The Ultimate Collection of Impressive Thanksgiving Side Dishes
As the crisp autumn air arrives and leaves begin to change, thoughts naturally turn to the warmth of family, fellowship, and, of course, the grand feast of Thanksgiving. While the roasted turkey often takes center stage, it’s truly the array of delectable side dishes that makes the holiday meal memorable and creates a truly spectacular spread. From savory vegetable casseroles to creamy potato delights, vibrant salads, hearty stuffings, rich gravies, and comforting breads, each component contributes to an unforgettable culinary experience. This year, go beyond the ordinary and prepare Thanksgiving sides that will not only satisfy every palate but also leave a lasting impression on your guests. Get ready to transform your holiday table into a feast for the senses with our curated list of exceptional Thanksgiving side dish recipes.
Thanksgiving is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of abundance, gratitude, and coming together with loved ones. Even when it’s a smaller gathering, I believe in dressing up the table and indulging in the festive spirit. The holiday season brings people closer, a sentiment I deeply cherish, along with the delightful shift from oppressive summer heat to invigorating cool weather, mercifully free of mosquitoes!
Crafting your perfect Thanksgiving menu can feel overwhelming with so many options. But don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through an incredible selection of my absolute favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, guaranteed to impress every guest at your table. We’ve gathered recipes that are easy to follow, minimize unnecessary stress, and maximize flavor, ensuring your holiday meal is nothing short of magnificent.
Table of Contents
- Delightful Vegetable Side Dishes
- Perfect Potato Side Dishes
- Fresh & Flavorful Salad Dishes
- Essential Stuffings & Dressings
- Rich Gravies and Sauces
- Warm & Wonderful Bread Recipes
Delightful Vegetable Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
When planning your Thanksgiving spread, easy vegetable recipes are a true lifesaver, especially when you’re juggling multiple dishes. While classics like Brussels sprouts, green beans, and butternut squash are traditional favorites, there are countless ways to elevate these humble ingredients into show-stopping sides. This collection features both comforting casseroles and fresh, vibrant preparations that will perfectly complement your Thanksgiving turkey and other main courses. Explore these fantastic vegetable options designed to add color, nutrition, and incredible flavor to your holiday feast.
Southern Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens
Embrace the rich flavors of the South with this earthy, smoky, and utterly delicious black eyed peas and collard greens recipe. Traditionally a New Year’s Day staple for good luck, this hearty dish brings a unique depth and soulful comfort to any holiday table, making it an unexpected yet welcome addition to your Thanksgiving meal. Its robust profile offers a delightful contrast to lighter dishes.
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Southern Tomato Pie
This easy Southern Tomato Pie is a celebration of fresh summer tomatoes, harmoniously blended with creamy cheese and encased in a flaky, golden crust. While often enjoyed in warmer months, its comforting essence and vibrant flavors make it a delightful and surprising side for a Thanksgiving dinner, offering a taste of Southern hospitality and tradition that stands out amidst the heavier fare.
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Broccoli Casserole
A true crowd-pleaser, this creamy and delicious broccoli casserole is crowned with a tempting layer of melted cheese and crunchy crackers. This step-by-step recipe ensures you can effortlessly create a comforting and flavorful side dish that will be scooped up in no time, proving that healthy can also be incredibly indulgent and perfect for a holiday gathering.
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Spinach Madeleine
Experience a true Southern masterpiece with Spinach Madeleine. The freshness of spinach, combined with the rich depth of various cheeses and a subtle kick of spices, comes together in a divine union. This dish promises an exquisite flavor profile that will leave you craving another bite even before you’ve finished the first, making it a sophisticated yet comforting addition to your Thanksgiving table.
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Eggplant Casserole
Searching for the ultimate comfort food dish? Look no further than this incredibly flavorful and satisfying eggplant casserole. Not only is it surprisingly easy to make, but its rich, layered textures and savory taste will also delight your guests. Give it a try this Thanksgiving and discover the deliciousness for yourself, offering a unique twist on traditional vegetable sides.
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Jiffy Corn Casserole In The Crock Pot
Simplify your holiday cooking with this Jiffy Corn Casserole prepared in the Crock Pot. This ingenious method offers a simple, hands-off way to create a deliciously flavorful and perfectly moist side dish. It’s an ideal Thanksgiving side that frees up valuable oven space, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience without compromising on taste or texture.
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Cajun Corn Maque Choux
Add a taste of Louisiana to your Thanksgiving table with Cajun Corn Maque Choux. This delightful Cajun side dish is crafted by smothering bell peppers, onions, and sweet corn into a heavenly mixture of perfectly spiced goodness. Its vibrant colors and zesty, savory profile make it an exciting and flavorful departure from typical corn dishes, guaranteed to spice up your holiday meal.
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Cajun Green Beans
These Cajun Green Beans are a perfect, flavorful side dish for any holiday gathering, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Expertly cooked green beans are combined with savory bacon and robust Creole seasoning, creating a dish bursting with deep, authentic flavor. It’s a simple yet elevated take on green beans that adds a touch of Southern charm to your spread.
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Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole
Revolutionize your green bean casserole with this Air Fryer method. Achieving a deliciously crispy top, cooking this classic dish in the air fryer truly is a game-changer. It offers a faster cooking time and an irresistible texture that will make this traditional side a standout favorite, freeing up precious oven space for other holiday essentials.
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Loaded Green Bean Casserole
Elevate the classic green bean casserole with this “loaded” recipe, packed with an array of irresistible ingredients. Featuring crispy bacon, melted cheese, crunchy fried onions, and creamy sour cream, this easy-to-make dish is a flavor explosion. It transforms a simple side into a decadent experience that will impress even the most discerning Thanksgiving guests with its incredible richness.
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Cornbread Pudding
Soft, flavorful, and wonderfully comforting, this cornbread pudding serves as the perfect side dish for any meal, especially your Thanksgiving feast. Its unique texture—a cross between cornbread and a savory custard—makes it an exceptional accompaniment to roasted meats and other holiday classics, offering a touch of Southern charm and homestyle warmth.
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Texas Roadhouse Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe
Bring the iconic flavors of Texas Roadhouse right to your kitchen with this delightful copycat recipe for sautéed mushrooms. These mushrooms taste just like they came from the famous restaurant, offering a rich, savory, and garlicky addition to your Thanksgiving table. They’re an unexpectedly gourmet side that adds a touch of steakhouse elegance to your holiday meal.
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Brown Sugar Brussels Sprouts With Bacon And Cranberries
Transform ordinary Brussels sprouts into an extraordinary dish! These sprouts, along with crispy bacon and tart cranberries, are coated in a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze and roasted to perfection in just 25 minutes. This recipe brilliantly balances sweet, savory, and tart notes, creating a holiday side that’s both elegant and incredibly flavorful, even for those skeptical about Brussels sprouts.
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Best Broccoli Casserole with Rice and Cheese
This ultimate broccoli and rice casserole is a hearty, comforting side that’s perfect for any holiday. Tender broccoli and fluffy cooked rice are stirred into a creamy cheese and soup mixture, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a satisfying dish that pairs wonderfully with your favorite turkey or ham dinner, offering a wholesome yet indulgent option for your Thanksgiving menu.
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Balsamic Roasted Fall Vegetables with Sumac
Celebrate the bounty of the season with this stunning and flavorful recipe for Balsamic Roasted Fall Vegetables with Sumac. Bursting with natural sweetness and appealing colors, these vegetables are transformed into a truly impressive side dish. It’s perfect for any autumn night and an absolute stunner for your Thanksgiving spread, offering a healthy and gourmet touch.
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Traditional Green Bean Casserole
This simple and easy traditional green bean casserole is a timeless comfort food. Made with creamy soup, rich cheddar cheese, and crispy French fried onions, it’s the ultimate familiar side for holiday meals or any time of year. Quick to assemble and perfect for making ahead, this recipe simplifies holiday preparation while delivering classic, beloved flavor.
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Mom’s Crockpot Broccoli Casserole
A true comfort food classic, Mom’s Crockpot Broccoli Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. This tried-and-true recipe, passed down through generations, serves 12 generously and is budget-friendly. Its hands-off cooking method in the slow cooker makes it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving menu, allowing you to focus on other dishes while this delicious side simmers to perfection.
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Corn Casserole
This creamy corn casserole is a beloved classic Thanksgiving side dish, known for its effortless preparation. Requiring just 6 simple ingredients and a mere 5 minutes of prep time, it delivers a sweet and savory experience that perfectly complements any holiday meal. Its ease and universal appeal make it a staple at countless festive tables.
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Maple Glazed Butternut Squash with Bacon Recipe
Only five ingredients are needed to create this irresistible Maple Glazed Butternut Squash with Bacon recipe. This dish combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the smoky, savory crunch of bacon, all brought together by a rich maple glaze. It’s an easy, elegant, and deeply flavorful side that highlights the best of fall produce and enhances your Thanksgiving spread.
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Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Lemon
For a quick and flavorful vegetable side, try these sautéed Brussels sprouts with cranberries and lemon. Pan-fried on the stovetop, they are tossed with sweet dried cranberries and bright lemon for a zesty kick. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for adding a fresh, vibrant, and festive touch to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, offering a lighter option with big flavor.
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Easy Air Fryer Carrots With Garlic Butter
These Garlic Parsley Carrots are destined to become a family favorite! They are quick, easy, and undeniably delicious, making them an excellent choice for a low-carb, keto, gluten-free, and vegetarian Thanksgiving side. Requiring only four ingredients you likely already have on hand, this recipe is a new go-to for healthy and flavorful holiday cooking.
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Green Beans with Toasted Almonds and Lemon
Introduce a light and vibrant element to your Thanksgiving table with these exquisite green beans. Enhanced with fresh lemon juice, aromatic lemon zest, buttery shallots, and an abundance of perfectly toasted almonds, this dish offers a bright, crisp contrast to richer holiday fare. It’s a sophisticated and refreshing side that elevates the entire meal.
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Butternut Squash Orzo with Feta and Sage
This easy side dish consistently earns rave reviews! Butternut Squash Orzo with Feta and Sage brings together the beautiful colors and comforting flavors of fall, making it a perfect match for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. The combination of creamy orzo, sweet squash, tangy feta, and aromatic sage creates a sophisticated and utterly delicious accompaniment.
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Oven Roasted Rutabaga Recipe
Discover a delicious and healthy low-carb and keto-friendly side dish with this oven-roasted rutabaga recipe. Ready in just 20 minutes, rutabaga offers a unique, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with various meat or fish main dishes. It’s an excellent alternative for those seeking nutritious and flavorful options this Thanksgiving.
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Easy Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
This easy roasted carrots and parsnips recipe is a vibrant symphony of flavors and beautiful colors. It serves as a fantastic, healthy, and low-carb alternative to traditional baked potato fries, offering a sweet and savory balance that perfectly complements rich holiday dishes. Simple to prepare, it adds an elegant touch to your Thanksgiving table.
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No Boil Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe
Free up valuable oven and stovetop space during Thanksgiving dinner with this incredible No Boil Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe. It’s the perfect solution for a large holiday meal, delivering a creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious mac and cheese with minimal effort. This hands-off approach ensures a comforting classic without the holiday cooking hustle.
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Green Bean Casserole Recipe
The quintessential holiday side dish, this Green Bean Casserole is both easy to assemble and bursting with amazing flavor. Creamy mushroom soup combined with savory green beans and crunchy fried onions creates a comforting classic that perfectly embodies the spirit of festive gatherings. It’s a beloved recipe that guarantees smiles around the holiday table.
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Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cranberries
Enjoy classic holiday flavors without the added carbs with this simple Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts recipe, featuring crispy bacon and tart cranberries. This keto and low-carb friendly dish proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing deliciousness, even during festive feasts. It’s a quick, flavorful, and satisfying side that fits various dietary preferences.
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Mashed Turnips (Paleo, Low Carb, Keto)
For those following a diet or healthy lifestyle, these Mashed Turnips offer a fantastic alternative to mashed potatoes without feeling deprived during the holidays. This paleo, low-carb, and keto-friendly side is creamy, satisfying, and a delightful way to enjoy delicious mains and sides while staying true to your dietary goals. Its subtle earthiness is a pleasant surprise.
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Sautéed Carrots in Maple Thyme Glaze
These Sautéed Carrots in Maple Thyme Glaze are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, beloved by both adults and children alike. The maple-glazed julienne carrots create an elegant and incredibly delicious side dish, perfect for enhancing your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Easy to prepare, this versatile recipe fits most diets, adding a touch of sweetness and sophistication.
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Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables
Root vegetables have never looked or tasted so good! This healthy Thanksgiving side dish, featuring a delectable balsamic glaze, is certain to please everyone at your holiday table. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and deepens their flavors, making this a wholesome and incredibly satisfying option for a well-rounded and impressive feast.
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Creamed Leeks
These rich and creamy leeks are incredibly simple to make, requiring just one pot for preparation. Their subtle oniony flavor and luxurious texture make them an elegant and easy side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of Thanksgiving main courses. It’s a fantastic way to introduce a unique vegetable to your holiday menu without adding stress.
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Maple Roasted Acorn Squash Slices
This maple roasted acorn squash brings an abundance of comforting flavor to the Thanksgiving table with remarkable ease. Whether prepared in the oven or air fryer, these tender, sweet squash slices are a delightful and visually appealing side dish. Their warm, autumnal notes complement the holiday spread perfectly, offering a taste of the season.
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Carrot Casserole
This super easy one-pot carrot casserole combines tender carrot coins with creamy mushroom soup and cheese, all topped with a buttery herbed stuffing. It’s a comforting and flavorful side dish that is incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect, no-fuss addition to your elaborate Thanksgiving meal. Its sweet and savory profile is a family favorite.
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Cauliflower Mash With Sour Cream
For a rich, creamy, and delightfully delicious low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, try this Cauliflower Mash with Sour Cream. Made with roasted cauliflower, it offers all the comforting texture and flavor you desire without the guilt. It’s an excellent choice for a healthier Thanksgiving, ensuring everyone can enjoy a satisfying side dish.
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Oven Roasted Broccoli
This Oven Roasted Broccoli recipe is a straightforward and undeniably tasty side dish that is naturally low-carb and gluten-free. Roasting brings out the subtle sweetness of the broccoli and gives it a delightful tender-crisp texture. It’s an easy, healthy, and versatile option that pairs well with any main course, simplifying your Thanksgiving prep.
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Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
These Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles are a deliciously simple and elegant side dish, perfect for any time of the year, especially holidays. The savory bacon complements the crisp green beans beautifully, creating a visually appealing and incredibly flavorful accompaniment. They’re easy to prepare and always a hit with guests.
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Parsnip Mash
This one-pot vegan parsnip mash offers a delightful and flavorful alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. Easy to make, it boasts subtle warm, toasty flavors that everyone will enjoy. Its creamy texture and unique profile make it a sophisticated yet comforting side dish that’s perfect for a diverse Thanksgiving menu, appealing to both vegans and non-vegans alike.
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Cream of Peas (or Creamed Peas Recipe)
This cream of peas recipe, also known as creamed peas, is incredibly quick to prepare and exceptionally tasty. Even if you’ve previously thought you didn’t like peas, you might just change your mind after trying this rich and savory version. It makes for a comforting and surprisingly delicious side dish that’s a perfect fit for any holiday spread.
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Homemade Cream Style Corn
Homemade Cream Style Corn is a decadent side dish, loaded with cheese and cooked low and slow with only occasional stirring. This recipe is perfect whether you’re using fresh or frozen corn, yielding a rich, sweet, and creamy dish that is a true comfort food. It’s an ideal Thanksgiving side that brings warmth and classic flavor to your table with minimal fuss.
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Savory Butternut Squash Casserole
This Savory Butternut Squash Casserole is so utterly delicious that it earns a coveted spot on our Thanksgiving table every single year. It offers a comforting, rich, and slightly sweet flavor profile that beautifully complements other holiday dishes. Easy to prepare, this casserole is a proven winner that your family and guests will eagerly anticipate.
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One Pot Wild Rice Pilaf
This super simple and delicious wild rice pilaf is an excellent Thanksgiving side dish. Made with flavorful carrots, tender onion, crisp celery, and savory broth, this dish is not only tasty but also incredibly convenient—it’s all prepared in just one pot! This makes cleanup a breeze and adds an elegant, wholesome grain to your holiday spread.
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Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Who can resist the creamy, gooey goodness of homemade mac and cheese? This Pumpkin Mac and Cheese takes comfort food to its absolute finest. The delightful combination of bursting-with-flavor pumpkin and luscious melted cheese is truly a treat. It adds a festive autumnal twist to a beloved classic, making it a perfect, unique side for your Thanksgiving table.
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Loaded Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
This low-carb and keto-friendly Loaded Cheesy Cauliflower Bake offers all the deliciousness of a loaded baked potato without the carbs. Prepared with the same beloved fixings—think cheese, bacon, and more—it’s an easy, cheesy, and utterly delicious side dish. It ensures everyone can enjoy a decadent, comforting casserole this Thanksgiving, regardless of dietary restrictions.
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Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are an effortlessly easy side dish that the entire family will adore. The sweet glaze perfectly enhances the natural flavor of the carrots, creating a tender and irresistible accompaniment. Simple yet elegant, they’re a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving menu, offering a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
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Roasted Squash and Grapes
This recipe for Roasted Squash and Grapes presents an elegant and unexpectedly delicious side dish, ideal for the holidays or other special meals. The sweet burst of roasted grapes beautifully complements the earthy notes of the squash, creating a sophisticated flavor combination that will undoubtedly impress your guests and add a gourmet touch to your Thanksgiving spread.
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Creamy Pumpkin Risotto Recipe
Follow this step-by-step recipe tutorial to create the perfect creamy pumpkin risotto, an incredibly flavorful and elegant side dish for your Thanksgiving feast. Its smooth texture and rich, autumnal pumpkin flavor make it an ideal accompaniment to your favorite turkey. This gourmet addition will surely elevate your holiday dining experience.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash
Discover the best balsamic-maple roasted Brussels sprouts combined with tender butternut squash, crunchy pecans, and tart cranberries. Finished with an avocado roasted garlic dressing, this ultimate healthy vegan Thanksgiving side dish is ready in just 40 minutes. It offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it a wholesome and impressive option for your holiday table.
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Perfect Potato Side Dishes to Complement Your Thanksgiving Feast
No Thanksgiving dinner table is truly complete without a hearty selection of potato dishes. My family, especially my daughter, adores anything sweet, so a delicious sweet potato recipe is always a must-have. But beyond the beloved sweet potato, there are so many more incredible ways to prepare potatoes for your holiday spread. From creamy mashed potatoes to crispy roasted varieties, these versatile vegetables are essential components of a comforting and impressive feast. Dive into these fantastic potato recipes that promise to be the perfect accompaniment to your roast turkey and other mains.
Slow Cooker Roast Potatoes
These Slow Cooker Roast Potatoes are an absolute game-changer for holiday meal prep. Super simple to make, they allow you to set them and forget them while your oven is occupied with other Thanksgiving essentials. Achieving a wonderfully tender interior and a crisp exterior, this recipe delivers perfectly cooked potatoes with minimal hands-on effort, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience.
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Candied Yams
Spice up your Thanksgiving dinner with this incredibly simple and mouth-watering candied yams recipe, prepared easily on the stovetop. These yams are simmered to tender perfection in a sweet, spiced syrup, making them a luscious and indulgent side dish. Their irresistible sweetness and rich texture are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.
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Stewed Potatoes
Harken back to grandma’s kitchen with these old-fashioned stewed potatoes. This recipe delivers a simple yet profoundly tasty dish, cooked until tender and bursting with savory goodness. It’s a comforting and nostalgic side that brings a touch of classic homestyle cooking to your Thanksgiving spread, perfect for those who appreciate traditional flavors.
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Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes with Chicken Broth
Making mashed potatoes in the slow cooker is a revelation, and incorporating chicken broth takes these creamy potatoes to an even better level of flavor. This method ensures wonderfully fluffy and rich mashed potatoes with minimal fuss, making it an excellent choice for a large Thanksgiving meal. It’s a convenient and delicious way to achieve that perfect side dish texture and taste.
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Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole
This copycat Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole is the quintessential Thanksgiving side dish, equally fantastic for any special occasion throughout the year. Its luscious, sweet potato base and signature topping create an unforgettable flavor experience that is both comforting and incredibly indulgent. Prepare to impress with this beloved restaurant-inspired classic.
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Amish Mashed Potatoes
Indulge in the rich, creamy texture and delightful nuttiness of Amish Mashed Potatoes. This recipe delivers a perfectly balanced side dish that complements any entrée, making it an ideal choice for your Thanksgiving feast. Its simple yet profound flavors and smooth consistency will make these mashed potatoes a cherished part of your holiday tradition.
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Crispy Instant Pot Potatoes
Experience the best of both worlds with these Crispy Instant Pot Potatoes. Deliciously full of flavor, these potatoes are first steamed in the Instant Pot with savory chicken stock for tenderness, then quickly crisped in the oven for just 10 minutes to achieve that irresistible golden crunch. It’s a convenient and impressive side dish that offers perfect texture every time.
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Popeyes Cajun Fries
While an unconventional Thanksgiving side, these addictive Popeyes Cajun Fries are so deliciously full of flavor that they can literally be served with any main course. Their crispy texture and bold, spicy seasoning make them an exciting and fun addition to your holiday spread, offering a modern twist that guests of all ages will love.
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Sweet Potato Fluff
Indulge in this tasty sweet potato fluff, a delightful variation of the traditional sweet potato casserole. It features a delicious, light, and wonderfully fluffy layer of toasted marshmallow on top, creating a perfect balance of creamy and airy textures. This sweet and comforting side is an irresistible treat that will make your Thanksgiving meal extra special and memorable.
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Sweet Potato Fritter Recipe
These sweet potato fritters are a truly delicious and versatile side dish or snack. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they are infused with warm, fall-inspired spices that perfectly capture the essence of the season. They offer a unique textural and flavor experience that sets them apart from typical potato offerings, making them an exciting addition to your holiday table.
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Make Ahead Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
Simplify your holiday cooking with these Make Ahead Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar. This dish is a delicious addition to any weeknight meal but is also special enough for the grandeur of holiday gatherings. Preparing them in advance reduces stress on Thanksgiving Day, ensuring you have a perfectly sweet and tender side dish ready to be enjoyed with minimal last-minute effort.
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Popeyes Mashed Potatoes
This copycat recipe for Popeyes Mashed Potatoes delivers the perfect side dish experience. Creamy, smooth, and incredibly flavorful, it captures the beloved taste of the fast-food classic. It will be hard not to eat the entire bowl! This indulgent and satisfying side is a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving table, offering a familiar comfort with a homemade touch.
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Potatoes Au Gratin Casserole
This creamy, cheesy potato recipe is destined to become your go-to entertaining dish for every occasion, including Thanksgiving. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, velvety cheese sauce create an irresistible gratin that is both elegant and deeply comforting. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that adds a touch of gourmet flair to your holiday spread.
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Crockpot Cracker Barrel Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
This Crockpot Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole recipe is pure cheesy perfection. Creamy, bursting with flavor, and utterly addictive, it brings the comforting taste of the iconic restaurant to your home with ease. Using the slow cooker means minimal effort on your part, making it an ideal, hands-off side dish that will disappear quickly from your Thanksgiving buffet.
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Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Yogurt Sauce
Discover a delicious balance of sweet and spicy with these Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes. A cool hit of lime-infused yogurt sauce drizzled over the top just prior to serving adds a refreshing contrast. This vibrant and flavorful side dish is a fantastic way to introduce an exciting twist to your holiday meal, proving that sweet potatoes can be much more than just candied.
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The Best Rich & Creamy Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes
Made with luscious sour cream and velvety cream cheese, these Crock Pot mashed potatoes are incredibly delicious, rich, and creamy. The slow cooker makes them easy to prepare ahead of time and simply heat on the holiday morning, eliminating last-minute stress. They are undeniably the best, easiest, and most decadent mashed potatoes you’ll serve this Thanksgiving.
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Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
Learn how to make the best Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole—a simple and easy side dish perfect for healthy holiday meals, especially since it omits marshmallows. You can use either canned or fresh sweet potatoes, topping it with a delightful pecan streusel. This recipe streamlines your holiday prep while delivering a wholesome and delicious sweet potato option.
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Homemade Candied Sweet Potatoes with Orange Juice and Marshmallows
These homemade candied sweet potatoes are truly like a dessert in themselves, featuring a thick, syrupy sauce crafted from zesty orange juice, rich brown sugar, and savory butter. Crowned with fluffy marshmallows and baked to a golden toast, they achieve absolute perfection. This classic, indulgent side dish is a sweet highlight that no Thanksgiving table should be without.
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Maple Pecan Candied Hasselback Sweet Potato Recipe
Looking for a fresh variation on a beloved classic this holiday season? Try this elegant Maple Pecan Candied Hasselback Sweet Potato Recipe, served in individual portions. The hasselback preparation creates beautiful pockets for the maple-pecan glaze to seep into, offering a unique texture and flavor. It’s a sophisticated and delightful twist that will impress your guests.
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Loaded Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This Loaded Baked Mashed Potatoes recipe takes comfort food to the next level. Abundantly filled with plenty of creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and aromatic roasted garlic, every bite is a taste of comforting goodness. It’s a hearty and satisfying side that brings all the beloved flavors of a loaded baked potato into a convenient and delicious mash, perfect for your holiday spread.
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Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are wonderfully easy to make and bursting with savory garlic flavor. They are a fantastic pairing for main dishes like meatloaf or roast chicken, and absolutely perfect for your holiday feast. The Instant Pot significantly cuts down on cooking time, making this a convenient and delicious choice for a stress-free Thanksgiving.
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Roast Potatoes with Garlic, Herbs and Parmesan
These roast potatoes are guaranteed to be crunchy on the outside and wonderfully light and fluffy in the middle. Infused with aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and savory Parmesan, they are an incredibly flavorful and satisfying side dish. Their irresistible texture and robust taste make them a perfect accompaniment to any holiday roast, elevating your Thanksgiving meal.
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Skillet Sweet Potato Casserole
This Skillet Sweet Potato Casserole is a decadent holiday side dish, brimming with the warm and inviting flavors of browned butter, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Cooked in a single skillet, it’s not only incredibly delicious but also convenient. Its rich, creamy texture and aromatic spices make it an essential and comforting addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
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Healthy Sweet Potatoes – No Marshmallows Needed
If you’re seeking a healthy sweet potato recipe that’s packed with antioxidant goodness and free from marshmallows, this is it! Also Paleo and Whole30 compliant, this dish offers a naturally sweet and satisfying experience. Read on for a delicious side you’ll want to make all year round, proving that healthy can be incredibly flavorful and perfect for Thanksgiving.
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Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free)
This super easy Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with a homemade marshmallow topping is a healthier yet equally indulgent twist on the classic Thanksgiving side. Gluten-free, allergy-free, sugar-free, and optionally paleo, it’s safe for various dietary needs. Smooth, mashed sweet potato beneath fluffy marshmallow is baked to perfection, a new star for your holiday show that everyone will love.
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Mashed Potato Casserole
This flavorful Mashed Potato Casserole is a cheesy, creamy delight that will make your taste buds dance. It’s guaranteed to please any dinner guest at your table with its comforting and rich taste. An excellent choice for a holiday gathering, this casserole elevates simple mashed potatoes into a decadent side dish that’s easy to prepare and universally loved.
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Slow Cooker Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Infused with brown butter, aromatic garlic, sweet maple syrup, savory bacon, and fresh sage, this slow cooker mashed sweet potatoes recipe is the epitome of holiday comfort. It makes a perfect side dish for your festive meals, offering both incredible flavor and remarkable ease of preparation. This hands-off approach ensures you get a decadent side without the kitchen rush.
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The Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
In my family, the Best Sweet Potato Casserole recipe is always served with a perfect balance of sweet and salty, topped with a delicious, crunchy streusel. This version moves beyond marshmallows to offer a sophisticated texture and depth of flavor. It’s a holiday favorite that will be cherished at your Thanksgiving table for its irresistible combination of tastes.
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Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Filling and incredibly comforting, this Twice Baked Potato Casserole makes for a perfect no-fuss side dish for any holiday meal. With simple ingredients yielding an incredible taste, it transforms the classic twice-baked potato into a convenient casserole format. It’s an ideal solution for feeding a crowd while delivering maximum flavor and homestyle appeal.
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Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
This Sweet Potato Casserole recipe is truly fantastic and utterly delicious, promising to be a highlight of your holiday table. It’s an easy-to-prepare dish that your entire family will enjoy, delivering all the comforting sweetness and warmth expected from a classic. This recipe simplifies your festive cooking while ensuring a memorable and cherished side.
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Lyonnaise Potatoes
Break away from traditional mashed potatoes this Thanksgiving with elegant Lyonnaise Potatoes. This classic French dish features thinly sliced potatoes pan-fried to crispy perfection with delicate onions and fresh parsley. Perfectly indulgent, they offer a sophisticated texture and flavor that beautifully complements any turkey or ham, making your holiday meal uniquely special.
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Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
These old-fashioned Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are wonderfully sweet, gooey, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With just a delicate hint of cinnamon, they offer a comforting and traditional taste that embodies Southern hospitality. This beloved recipe is an essential addition to your holiday menu, promising warmth and indulgence with every bite.
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Topping
This Sweet Potato Casserole with a praline topping is an exquisite treat during the fall season and especially for the holidays. The crunchy nuts provide a delightful textural contrast, and using pralines creates a lighter yet equally flavorful recipe compared to those with marshmallow toppings. It’s a sophisticated and irresistible side dish that elevates the classic.
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Instant Pot Loaded Mashed Potatoes
These Instant Pot Loaded Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, making them perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a stellar addition to a Sunday supper, and certainly a highlight for Thanksgiving. Packed with all your favorite fixings, the Instant Pot ensures quick and easy preparation without sacrificing any of the rich, savory flavors you love.
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Instant Pot Roasted Potatoes with Parmesan Recipe
These Instant Pot Roasted Potatoes with Parmesan are so incredibly delicious that you and your guests will be craving more! Achieving a perfect tender interior and a savory, crispy Parmesan crust, this recipe is a simple yet impressive side dish. It’s an efficient way to prepare flavorful potatoes for Thanksgiving, ensuring they are cooked perfectly every time.
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Nutmeg Sweet Potato Stacks
These beautiful nutmeg sweet potato stacks are easily baked in a muffin pan, creating perfectly portioned and visually appealing side dishes. Infused with warm nutmeg, they make a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving dinner, offering a unique and elegant presentation of sweet potatoes. Their delightful flavor and individual serving size are sure to impress your guests.
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Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
This Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe can be prepared in less than 30 minutes, offering a rich and garlicky flavor with just the perfect touch of sweetness to complement the savory notes. It’s a sophisticated twist on traditional sweet potatoes, perfect for those who prefer a less sugary side. This quick and impressive dish makes an excellent addition to any holiday meal.
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Twice Baked Mashed Potato Casserole
This Twice Baked Mashed Potato Casserole features flavorful mashed potatoes baked right in the oven, brimming with cheesy and bacon perfection. It’s a fantastic dish for feeding a crowd, combining all the beloved elements of a loaded baked potato into a convenient casserole. This indulgent side is sure to be a major hit at your Thanksgiving celebration.
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Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes
These Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are first perfectly roasted and then generously topped with a rich, buttery garlic and Parmesan mixture. They are baked until wonderfully crispy and cheesy, creating an irresistible side dish that offers incredible texture and savory flavor. This elevated potato dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your Thanksgiving feast.
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Fresh & Flavorful Salad Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Spread
Often, when we think of Thanksgiving side dishes, comforting, warm foods come to mind. However, a well-chosen salad dish can be incredibly satisfying, deliciously tasty, and provide a welcome counterpoint to the richer holiday fare. Imagine a vibrant Kale Salad, a simple side that requires minimal cooking, or a refreshing fruit salad. Healthy recipes can also be deeply comforting and add a much-needed freshness to your festive table. Consider these light yet impactful options to round out your Thanksgiving menu.
Top Tip: Prepare your salads ahead of time and simply add any dressings just before serving to maintain their crispness and freshness. This little trick saves valuable time on a busy holiday!
KFC Macaroni Salad Recipe
This copycat recipe for KFC Macaroni Salad is creamy, subtly tangy, and incredibly filling. It’s simple to make and bursting with familiar, comforting flavor, making it a surprising yet delightful addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Its cool, creamy texture offers a wonderful contrast to the warmer, heavier holiday dishes, ensuring a balanced meal.
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Thanksgiving Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette
This Thanksgiving Salad recipe is versatile and perfect, whether served as a refreshing side dish alongside your main meal or as an accompaniment to a charcuterie board before the feast begins. Drizzled with a zesty cranberry vinaigrette, its vibrant flavors and festive colors make it an ideal addition to your holiday table, offering a light yet impactful element.
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Creamy Fruit Salad Recipe (Thanksgiving Fruit Salad)
This creamy fruit salad recipe is one of those nostalgic dishes that will transport you back to childhood holidays. Sweet and incredibly satisfying, it’s perfectly paired with a medley of cherries, crisp apples, juicy pineapple, and bright mandarin oranges. We affectionately call it “Thanksgiving Fruit Salad” because it’s extra special and a refreshing palate cleanser amidst rich foods.
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Cracker Barrel Kale Salad
Recreate the famous Cracker Barrel Kale Salad at home with this super simple copycat recipe. Featuring four key ingredients and a tasty sweet maple dressing, it’s a wonderfully fresh and wholesome side dish. Its light yet satisfying crunch and vibrant flavor make it an excellent choice to brighten up your Thanksgiving spread, offering a healthy and popular option.
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Fall Cobb Salad
This Fall Cobb Salad is a vibrant dish packed with the delightful flavors and textures of the season. Featuring crisp greens, hearty additions, and seasonal produce, the salad is beautifully finished off with an aromatic rosemary and apple cider vinegar salad dressing. It’s a robust yet refreshing option that adds elegance and a bounty of autumn taste to your Thanksgiving table.
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Old-Fashioned Cranberry Salad
Bring a touch of nostalgic charm to your Thanksgiving dinner with this Old-Fashioned Cranberry Salad, affectionately known as a Cranberry JELLO mold. This traditional holiday recipe combines sweet raspberry Jello, crushed pineapple, whole berry cranberry sauce, and crunchy nuts. It’s a beautifully vibrant and delightfully sweet side dish that’s a beloved part of many festive traditions.
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Waldorf Salad
You’ll find this classic Waldorf Salad generously loaded with crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, sweet dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts, all bound together with a creamy vanilla yogurt dressing. It makes for a perfect, refreshing side dish for both your Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, offering a delightful blend of textures and sweet-tart flavors.
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Southern Potato Salad Recipe
This Classic Southern Potato Salad is an absolute must-have for any holiday gathering, especially Thanksgiving. Creamy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned, it embodies the comforting flavors of Southern cuisine. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, this potato salad offers a satisfying and flavorful side that complements a wide array of holiday main dishes.
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Cranberry Quinoa Pasta Salad Recipe
This Cranberry Quinoa Pasta Salad is a healthy and flavorful plant-based side dish, making it an excellent choice for Thanksgiving. It’s incredibly easy to make, combining the wholesome goodness of quinoa with the festive tartness of cranberries and pasta. Everyone, including those with dietary preferences, will love this refreshing and nutritious addition to the holiday table.
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Green Bean Salad with Crispy Fried Onions
While green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving classic, this green bean salad with crispy fried onions offers a fresh and delightful alternative. I am positive your family will adore this vibrant dish, which provides a lighter take on the traditional flavors. Its crisp texture and savory notes make it an exciting and welcome addition to your festive spread, sure to become a new favorite.
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Pesto Pasta Salad
This deliciously fresh and flavorful Pesto Pasta Salad is a perfect side dish for any gathering, barbecue, or even as a light lunch on its own. Its vibrant pesto coating and tender pasta create an irresistible combination that’s both refreshing and satisfying. While often associated with summer, its bright flavors can offer a lovely contrast to the richness of a Thanksgiving meal.
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Ruby Tuesday Ham and Pea Pasta Salad
Recreate the popular Ruby Tuesday Ham and Pea Pasta Salad with this fantastic copycat recipe. Bursting with flavor and refreshing crispness, this salad is a hearty yet light option for your holiday table. The combination of savory ham and sweet peas in a creamy dressing makes it a satisfying and unique addition that will be a delightful surprise among traditional Thanksgiving sides.
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Cranberry Salad Recipe
Can you truly imagine Thanksgiving dinner without cranberry? This Cranberry Salad, infused with crisp carrots, makes any dinner truly great and comforting. Its sweet-tart profile and refreshing crunch offer a beautiful balance to the richer elements of the holiday meal. It’s a simple yet impactful side that adds both color and essential festive flavor to your table.
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Persimmon Salad (Vegan + GF)
This vibrant Persimmon Salad is super easy to make, deliciously sweet and fruity, and boasts a beautifully colorful presentation. It’s an excellent festive side dish that is naturally vegan and gluten-free, catering to diverse dietary needs. Its unique flavors and refreshing qualities make it a standout addition to your Thanksgiving feast, offering a fresh perspective.
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Pumpkin Quinoa Salad (Vegan + GF)
This Pumpkin Quinoa Salad is incredibly easy to prepare, healthy, bursting with flavor, and packed with wholesome veggies. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, it’s a versatile side dish that adds a nutritious and autumnal touch to your holiday table. Its hearty yet light composition makes it a refreshing alternative to traditional, heavier Thanksgiving sides.
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Vegan Fall Harvest Salad with Kale and Pumpkin
This light and healthy Vegan Fall Harvest Salad is as satisfying as it is nutritious. It features crunchy kale paired with sweet pumpkin, tart Brussels sprouts, crisp apples, and juicy pomegranate seeds, all harmoniously merged with a delicious homemade maple-mustard dressing. This perfect Thanksgiving harvest salad is designed for everyone to love, offering vibrant flavors and a wholesome experience.
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Essential Stuffings & Dressings for a Complete Thanksgiving Meal
No Thanksgiving feast is truly complete without a flavorful and perfectly prepared stuffing or dressing dish. The type you choose often depends on your main dish, such as a succulent roasted turkey, but regardless, it makes an indispensable addition to the holiday spread. This category of sides is perfect for making the day before, saving you precious time and effort on the big day. Dive into these recipes that promise to add depth, texture, and incredible savory notes to your Thanksgiving celebration.
Baked Oyster Dressing
Bring the authentic, delicious flavors of New Orleans to your Thanksgiving table with this exquisite Oyster Dressing, inspired by Emeril Lagasse. Southern to its core, this dressing is packed with all the required seasoning to make it the absolute best accompaniment for your holiday turkey. Its savory, briny notes offer a unique and luxurious twist on traditional stuffing, guaranteed to impress.
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Mirliton Dressing
Mirliton dressing is a quintessential Creole dish, renowned for its savory, herb-infused flavors that beautifully showcase Louisiana’s rich culinary charm. This unique and delightful stuffing offers a lighter yet equally satisfying alternative to traditional bread-based dressings. Its subtle sweetness and aromatic profile make it a memorable and authentic addition to your Thanksgiving menu.
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The Best Southern Cornbread Dressing
Homemade cornbread forms the incredible base of this Southern Cornbread Dressing, adding an amazing depth of flavor that is unparalleled. The buttery richness and the wonderful texture from the cornmeal create a truly exceptional stuffing. This recipe ensures a moist and flavorful dish that stands out as a beloved classic on any holiday table, especially for Thanksgiving.
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Simple Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls
These Simple Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls are crispy on the outside and wonderfully soft on the inside. Whether you slip them into your roasting tray with your main roast or cook them in a pan with butter or shortening, they create perfect bite-sized stuffing treats. Their classic, aromatic flavors make them an indispensable and delicious accompaniment to any festive meal, especially Thanksgiving.
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Amish Turkey Stuffing Recipe
This traditional Amish Turkey Stuffing Recipe is packed full of savory bread, tender eggs, wholesome potatoes, delicious chicken (or turkey), and plenty of thoughtful seasoning. It’s a hearty and deeply flavorful stuffing that reflects time-honored traditions. This recipe ensures a comforting and robust side dish that perfectly complements your Thanksgiving turkey, delivering a taste of authentic homestyle cooking.
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Spicy Chorizo Sage Cornbread Dressing
Take your dressing from “ho-hum” to “woo-hoo!” with this easy and incredibly flavorful Spicy Chorizo Sage Cornbread Dressing. This recipe is truly irresistible and too good to serve only on Thanksgiving! The savory, spicy chorizo and aromatic sage perfectly complement the cornbread base, creating a bold and exciting side dish that will awaken your taste buds and impress everyone.
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Traditional Herb Stuffing
This Traditional Herb Stuffing is remarkably easy to make and infused with an abundance of fresh, flavorful herbs. It’s a timeless classic that will undoubtedly be a hit on any Thanksgiving table, providing that familiar, comforting aroma and taste. Its simple elegance and savory profile make it an essential accompaniment to your holiday feast, appealing to all generations.
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The Best Gluten-Free Vegan Stuffing
Thanksgiving is never truly complete without a fantastic stuffing, and this recipe delivers The Best Gluten-Free Vegan Stuffing! Impress your guests with this essential side dish that is safe for all food allergies, loved by everyone, and may just become the new star of your holiday show. It’s moist on the inside and perfectly savory, proving dietary restrictions don’t mean sacrificing flavor.
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Low Carb Thanksgiving Stuffing
Who says enjoying delicious Thanksgiving food has to come with the price of feeling bad about it afterward? Not us! We’ve created a one-skillet, low-carb, and full-of-flavor stuffing that allows you to indulge guilt-free. This innovative recipe offers all the comforting taste and texture of traditional stuffing while aligning with a healthier lifestyle, making it a perfect holiday choice.
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Drunken Chorizo & Sage Dressing
This Drunken Chorizo & Sage Dressing is one of my absolute favorites, bursting with incredible flavor! It’s also remarkably easy to make, featuring beer that cooks out quickly, helping to keep it wonderfully moist. With only six ingredients and minimal steps, it’s a must-have for this Thanksgiving, promising a unique and savory twist on traditional dressing.
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Apple, Sausage, and Cranberry Stuffing
This Apple, Sausage, and Cranberry Stuffing tastes just like home, perfectly complementing all your other Thanksgiving favorites. The harmonious blend of sweet apples, savory sausage, and tart cranberries creates a deeply satisfying and festive flavor profile. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that adds a delightful balance of textures and tastes to your holiday meal, sure to be a new family tradition.
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Slow Cooker Stuffing For Turkey
For an easy, make-ahead slow cooker stuffing recipe, look no further! The homemade stuffing ingredients are simply dumped into the slow cooker, making it an ideal choice for busy Thanksgiving mornings. This method frees up valuable oven space and ensures a perfectly moist and flavorful stuffing with minimal effort, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your feast.
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Grandma’s Thanksgiving Dressing
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Dressing is hailed as the BEST dressing recipe you’ll ever taste. Super simple to make, it’s the perfect, comforting addition to your turkey and gravy. This timeless recipe embodies the warmth and tradition of family holidays, delivering a savory, perfectly textured stuffing that will evoke cherished memories and create new ones.
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Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
This Southern Cornbread Dressing is an essential dish, perfectly served alongside your holiday turkey or ham this season. Its rich, savory cornbread base and aromatic seasonings create a deeply comforting and flavorful dressing that’s a cornerstone of Southern Thanksgiving tables. This recipe delivers authentic taste and a hearty texture that completes your festive meal.
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Easy Vegan Stuffing
This Easy Vegan Stuffing features a savory blend of onions, celery, carrots, and plant-based sausage. Prepared without oil or butter, it’s as tasty and satisfying as a classic stuffing, offering a moist interior and a delightfully crispy exterior. This recipe proves that vegan options can be rich in flavor and texture, making it an inclusive and delicious choice for your Thanksgiving spread.
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Garlic Bread Stuffing
Elevate your holiday stuffing with this unique Garlic Bread Stuffing. Cubed pieces of garlic bread or breadsticks are combined with savory mushrooms, tender onion, and crisp celery, all baked in a deliciously seasoned broth. This recipe delivers a stuffing that is packed with garlicky flavor and boasts a fantastic texture, making it a standout and memorable addition to your Thanksgiving table.
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Grandma’s Easy Vegan Stuffing Recipe
Discover Grandma’s stuffing recipe from the 1950s, which happens to be surprisingly vegan—who would have known?! This delicious and classic stuffing recipe is perfect for everyone at your table, even those with stricter plant-based diets. It proves that timeless comfort food can be naturally inclusive, offering a flavorful and wholesome side for your Thanksgiving celebration.
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Sausage Stuffing with Cranberries and Cherries
This is truly The BEST holiday Sausage Stuffing, featuring robust Italian sausage (feel free to use hot or mild), savory cornbread, crunchy celery, crispy French bread, and a delightful sweetness from dried cherries and cranberries! It’s a complex and incredibly flavorful stuffing that strikes a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it an unforgettable centerpiece of your festive meal.
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Mexican Cornbread Stuffing Recipe
This Mexican Cornbread Stuffing Recipe offers a vibrant and exciting twist on traditional holiday dressing. It’s crafted with sweet cornbread, smoky roasted poblano peppers, luscious melted cheeses, and, of course, that deliciously smoky, spicy pork chorizo. This unique combination of flavors creates a stuffing that is bold, comforting, and guaranteed to be a memorable addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
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Rich Gravies and Sauces: The Finishing Touch to Your Thanksgiving Meal
A perfectly crafted gravy or sauce can truly make or break a Thanksgiving meal. Many people are quite particular about their gravies and sauces, sometimes even bringing their own secret family recipes to the gathering – and that’s perfectly welcome! These flavorful additions are essential for tying all the elements of your feast together, adding moisture, depth, and a touch of gourmet flair. Here are some fabulous gravy and sauce recipes that are sure to impress and elevate your holiday spread.
Dried Cranberry Sauce Recipe
This cranberry sauce stands out by using dried cranberries, resulting in a sweeter and even more delicious flavor profile than traditional fresh cranberry versions. Its rich, concentrated taste and smooth texture make it an exceptional accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey. It’s a simple recipe that delivers gourmet results, perfect for a festive and flavorful holiday table.
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Southern White Gravy Recipe
This deliciously creamy, homestyle Southern white gravy recipe is an old-fashioned classic that has truly stood the test of time. Its rich, velvety texture and savory flavor make it a perfect pairing for countless dishes, from fried chicken to mashed potatoes. For Thanksgiving, it offers a comforting, traditional alternative or addition to darker gravies, ensuring a touch of Southern charm.
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Turkey Gravy
No Thanksgiving is complete without delicious, homemade Turkey Gravy. This recipe includes clear instructions on how to make a rich and flavorful gravy, whether you have pan drippings from your roasted turkey or need to start from scratch. It’s the perfect savory complement, adding moisture and incredible depth to every bite of your holiday meal.
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Southern Giblet Gravy Recipe
This old-fashioned classic, Southern Giblet Gravy, is so packed with savory flavor that it makes perfect use of those turkey-extras. Rich, hearty, and deeply traditional, it’s an essential accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing. Its robust flavor profile adds an authentic Southern touch that will be cherished by those who appreciate classic holiday preparations.
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Cranberry Sauce That Everyone Will Love
This cranberry sauce recipe is truly one that everyone at your table will adore. Naturally sweet, it’s also wonderfully versatile as it’s gluten-free, vegan, and Paleo-friendly, with a simple switch to make it Whole30 and keto-compliant. It’s a vibrant, fresh, and health-conscious option that brings essential festive flavor to your Thanksgiving feast without compromising on taste or dietary needs.
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Cranberry Orange Sauce Recipe
This delicious Cranberry Orange Sauce recipe is a timeless classic, perfect for enhancing your Thanksgiving and general holiday season meals. Super easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients, it perfectly balances tart cranberries with bright, zesty orange notes. What’s more, it can be made ahead of time, simplifying your holiday prep and ensuring fresh, vibrant flavor.
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Vegan Mushroom Gravy
This delicious Vegan Mushroom Gravy is incredibly rich, hearty, and bursting with umami flavor. It’s hailed as the best vegetarian and vegan gravy, making it an indispensable addition to your Thanksgiving table. Whether served over roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a plant-based roast, this savory gravy ensures everyone can enjoy a truly decadent and flavorful holiday experience.
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Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
Homemade whole berry cranberry sauce is an undeniably delicious and essential must-have for your Thanksgiving dinner. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and, crucially, can be prepared ahead of time, alleviating some of the stress on the busiest cooking day of the year. Its vibrant color and fresh, tart-sweet flavor provide a delightful contrast to the rich holiday meal.
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No Fail Homemade Turkey Gravy
This No Fail Homemade Turkey Gravy is a wonderful, thick concentrate that you can easily dilute down to make flavorful stock for soup or a rich gravy. If you were to create such a concentrate from scratch, it would take a considerable amount of time to cook down, making this recipe a huge time-saver! Enjoy a perfectly smooth and savory gravy without the stress this Thanksgiving.
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Cranberry Sauce with Grand Marnier
This is classic cranberry sauce, but with a delightful and sophisticated twist! This super fun cranberry sauce features splashes of orange liqueur, Grand Marnier, adding an extra layer of bright, citrusy complexity. What’s more, it can be prepared on both the stovetop and in a slow cooker, offering flexibility for your holiday cooking. It’s a gourmet touch that will impress your guests.
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Cranberry Fluff
Cranberry Fluff is a delightful side dish that combines tangy, chilled cranberries and sweet crushed pineapple, all gently folded into light, marshmallow-filled whipped cream. This unique concoction creates a refreshing and sweet complement to richer holiday fare, making it a beloved family favorite. It’s an easy, no-bake option that adds a touch of playful sweetness to your Thanksgiving table.
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Warm & Wonderful Bread Recipes for Your Thanksgiving Table
As many of you know, I am a true bread lover. The aroma of fresh bread baking is undeniably my happy place, and nothing quite beats it. My skillet Southern cornbread is one of my all-time favorites to serve as a Thanksgiving side dish. Or, for a delightful change of pace, I might pull out some crawfish from the freezer to whip up my famous Crawfish Bread. Bread is more than just a carb; it’s a comforting anchor to any meal, perfect for sopping up gravies and rounding out your plate. Here are some of my favorite bread recipes that will not disappoint your holiday guests:
Pull Apart Bread Wreath
This decorative Pull Apart Bread Wreath is perfect for any festive occasion, especially Thanksgiving or Christmas. Each individual bread piece is generously filled with a cheesy stuffing and then brushed with a savory garlic and herb butter. It’s a fun, interactive, and incredibly flavorful way to serve bread, doubling as a stunning centerpiece that encourages communal dining.
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Garlic Butter Rolls
These light, fluffy Garlic Butter Rolls are the quintessential dinner rolls for any occasion, from a casual family meal to an elegant Thanksgiving dinner. Each roll is coated in a delicious garlic and parsley butter, creating an irresistible aroma and taste. They are simple to make and guarantee warm, savory goodness that everyone will love to pair with their holiday meal.
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Stuffed Garlic Bread
This Stuffed Garlic Bread recipe yields a loaf of pure cheesy, garlicky heaven, boasting a crusty exterior and a wonderfully soft interior. It’s an indulgent and satisfying bread that serves beautifully as a side dish, perfect for soaking up rich gravies or complementing any robust Thanksgiving main. This recipe takes garlic bread to an impressive new level.
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Southern Spoon Bread
Simple yet utterly delicious, an old-fashioned Southern Spoon Bread is a fantastic, comforting side that even makes great use of leftovers. Its unique, custard-like texture and rich corn flavor make it a beloved tradition. This recipe offers a wonderful, light alternative to heavier breads, providing a satisfying and flavorful accompaniment to your holiday spread.
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Easy Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
These warm, soft, and inviting homemade dinner rolls are the perfect accompaniment to any main dish. Their light texture and subtle sweetness make them a versatile and essential bread for your Thanksgiving table. Easy to bake from scratch, this recipe brings that comforting, fresh-from-the-oven goodness that elevates any holiday meal and is always eagerly anticipated.
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Easy Honey Graham Cornbread Recipe
Try this wonderfully versatile honey graham cornbread plain as a delightfully sweet side dish, or serve it warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert. Enjoy any leftovers with coffee for a perfect breakfast! Its unique sweet profile makes it a standout bread option for your Thanksgiving spread, offering multiple ways to enjoy its comforting flavors.
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Bacon, Leek, and Artichoke Bread Pudding
This Bacon, Leek, and Artichoke Bread Pudding recipe is wonderfully versatile, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sophisticated substitute for traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas dressing. Its savory combination of crispy bacon, tender leeks, and earthy artichokes, all infused into a rich bread pudding, creates a deeply flavorful and comforting dish that truly stands out.
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Sweet and Moist Cornbread
This is undeniably the best Sweet and Moist Cornbread you could ever bake from scratch! Its center is wonderfully fluffy, moist, and perfectly sweet, contrasting beautifully with its perfectly golden-brown edges. It’s an ideal accompaniment to any savory Thanksgiving dish, offering a comforting sweetness and a delightful texture that will quickly become a cherished recipe.
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Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls
These tasty Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls are deliciously soft, savory, and brimming with that irresistible Cheddar Bay Biscuit flavor we all love so much. They make fantastic appetizers or a unique side dish for your Thanksgiving spread, offering a burst of cheesy, garlicky goodness. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, they’re a fun and flavorful addition to any festive menu.
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Thanksgiving Prep: Top Tips for a Smooth & Stress-Free Holiday!
When tackling the extensive Thanksgiving menu, finding dishes that require minimal hands-on time can be incredibly helpful. If you can incorporate recipes that cook themselves in a slow cooker, like my delicious Pinto Beans recipe, it frees you up to focus on other critical components of the meal. Utilizing a crock pot is a smart strategy to manage multiple dishes efficiently and reduce kitchen stress.
After you’ve perfected your savory sides, don’t forget the grand finale! Explore my extensive list of Thanksgiving Tart Recipes for dazzling dessert ideas that will cap off your holiday feast in spectacular fashion.
Preparing for Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be daunting. With this comprehensive guide to impressive side dishes, from hearty vegetables and comforting potatoes to fresh salads, savory stuffings, rich gravies, and delicious breads, you have everything you need to create a truly unforgettable holiday meal. Each recipe has been chosen for its flavor, ease of preparation, and ability to delight your guests. May your Thanksgiving be filled with warmth, joy, and an abundance of incredible food!