Holiday Sides We Look Forward to The Most

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If you want to make Thanksgiving hosting a breeze while still impressing every guest, these cozy sides are your ticket to success. From Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes to Bacon White Cheddar Corn, and from Apple Stuffing to Sweet Potato Cornbread, these dishes bring the perfect mix of creamy, savory, and sweet to your holiday table. Add Roasted Radishes and Roasted Carrots for a pop of color, and you’ll have all the bases covered for an unforgettable feast. Preheat your oven, grab that casserole dish, and watch as your guests line up for seconds (and maybe even thirds)!

Easy Cheesy Tennessee Onions

Close-up of baked onion slices in a baking dish, topped with herbs and displaying a golden-brown, caramelized surface.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Cheesy and comforting, Cheesy Tennessee Onions blend sweet Vidalia onions with a rich mix of melted cheeses and cozy spices to create a bubbling, golden dish that feels like pure Southern indulgence. This easy side works beautifully with barbecue, grilled meats, or even burgers, delivering big flavor with almost no effort at all.

To learn more: Easy Cheesy Tennessee Onions

Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Creamy potato salad with diced vegetables and a sprinkle of black pepper, garnished with cherry tomatoes on a decorative plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

A nostalgic favorite, Penna Dutch Potato Salad features tender potatoes coated in a signature warm, tangy dressing that gives this Amish-style classic its unmistakable character. The creamy texture and subtle crunch make it a side dish that always leaves a lasting impression.

To learn more: Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese

Pimento cheese deviled eggs on a white plate, each topped with paprika and herbs.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Punchy, creamy, and boldly Southern, Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese elevate the classic with a cheesy filling and a hint of pickled flair. These crowd-pleasing bites bring a fun twist to any gathering and disappear from the platter almost instantly.

To learn more: Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese

Sweet Southern Cornbread Recipe

The image features slices of golden cornbread placed on parchment paper, with honey drizzled on top and sage leaves used as a garnish.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

With its golden crust and tender crumb, Sweet Southern Cornbread offers that nostalgic balance of sweetness and savoriness that tastes like home on a plate. It’s just as lovely paired with hearty stews as it is served warm with a generous swipe of butter.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Southern Cornbread Recipe

Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes is topped with melted butter and chopped chives, with a spoon inside. A checkered cloth is draped over the wooden surface.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Velvety and full of depth, Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes take on a gourmet quality thanks to the nutty richness of browned butter folded into fluffy, buttermilk-smooth potatoes. They’re elegant enough for holidays yet simple enough to turn any weeknight dinner into something special.
Get the Recipe: Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes

Best Southern Corn Pudding

A baked casserole dish filled with a golden-brown mixture of diced vegetables, corn, and herbs, topped with fresh thyme and green onions, on a wooden surface.
Photo Credit: Not Entirely Average

Baked until beautifully golden, Creamy Corn Pudding delivers a silky, comforting bite that brings a touch of Southern warmth to the table. This versatile side pairs effortlessly with holiday roasts, everyday chicken dinners, or any spread that could use a bit of sweetness.

Get the Recipe: Best Southern Corn Pudding

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

The image shows a baking dish filled with creamy scalloped potatoes topped with chopped parsley. A portion has been removed, revealing layers of sliced potatoes and sauce inside.
Image Credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes layers tender potatoes with a rich, creamy cheese sauce that bakes to golden perfection. Ideal for festive gatherings, this side brings the cozy flavors of the season and makes any meal extra comforting.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Bacon makes everything better, and these Brussels sprouts are no exception! Indulge in a creamy side dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Candied Yams

A delightful Candied Yams
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These classic Candied Yams are coated in brown sugar, maple syrup, and warm spices, then baked until they become sweet as candy!
Get the Recipe: Candied Yams

Creamy Pesto Mac Spinach

Creamy Pesto Mac Spinach
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

A simple white sauce infused with basil pesto makes this Creamy Pesto Mac with spinach the ultimate comfort food! Watch how quickly it disappears from your holiday buffet!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pesto Mac Spinach

Bacon White Cheddar Corn

A skillet containing creamy corn garnished with crispy bacon pieces and chopped parsley.
Image Credit: Miss in the Kitchen

Bacon White Cheddar Corn combines the sweetness of corn with smoky bacon and sharp white cheddar for a holiday-worthy side. Perfectly creamy and packed with flavor, it’s a warm, cheesy addition to any special occasion meal.
Get the Recipe: Bacon White Cheddar Corn

