18 Thanksgiving Sides That Always Remind Me of Mom
Nov 26, 2025
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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!
Table of Contents
- Roasted Beet Salad
- Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
- Cranberry Jello Salad With Mandarins and Pineapple
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries
- Cheesy Vegetable Casserole
- Moroccan Carrot Salad – Delicious Make-ahead Side Dish
- Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
- Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Pudding
- Easy Southern Dressing (Stuffing) in the Air Fryer
- Cranberry Sauce with Oranges
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup With Sage Croutons
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
- Baked Stuffed Sugar Pumpkin
- Best Southern Corn Pudding
- Loaded Bacon Mashed Potatoes
- Cauliflower au Gratin
- Mom’s Sausage Stuffing
- Rustic Rosemary Thyme Mashed Potatoes (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Paleo)
- Sourdough Corn Muffins
- Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab
Roasted Beet Salad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
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
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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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)
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
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

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


