18 Thanksgiving Sides That Always Remind Me of Mom

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As Thanksgiving nears, nothing evokes childhood memories like my mom’s classic sides! From creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese to tangy Cranberry Jello Salad with Mandarins and Pineapple, these 20 cherished recipes bring warmth and nostalgia. Every bite of Loaded Bacon Mashed Potatoes and Cheesy Vegetable Casserole takes me back to my mom’s kitchen, filled with laughter and lively holiday spirit!

Roasted Beet Salad

A colorful salad with roasted red beets, orange segments, arugula, and feta cheese, served in a white bowl. A fork rests on the edge of the bowl. Pieces of rustic bread sit on a wooden board next to the bowl. Some arugula leaves are scattered around the plate.
Roasted Beet Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Roasted Beet Salad is a fantastic choice for Thanksgiving side dishes, bringing vibrant color and earthy flavors to your table. The beets, roasted to perfection, pair beautifully with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s a light and healthy option that balances out heavier dishes. With minimal prep, this salad is as easy to make as it is to enjoy. Your guests will appreciate this fresh, flavorful addition to the feast.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

A close-up of a baked macaroni and cheese casserole shows golden-brown melted cheese on top. A silver spoon is scooping out a portion, revealing creamy macaroni beneath. The dish is in a glass baking dish, with edges visible on all sides of the image.
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Chenée Today.

This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food for your Thanksgiving side dishes. Its rich, creamy texture, thanks to a blend of cheeses, makes every bite a treat. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch, making it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, so you can focus on other holiday dishes. Serve this, and you’ll have people asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Cranberry Jello Salad With Mandarins and Pineapple

A white plate features a serving of vibrant cranberry salad with whole cranberries and orange slices, set on a white table next to gold forks, a green and white cloth, and another plate of salad in the background. A glass baking dish with more salad is also visible.
Cranberry Jello Salad With Mandarins and Pineapple. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Add a burst of color and flavor to your Thanksgiving side dishes with this Cranberry Jello Salad. The tangy cranberries blend perfectly with the sweet mandarins and pineapple, creating a refreshing contrast. It’s not just delicious but also a visual treat that brightens up any holiday table. Easy to make ahead, it’s a stress-free addition to your feast. This salad is sure to be a festive favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Jello Salad With Mandarins and Pineapple

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries

A close-up of a bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts, pecans, and dried cranberries. A fork is partially visible in the background, resting on a woven, checkered placemat. The vibrant colors of the dish stand out, highlighting the golden brown and green textures.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Elevate your Thanksgiving side dishes with these Roasted Brussels Sprouts featuring bacon, pecans, and cranberries. The Brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted, while the bacon adds a savory crunch, and the pecans and cranberries provide a sweet and nutty twist. This dish is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that complements any holiday spread. It’s easy to prepare, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience. Serve this, and your guests will be impressed.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries

Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta, vegetables, and a fork. The dish appears to contain carrots, broccoli, and possibly mushrooms in a thick, cheesy sauce. Slices of bread and a small bowl of additional vegetables are visible in the background.
Cheesy Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This Cheesy Vegetable Casserole is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving side dishes, combining a variety of vegetables in a rich, cheesy sauce. The dish is baked to golden perfection, making it a comforting and delicious side that everyone will enjoy. It’s a great way to include more veggies in your holiday meal without sacrificing flavor. Simple to make, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Moroccan Carrot Salad – Delicious Make-ahead Side Dish

A vibrant dish of diced and sliced cooked carrots garnished with chopped herbs sits in a wooden bowl. The background features a blue cloth draped casually, adding contrast. The image branding includes the text “whole new mom” with a small flower logo in the bottom left corner.
Moroccan Carrot Salad – Delicious Make-ahead Side Dish. Photo credit: Whole New Mom.

Bring a fragrant touch to your Thanksgiving side dishes with this Moroccan Carrot Salad. The carrots are infused with a blend of spices and a zesty dressing, creating a unique and flavorful salad. It’s a great make-ahead dish, allowing you to focus on other holiday preparations. This vibrant salad adds a refreshing and healthy option to your feast. Your guests will love the exciting flavors and beautiful presentation.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Carrot Salad – Delicious Make-ahead Side Dish

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 an excellent choice for Thanksgiving side dishes, offering a hearty and comforting option. The cabbage is smothered in a creamy cheese sauce and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s an easy-to-make dish that will warm the hearts of your guests. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout side that pairs well with any main course.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Pudding

A casserole dish with a portion of cheesy potato bake is seen next to a wooden bowl filled with the same dish, garnished with sliced jalapeños. Shredded cheese and a whole jalapeño pepper are placed on a dark blue cloth next to the dishes.
Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Pudding. Photo credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

Spice up your Thanksgiving side dishes with this Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Pudding. The cornbread is enriched with sharp cheddar and a hint of jalapeno, adding a flavorful kick. It’s moist, savory, and just the right amount of spicy, making it a unique addition to your holiday table. This dish is easy to prepare and will surely impress your guests. Serve it warm for the best experience.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Pudding

Easy Southern Dressing (Stuffing) in the Air Fryer

A baking dish with golden-brown stuffing, a serving spoon, and fresh sage leaves.
Image Credit: Little Black Skillet

This Easy Southern Dressing made in the Air Fryer is a game-changer for Thanksgiving side dishes. It’s packed with traditional flavors but prepared with modern convenience. The air fryer gives it a perfect crispy texture without drying it out. It’s a quick and easy recipe, freeing up your oven for other dishes. Your guests will love this flavorful and perfectly cooked stuffing.
Get the Recipe: Easy Southern Dressing (Stuffing) in the Air Fryer

Cranberry Sauce with Oranges

A jar of cranberry sauce topped with three orange slices. The jar is placed on a wooden surface with a piece of dark green fabric underneath. Cinnamon sticks are nearby, and the jar is secured with a metal clasp lid that is partially open.
Cranberry Sauce with Oranges. Photo credit: Peak to Plate.

Enhance your Thanksgiving side dishes with this Cranberry Sauce with Oranges. The tartness of the cranberries is balanced by the sweet and citrusy notes of oranges, creating a refreshing and vibrant sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant addition to your holiday table. Make it ahead to save time on the big day. This sauce pairs beautifully with turkey and other festive dishes, adding a burst of flavor to each bite.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce with Oranges

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup With Sage Croutons

A bowl of creamy pumpkin soup garnished with croutons and fresh mint leaves is placed on a wooden surface. Surrounding the bowl, there are additional croutons and mint leaves scattered artistically. A spoon is inserted into the soup.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup With Sage Croutons. Photo credit: Ask the Food Geek.

Warm up your Thanksgiving side dishes with this Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. The creamy soup is rich with the natural sweetness of butternut squash, enhanced by the earthy flavor of sage croutons. It’s an elegant and comforting starter that sets the tone for a festive meal. Easy to prepare ahead of time, it’s perfect for stress-free holiday cooking. Your guests will savor every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup With Sage Croutons

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

A close-up image of a baked dish topped with golden-brown, toasted marshmallows. The marshmallows are slightly puffed and have a light, crispy texture on top, with some areas showing a deeper brown caramelization.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

This Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a must-have for Thanksgiving side dishes. The sweet potatoes are mashed to perfection and topped with a layer of fluffy marshmallows, creating a delightful contrast. It’s a nostalgic and beloved dish that adds sweetness to your holiday table. Simple to prepare, it’s sure to bring back fond memories and create new ones. Serve this, and watch it disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Baked Stuffed Sugar Pumpkin

A sliced baked stuffed pumpkin showing bread, cheese, and herbs inside, on a plate with red berries in the background.
Baked Stuffed Sugar Pumpkin. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Impress your guests with this Baked Stuffed Sugar Pumpkin as part of your Thanksgiving side dishes. The pumpkin is filled with a savory mix of rice, vegetables, and spices, then baked to tender perfection. It’s a beautiful and delicious centerpiece that adds a festive touch to your table. This dish is not only flavorful but also easy to prepare. Your guests will love the unique presentation and taste.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Sugar Pumpkin

Best Southern Corn Pudding

The image shows a close-up of a corn casserole topped with pieces of corn, green onions, and seasonings. The dish has a golden-brown finish and is garnished with fresh herbs.
Photo Credit: Not Entirely Average.

This Southern Corn Pudding is a classic addition to your Thanksgiving side dishes. It’s creamy, sweet, and bursting with corn flavor, making it a comforting favorite. The simple ingredients come together easily, creating a rich and satisfying dish. Perfect for any holiday table, this corn pudding is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Enjoy this timeless recipe that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Best Southern Corn Pudding

Loaded Bacon Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of loaded mashed potatoes topped with shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped chives. A silver spoon is partially visible on the right side of the bowl. The dish appears creamy and well-seasoned.
Loaded Bacon Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Evolving Table.

These Loaded Bacon Mashed Potatoes are the perfect indulgence for Thanksgiving side dishes. Creamy mashed potatoes are taken to the next level with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Every bite is a burst of flavor and comfort. They are easy to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Bacon Mashed Potatoes

Cauliflower au Gratin

A close-up photo of a cheesy cauliflower and broccoli bake in a white rectangular dish. The top layer is golden and sprinkled with herbs, and fresh thyme sprigs garnish the dish. The edges of the bake have a crispy, browned appearance.
Cauliflower au Gratin. Photo credit: Evolving Table.

This Cauliflower au Gratin is a delicious and elegant option for Thanksgiving side dishes. The cauliflower is baked in a creamy cheese sauce until golden and bubbly, making it a comforting yet sophisticated side. It’s a great way to enjoy vegetables in a rich and flavorful dish. Easy to prepare, it complements any holiday meal perfectly. Your guests will love this tasty and wholesome side.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower au Gratin

Mom’s Sausage Stuffing

A close-up image of a casserole dish filled with homemade stuffing. The stuffing has a golden-brown, crispy top and is mixed with pieces of bread, celery, and onions. A wooden spoon is scooping out some of the stuffing from the dish. Text at the bottom reads "FLAVORFULEATS.COM.
Mom’s Sausage Stuffing. Photo credit: Flavorful Eats.

This classic Sausage Stuffing is a must-have for Thanksgiving side dishes. Loaded with savory sausage, herbs, and bread cubes, it’s a flavorful and hearty addition to your holiday table. The stuffing is baked to golden perfection, making it a comforting favorite. It’s easy to prepare and will fill your home with wonderful aromas. Serve this stuffing, and it will surely become a family tradition.
Get the Recipe: Mom’s Sausage Stuffing

Rustic Rosemary Thyme Mashed Potatoes (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Paleo)

A close-up of a plate of mashed potatoes garnished with fresh thyme leaves. A sprig of rosemary is placed next to the mashed potatoes, enhancing the rustic presentation of the dish.
Rustic Rosemary Thyme Mashed Potatoes (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Paleo). Photo credit: Strength and Sunshine.

These Rustic Rosemary Thyme Mashed Potatoes are a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving side dishes. They are creamy, fragrant, and full of earthy flavors from fresh herbs. Being gluten-free, vegan, and paleo, they cater to various dietary preferences without compromising on taste. Easy to prepare, these mashed potatoes add a wholesome and delicious touch to your holiday feast. Everyone will love this flavorful side.
Get the Recipe: Rustic Rosemary Thyme Mashed Potatoes (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Paleo)

Sourdough Corn Muffins

A close-up of a basket filled with golden-brown cornbread muffins, each wrapped in brown paper liners. The muffins are displayed in a mildly chaotic arrangement, highlighting their fluffy texture and slightly cracked surfaces.
Sourdough Corn Muffins. Photo credit: Sourdough Brandon.

These Sourdough Corn Muffins are a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving side dishes. The tangy sourdough flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of corn, creating a unique and delicious muffin. They are easy to make and perfect for soaking up gravy or accompanying any holiday dish. These muffins are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Serve them warm for the best experience.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Corn Muffins

Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab

A white plate filled with stuffed mushrooms, each topped with golden brown breadcrumbs and herbs. At the center, a small bowl contains citrus wedges, adding a bright contrast to the earthy colors of the mushrooms.
Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab. Photo credit: Heavenly Spiced.

Add a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving side dishes with these Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab. The mushrooms are filled with a rich, creamy crab mixture, then baked to perfection. They are easy to make and packed with flavor, making them a standout side. These mushrooms are a delicious way to impress your guests. Serve them hot and watch them disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab

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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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