Sweet Potato Cornbread

Sweet Potato Cornbread in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This easy Sweet Potato Cornbread has a warm fall flavor and that moist, crumbly texture that makes it so satisfying!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread

Wild Rice Pilaf

Wild Rice Pilaf
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

This wild rice pilaf is full of color, texture, and fall flavors. It’s the perfect side dish for dinner during the cooler months.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Pilaf

Apple Stuffing

A delightful Apple Stuffing
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This herb-filled Apple Stuffing has the most delicious, cozy, savory flavor, which pairs well with turkey and other holiday favorites!
Get the Recipe: Apple Stuffing

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

A white oval dish filled with scalloped potatoes topped with chopped green onions, with a spoon inside. Nearby are small bowls containing salt and pepper.
Image Credit: My Everyday Table

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe offers creamy, cheesy goodness that pairs with any holiday main course. This easy-to-make side dish simmers in a crockpot, freeing up oven space for more festive favorites.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

Squash Casserole With Ritz Crackers

Squash Casserole With Ritz Crackers
Photo credit: Craving Some Creativity

Cheesy Squash Casserole with Ritz cracker topping is a southern essential for potlucks, BBQs, and family meals with buttery, tender yellow squash.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole With Ritz Crackers

Roasted Radishes

Roasted Radishes
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

Roasted radishes are a simple, elegant, and eye-catching side dish with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Easy and delicious!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Radishes

Thanksgiving Rolls

Thanksgiving Rolls at its finest
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These soft and fluffy Thanksgiving dinner rolls are easy to make and extra delicious, so they’re the perfect bread for holiday meals!
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Rolls

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Hash Brown Casserole

A cheesy potato casserole on a turquoise plate, accompanied by a fork.
Image Credit: Flavor Mosaic

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Hash Brown Casserole adds bacon, ranch, and a hint of spice to the classic hash brown bake, making it a crowd-favorite holiday side. Warm, cheesy, and full of flavor, this dish brings extra fun to festive meals.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Bacon Ranch Hash Brown Casserole

Roasted Carrots

Roasted Carrots
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

This roasted carrots recipe is easy, inexpensive, healthy, and delicious, making them my go-to side dish for any weeknight dinner!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots

Cheesy Gluten-Free Scalloped Potatoes

A glass dish with a baked casserole topped with melted cheese and herbs, placed on a burlap mat. Pink tulips are nearby.
Image Credit: Peel with Zeal

Cheesy Gluten-Free Scalloped Potatoes delivers creamy, cheesy comfort without the gluten, featuring roasted garlic for extra flavor. This holiday-ready side dish is easy to make in advance, saving you time for other preparations.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Gluten-Free Scalloped Potatoes

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Photo credit: Real Balanced

This Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon is a comforting and nutrient-dense recipe that is perfect for a filling and healthy dinner or side dish. Cubed butternut squash and cauliflower florets are oven-baked to fork-tender alongside red onion, bacon, and wilted spinach tossed in a homemade dressing and garnished with dollops of sour cream.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Creamy Polenta

Creamy Polenta
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

This creamy polenta has a rich flavor, creamy texture, and deep corn flavor. It’s the perfect base for stews, saucy beans, and braised meats.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Polenta

Pineapple Casserole

A close-up of a casserole dish filled with macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden, crispy crust. A spoon is placed in the dish.
Image Credit: Flavor Mosaic

Pineapple Casserole mixes sweet pineapple with a cheesy, salty crunch for a Southern-inspired holiday side. This unique dish blends gooey cheese with a cobbler-like topping, adding a fun flavor contrast to your table.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole

Lemon Risotto with Roasted Butternut Squash

A white bowl containing creamy risotto topped with roasted cubes of butternut squash.
Image Credit: Delicious Little Bites

Lemon Risotto with Roasted Butternut Squash combines creamy, cheesy risotto with nutty, sweet squash. This elegant holiday side has bright, citrusy notes and adds a festive, comforting touch to any special occasion meal.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Risotto with Roasted Butternut Squash

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A close up image of crispy roasted Brussels Sprouts on a sheet pan.
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Get ready for the most amazing Brussels sprouts that are crispy and golden on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, and can be on your table in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts

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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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