Easy Thanksgiving Sides to Wow the Table and Everyone at It
Babe, let’s talk Thanksgiving Dinner Sides. Just between you and me, the turkey’s just the accessory. The sides? They’re the moment.
You want flavor that slaps, not stress that snaps. You want those “wait… YOU made this?” gasps, and honey, you’re about to collect them all.
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Easy Thanksgiving Sides
- Mashed potatoes
- Stuffing
- Green bean casserole
- Dinner rolls
- Roasted brussels sprouts
- Sweet potato casserole
- Cranberry sauce
- Mac and cheese
- Deviled eggs
- Collard greens
- Glazed Carrots
Beyond the Classics: Expand Your Thanksgiving Menu
It’s time to give Thanksgiving Dinner Sides their spotlight moment. Whether you’re feeding the whole fam or hosting a cozy Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner for two, aka you and your Netflix queue, these Thanksgiving Side Dishes Recipes are your one-way ticket to table glory. Comfort food classics, but make it glow-up chic.
You want dishes that impress without the meltdown, flavors that feel cozy but still a little extra, and bestie, I’ve got you. These easy recipes are all about glow-up comfort food: classic, drool-worthy, and totally doable.
Credit: Half Baked Harvest
What are the most popular easy Thanksgiving side dishes?
Let’s talk sides that always steal the show and won’t have you sweating in the kitchen like you’re on a cooking competition.
These are the Thanksgiving dinner sides that everyone expects and secretly judges you on, but we’re keeping them effortlessly fabulous.
- Mashed Potatoes: The Beyoncé of Thanksgiving Vegetable Side Dishes. Fluffy, buttery, and literally everyone’s favorite. Garlic, chives, or a touch of cream cheese? Yes, please.
- Stuffing: Savory, herby, and basically the definition of “cozy.” Whether cornbread, sourdough, or classic bread stuffing, this dish is table royalty.
- Green Bean Casserole: A Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner staple. Creamy, crispy, and nostalgic in the best way, topped with fried onions or golden breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, golden, and melt-in-your-mouth fluffy. Essential for mopping up gravy, stealing bites of butter, or just being cute on the table.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized, and giving main character veggie vibes. Bonus points if you toss in pecans or cranberries for extra sparkle.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: Dessert pretending to be a side. Sweet, nutty, and cozy, with that irresistible crumble topping that has everyone reaching for seconds.
- Cranberry Sauce: Tart, sweet, and the ultimate plate glow-up. Like lip gloss, but edible. Bonus points for orange zest or a splash of pomegranate juice.
- Mac and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and basically everyone’s childhood dream. Not technically “traditional,” but babe, we don’t gatekeep flavor.
- Deviled Eggs: Small, sassy, and customizable. Classic mustard, creamy avocado, or spicy sriracha — bite-sized perfection that disappears fast.
- Collard Greens: Soulful, savory, and full of home-cooked love. Cooked with smoked turkey, aromatics, or a touch of vinegar, these greens bring cozy balance to the table.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots: Tender, glossy, and naturally sweet. Honey + butter + thyme = perfection. Roast until slightly caramelized, then finish with a squeeze of orange juice and a sprinkle of flaky salt.
These Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes are cozy, classic, and no-drama, so you can slay your hosting duties without losing your sparkle.
🥔 1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the moment. Creamy, fluffy, buttery clouds of joy that make everyone at the table emotional. These Thanksgiving vegetable side dishes are simple but unforgettable.
Make ahead of time
Prepare and mash your potatoes the day before. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop with some milk or cream cheese before serving.
💡 Glow-up tip: Warm your milk and butter before adding them in. It keeps your mash velvety smooth instead of gluey. For a fancy twist, stir in roasted garlic or a sprinkle of parmesan.
🥄 Serve with: A lake of gravy and zero shame.
🍞 2. Herby Sourdough Stuffing
Stuffing is non-negotiable, babe. This one is golden, soft in the center, and full of herby magic that makes your house smell like a traditional Thanksgiving dinner dream.
Make ahead of time
This savory dish can be assembled entirely a day ahead. Simply combine all ingredients except the wet mixture (broth or eggs). Cover and refrigerate. On Thanksgiving Day, bring it to room temperature, add the wet mixture, and bake according to recipe instructions.
✨ Glow-up tip: Toast your sourdough cubes in the oven before mixing. It gives that perfect crisp-meets-soft texture. Add onions, celery, and fresh sage for that “grandma’s kitchen but make it chic” energy.
🍽️ Bonus idea: Bake it in a pretty dish for Instagram points.
💚 3. Green Bean Casserole Glow-Up
She’s classic. She’s creamy. She’s that one Thanksgiving Food Side everyone pretends to be “over,” but somehow the dish is empty first. The Green Bean Casserole has entered the chat and babe, she’s gotten a facelift.
Instead of the heavy canned soup version, this glow-up keeps it light and luxe. Fresh green beans, sautéed mushrooms, and a velvety sauce made with cream, garlic, and a little butter, because duh. Then it’s topped with crispy fried onions for that classic crunch, or panko breadcrumbs if you want a lighter, golden finish.
Make ahead of time
Cook the green beans and prepare the creamy mushroom sauce beforehand. Store them separately in the refrigerator. On Thanksgiving Day, assemble the casserole by layering the beans, sauce, and fried onions. Bake until bubbly and golden brown.
✨ Glow-up tip: Parboil your beans first so they stay bright and snappy, not sad and soggy. And don’t skip the seasoning, a pinch of nutmeg in the sauce makes all the difference.
🥄 Serve with: Serve your green bean casserole straight from the oven in a warm, pretty dish so it stays bubbly and golden. For extra wow-factor, sprinkle a few fresh herbs like thyme or parsley on top just before serving, instant “chef’s table” vibes, no one will believe it was easy!
🍞 4. Buttery Dinner Rolls
If you don’t have warm rolls on the table, what are you even dipping in the gravy? Soft, golden, and melt-in-your-mouth fluffy, these rolls tie the whole meal together.
Make ahead of time
While fresh-baked rolls are amazing, frozen dinner rolls can be a lifesaver. Take them out of the freezer the night before and let them thaw in the refrigerator. Then, simply follow the package instructions for baking on Thanksgiving Day.
💅 Hosting hack: Brush the tops with melted butter and a pinch of sea salt just before serving. Pop them in the oven for 5 minutes for that “fresh from the bakery” vibe.
💭 Serving tip: Keep them in a cute lined basket so they stay warm and photo-ready.
🥦 5. Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts but make them hot. Tossed in maple syrup and olive oil, these crispy cuties turn into caramelized perfection, sweet, savory, and a little sassy. It’s the Thanksgiving Vegetables version of a glow-up montage.
Make ahead of time
Roasting vegetables like Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, or carrots is a great way to get ahead. Simply toss them with olive oil, herbs, and spices, roast until tender, and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven before serving for a quick and flavorful side.
💫 Pro move: Add chopped pecans or dried cranberries for color and crunch. It looks gourmet, tastes divine, and takes like… 25 minutes.
🌿 Vibe check: Warm, cozy, and slightly bougie.
🍠 6. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble
Soft, sweet, and topped with that irresistible nutty crunch. This casserole is like dessert pretending to be a vegetable. It’s a Thanksgiving Side Dish Easy recipe that makes your table feel extra cozy.
Make ahead of time
To make sweet potato casserole ahead, simply cook and mash the sweet potatoes the day before. Prepare the filling by mixing dry ingredients and storing them at room temperature, while whisking together wet ingredients and refrigerating overnight. On Thanksgiving Day, assemble and bake for a hassle-free side dish!
💖 Shortcut: Use canned sweet potatoes to save time. No one will know, promise. Then hit it with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a buttery pecan topping for that caramelized finish.
🍯 Serving mood: Like a warm hug with marshmallows.
🍒 7. Cranberry Sauce: Tart, Sweet, Totally Extra
Cranberry sauce is that unapologetically bold side that says, “I’m here, I’m festive, and yes, you need me on your plate.” Tart, slightly sweet, and bursting with color, she’s the ultimate Thanksgiving Vegetable Side glow-up, even if she’s technically a condiment, we’re not picky.
Make ahead of time
Homemade cranberry sauce is a delicious and festive addition to the table. Make it a few days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually develop and meld even better over time!
💖 Flavor twist: Add orange zest, a touch of maple syrup, or even a splash of pomegranate juice for extra sparkle. Bonus points if you toss in some finely chopped apples for texture.
🥄 Serve with: Serve chilled or at room temperature in a small, elegant bowl. Garnish with a few whole cranberries or a sprig of rosemary for that “oh honey, I really planned this” energy.
🧀 8. Baked Mac and Cheese
If you’re not serving mac and cheese, I’m calling the vibe police. This creamy, cheesy masterpiece is pure Best Thanksgiving Recipes material. It’s cozy, indulgent, and guaranteed to make your guests lose composure.
Make ahead of time
This cheesy favorite can be prepped and assembled in a baking dish a day before. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. On Thanksgiving Day, take it out of the fridge, let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes, and bake uncovered until golden brown and bubbly.
🔥 Hosting flex: Use a mix of sharp cheddar and gruyère. It’s creamy meets classy. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking for that satisfying golden crunch.
💖 Leftover magic: Add a splash of cream when reheating and it’s brand new again.
🥚 6. Deviled Eggs: Small but Mighty
Deviled eggs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Bite-sized, flavorful, and totally customizable. Classic mustard and mayo? Yes. Creamy avocado? Absolutely. Spicy sriracha kick? Honey, we’re here for it. They’re Best Thanksgiving Recipes energy in a single bite.
Make ahead of time
Deviled eggs are another make-ahead win! Hard boil, peel, and halve the eggs up to 2 days before. Prep your yolk mixture and store both in the fridge. On Thanksgiving, assemble and garnish for a stress-free crowd-pleaser.
💖 Serving tip: Arrange them on a pretty platter, sprinkle with smoked paprika, fresh herbs, or crispy bacon bits for that “I put effort but make it chic” vibe.
🥄 Bonus glow-up: Pipe the yolk mixture with a piping bag or plastic bag corner for a perfect, Insta-worthy swirl.
🥬 7. Collard Greens: Soulful, Savory, and Cozy
Honey, don’t sleep on collard greens! They’re the quiet diva of your Thanksgiving Vegetable Sides. Tender, leafy, and packed with flavor, these greens are basically saying, “I’m here, I bring depth, and yes, you need me on your table.” Cook them with smoked turkey, garlic, onions, or a splash of vinegar, either way, they’re giving pure home-cooked love with a glow-up vibes.
Make ahead of time
Collard greens are a delicious and healthy Thanksgiving side, but prepping them can take time. Here’s a shortcut: Wash and remove tough stems from the collards a day before. Blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes, then shock them in ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and squeeze out excess water. Store the blanched collards in an airtight container in the refrigerator. On Thanksgiving Day, simply saute the greens with your desired aromatics and broth until tender, saving you valuable prep time on the big day.
💖 Serving tip: Pop them in a warm dish and drizzle a little of that cooking liquid over the top. Glossy, flavorful, and ready to make guests swoon.
🥄 Extra sass: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or hit them with a squeeze of lemon. Baby, even collard greens deserve a little extra sparkle.
🥕 8. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Simple? Yes. Boring? Never. These Thanksgiving Vegetable Sides are glossy, tender, and naturally sweet. Honey + butter + thyme = perfection.
Make ahead of time
Roast the carrots a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. On Thanksgiving, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, then drizzle with a little fresh honey and a squeeze of orange juice to revive that glossy, caramelized magic.
🌟 Glow-up moment: Roast them until slightly caramelized for that sweet-and-savory magic. Then hit them with flaky sea salt for your chef’s kiss moment.
🥄 Extra sass: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or hit them with a squeeze of lemon. Baby, even collard greens deserve a little extra sparkle.🍊 Pro twist: Add a squeeze of orange juice for a little citrusy sparkle.
How many sides should you serve for Thanksgiving?
Alright, let’s talk about the eternal Thanksgiving question: how many sides are too many? Trick answer, babe, there’s no such thing as too many carbs, but let’s keep it realistic (and fabulous).
👯♀️ Number of Guests
Here’s the tea: you want variety without a full-on buffet meltdown. The magic formula? About 3–5 sides per 10 guests. That way, everyone gets options but no one’s stress-eating stuffing from a mixing bowl.
Here’s a breakdown based on the number of guests:
Small Gathering (4-6 Guests): 2-3 sides. Keep it cozy and classic.
Medium Gathering (7-10 Guests): 3-5 sides. The perfect sweet spot.
Large Gathering (11+ Guests): 5-7 sides. You’re officially hosting a feast, congrats!
🥨 Appetizers Count Too, Babe
If you’re serving apps before dinner, and honestly, who doesn’t love a good charcuterie moment?, you can totally scale back your sides to 2–4. Your guests will already be a little full and let’s save room for pie, okay?
🥦 Dietary Restrictions = Extra Love
Got vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free friends? Hi, inclusive queen 👑. Plan a few extra sides or alternative versions so no one feels left out. Because everyone deserves mashed potato bliss.
🥗 Course Options
Doing a salad course before the big meal? Slay. That means you can swap out one side dish and still have a gorgeously balanced table. Bonus points if it looks like it belongs in a magazine.
🍗 Appetite Check
Hosting a crew that eats like they just finished a marathon? Add an extra dish or two. It’s always better to have leftovers than side-eye from your guests when the stuffing’s gone too soon.
Credit: Plays Well with Butter
Remember, these are just suggestions!
It’s ultimately up to you and your preferences. Here are some additional tips:
💎 Quality > Quantity, Always
It’s not about having fifteen random casseroles that taste “meh.” It’s about a few slay-worthy dishes that hit every time. You want your guests saying “OMG, what is this recipe?” not “Wait, is this coleslaw… warm?”
🔥 Mix Hot and Cold, Like the Icon You Are
Balance those cozy, bubbling sides with a few fresh or chilled ones. Think roasted brussels sprouts and a crisp cranberry salad, variety is your secret weapon.
🌈 Play With Flavors and Textures
Soft, crunchy, sweet, savory. Keep those taste buds on their toes. Because babe, a well-balanced plate is the true sign of culinary confidence.
📅 Prep Like a Pro
Your future self will thank you. So chop, bake, and assemble what you can ahead of time. That way, when the big day comes, you’re sipping tea or mocktails, I got you 😉, instead of panic-stirring gravy.
💅 Delegate, Don’t Dominate
You are the host, not the household caterer. Let your guests shine too! Assign someone the mashed potatoes or green bean casserole. Sharing the workload = more sparkle and less stress.
By considering these factors and following some simple tips, you can ensure you have the perfect number of delicious side dishes for your Thanksgiving feast!
How do you keep Thanksgiving sides hot?
Juggling all your Thanksgiving dinner sides while the turkey hogs the oven is basically the Olympics of hosting. But don’t stress, gorgeous, I’ve got the hacks to keep your Thanksgiving food sides warm, delicious, and totally slay-worthy from kitchen to table.
Before the Meal
Pre-cook and reheat
Get ahead of the chaos, babe. Most sides, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, stuffing, can be made earlier. Reheat them gently on the stove or in the oven right before serving. Less panic, more sparkle.
Utilize slow cookers and chafing dishes
Slow cookers are your BFF for creamy things. They are perfect for dishes such as mashed potatoes, cheesy corn, and pudding. While chafing dishes keep gravy, stuffing, and dips toasty and glam.
Double boiler method
Once the turkey exits the chat, set your oven to a cozy 150°F and let your sides chill in there, covered with foil, of course. It’s like a warm hug for your food.
During the Meal
Low-temperature oven holding
If you have oven space after the turkey comes out, set it to the lowest temperature setting (around 150°F) and use it to hold pre-cooked sides warm. Cover the dishes with foil to prevent them from drying out.
Insulated containers
Those cute casserole carriers or cooler bags? Not just for picnics. They’ll keep your pre-cooked dishes hot and fabulous ‘til it’s showtime.
Warm serving platters
Pop your serving plates in a low oven for a few minutes before serving. Because cold plates? We don’t know her.
During the Meal
Nestle dishes together
Group your dishes close to keep the warmth in. They’re better together, just like us.
Cozy towels
Wrap a clean kitchen towel around your casseroles for extra insulation. It’s basically a blanket for your food, adorable and practical.
Bonus Tip: Plan your timing like a pro. If everything finishes around the same time, you’ll spend less time juggling oven space and more time sipping cider and basking in compliments.
Credit: How Sweet Eats
How long do Thanksgiving sides last?
Babe, here’s the tea: your sides are basically mini celebrities. They shine brightest fresh, but they’ve got staying power if you treat them right.
Refrigerator
Most dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, mac and cheese, and roasted veggies will strut their stuff for 3–4 days if stored in airtight containers. That’s basically “leftovers chic.”
Freezer
Wanna hoard them for later? Go ahead, but some textures might throw shade. Mashed potatoes and creamy casseroles can get a little watery, green bean casserole may lose its crisp, but stuffing, mac and cheese, and roasted veggies? Totally fabulous for 2–6 months.
Credit: Half Baked Harvest
Here are some additional tips for maximizing the shelf life of your Thanksgiving sides:
Cool leftovers quickly
Don’t let them lounge at room temp too long. 2 hours max, babes!
Store in shallow containers= superstar
Helps everything chill evenly.
Label and date containers
Know what’s what and when
Reheat leftovers thoroughly
Stovetop, oven, or slow cooker; steam rising = chef vibes.
Basically, your Thanksgiving sides can live their best life even post-feast. Just keep them cozy, cool, and covered and they’ll keep slaying on your plate.
This guide has served up everything from timeless classics to bold new twists. It’s all the Thanksgiving Side Dishes you need to make your table chef’s-kiss worthy. Whether you’re a seasoned kitchen queen or a rookie in the spice game, these recipes give you the power to slay the spread and have your guests gagging with delight.
Grab your apron, sprinkle a little magic, and own this holiday like the culinary superstar you are. With a touch of planning and a whole lot of flair, your Thanksgiving table is about to become a glorious feast of flavor, fun, and fabulousness. Trust! Everyone’s gonna be asking, “Babe, did you make this?” and yes… yes, you did.
