Sides That Keep Your Thanksgiving Guests Talking

Jenny deRemer

Nov 24, 2025

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Thanksgiving is all about bringing people together and sharing delicious food and I believe that the right side dishes can truly make or break the meal. I love exploring unique combinations and flavors that can leave everyone chatting long after the feast is over. These recipes are not just delicious; they add a special touch that sets your table apart from the rest. Plus, preparing these sides can create some fun moments in the kitchen with family and friends. So, let’s get ready to impress your guests and make this Thanksgiving unforgettable!

Table of Contents

Creamed Pearl Onions Recipe

A white plate with a serving of mashed potatoes topped with melted cheese, two slices of beef garnished with a dollop of cream and herbs, and a portion of pearl onions in gravy. Knife and fork are placed on the right side of the plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Add a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving table with Creamed Pearl Onions Recipe. These tender onions are enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce that brings warmth and comfort to your holiday spread. This dish is a fantastic choice among the best sides for Thanksgiving, offering a delightful contrast to heartier fare and making it a standout on any plate. Plus, their small size and beautiful presentation will impress your guests!
Get the Recipe: Creamed Pearl Onions Recipe

Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

A white oval dish contains a colorful medley of roasted carrots and parsnips, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and chopped nuts. A spoon rests on one side of the dish. In the background, small bowls hold extra rosemary and chopped nuts.
Image Credit: The Savory Cipolla

Sweeten up your Thanksgiving feast with Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips. The natural sugars in the vegetables caramelize beautifully, creating a dish that’s both vibrant and flavorful. This recipe is a great pick among the best sides for Thanksgiving because it offers a deliciously sweet contrast to savory dishes, enhancing your holiday meal. The bright colors and warm flavors will surely impress your guests!
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

Christmas Wreath Salad (Red, White & Green)

A fresh salad on a white plate with various greens, pomegranate seeds, and crumbled cheese surrounds a small bowl of red dressing at the center. A spoon rests in the dressing. Nearby are two lit candles and a halved pomegranate offering additional seeds.
Image Credit: In the Kitch

Freshen up your holiday table with the festive Christmas Wreath Salad (Red, White & Green). This vibrant salad features a mix of seasonal ingredients that add a crisp and colorful touch to your Thanksgiving spread. It’s considered one of the best sides for Thanksgiving as it provides a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes, ensuring everyone enjoys a balanced meal. Plus, it looks stunning on the table!
Get the Recipe: Christmas Wreath Salad (Red, White & Green)

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, and a dollop of sour cream. A spoon is placed in the bowl, and the dish appears to be served on a dark wooden surface.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

Bring comfort to your Thanksgiving feast with Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole. Creamy mashed potatoes topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions create a dish that everyone will love. This casserole is a top contender among the best sides for Thanksgiving, offering hearty flavors that complement any main course beautifully. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead, giving you more time to enjoy with family!
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Pecans

A white bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts mixed with crispy bacon pieces. The bowl sits on a light-colored surface with a gray cloth nearby, and a few whole Brussels sprouts are visible in the background.
Image Credit: Grow Forage Cook Ferment

For a flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving table, try Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Pecans. The combination of crispy bacon and sweet maple pecans makes these sprouts irresistible. They stand out among the best sides for Thanksgiving because they bring a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, making your meal feel special. Plus, their vibrant colors will enhance the festive look of your spread!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Maple Pecans

Affordable Truffle Mashed Potatoes with Parmesan

A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes topped with a sprig of rosemary and sprinkled with black pepper. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface alongside a wedge of cheese, a grater, and a small dish of salt.
Image Credit: All in the Family Recipes

Treat your family to Affordable Truffle Mashed Potatoes with Parmesan this Thanksgiving. The rich flavor of truffle oil combined with creamy potatoes creates a luxurious side dish without breaking the bank. This recipe is a standout among the best sides for Thanksgiving, as it elevates your potato game and pairs wonderfully with turkey and gravy. Everyone will appreciate this indulgent yet budget-friendly addition!
Get the Recipe: Affordable Truffle Mashed Potatoes with Parmesan

Quick + Easy Make Ahead Cranberry Orange Relish

A wooden bowl filled with cranberry relish sits on a gray cloth. A spoon rests in the bowl. Around the bowl, there are fresh cranberries and half of an orange. The setting is on a dark surface, and star anise is scattered nearby.
Image Credit: The Virtual Caterer

Add a zing to your Thanksgiving with Quick + Easy Make Ahead Cranberry Orange Relish. This bright and tangy relish can be prepared in advance, making it a hassle-free option for your holiday meal. It’s a top choice among the best sides for Thanksgiving because it pairs perfectly with turkey, adding a burst of flavor that complements the main course beautifully. Guests will love the freshness it brings to the table!
Get the Recipe: Quick + Easy Make Ahead Cranberry Orange Relish

Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

A white bowl containing roasted carrot sticks garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and herbs. The dish is placed on a white surface with fresh carrots and green onion visible in the background.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Enjoy the ease of preparing Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots this Thanksgiving. These carrots roast beautifully in the oven, soaking up garlic and parmesan goodness that will have everyone coming back for more. This dish is one of the best sides for Thanksgiving, as it pairs wonderfully with turkey and adds a burst of flavor to your plate. Plus, using just one pan means less cleanup, which is always a win!
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts

A close-up of roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon pieces, drizzled with a dark balsamic glaze, served on a large metal spoon. The sprouts are caramelized and nestled in a baking tray, highlighting their golden, crispy edges.
Image Credit: Tessie’s Table

Make your holiday meal memorable with Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts. The tangy balsamic glaze combined with crispy bacon elevates these sprouts to a new level of deliciousness. This dish is a fantastic option among the best sides for Thanksgiving, as it complements roasted meats perfectly and adds a burst of flavor to your meal. Plus, it’s a great way to get some veggies on the table in a tasty way!
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Smashed Potatoes

A baking sheet lined with parchment paper displays a variety of smashed and roasted potatoes. The potatoes are golden brown with crispy edges, sprinkled with chopped herbs, coarse salt, and pepper. A small spoon containing oil is placed beside the potatoes.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

If you’re looking for a fun take on a classic, Smashed Potatoes are a must-try this Thanksgiving. These crispy, buttery bites provide a delightful alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. They shine as one of the best sides for Thanksgiving because they are easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Everyone will appreciate the satisfying crunch and comfort of this dish!
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes

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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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