25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes and Hostess Gifts
Nov 07, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy + disclosures for details.
This Thanksgiving, make your feast memorable with a collection of side dishes that are as quick to prepare as they are delicious. Whether you’re hosting dinner or attending as a guest, these recipes ensure you can enjoy the holiday without the stress. From savory stuffings to sweet cranberry sauces, and from your kitchen to the Thanksgiving table you’re visiting, this slideshow includes creative dishes that are perfect for sharing and gifting.
Table of Contents
- Autumn Cranberry Apple Chutney
- Best Southern Corn Pudding
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole
- Best Creamy and Easy Squash Casserole
- Baked Stuffed Sugar Pumpkin
- Brown Butter French Green Beans with Toasted Pecans
- Balsamic Roasted Carrots
- The Very Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Apple Cider
- Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes
- Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts With Almonds
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Bacon and Sage
- Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Moroccan Carrot Salad
- Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Mashed Potatoes Instant Pot Recipe
- Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Beetroot and Pumpkin Salad
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Blue Cheese and Pecans
- Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
- Pineapple Cheese Casserole
- Orange Jello Fluff Salad
- BEST Creamy Whipped Mashed Potatoes
- Cheesy Vegetable Casserole
- Roasted Beet Salad
Autumn Cranberry Apple Chutney
A perfect side for turkey and stuffing, this Autumn Cranberry Apple Chutney features fresh fruits, ginger, cinnamon, and star anise, adding a fabulous touch to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Autumn Cranberry Apple Chutney
Best Southern Corn Pudding
Bring a touch of Southern comfort to your BBQ with this corn pudding recipe, adding warmth and homely flavors to your grilled corn options. Its ease of preparation and comforting taste make it a fitting choice for transforming your summer BBQ spread.
Get the Recipe: Best Southern Corn Pudding
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole
Prepare this Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole ahead of time for a stress-free holiday meal. With simple steps and big cheesy flavor, it’s the perfect side dish for summer casseroles. Enjoy a delicious and easy addition to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole
Best Creamy and Easy Squash Casserole
Here is where you will use 2-3 sentences to describe the image/post you want to link them to. This is your excerpt or quick overview for the post. Make sure to include a link at the end (this is how you get traffic) similar to this.
Get the Recipe: Best Creamy and Easy Squash Casserole
Baked Stuffed Sugar Pumpkin
A favorite in New England, Baked Stuffed Sugar Pumpkin is a delightful savory dish for fall, packed with garlic, herbs, sourdough bread, and tangy Gruyère cheese!
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Sugar Pumpkin
Brown Butter French Green Beans with Toasted Pecans
Here is where you will use 2-3 sentences to describe the image/post you want to link them to. This is your excerpt or quick overview for the post. Make sure to include a link at the end (this is how you get traffic) similar to this.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter French Green Beans with Toasted Pecans
Balsamic Roasted Carrots

These balsamic roasted carrots are a deliciously sweet and tangy addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, while the balsamic glaze adds a rich, savory note. They’re easy to prepare and make a colorful, flavorful side dish that pairs well with turkey and other holiday favorites.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Roasted Carrots
The Very Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Apple Cider

This cranberry sauce, made with apple cider, is the perfect blend of tart and sweet, making it an ideal choice for Thanksgiving side dish. The apple cider adds a subtle warmth that complements the cranberries, creating a sauce that’s both refreshing and festive. It’s a must-have on any Thanksgiving table, bringing a bright burst of flavor to the meal.
Get the Recipe: The Very Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Apple Cider
Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes
Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes take ordinary spuds to the next level with a rich, nutty, and buttery twist—pure comfort in every scoop!
To learn more: Browned Butter Mashed Potatoes
Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts With Almonds

These pan-fried Brussels sprouts with almonds are a crunchy, savory side dish that will stand out on your Thanksgiving menu. The nuttiness of the almonds complements the rich flavor of the Brussels sprouts, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. It’s a simple yet elegant addition to your holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts With Almonds
Roasted Butternut Squash with Bacon and Sage

Roasted butternut squash with bacon and sage is a hearty and flavorful side that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The sweetness of the squash, the smokiness of the bacon, and the earthy sage combine to create a dish that’s both comforting and festive. This dish brings a warm, autumnal flavor to any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash with Bacon and Sage
Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts

These slow cooker Brussels sprouts are an effortless way to add a healthy and delicious side dish to your Thanksgiving dinner. The slow cooking process enhances their natural flavors, making them tender and flavorful. They’re a great option for a hands-off side that still delivers on taste and nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

These Instant Pot mashed potatoes are creamy, fluffy, and easy to make, making them a perfect side for Thanksgiving. The Instant Pot ensures that the potatoes are cooked evenly and quickly, saving you time in the kitchen. They’re a classic choice that pairs well with any main course during the holiday season.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Moroccan Carrot Salad

This Moroccan carrot salad brings a unique and vibrant flavor to your Thanksgiving table. The combination of spices, citrus, and sweet carrots adds a refreshing contrast to the richer dishes typically served. It’s a light and zesty side that will brighten up your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Carrot Salad
Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

These oven-roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon are a savory, crispy side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The combination of smoky bacon and roasted Brussels sprouts creates a flavor-packed dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s a simple and delicious way to elevate your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Mashed Potatoes Instant Pot Recipe

This Instant Pot mashed potato recipe is a game-changer for your Thanksgiving side dishes. The potatoes come out perfectly creamy and smooth, with minimal effort required. They’re a must-have on your holiday table, complementing everything from turkey to gravy.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes Instant Pot Recipe
Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These rosemary garlic mashed potatoes are a flavorful and aromatic side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The rosemary and garlic add a fragrant depth to the creamy potatoes, making them a standout dish on your holiday table. They’re a comforting and tasty option that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Beetroot and Pumpkin Salad

This roasted beetroot and pumpkin salad is a vibrant and healthy side dish that’s ideal for Thanksgiving. The combination of earthy beets, sweet pumpkin, and tangy mustard vinaigrette creates a delicious contrast of flavors. It’s a colorful addition that will add a fresh touch to your holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beetroot and Pumpkin Salad
Roasted Butternut Squash with Blue Cheese and Pecans
This roasted butternut squash with blue cheese and pecans is a sophisticated and flavorful side dish for Thanksgiving. The sweetness of the squash, the sharpness of the blue cheese, and the crunch of the pecans create a balanced and satisfying dish. It’s a great way to add some gourmet flair to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash with Blue Cheese and Pecans
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

This cheesy cabbage casserole is a creamy and comforting side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The tender cabbage and melted cheese create a rich and hearty dish that complements the other flavors on your holiday table. It’s a crowd-pleasing option that’s sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
Pineapple Cheese Casserole

Pineapple cheese casserole is a sweet and savory dish that adds a unique flavor to your Thanksgiving menu. The combination of juicy pineapple and creamy cheese creates a dish that’s both surprising and delicious. It’s a fun and unexpected side that pairs well with traditional holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Cheese Casserole
Orange Jello Fluff Salad

Orange Jello fluff salad is a light and refreshing side that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. The citrusy flavor of the orange Jello combined with the creamy texture makes it a fun and nostalgic addition to your holiday meal. It’s a sweet and simple dish that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Orange Jello Fluff Salad
BEST Creamy Whipped Mashed Potatoes

These creamy whipped mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food for Thanksgiving. They’re incredibly smooth and fluffy, with a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with any holiday main course. This classic side dish is a must-have for your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: BEST Creamy Whipped Mashed Potatoes
Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

This cheesy vegetable casserole is a hearty and flavorful side that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. Packed with a variety of vegetables and topped with melted cheese, it’s a comforting dish that complements any holiday main. It’s a great way to add some vegetables to your festive spread in a delicious way.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegetable Casserole
Roasted Beet Salad

This roasted beet salad is a vibrant and healthy side dish for your Thanksgiving dinner. The sweet and earthy beets are perfectly complemented by a light dressing, making it a refreshing contrast to the richer dishes on the table. It’s a colorful and nutritious addition to your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad


