47 Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas That Stole the Show Last Year

Thanksgiving might be about the turkey, but everyone knows the side dishes steal the spotlight. These 47 ideas prove that mashed, baked, and roasted can outshine even the main course. They’re the kind of sides that make guests fight for seconds and pretend they’re still “just tasting.”

French Onion Soup

There’s something special about soup that doubles as a cozy centerpiece for a meal. French Onion Soup brings a rich taste with its well-balanced mix of textures and flavors. A warm bowl of this gives Thanksgiving a restaurant-style starter at home. Stick this on the table, and everyone will want seconds before finishing their first bites.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Cabbage Casserole

A mix of textures and flavor profiles makes certain sides stand out at Thanksgiving tables. Cabbage Casserole balances hearty elements with a touch of comfort food charm. It plays well as a pairing with turkey or other classic mains. If you want something different yet crowd-pleasing, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole

Turkey Soup

Leftovers often lead to creativity, and that’s where this shines. Turkey Soup turns what’s left of the main star into something comforting for everyone. With its warm, homey vibe, it feels like the day’s flavors brought together in a bowl. Set it out the day after Thanksgiving, and it’s still a hit.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Soup

Beet Salad

Color and crunch can quickly add interest to any Thanksgiving spread. Beet Salad not only adds something visually appealing but offers its own unique, balanced flavor profile to the table. A lighter option among heavier sides, it cuts through richness perfectly. It’s that side dish people didn’t expect but end up talking about.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Everyone loves a potato dish that feels like a tradition-in-the-making. Mississippi Mud Potatoes combine hearty ingredients into something undeniably fulfilling for the whole table. Rich and layered, it’s a casserole that can hold its own beside even the main course. Expect plenty of compliments once this dish is served.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Amish Breakfast Casserole

Though breakfast is in the name, this side fits amazingly well in a Thanksgiving meal. Amish Breakfast Casserole combines hearty ingredients into a dish perfect for sharing. Sometimes, sides need to be just as filling as the main dishes, and this one sure delivers. People will want more than one scoop of this one.
Get the Recipe: Amish Breakfast Casserole

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Bringing comfort food to a holiday meal doesn’t get easier or quicker than this. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is the creamy, cheesy addition that everyone looks forward to. It blends easily with any other side while still standing out as a favorite on its own. Thanksgiving might need turkey, but it definitely needs this, too.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Focaccia Bread

Bread always has a spot at the table, and this one steals the spotlight. Focaccia Bread not only acts as the supporting side but feels like its own special dish. Its unique texture and touch of flavor make it hard to stop reaching for another slice. So good, it might just outshine the dinner rolls.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Million Dollar Casserole

Every feast needs that one side dish that feels luxuriously over-the-top. Million Dollar Casserole lives up to its name, delivering layers of indulgent flavors that impress. It’s the perfect casserole for something memorable during Thanksgiving. Once it hits the table, everyone will ask what makes it so amazing.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole

Greek Salad

With heavier dishes all around, this side adds a refreshing break. Greek Salad becomes the balance you didn’t realize you needed at Thanksgiving. It’s light but still packed with bold elements that keep people coming back for more. A simple dish that contrasts beautifully with the holiday’s richness.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad

Easy Cornbread Casserole

Mixing familiar favorites can shape new traditions. Easy Cornbread Casserole merges household staples into a warm, sweet side dish fit for the holidays. It’s straightforward yet has the kind of flavor that makes it unforgettable. Definitely one to add to the lineup if it isn’t already.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Twice Baked Potatoes

When one round of baking isn’t enough, you double down. Twice Baked Potatoes are Thanksgiving’s comforting snack right on the dinner plate. They bring creaminess and a slight crisp in every bite, making it a well-loved option. They’re a staple for a reason, year after year.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

Bread Stuffing

No Thanksgiving table feels complete unless this dish appears. Bread Stuffing delivers the flavors and textures synonymous with holiday dinners. It’s the ultimate pairing for turkey and makes plates feel incomplete without it. Year after year, it proves why some classics never fade away.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing

Ham and Potato Casserole

Combining two household staples often results in something memorable. Ham and Potato Casserole fits that idea perfectly, blending hearty elements into one satisfying side. It’s filling but also complements the variety of other dishes on the table. Don’t be surprised if folks treat it like a second main.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Casserole

