invariably turn to one of the most cherished holidays of the year: Thanksgiving. While the magnificent turkey often takes center stage, it’s the symphony of delectable side dishes that truly transforms the meal into an unforgettable feast. Crafting the perfect Thanksgiving menu can sometimes feel like a delightful challenge, especially when it comes to selecting those essential accompaniments that complement the main course without overshadowing it. Fear not, holiday hosts and culinary enthusiasts!

We’ve meticulously curated a collection of 20 of the most savory, comforting, and utterly delicious Thanksgiving side dish recipes designed to inspire your menu planning. Whether you’re a purist who adores the classics or someone eager to introduce exciting new flavors, this comprehensive guide offers a diverse array of options to satisfy every palate. Get ready to explore everything from creamy potato dishes and vibrant vegetable gratins to hearty stuffings and delightful rolls. Each recipe promises to add a layer of warmth, tradition, and culinary innovation to your holiday table, ensuring your Thanksgiving spread is nothing short of spectacular. Simply click the link provided for each dish to unlock the full recipe and make your holiday planning a breeze!

A vibrant spread of various Thanksgiving side dishes, showcasing a festive holiday meal ready to be enjoyed by family and friends.

1. Cheesy Wild Rice with Mushrooms

This exquisite side dish, brought to you by Countryside Cravings, combines tender wild rice with earthy mushrooms, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s a comforting and flavorful addition to any holiday table, offering a delightful texture contrast and savory depth that complements turkey beautifully. Perfect for those looking for a sophisticated yet hearty option beyond traditional potato dishes.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Wild Rice with Mushrooms from Countryside Cravings

2. Slow Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Simplify your holiday cooking with these incredibly easy and utterly delicious Slow Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes from Countryside Cravings. Achieving creamy, perfectly mashed potatoes without tying up precious stovetop space is a game-changer. Infused with aromatic garlic, this side dish offers a comforting classic with minimal fuss, making it an essential for your Thanksgiving spread.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes from Countryside Cravings

Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes, an easier way to enjoy delicious, garlicky mashed potatoes, ideal for a stress-free Thanksgiving meal.

3. Fluffy Potato Rolls

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without warm, fresh-baked bread, and these Fluffy Potato Rolls from Crazy for Crust are an absolute dream. Made with real potatoes, these rolls are incredibly soft, tender, and slightly sweet, perfect for soaking up gravy or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. They are a comforting addition that every guest will adore.

Get the Recipe: Fluffy Potato Rolls from Crazy for Crust

Soft and fluffy potato rolls, a perfect homemade bread option for Thanksgiving dinner, offering a comforting texture and delicious flavor.

4. Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Bring a refreshing burst of seasonal flavor to your holiday table with this vibrant Fall Harvest Salad from With Salt and Wit. Packed with crisp greens, seasonal fruits, nuts, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, it provides a much-needed light and bright contrast to richer dishes. This salad is not just beautiful; it’s a delightful palate cleanser that celebrates autumn’s bounty.

Get the Recipe: Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette from With Salt and Wit

A refreshing Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, featuring seasonal ingredients like crisp apples, nuts, and greens, perfect for a balanced Thanksgiving menu.

5. Three Cheese Asparagus Gratin

Elevate your vegetable game with The Cookie Rookie’s decadent Three Cheese Asparagus Gratin. This dish transforms simple asparagus into a luxurious side, baked to perfection under a blanket of three glorious cheeses. It’s a sophisticated and incredibly flavorful way to serve greens, adding a touch of elegance and indulgence to your Thanksgiving spread.

Get the Recipe: Three Cheese Asparagus Gratin from The Cookie Rookie

Rich Three Cheese Asparagus Gratin, a luxurious and savory vegetable side dish, baked with a blend of cheeses to create a golden, bubbly crust, ideal for holiday meals.

6. Lemon Green Beans with Feta and Fried Pecans

For a twist on traditional green beans, try The Food Charlatan’s Lemon Green Beans with Feta and Fried Pecans. This recipe brightens up the classic vegetable with a zesty lemon kick, adds a salty tang from feta, and a delightful crunch from fried pecans. It’s a flavorful and texturally exciting side that stands out from the crowd.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Green Beans with Feta and Fried Pecans from The Food Charlatan

Bright Lemon Green Beans with Feta and Fried Pecans, a refreshing and flavorful Thanksgiving side dish offering a zesty, salty, and crunchy combination.

7. Crack Potatoes

Julie’s Eats and Treats brings us “Crack Potatoes,” a name that perfectly describes their addictive quality! These incredibly creamy, cheesy, and savory potatoes are baked to golden perfection, promising to be a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering. Be warned: guests will be asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

Get the Recipe: Crack Potatoes from Julie’s Eats and Treats

Irresistible Crack Potatoes, a cheesy, creamy, and savory baked potato dish from Julie's Eats and Treats, perfect for an indulgent Thanksgiving side.

8. Creamy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch

Step up your green bean casserole game with Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Creamy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch. Ditch the canned ingredients for a homemade version that boasts unparalleled creaminess and rich flavor, topped with crispy fried onions. This elevated classic is sure to become a new family favorite and a staple on your Thanksgiving table.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch from Sally’s Baking Addiction

Homemade Creamy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch, a rich and savory Thanksgiving classic made with fresh ingredients, topped with crispy fried onions.

9. Sweet Potato Casserole

A quintessential Thanksgiving side, Garnish and Glaze’s Sweet Potato Casserole offers that perfect blend of sweet and savory. With its creamy sweet potato base and often a delightful crunchy topping (pecans or marshmallows!), this dish is a comforting classic that balances out the richness of the main meal. It’s a must-have for any holiday spread.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole from Garnish and Glaze

Classic Sweet Potato Casserole, a comforting and flavorful holiday side dish with a creamy sweet potato base and a delicious topping, perfect for Thanksgiving.

10. Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Countryside Cravings brings us a simpler yet equally satisfying sweet potato option with their Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup and spiced with cinnamon, these tender roasted sweet potatoes offer an optional crunch from pecans. They are a delightful alternative or addition to a heavier casserole, bringing natural sweetness and warmth.

Get the Recipe: Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes from Countryside Cravings

11. Slow Cooker Stuffing

Free up your oven space with Rachel Cooks’ brilliant Slow Cooker Stuffing recipe. This method ensures a perfectly moist and flavorful stuffing with a crispy top, all while cooking hands-off. It’s an ingenious way to manage your Thanksgiving meal prep, making sure this essential side is as delicious and stress-free as possible.

Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Stuffing from Rachel Cooks

Convenient Slow Cooker Stuffing, a moist and flavorful Thanksgiving side dish cooked hands-free, freeing up oven space during the busy holiday season.

12. Roasted Lemon Parmesan Broccoli

For a healthy yet incredibly flavorful green side, The Cookie Rookie presents Roasted Lemon Parmesan Broccoli. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the broccoli, while lemon adds a bright zest and Parmesan a salty, umami depth. This simple, elegant dish is a wonderful counterpoint to heavier Thanksgiving fare.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Parmesan Broccoli from The Cookie Rookie

Delicious Roasted Lemon Parmesan Broccoli, a simple yet flavorful and healthy green side dish perfect for balancing out rich Thanksgiving meals.

13. Lighter Smoked Gouda and Sweet Potato Casserole with Spiced Pecans

With Salt and Wit offers a unique and lighter take on sweet potato casserole, featuring the distinctive flavor of smoked gouda and a delightful crunch from spiced pecans. This dish provides a sophisticated smoky depth and a savory-sweet balance that will intrigue and impress your guests, offering a fresh perspective on a holiday favorite.

Get the Recipe: Lighter Smoked Gouda and Sweet Potato Casserole with Spiced Pecans from With Salt and Wit

A Lighter Smoked Gouda and Sweet Potato Casserole with Spiced Pecans, offering a unique smoky and savory-sweet flavor profile, ideal for an elevated Thanksgiving side.

14. Chili Cheese Corn

Add a fun, zesty, and undeniably cheesy kick to your Thanksgiving table with Julie’s Eats and Treats’ Chili Cheese Corn. This vibrant side dish combines the sweetness of corn with a mild chili spice and a generous amount of cheese, creating a comforting and crowd-pleasing option that’s a little different from the usual holiday fare.

Get the Recipe: Chili Cheese Corn from Julie’s Eats and Treats

Festive Chili Cheese Corn, a creamy and slightly spicy corn dish topped with melted cheese, offering a unique and flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving meal.

15. Gruyere Crisped Potato Au Gratin

The Food Charlatan presents an incredibly decadent potato dish: Gruyere Crisped Potato Au Gratin. Thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with savory Gruyere cheese that crisps to perfection. This luxurious side dish is a guaranteed showstopper, offering a depth of flavor and texture that will impress every guest.

Get the Recipe: Gruyere Crisped Potato Au Gratin from The Food Charlatan

Rich Gruyere Crisped Potato Au Gratin, a luxurious potato side dish with thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce and topped with crispy Gruyere cheese, perfect for a grand Thanksgiving feast.

16. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Ham and Onions

For a savory and hearty vegetable side, Countryside Cravings offers Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Ham and Onions. Roasting brings out the nutty sweetness of Brussels sprouts, perfectly complemented by salty ham and caramelized onions. This dish is quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a delicious and balanced addition to your holiday spread.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Ham and Onions from Countryside Cravings

17. Thanksgiving Stuffing

Garnish and Glaze delivers a classic and comforting Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe that embodies the true spirit of the holiday. Packed with savory herbs, aromatic vegetables, and hearty bread, this stuffing is moist, flavorful, and serves as the perfect accompaniment to your roasted turkey. It’s a timeless dish that evokes warmth and tradition.

Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Stuffing from Garnish and Glaze

Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing, a savory and aromatic bread-based side dish, essential for any traditional holiday meal.

18. Fresh Green Bean Casserole

Brown Eyed Baker elevates the beloved Green Bean Casserole by using fresh ingredients, resulting in a dish that’s far superior to its canned counterparts. This recipe highlights the crispness of fresh green beans while maintaining the comforting creaminess and crispy fried onion topping everyone loves. It’s a fresher, more vibrant take on a holiday staple.

Get the Recipe: Fresh Green Bean Casserole from Brown Eyed Baker

A delicious Fresh Green Bean Casserole, a classic Thanksgiving side dish made with fresh ingredients for enhanced flavor and texture, topped with crispy onions.

19. Rosemary Cheddar Biscuits

Forget plain rolls and serve these incredibly flavorful Rosemary Cheddar Biscuits from Countryside Cravings. Infused with aromatic rosemary and savory cheddar cheese, these fluffy biscuits are a perfect accompaniment to any holiday meal. They offer a fragrant, cheesy, and tender bite that will have your guests reaching for more.

Get the Recipe: Rosemary Cheddar Biscuits from Countryside Cravings

Savory Rosemary Cheddar Biscuits, fluffy and full of flavor from fresh rosemary and sharp cheddar cheese, making them a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving bread basket.

20. Scalloped Potatoes

Rounding out our list with another classic, Countryside Cravings’ Scalloped Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food. Thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a rich, creamy sauce until tender and bubbling golden. This deeply satisfying dish is a timeless favorite that adds a touch of creamy indulgence to your holiday feast, providing a wonderful alternative to mashed potatoes.

Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes from Countryside Cravings

Classic Scalloped Potatoes, thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich and creamy sauce until tender and golden, a quintessential comfort food for any Thanksgiving dinner.

With this incredible array of 20 must-try Thanksgiving side dishes, your holiday menu is destined for greatness. From beloved classics reimagined to innovative new flavors, each recipe offers a unique way to enhance your feast and create lasting memories around the table. We hope this curated list has sparked your culinary imagination and made your Thanksgiving meal planning a joyous endeavor.

Whether you opt for the comforting simplicity of Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes, the vibrant zest of Lemon Green Beans, or the cheesy indulgence of Crack Potatoes, you’re sure to find dishes that will delight your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the spirit of the season, and get ready to cook up a Thanksgiving spread that is as delicious as it is memorable. Happy Thanksgiving and happy cooking!