Holiday Sides We Look Forward to The Most
Nov 17, 2025
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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)!
Table of Contents
- Easy Cheesy Tennessee Onions
- Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad
- Southern Deviled Eggs with Pimento Cheese
- Sweet Southern Cornbread Recipe
- Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes
- Best Southern Corn Pudding
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
- Candied Yams
- Creamy Pesto Mac Spinach
- Bacon White Cheddar Corn
- Sweet Potato Cornbread
- Wild Rice Pilaf
- Apple Stuffing
- Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
- Squash Casserole With Ritz Crackers
- Roasted Radishes
- Thanksgiving Rolls
- Cheesy Bacon Ranch Hash Brown Casserole
- Roasted Carrots
- Cheesy Gluten-Free Scalloped Potatoes
- Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
- Creamy Polenta
- Pineapple Casserole
- Lemon Risotto with Roasted Butternut Squash
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Easy Cheesy Tennessee Onions
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
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
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

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
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
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
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

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

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

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

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
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

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

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
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

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 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

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
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

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

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

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

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
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
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

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


