Sides That Bring the Real Flavor to the Feast

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy + disclosures for details.

Gather round the Thanksgiving table and dive into classic Southern comfort with favorites like Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole and Southern Cornbread Dressing—side dishes so good they might just outshine the turkey. From Green Bean Casserole (no cream soups) to Best Southern Corn Pudding, these crowd-pleasers deliver on flavor and tradition. And don’t forget to make space for Easy Buttermilk Biscuits and Homemade Dinner Rolls to round out every plate!

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole

The image shows baked mashed potatoes in a white oval dish with a serving spoon. The top is covered with melted cheese and garnished with chopped green onions. Nearby, a piece of the dish is served on a plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole is a rich, creamy addition to any Thanksgiving spread, packed with gooey cheese and comforting flavors. Preparing this dish ahead lets you serve up a crowd-pleasing side without any stress.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole

Southern Cornbread Dressing

A blue dish filled with cornbread casserole, topped with diced bacon and herbs, resting on a wooden table.
Image Credit: The Country Cook

Loaded with bacon, herbs, and vegetables, Southern Cornbread Dressing offers a moist, flavorful option for your Thanksgiving table. This classic side dish adds that unmistakable Southern touch, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread Dressing

Southern Pineapple Casserole

A baking dish with partially eaten peach cobbler, topped with a golden-brown crumb crust.
Image Credit: The Country Cook

Southern Pineapple Casserole brings a unique mix of pineapple, cheese, and crackers, creating a sweet and savory side for Thanksgiving. It’s a conversation starter and a flavor boost that complements the holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Southern Pineapple Casserole

Vegetarian Stuffing

A beautifully presented photo of Vegetarian Stuffing
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This vegetarian stuffing is made with onions, garlic, celery, and plenty of fresh herbs! It’s sure to be a family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Stuffing

Carrot and Parsnip Recipe

A black Staub dish filled with roasted vegetables, including thinly sliced carrots and parsnips, garnished with fresh parsley. A silver serving spoon is placed in the dish. A wedge of lemon and parsley sprigs are beside the dish.
Image Credit: Noshing With The Nolands

Carrot and Parsnip Recipe brings fried root vegetables to life with a splash of lemon and dill, adding a fresh twist to Thanksgiving flavors. This earthy side brings color and a bit of zing to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Carrot and Parsnip Recipe

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

The image depicts a plate featuring glazed ham, green beans, and sweet potato casserole topped with pecans.
Image Credit: The Country Cook

With a creamy sweet potato filling and brown sugar streusel, Southern Sweet Potato Casserole is a holiday classic everyone craves. Its warm, comforting flavors make it a must-have side dish for any Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Green Bean Casserole (no cream soups)

A plate containing green bean casserole with a topping of crispy fried onions.
Image Credit: The Country Cook

Using fresh green beans and no canned soups, Green Bean Casserole delivers a fresher, lighter side for Thanksgiving. Topped with crispy fried onions, this dish brings a classic flavor with a homemade touch.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole (no cream soups)

Easy Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe

A delightful Easy Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This easy buttermilk biscuits recipe is made with a handful of ingredients and they come together so easily. These fluffy biscuits are a great side dish
Get the Recipe: Easy Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe

Best Southern Corn Pudding

A crock of steamed corn pudding with herbs.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Best Southern Corn Pudding combines farm-fresh corn with rich, creamy flavors for a Thanksgiving side that feels like pure comfort. It’s the perfect complement to turkey and all the other holiday classics.
Get the Recipe: Best Southern Corn Pudding

Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Brussels Sprouts Gratin in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Brussels Sprouts Gratin with bacon is the ultimate holiday side dish. This cheesy veggie dish is just perfect for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Homemade Dinner Rolls

A baking dish containing twelve golden brown dinner rolls, organized in rows of three and columns of four.
Image Credit: The Country Cook

Soft, buttery Homemade Dinner Rolls bring warmth and a perfect golden crust to any Thanksgiving table. These light, fluffy rolls are easy to pair with every other dish on the holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Dinner Rolls

Crockpot Potato Casserole

Scrumptious Crockpot Potato Casserole photo
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Crockpot potato casserole is pure comfort food. You won’t want to miss out on this creamy and delicious crockpot hashbrown casserole.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Potato Casserole

Brussels Sprouts Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette

A colorful salad featuring shredded Brussels sprouts, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, sliced onions, and fresh herbs, all served on a white plate.
Image Credit: Will Cook for Smiles

With shaved Brussels sprouts, pomegranate seeds, pecans, and a tangy mustard vinaigrette, Brussels Sprouts Salad brings a fresh, colorful side to Thanksgiving. It’s a healthy, flavorful balance to rich holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette

Crock Pot Cornbread Dressing

A casserole dish containing golden-brown baked contents topped with chopped herbs and crispy bits.
Image Credit: The Country Cook

Crock Pot Cornbread Dressing is an easy, savory addition to your Thanksgiving meal, with all the classic flavors you love. Using a slow cooker saves oven space and keeps this side warm until it’s ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cornbread Dressing

Roasted Baby Potatoes

Roasted Baby Potatoes served fresh
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Easy-to-make Roasted Baby Potatoes crisped in the hot oven with olive oil, garlic, and fresh thyme or rosemary are one of life’s simple pleasures.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Baby Potatoes

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week!

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!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *