Thanksgiving Recipes to Round Out the Feast

Jenny deRemer

Nov 26, 2025

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

Looking for recipes to jumpstart Thanksgiving? From creamy Potatoes au Gratin to Roasted Turkey Legs and Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole, this list has everything you need for a perfect holiday feast. Whether it’s Sourdough Stuffing or Cranberry and Walnut Stuffing, these dishes will fill your table with rich, comforting flavors that set the tone for a memorable holiday meal.

Table of Contents

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole

A white baking dish filled with mashed potatoes topped with melted cheddar cheese and garnished with chopped green onions. A silver serving spoon rests on the right side of the dish, where a portion has been scooped out. A portion is served on a nearby plate.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Get ahead of your Thanksgiving prep with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole, which you can prepare in advance. The rich cheesy flavor takes mashed potatoes up a notch, making it a perfect side for any holiday meal. It’s an easy way to keep your guests satisfied while keeping the holiday stress low.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole

Duchess Potatoes

Golden brown duchess potatoes garnished with fresh parsley, arranged on a wooden board. These piped, baked potato mounds are set against a blue-patterned background, with sprigs of parsley around them.
Image Credit: Noshing With The Nolands

Impress your guests with the buttery and crispy Duchess Potatoes. These golden little mounds of mashed potatoes are elegant and simple to prepare. Their make-ahead nature makes them a great addition to your holiday spread, keeping you one step ahead in your Thanksgiving prep.
Get the Recipe: Duchess Potatoes

Best Southern Corn Pudding

A white rectangular baking dish is filled with a creamy casserole topped with browned cheese, diced red and green bell peppers, corn kernels, and herbs. The dish is placed on a wooden surface, with a yellow napkin in the background.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

Best Southern Corn Pudding brings comforting, farm-to-table flavors to your holiday meal. Its creamy texture and sweet corn flavor make it a perfect side for turkey or ham. This dish is a Southern staple that fits right in with the rest of your Thanksgiving favorites.
Get the Recipe: Best Southern Corn Pudding

The BEST Mashed Potatoes!

A pot of creamy mashed potatoes garnished with chopped chives and black pepper. A wooden spoon rests in the potatoes, showing smooth, well-mixed texture. The pot sits on a white background.
Image Credit: Gimme Some Oven

Creamy, smooth, and packed with flavor, The BEST Mashed Potatoes are a must for any holiday table. This classic side dish pairs well with all Thanksgiving staples and can be made with minimal fuss. It’s a go-to choice for adding comforting flavors to your feast.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Mashed Potatoes!

Potatoes au Gratin – Dauphinoise Potatoes

A slice of savory casserole with melted cheese and herbs on a white plate, next to a fork and knife. The casserole dish is partially visible on a striped fabric in the background.
Image Credit: Cooking Gorgeous

Potatoes au Gratin are rich, cheesy, and always a crowd-pleaser during festive gatherings. The golden, crispy topping makes them a great companion to any Thanksgiving roast. This dish adds a little elegance to your holiday spread while keeping things hearty and simple.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes au Gratin – Dauphinoise Potatoes

Classic Waldorf Salad

A colorful fruit and nut salad features chopped apples, grapes, and walnuts mixed with a creamy dressing. A wooden spoon is visible in the bowl, enhancing the fresh and vibrant presentation.
Image Credit: FoodieCrush

For a refreshing, crunchy side, Classic Waldorf Salad brings apples, celery, and toasted nuts together in a light dressing. It’s a perfect contrast to heavier Thanksgiving dishes and offers a bright flavor that balances your holiday meal. A great choice when you want something crisp and fresh at the table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Waldorf Salad

Sourdough Stuffing

A white baking dish filled with baked stuffing, featuring chunks of bread, bits of sausage, and visible pieces of celery and onion. The top is golden brown and crispy.
Image Credit: Little Spoon Farm

Filled with savory sausage and herbs, Sourdough Stuffing takes stuffing to another level. The tangy sourdough makes this recipe stand out on your Thanksgiving table while complementing the main event. With its bold flavors, it’s a sure hit for those looking to shake up traditional sides.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing

Roasted Turkey Legs

Seven roasted chicken drumsticks with a crispy, seasoned coating arranged closely together on a baking sheet. The drumsticks are coated with spices, giving them a rich, dark brown color.
Image Credit: Grandbaby Cakes

Skip the whole turkey and opt for juicy, Roasted Turkey Legs this year. The crispy skin and tender meat make this dish perfect for anyone who wants a less fussy Thanksgiving option. It’s a flavorful choice that still brings all the classic holiday vibes.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turkey Legs

Harvest Brown Rice Pilaf

A white bowl filled with rice dish, topped with pecans and dried cranberries, garnished with rosemary sprigs. A white cloth with blue stripes is draped nearby on a white surface.
Image Credit: Kylee Cooks

Loaded with cranberries, pecans, and rosemary, Harvest Brown Rice Pilaf is the perfect side for adding warmth to your holiday table. Its sweet and nutty flavor complements many Thanksgiving dishes. Plus, it’s an easy way to bring seasonal ingredients into your meal.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Brown Rice Pilaf

Brussels Sprouts Casserole

A dish of baked Brussels sprouts au gratin in a black skillet, topped with a layer of crispy, golden breadcrumbs and cheese. A spoon rests in the skillet, showing creamy sauce and some sprouts.
Image Credit: Two Peas & Their Pod

Brussels Sprouts Casserole combines bacon, cheese, and crispy panko for a dish that’ll steal the show. Even if you’re not a fan of Brussels sprouts, this recipe might change your mind, making it a fun addition to your Thanksgiving feast. It’s a rich and satisfying way to include veggies at the table.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Candied Nuts

A bowl filled with a mix of candied almonds and cashews, coated in a crunchy, sugar-spiced glaze, placed on a marble surface.
Image Credit: Little Spoon Farm

Make your holiday gathering extra special with Candied Nuts that are both sweet and crunchy. They’re an easy-to-make treat that works as a snack or a side dish. Offering a bit of sweetness, they provide the perfect contrast to savory Thanksgiving dishes.
Get the Recipe: Candied Nuts

Squash Casserole (au Gratin Style)

A black spoon scooping a serving of baked zucchini gratin topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs and garnished with fresh parsley, from a skillet. The zucchini is sliced and layered beneath the crunchy topping.
Image Credit: Kylee Cooks

Creamy and garlicky, Squash Casserole delivers a rich side dish that pairs well with the bold flavors of Thanksgiving. It’s easy to prepare while the rest of the meal is cooking, making it a convenient addition to your holiday spread. This casserole will definitely stand out as a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole (au Gratin Style)

Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze

A glazed, sliced ham is placed in a black slow cooker. The ham is evenly browned with a shiny glaze, highlighting the texture of the slices. The cooker is set on a marble countertop.
Image Credit: Little Spoon Farm

For a no-fuss Thanksgiving main, Slow Cooker Ham brings sweet and savory together with minimal effort. The honey glaze ensures every bite is full of flavor. Using the slow cooker frees up oven space, making it a stress-free option for your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Ham with Brown Sugar Honey Glaze

Cranberry and Walnut Stuffing

A casserole dish filled with bread stuffing, featuring chunks of bread, cranberries, walnuts, and chopped vegetables. A silver serving spoon rests on the right side of the dish.
Image Credit: FoodieCrush

Bring the flavors of fall to your Thanksgiving meal with Cranberry and Walnut Stuffing. The cranberries add a tart sweetness while the walnuts give a satisfying crunch. It’s an easy and festive twist on traditional stuffing that will impress everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry and Walnut Stuffing

Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

Green beans wrapped in bacon, arranged in neat bundles on a white serving platter with a gray napkin and forks beside it.
Image Credit: House of Nash Eats

Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are a flavorful way to serve veggies at your Thanksgiving dinner. The crispy bacon and buttery green beans create a savory combo that everyone will love. This dish adds a modern touch to your holiday menu, especially for those not keen on green bean casseroles.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

Green Beans Almondine

A plate of green beans garnished with sliced almonds and shallots.
Image Credit: Noshing With The Nolands

If you’re looking for a simple yet fancy side, Green Beans Almondine offers roasted almonds and sautéed shallots to elevate the humble green bean. The slight hint of lemon brightens up the flavors, making this a refreshing addition to Thanksgiving. It’s a light but flavorful dish that complements your entire meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine

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.
Image Credit: Posh Plate

Whether you choose the marshmallow or pecan topping, Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole delivers all the comforting holiday flavors without any animal products. The natural sweetness of the potatoes shines in this side dish. It’s a crowd-pleasing option for plant-based eaters at your Thanksgiving gathering.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Roasted Baby Potatoes (with Honey Mustard)

A white plate filled with roasted baby potatoes garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme, placed on a black and white striped cloth.
Image Credit: Kylee Cooks

Roasted Baby Potatoes pair beautifully with the sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. These crispy potatoes are simple to make and a great side for any Thanksgiving spread. Their crispy edges and flavorful bite make them a standout choice for your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Baby Potatoes (with Honey Mustard)

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!

Categorized as:

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!

Read More About Me

Leave a comment

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