As the crisp autumn air ushers in the holiday season, Thanksgiving provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate with a feast that captivates both the palate and the eye. Whether you’re a home cook looking to impress or a mom “gearing “looking forward” to the 4am prep time, curating the ultimate Thanksgiving menu involves more than just the main course. It’s about crafting a harmonious blend of Thanksgiving side dishes that not only complement your turkey but also elevate your table’s Thanksgiving aesthetic.
From time-honored classics to innovative twists, I’ve curated my absolute favorite Thanksgiving menu ideas to transform your holiday gathering into a memorable event, filled with flavors that delight and presentations that inspire.
I’ve made all of these countless times and serve at least 6 of these side dishes every Thanksgiving meal. Along with the link to each recipe (located below each image), I’ll give you my added tips and tricks to make sure your Thanksgiving feast is absolutely perfect!
Pro tip: make double to have lots of Thanksgiving leftovers!
01 | Apple-Walnut Stuffing
You simply can’t have Thanksgiving turkey without Thanksgiving stuffing which is exactly why I put this recipe first, front and center.
This Apple Walnut Stuffing is as flavorful as it looks and blends sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and savory herbs to create a perfect complement to your holiday feast. This delicious stuffing adds a unique twist to the traditional dish, bringing warmth and rich texture to your Thanksgiving table. It’s my absolute favorite and I will never go back to regular boring stuffing again.
My Recipe Tip: Double the sausage and add pre-cooked bacon for extra heartiness and flavor. Drip some of the bacon drippings on top once fully assembled. I typically don’t use all 12 cups of bread either, but it really is up to how moist or dry you like your stuffing. Enjoy!
02 | Make Ahead Cider and Sage Gravy
Another Thanksgiving meal must-have is clearly gravy!
This Apple Cider Gravy is a delightful Thanksgiving recipe that adds a sweet and tangy twist to your holiday meal. Made with rich apple cider, sage and that’s right, NO drippings (makes it super easy to make ahead of time!), this flavorful gravy perfectly complements roasted turkey and other classic side dishes, making it my family’s favorite gravy recipe for the holidays.
My Recipe Tip: Don’t skimp and use dried herbs. Fresh herbs really do wonders for this recipe and add in that extra punch of flavor that you’ll want during each bite.
03 | Jammy Upside-Down Onion Tart
This Jammy Upside Down Onion Tart is a delectable and GORGEOUS Thanksgiving side dish that combines caramelized halved onions with a flaky, buttery crust. This savory tart offers a rich, jammy sweetness, making it a unique and flavorful addition to your holiday spread. Perfect for adding a gourmet touch to your Thanksgiving feast.
Much simpler to make than it looks, this onion side dish is sure to make your guests say “WOW!” The first time I made it my mom could not stop taking pictures before we cut in. It was truly the star of the show (move over Turkey!)
My Recipe Tip: Watch it like a hawk so your onions don’t burn. If they get too dry, they burn and stick to the pan and not only will it ruin the aesthetic of it, it will be sure to have that burnt taste. It’s better to take a peak and ensure they’re not burning than to trust that they’re not.
04 | Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Fritters with Chipotle Aioli
These Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Fritters are a bold and flavorful Thanksgiving side dish and the Chipotle Aioli is to die for. These crispy fritters combine sweet corn, spicy jalapeños, and sharp cheddar cheese, perfectly paired with a smoky chipotle aioli that’s fun to dip. Ideal for adding a zesty twist to your holiday meal.
My Recipe Tip: Make the fritter batter ahead of time to save time day of. If you are a newbie at frying, do a test round of 3-4 fritters when you make the batter to test how long your oil needs to heat up, how long you need to fry and to get your rhythm down for the day of. You’ll want to make these pretty close to serving time so they are crisp and warm so you won’t want to wait to experiment then.
I also added a bit more salt, pepper, and paprika to the batter after taste testing one.
05 | Parmesan Popovers with Crispy Sage Garlic Butter
Parmesan Popovers are an elegant Thanksgiving side dish that brings a savory touch to your holiday table. My family still loves our easy store bought Hawaiian rolls too, but these are always fun to have as an appetizer with soup or as a more elegant home-baked option.
These light and airy popovers are infused with rich Parmesan cheese and topped with a deliciously fragrant sage garlic butter, making them a perfect complement to any Thanksgiving feast.
My Recipe Tip: Don’t skip out on the sage butter to top them off with. It’s absolutely delicious and worth the extra time. I make mine ahead and warm it up right before serving time. Given it’s melted butter, I serve it either by pouring over each one once they’re served or providing dipping dishes for each guest.
Related: The Best 25 Holiday Appetizers
06 | Paula Deen’s Corn Casserole
Corn Casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that combines sweet corn with a creamy, buttery base for a comforting and delicious addition to your holiday meal. I love a bit with my Turkey and always make extra for Thanksgiving leftovers!
This easy-to-make casserole is rich, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser, making it a staple for any Thanksgiving feast.
My Recipe Tip: For extra flavor, opt for sharp cheddar cheese and, if you love cheese like I do, add in extra!
07 | Spiced Pears and Roasted Sweet Potatoes
I love blending flavors for a unique and memorable twist during the Holidays. This Roasted Spiced Pears and Sweet Potatoes dish is a heartwarming Thanksgiving recipe that perfectly balances the sweetness of pears with the earthy richness of sweet potatoes. It is a favorite of my father-in-law, who loves how the spices elevate the natural flavors, making it a standout on our holiday table.
My Recipe Tip: I found this recipe to be quite large; I had lots of leftovers and it doesn’t keep well, especially the pears. If you’re making a lot of side dishes for your Thanksgiving meal, perhaps cut this one in half.
08 | Fall Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Kale Salad
The Fall Harvest Honeycrisp Apple and Kale Salad from Half Baked Harvest is a refreshing holiday salad recipe that is as tasty as it is beautiful.
Crisp Honeycrisp apples, tender kale, and a medley of autumn-inspired ingredients come together with a light, tangy dressing, creating a vibrant and nutritious addition to your holiday meal. Perfect for adding a fresh, seasonal touch to your festive table.
My Recipe Tip: This recipe is pretty straight forward and I typically follow as is, but I have experimented by adding in pear when I’m short on apples and it tastes just as good!
09 | Gourmet Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole is a Thanksgiving classic, but I love an elevated version with some added veggies. Featuring tender green beans in a creamy, savory sauce topped with crispy shallots and a hint of fresh herbs, this dish adds a refined twist to your holiday table while retaining the comforting essence of the traditional favorite.
My Recipe Tip: I opted to use 1 cup of cream and 1 cup whole milk for mine to make it thicker instead of the 2 cups milk that is suggested. I found it to be a bit watered down so appreciated the thickness the heavier milks provide.
10 | Restaurant Style Oysters Rockefeller
The tradition of Thanksgiving oysters as a side dish dates back to early American feasts, where oysters were a popular and luxurious addition to holiday tables. This Thanksgiving side dish is celebrated for its rich, briny flavor and versatility, often enjoyed raw, baked, or incorporated into savory stuffing. Embracing this tradition adds a touch of historical charm and sophistication to your holiday spread.
My Recipe Tip: New to shucking oysters? We bought these shucking knives from amazon: two for under $14 and comes with a glove to keep your hands protected. They worked really well and didn’t break the bank.
I love the Rockefeller recipe but also like throwing in a few different versions for people to taste as well. It makes for a great and memorable appetizer!
11 | Quick Candied Chesnuts
Roasted chestnuts are a cherished holiday appetizer that brings warmth and nostalgia to the holiday season. Traditionally enjoyed around festive gatherings, these nuts are roasted until their shells are crisp and their insides are tender and sweet. Their comforting aroma and rich flavor make them a timeless and beloved addition to holiday celebrations, perfect for sharing with family and friends as an appetizer or as a side for your Thanksgiving meal.
My Recipe Tip: Get the family involved in peeling them. It will take you way to long to do by yourself (especially since they’re peeled easiest when warm) and it actually becomes a fun activity everyone can do together while you wrap up finishing Thanksgiving touches.
12 | Carmelized Onion and Bacon Mashed Potatoes
I’ve tried many mashed potatoes recipes and can honestly say this Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes are one of the best. A decadent Thanksgiving side dish that elevates classic mashed potatoes with the rich, sweet flavor of caramelized onions, this one is sure to be a crowd favorite! The creamy and savory dish combines buttery mashed potatoes with deeply caramelized onions, creating a luxurious and comforting addition to your holiday table.
My Recipe Tip: I make my carmelized onions and bacon ahead of time to help cut down on time spent cooking the day of Thanksgiving. I also add in a bit of duck fat to give extra richness. Seriously trust me on this one!
Related: 15 Fabulously Gourmet Deviled Egg Recipes
13 | Homemade Green Bean Casserole
Though it’s the second green bean casserole on my list, it may just be my favorite. Made from scratch with tender green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions, this dish offers a flavorful and comforting twist on the classic recipe, ensuring a satisfying addition to your Thanksgiving feast. It’s very rich and sure to make you go back for seconds!
My Recipe Tip: I added in paprika in addition to the suggested nutmeg, thyme and red pepper flakes for a bit of kick and it tasted amazing!
14 | Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits
These Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits are a bold and flavorful Thanksgiving side dish that combines spicy jalapeños with sharp cheddar cheese in a flaky, buttery biscuit. These irresistible biscuits add a zesty kick to your holiday meal, making them a standout choice for adding both flavor and texture to your Thanksgiving spread.
My Recipe Tip: These are great to make a head of time and pop in the oven to warm up 10 minutes before serving. I love to add a tablespoon or two of honey to mine when mixing together the wet ingredients. Adds a bit of (in my opinion) needed sweetness!
15 | Duck Fat Fondant Potatoes
Duck Fondant Potatoes are a sophisticated Thanksgiving side dish idea that elevate your holiday meal with their rich, buttery flavor. These potatoes are cooked with a unique technique where they are first seared to a golden crisp and then braised in a flavorful broth until tender and flavorful. The result is a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth side that adds a touch of elegance and indulgence to your Thanksgiving feast.
My Recipe Tip: I add nearly twice as much chicken broth as the recipe calls for to make sure these are really flavorful and will melt in your mouth. I start with the recommended amount and add as it begins to simmer and absorb into the potatoes. These are my daughters all time favorite and I regularly make them for weekend night dinner.
16 | Roasted Carrots and Red Onion with Fennel and Mint
Roasted carrots are one of my more cherished memories of Thanksgiving as they were the side dish my Grannie and I always made together. I’ve evolved our baby carrots and sugar maple glaze quite a bit since the and really enjoy experimenting with different recipes that incorporate other great vegetables.
These Roasted Carrots and Red Onions are a delightful Thanksgiving side dish idea that brings a sweet, caramelized flavor to your holiday table. Simply seasoned and oven-roasted until tender and golden, these carrots offer a simple yet elegant addition to your Thanksgiving feast. Their natural sweetness and vibrant color make them a versatile and appealing choice for enhancing your holiday spread.
My Recipe Tip: I make this recipe a bit differently every time I make it (another reason I like it: it’s really versatile). I tend to omit the coriander seeds because I don’t have them readily available and substitute with cumin. Celery is typically what I substitute for fennel and it does just the trick!
17 | Roast Pumpkin With Feta & Honey
Roasted pumpkin is an exceptional Thanksgiving side dish idea that enhances your holiday meal with its sweet, caramelized flavor and is a fun way to cross over from Halloween to Thanksgiving.
Oven-roasted to perfection, the pumpkin develops a tender, golden exterior that complements its rich, savory taste. This simple yet elegant side dish adds a warm, seasonal touch to your Thanksgiving feast, making it a versatile choice for your holiday table.
My Recipe Tip: If you’re not a fan of pumpkin, it’s an easy swap for butternut squash. Occasionally I’ll do both pumpkin and squash which is extra yummy!
18 | Rosemary Parmesan Sweet Potato Stacks
I love offering sweet potatoes at my Thanksgiving meal, especially alongside mashed potatoes for different options. These Rosemary Parmesan Sweet Potato Stacks are a visually stunning Thanksgiving side dish that offers a delightful twist on traditional sweet potatoes. Thinly sliced sweet potatoes are layered and baked until tender and caramelized, creating elegant stacks with a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. These stacks add a sophisticated touch to your holiday table while providing a delicious and memorable side.
My Recipe Tip: I always add in fresh thyme for these; thyme and rosemary blend so well together and the added herb makes them more flavorful. Paprika is another spice I like to dash on top.
19 | Spinach Pear and Feta Salad Recipe
The Spinach Pear and Feta Salad is a refreshing Thanksgiving salad that combines crisp spinach, sweet ripe pears, and tangy feta cheese for a vibrant, flavorful dish. Tossed with a light vinaigrette, this salad adds a bright, seasonal touch to your holiday table, offering a delightful balance of textures and tastes that perfectly complement your Thanksgiving feast.
My Recipe Tip: Slice your pears in advance to save time and spritz with lemon juice to keep them from browning.
20 | Whole Roasted Shallots
One of my favorite Thanksgiving side dishes are onions. It’s one of the items I spend the most time on selecting each year because I truly think they’re that important to the success of the overall meal.
I love this Roasted Shallots recipe because it’s so easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Caramelized to perfection, these tender shallots develop a sweet, rich flavor that complements every one of your Thanksgiving side dishes. Their savory depth and golden, crisp edges make them a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
My Recipe Tip: This recipe is great as is, but I love to add in more flavor typically. I do this by adding in a smidge of butter and duck fat and double the herbs called for.
21 | Heirloom Tomato Tarte with Ricotta and Basil
The Heirloom Tomato Tart by Williams Sonoma is a sophisticated Thanksgiving side dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of seasonal tomatoes. Featuring a flaky, buttery crust filled with ripe heirloom tomatoes and a blend of savory herbs and cheeses, this tart adds a gourmet touch to your holiday table. Its colorful presentation and rich, savory taste make it a standout choice for enhancing your Thanksgiving feast.
My Recipe Tip: I love how fresh and light ricotta cheese is which makes this tarte truly perfect for Thanksgiving. If you prefer it to be a bit richer, I add a light layer of smooth goat cheese to the base of the crust and top the ricotta on top. It adds a bit of richness that we really do enjoy.
23 | Best Tomato Soup Ever
I am not lying (nor is the name of this soup) when I say this is the absolute best Tomato Soup I’ve ever made. I originally made it for a family get-together but now love serving it with rolls and a salad for an early first course for Thanksgiving dinner.
Made with ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a hint of cream, this velvety soup offers a warm and inviting flavor that’s perfect for starting your Thanksgiving feast. Its classic taste and smooth texture make it a delightful addition to any Thanksgiving spread.
My Recipe Tip: I make this a day ahead of time for two reasons: the first is that I don’t have time to make it on Thanksgiving with everything else going on and the second is that it tastes so much better on day two as the flavors have time to really blend together. Make a lot as you can easily keep it in the refrigerator or freezer for lots of leftovers!
Related: The Top 25 Easter Side Dishes. Check out this list for additional delicious side dish recipes for a more fresh, spring-forward focus.
24 | Maple Chipotle Cranberry Sauce
The tradition of Thanksgiving cranberry sauce as a side dish is a staple of holiday feasts, celebrated for its vibrant color and tart, refreshing flavor.
Truth be told, I never like Cranberry sauce until I tried this recipe. My mother-in-law still swears by store-bought sauce so we compromise and have both! Whether homemade or store-bought, cranberry sauce has become an essential part of the Thanksgiving table.
My Recipe Tip: I love spice (I’m a five-star spice level type of gal!) but one can of chipotle adobo is far too much and overpowers the sweetness and tartness of this dish. Just my opinion though! I would suggest adding it in slowly because once it’s added, you can’t go back.
25 | Baked Brie Pumpkin with Spiced Maple Pumpkin Butter
This Baked Brie Pumpkin with Spiced Maple Pumpkin Butter is a standout choice for Thanksgiving appetizer ideas. This dish features a creamy wheel of Brie, wrapped in puff pastry and shaped into a pumpkin using twine. It’s perfect for a festive Thanksgiving charcuterie board, offering a delicious and visually striking appetizer that combines rich flavors with seasonal charm.
My Recipe Tip: Make sure to get your brie and puff pastry out of the refrigerator/freezer so as to start coming to room temperature plenty in advance so you will be able to easily mold them into the pumpkin shape. As mentioned, it’s a perfect addition to a charcuterie board which is how I typically serve this: either as an appetizer if there is a late dinner or as a post dinner snack (if I served Thanksgiving lunch) that we all enjoy while playing games.
26 | Vegan Corn Ribs with Aleppo Chili Butter & Lime Zest Cream Cheese
Corn Ribs are a fun and tasty recipe for the summer or holidays that transforms fresh corn on the cob into crispy, rib-like strips. To make them, slice the corn in vertical strips, season, and bake in your air fryer. These flavorful, crunchy corn ribs make a unique and delicious side dish for your holiday celebrations.
My Recipe Tip: The corn ribs are a bit intimidating for my kids so I typically opt to cut the corn kernels off and serve in a bowl instead of as strips. To do this, I bake the corn first and cut the kernels off after. I also opt to keep the dressings on the side so as not to deter picky eaters.
27 | Garlic Confit
Garlic Confit is a versatile holiday recipe made by slowly cooking garlic cloves in olive oil until they are tender and infused with rich, mellow flavors. This aromatic condiment can be used to enhance a variety of dishes, from spreading on crusty bread and adding to roasted meats, to mixing into vegetables and sauces. Its buttery texture and robust taste make it a delightful addition to your holiday menu. Easy to make ahead of time, it’s an absolute must-have!
My Recipe Tip: I always add duck fat to my olive oil when cooking the garlic cloves. Duck fat is considered chef’s gold as it adds so much amazing flavor. Trust me on this one, it’s delicious!
And there you have it! When crafting the perfect Thanksgiving feast, the right side dishes can elevate your holiday meal to unforgettable heights. From classic favorites to innovative twists, these Thanksgiving recipes offer something for everyone at the table.
The key is to blend flavors and textures that complement your main course while bringing warmth and joy to your gathering.
Embrace the season and let these side dish recipes become the second-best highlight of your Thanksgiving celebration (family is of course the first!).
Comment below and let me know which are your favorites!
[…] Related: 25+ Delicious Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes […]