25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes and Hostess Gifts

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.

Autumn Cranberry Apple Chutney

A bowl of mixed fruit salad in a syrupy liquid, including cherries, apples, and pineapples, with a metal spoon inside.
Autumn Cranberry Apple Chutney. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

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

A crock of steamed corn pudding with herbs.
Best Southern Corn Pudding. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

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

A casserole of cheesy potatoes with a spoon.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

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

A glass baking dish filled with baked squash casserole.
Best Creamy and Easy Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

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 baked stuffed pumpkin with a melted cheese topping sits on a serving dish lined with parchment paper.
Baked Stuffed Sugar Pumpkin. Photo Credit: Not Entirely Average.

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

ie-canva_free__studio_philippines-chapati_flour-2655979
Brown Butter French Green Beans with Toasted Pecans. Photo Credit: Not Entirely Average.

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

A white rectangular dish filled with glazed baby carrots garnished with herbs. A silver serving spoon rests in the dish. The dish is placed on a wooden surface with a white cloth and shredded white material in the background.
Balsamic Roasted Carrots. Photo credit: Will Cook for Smiles.

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

A round white bowl filled with thick, vibrant red cranberry sauce is placed on a wooden surface. Fresh cranberries and two cinnamon sticks are scattered around the bowl, and a white cloth is partially visible in the top left corner.
The Very Best Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Apple Cider. Photo credit: Casual Foodist.

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

Creamy mashed potatoes topped with butter and chives, served in a bowl on a checkered kitchen towel.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

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

A rectangular ceramic plate holds roasted Brussels sprouts garnished with chopped almonds and black sesame seeds. Two silver spoons rest beside the plate on a light marble surface. A few almond pieces are scattered around the plate.
Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts With Almonds. Photo credit: Dancing Through the Rain.

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

A close-up of a plate filled with roasted butternut squash cubes, crispy bacon pieces, and garnished with chopped parsley. A sage leaf is visible in the background. The website name "DancingThroughTheRain.com" is written at the bottom right corner.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Bacon and Sage. Photo credit: Dancing Through the Rain.

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

A decorative ceramic dish filled with roasted Brussels sprouts, pomegranate seeds, and crumbled feta cheese. The colorful dish is placed on a white plate, with another plate of the same dish in the background. A slow cooker is slightly visible to the left.
Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

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

A rustic, white ceramic bowl filled with creamy mashed potatoes, topped with two pats of butter and sprinkled with chopped parsley, sits on a red and white checkered cloth. A wooden spoon lies beside the bowl.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

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

A close-up of a wooden bowl filled with glazed carrot slices garnished with parsley. The vibrant orange carrots are coated in a shiny glaze and mixed with green parsley, creating a colorful and appetizing dish. A blue cloth is partially visible under the bowl.
Moroccan Carrot Salad. Photo credit: Whole New Mom.

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

A white bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts and pieces of crispy bacon sits on a wooden table. Two silver forks lie beside the bowl, and a blue and white striped cloth is partially visible on the left side.
Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. Photo credit: Whole New Mom.

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

A square white bowl filled with mashed potatoes, topped with a pat of butter and garnished with parsley, is set on a white surface. In the background, there is a black and white checkered cloth and two white ceramic containers. A wooden spoon lies nearby.
Mashed Potatoes Instant Pot Recipe. Photo credit: Saving Dollars and Sense.

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

A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes with a pat of melting butter in the center, garnished with a sprig of rosemary. The bowl sits on a light wooden table with a green napkin, a white plate, and a vintage silver spoon nearby.
Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Heavenly Spiced.

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

A fresh salad in a white bowl on a wooden table. The salad includes spinach, roasted sweet potatoes, beets, pecans, feta cheese, and dried apricots. Wooden salad servers are in the bowl, a small pitcher of dressing is on the side, along with a white cloth napkin.
Roasted Beetroot and Pumpkin Salad. Photo credit: Heavenly Spiced.

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

A white bowl with roasted butternut squash cubes, toasted pecans, melted cheese, and fresh herbs on a dark surface.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Blue Cheese and Pecans. Photo credit: Healthy Family Project.

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

A white rectangular casserole dish filled with a baked dish topped with crushed crackers and melted cheese on a light-colored surface. The edges of the dish have handles, and the topping appears golden and crispy.
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole. Photo credit: My Kitchen Serenity.

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

A white plate holds a serving of pineapple casserole topped with a golden, crumbly crust. A fork rests on the plate. Another plate with the same dish and a checked cloth are visible in the background. The setup is on a beige surface.
Pineapple Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: My Kitchen Serenity.

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

A bowl of peach fluff salad is topped with mini marshmallows and pecan pieces. The dessert is creamy and light orange in color. The bowl sits on a beige surface, accompanied by a striped towel, two spoons, and a small white dish.
Orange Jello Fluff Salad. Photo credit: My Kitchen Serenity.

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

A black bowl filled with creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with a few sprigs of fresh thyme and a drizzle of melted butter. A spoon rests in the mashed potatoes, and a striped cloth and whole potatoes are visible in the background.
BEST Creamy Whipped Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Emkay’s Kitchen.

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

A bowl of creamy vegetable pasta featuring carrots, broccoli, and mushrooms. The dish is topped with a rich yellow sauce, and is accompanied by slices of bread and a small bowl of mushrooms in the background. A fork rests inside the bowl.
Cheesy Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

A fresh salad featuring roasted beetroot, orange segments, and crumbled feta cheese on a bed of arugula in a white plate. The plate is placed on a white tablecloth next to sliced bread. A fork is placed on the plate, ready for eating.
Roasted Beet Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

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

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 *