17 Thanksgiving Sides Worth the Hype

Jenny deRemer

Nov 07, 2025

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Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey. These 17 side dishes are so good, they might just become the stars of your holiday meal. Each dish is designed to complement your main course while bringing its own unique flavors to the table. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for impressing your guests. Give these sides a try and watch them steal the spotlight this Thanksgiving.

Table of Contents

Holiday Carrot Casserole

A freshly baked apple crumble pie in a white pie dish is placed on a marble countertop. Two empty white plates and two forks rest nearby. A red and white striped cloth is partially visible in the background.
Holiday Carrot Casserole. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

This Holiday Carrot Casserole is a sweet and fluffy addition to your festive meal. It’s like a dessert in disguise, with its light, souffle-like texture. Perfect for bringing a bit of sweetness to your Thanksgiving side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Carrot Casserole

Maple Sriracha Glazed Brussels Sprouts

A plate of roasted Brussels sprouts mixed with chunks of pecans and seasoned with a glaze. The Brussels sprouts have a crispy, caramelized appearance, and the dish is served on a round white plate. The background is a textured gray surface.
Maple Sriracha Glazed Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Maplevine Kitchen.

Add some excitement to your Thanksgiving with these Maple Sriracha Glazed Brussels Sprouts. The blend of sweet maple syrup and spicy sriracha creates a dish full of bold flavors. Easy to make and a great way to spice up your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Maple Sriracha Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Keto Cornbread Stuffing

A close-up of a savory dish featuring large chunks of golden-brown bread mixed with leafy greens, caramelized onions, and bits of crispy bacon. The bread pieces are toasted and mixed with herbs, creating a colorful and appetizing appearance.
Keto Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: KetoFocus.

Enjoy a low-carb option this Thanksgiving with Keto Cornbread Stuffing. Packed with savory bacon, gizzards, and fresh herbs, it has all the flavor of traditional stuffing without the carbs. Perfect for those looking to indulge without straying from their diet.
Get the Recipe: Keto Cornbread Stuffing

Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans

A blue oval baking dish filled with green bean casserole topped with melted cheese and breadcrumbs sits on a wooden tray. The dish is placed on a red and white checkered tablecloth, with a sprig of red berries in the background. A serving spoon rests inside the dish.
Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans. Photo credit: Cooking Gorgeous.

This classic Green Bean Casserole is a staple for holiday dinners, especially Thanksgiving. Made with fresh green beans, it’s a timeless favorite that brings comfort and nostalgia to the table. Simple yet delicious, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans

Simple Roasted Green Beans and Carrots with Almonds

A white plate filled with a colorful mix of cooked vegetables, including green beans and carrots. The dish is garnished with chopped onions, almonds, and fresh herbs. The vegetables are cut into bite-sized pieces and appear to be lightly sautéed.
Simple Roasted Green Beans and Carrots with Almonds. Photo credit: Go Healthy Ever After.

Roasted Green Beans and Carrots topped with toasted almonds make an effortless and tasty Thanksgiving side. This recipe highlights the natural flavors of the vegetables with minimal ingredients, offering a healthy and colorful addition to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Simple Roasted Green Beans and Carrots with Almonds

Austrian Potato Salad

A fork holding a bite of German potato salad with chopped chives above a bowl filled with more of the salad. The potato slices are thin, yellow, and mixed with red onion pieces, garnished with fresh green chives. The background is a light, neutral color.
Austrian Potato Salad. Photo credit: Plantbasedredhead.

This Austrian Potato Salad is a creamy, flavorful choice for your Thanksgiving dinner. Made with vinegar and oil instead of mayo, it’s a light yet hearty side that pairs well with any main dish. Simple and quick to prepare, it’s perfect for your festive feast.
Get the Recipe: Austrian Potato Salad

Broccoli Pomegranate Salad

A bowl of fresh broccoli salad with chopped red onions, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds sits on a wooden table. A small bowl of walnuts and a halved pomegranate are placed beside the main salad bowl. A red napkin is partially visible on the right side.
Broccoli Pomegranate Salad. Photo credit: Heavenly Spiced.

Brighten up your holiday table with this Broccoli Pomegranate Salad. Packed with antioxidants and ready in just ten minutes, it’s a fresh and vibrant side that complements any Thanksgiving spread. Simple ingredients come together for a healthy and delicious dish.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pomegranate Salad

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes (No Drain)

A ceramic bowl of mashed potatoes topped with a pat of melting butter sits on a cloth with an orange and white crisscross pattern. Two garlic bulbs are nearby, and a spoon and fork rest on a wooden holder in the background. A second bowl is partially visible behind.
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes (No Drain). Photo credit: Garlic All Day.

Make your Thanksgiving dinner prep easy with Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes. These garlicky, buttery potatoes are fluffy and full of flavor, all without the hassle of draining. An effortless way to bring a classic favorite to your holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes (No Drain)

Candied Maple Balsamic Brussel Sprouts

A white plate with a cooked steak and roasted Brussels sprouts next to a fork and knife. A dish of more Brussels sprouts is on a wooden board nearby. A red and white striped cloth is partially visible in the background. The scene is set on a marble surface.
Candied Maple Balsamic Brussel Sprouts. Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

These Candied Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are a flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving meal. Roasted to perfection and coated in a sweet and tangy glaze, they offer a delicious balance of tastes. A quick one-pan side that’s perfect for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Candied Maple Balsamic Brussel Sprouts

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

A close-up of a spoon scooping a serving of sweet potato casserole with a crumbly nut topping from a white baking dish. The background includes stacked plates, forks, and a blue and white cloth.
Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Posh Plate.

This Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole is a plant-based twist on a Thanksgiving favorite. Whether you top it with marshmallows or a pecan crumble, it’s a delicious and satisfying addition to your holiday table. A great choice for guests with dietary preferences.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Delicious Roasted Butternut Squash with Blue Cheese and Pecans

A white bowl of roasted butternut squash salad is topped with pecans, crumbled cheese, and fresh herbs. Pieces of butternut squash and whole pecans are scattered around the bowl on a dark surface.
Delicious Roasted Butternut Squash with Blue Cheese and Pecans. Photo credit: Healthy Family Project.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Blue Cheese and Pecans offers a unique blend of flavors for your Thanksgiving feast. The sweet squash, crunchy pecans, and savory blue cheese create a dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. A standout side for any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Roasted Butternut Squash with Blue Cheese and Pecans

Cauliflower & Potato Mash

A bowl of creamy mashed cauliflower topped with a pat of butter and garnished with chopped chives. A spoon is placed inside the bowl, and a glass of white wine is nearby on a wooden surface. A white cloth napkin and plate are partially visible.
Cauliflower & Potato Mash. Photo credit: Our Love Language is Food.

Lighten up your Thanksgiving side dishes with Cauliflower & Potato Mash. Combining cauliflower florets with baby gold potatoes, this dish offers a comforting yet lighter alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Perfect for a weeknight or holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower & Potato Mash

Best Cranberry Apple Salad

A rustic wooden table holds a glass jar filled with chunky, vibrant red cranberry relish. Around the jar, there are scattered apples, cranberries, and some leafy greens in the background, enhancing the cozy, homemade feel of the scene.
Best Cranberry Apple Salad. Photo credit: Glenda Embree.

My Cranberry Apple Salad is a show-stopping side that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The sweet and tart flavors of cranberries and apples come together in a beautiful, easy-to-make dish. It’s a refreshing addition to any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Best Cranberry Apple Salad

Feta Green Bean Salad

A white oval plate filled with a fresh salad made of green beans, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced onions. The plate is placed on a white surface, with small bowls of dressing and cheese in the background.
Feta Green Bean Salad. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Feta Green Bean Salad is an easy, satisfying side that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Tender green beans, juicy cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese are tossed in a honey mustard vinaigrette. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious addition to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Feta Green Bean Salad

Potatoes au Gratin – Dauphinoise Potatoes

A square slice of cheesy casserole with a sprig of thyme on a white plate is paired with a knife and fork. In the background, part of the casserole dish is visible, with more of the dish placed on a striped cloth.
Potatoes au Gratin – Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Cooking Gorgeous.

These Dauphinoise Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy delight that’s perfect for your Thanksgiving spread. With thinly sliced potatoes layered in rich cream and Gruyère cheese, they offer a classic taste that everyone will love. This dish brings a touch of French elegance to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes au Gratin – Dauphinoise Potatoes

Butternut Squash Casserole

Sweet potato casserole, shredded salad, mashed potatoes with gravy, cranberry sauce, and a poached egg on a plate.
Butternut Squash Casserole. Photo credit: The View from Great Island.

This Butternut Squash Casserole by The View from Great Island, topped with a sweet pecan streusel, is a decadently delicious addition to your Thanksgiving meal. Its rich, comforting flavors are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. A perfect blend of sweet and savory for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Casserole

Spice Roasted Carrots with Hot Honey Butter Glaze

A blue bowl filled with a colorful assortment of roasted root vegetables. The vegetables, including carrots and parsnips, are caramelized with a glossy, browned exterior, indicating they are seasoned and cooked to perfection. The bowl sits on a light gray surface.
Spice Roasted Carrots with Hot Honey Butter Glaze. Photo credit: Maplevine Kitchen.

Give your Thanksgiving table a pop of flavor with these Spice Roasted Carrots, glazed with a hot honey butter sauce. The caramelized edges and hint of heat make this side dish a must-try for any holiday feast. They’re simple to make and sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Spice Roasted Carrots with Hot Honey Butter Glaze

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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