7 Layer Salad

Layers make food more interesting, and this proves it. 7 Layer Salad is a great option for adding variety and visual appeal to Thanksgiving spreads. Each bite feels different while still cohesive, making it a fun dish for everyone at the table. You’ll see plates piled high with this before the meal ends.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Some recipes come with comfort baked right in, and this is one of them. Chicken and Stuffing Casserole pairs well with Thanksgiving mains, but it also shines as its own dish. It embodies everything people love about hearty, baked side options. A dish likely to leave no leftovers behind.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Baked Potato

Simple doesn’t need to mean boring, and this one proves it. Baked Potato at Thanksgiving is all about versatility, and letting people dress it up how they like. It’s a side that everyone can take in their own direction. A timeless option that fits seamlessly with everything on the table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Stuffing Balls

Taking a classic idea and giving it a twist can be just the right move for the day. Stuffing Balls are an inventive, sharable version of one of Thanksgiving’s expected dishes. They’re easier for guests to grab and still hit all the familiar notes of traditional stuffing. Perfect for anyone wanting something familiar but fun.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing Balls

Butternut Squash Risotto

When you want a side that feels just a little more transformed, this is a great choice. Butternut Squash Risotto combines creaminess and heartiness in a way that complements traditional holiday dishes. It brings a touch of something special without overshadowing the table. Everyone will want to know how it fits so beautifully into the meal.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto

Cauliflower Steaks

Not every side dish needs to stick to the classics, and this is proof. Cauliflower Steaks offer a modern twist for those wanting something unique at their Thanksgiving meal. Despite being so simple, it feels fresh and surprising next to traditional sides. A fantastic addition for anyone seeking variety on their plates.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Egg Casserole

A hearty and filling option is often a big hit during Thanksgiving feasts. Egg Casserole offers a mix of textures and a balanced flavor that appeals to many. It stands out because it always pairs easily with other dishes on the table. Served warm, it guarantees an inviting addition to any side spread.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole

Celery Salad

Crunchy, refreshing, and unexpected are all great words to describe this dish. Celery Salad is the light, crisp option that cuts through richer dishes on the table. It adds a touch of contrast needed at heavy meals, keeping things balanced. Guests will enjoy this side as much for its simplicity as for its taste.
Get the Recipe: Celery Salad

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Combining comfort food with shareable portions makes this Thanksgiving-ready. Chicken and Rice Casserole offers a hearty, satisfying dish that blends seamlessly with the meal. It brings warmth and balance, making it stand out among other sides. Expect this one to be a returning favorite in years to follow.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cranberry Sauce

Sweet and tart flavors come together in this holiday staple. Cranberry Sauce feels like both a condiment and a dish all on its own, complementing turkey perfectly. It’s one of those sides everyone expects but still appreciates every year. The table wouldn’t feel the same without this colorful addition.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce

Green Bean Casserole

Celebrated during Thanksgiving, this dish plays a reliable, comforting role. In Green Bean Casserole, a well-loved mix of creamy and crispy elements shines. It balances freshness with bold flavor, making it hard to ignore on the plate. It’s a must-have for any family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Creamed Spinach

Rich and velvety, this feels like the green side dish made for a holiday feast. Creamed Spinach rounds out the spread, adding a touch of comfort to the mix. It flows well with both meats and starches on the table while standing strong on its own. A classic that feels right at home at Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Hashbrown Casserole

Warm and hearty dishes tend to be the ones people keep coming back for. Hashbrown Casserole brings a rich, comforting taste that feels just right for the occasion. Its texture and baked perfection make it great for layering with smoked or sauced dishes. A hit in every age group, it rarely has leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Dinner Rolls

Soft and warm bread is something no Thanksgiving table should skip. Dinner Rolls are the kind of side everyone needs to have on hand for the holiday. Perfect for pairing with any dish or simply eating on their own, they’re a must-have addition. Simple, traditional, and impossible to ignore once they’re served.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Layers of flavor packed into an easily shareable dish make this a show-stealer. Easy Tater Tot Casserole feels fun compared to other sides while still packing a lot of substance. It pairs surprisingly well with the rest of the spread, appealing to kids and adults alike. Expect a clean dish at the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Garlic Knots

Soft, warm bread with a light twist on texture always seems to draw everyone to the table. Garlic Knots are packed with a rich flavor that makes them hard to resist. They work well alongside any main dish, soaking up sauces and adding extra layers of enjoyment to the meal. Perfect to share, they’re a quiet star every year.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Eggplant Casserole

Something different always catches the eye, especially when it’s as unique as this. Eggplant Casserole brings a soft texture and bold flavor to the dinner table. It blends so well with other traditional sides that it becomes memorable fast. Unexpectedly hearty, it often gets second helpings.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Combining sweet and spicy flavors brings something bold to the spread. Hot Honey Chicken Salad is the side everyone’s always talking about long after the table has been cleared. It’s ideal for breaking up heavier dishes while thrilling anyone looking for something a little different. Truly unique among Thanksgiving staples.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Mac and Cheese

Something about this classic side gives it a guaranteed place in the spotlight. Mac and Cheese offers a comforting creaminess that feels perfect for holiday meals. It’s excellent for both kids and adults, bringing warmth and joy to the table. A dish no one leaves behind, regardless of the competition.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Potato Casserole

Traditional dishes like this one find their way onto plates with little effort. Potato Casserole is a creamy, baked perfection that stands out at any Thanksgiving feast. Its light golden brown crust hides a dish so delicious it’s often the first to run out. It complements everything served beside it.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Mushroom Risotto

A side that feels a bit more indulgent can often leave its mark on Thanksgiving. Mushroom Risotto combines soft textures and rich flavors that blend seamlessly with turkey or ham. It’s an excellent choice for anyone wanting something slightly transformed yet familiar. It tends to surprise and impress in equal measure.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes bring a creamy, buttery touch that anchors the entire meal. They act as the glue that connects gravies and other sides while keeping guests content. Rarely the most talked-about dish, but always indispensable. A staple that never gets old despite being served year after year.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Whole Cauliflower

For something that takes up visual and flavorful presence, this dish delivers in spades. Roasted Whole Cauliflower is a showy centerpiece that fits alongside Thanksgiving spreads effortlessly. The roast highlights its natural flavor, creating a great balance alongside heavier dishes. It’s a surprise winner for non-traditional tables.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Sautéed Kale

Lighter options don’t have to mean boring, as this dish proves every time. Sautéed Kale provides a warm, delicate balance that complements heartier dishes incredibly well. It gives the table a texture break without making it feel out of place. A simple side that adds much without overshadowing.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Kale

Seven Layer Salad

Multi-layered dishes often steal attention, and this one guarantees guest curiosity. Seven Layer Salad stacks everything neatly to wow those celebrating with you. It has plenty of contrasting flavors that come together beautifully, pleasing anyone lucky enough to grab a big scoop. Height and presentation make it unforgettable year after year.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Heavier sides occasionally shine brighter, especially during big celebrations. Sweet Potato Gnocchi offers a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes every Thanksgiving plate complete. It’s a signature twist on traditional sweet potatoes, bringing a depth you didn’t know you needed. Always surprising but never out of place.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Colorful dishes often contribute to the table’s appeal instantly. Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables are laid-back, simple in appearance, yet unforgettable in flavor. The variety adds something for everyone without competing with major dishes. Seasonal yet timeless, they brighten an already festive table effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Smashed Potatoes

There’s always satisfaction in reimagining classics, and this side does exactly that. Smashed Potatoes add a crisp yet soft take on what everyone already loves about potatoes during Thanksgiving. They’re easy to pair with nearly anything served on the day, standing out as a playful favorite. It’s simple yet makes a big impression.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes

Southern Cornbread

Rich, traditional companions to holiday spreads always hold their ground well. Southern Cornbread brings a comforting warmth and slight texture that fits seamlessly into Thanksgiving meals. It’s a small, dependable addition that pairs beautifully with savory options. No matter your theme, it fits perfectly every time.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread

Sweet Potato Fries

A fun side that always gets a nod of approval belongs here without a doubt. Sweet Potato Fries mix crispness with just the right balance to feel like a treat. They’re perfect alongside heartier dishes, offering everyone a playful option on their plate. Guaranteed to disappear fast no matter the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Turkey Gravy

Sometimes it’s what tops everything else that truly completes the meal. Turkey Gravy ties every dish together, making it essential for Thanksgiving spreads. It enhances every bite, no matter the side, creating a unified experience on the plate. Nobody skips over it after sampling it once on a dish.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Gravy

Sweet Potato Wedges

Chunkier options tend to feel more fulfilling on big holiday plates. Sweet Potato Wedges bring extra heft, making them memorable compared to thinner alternatives. They’re filling without overwhelming, slotting in easily alongside turkey or casseroles. Simple but effective, they round out Thanksgiving dishes beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Bringing something to snack while waiting for the main course is never a wrong idea. Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board offers a beautiful spread that invites mingling and sampling. It lets people enjoy a little of everything without feeling overly heavy right out of the gate. Great for breaking up more serious fare on Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board