I Always Bring These 29 Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Everyone says they’re coming for the turkey, but these 29 side dishes are what actually get cleaned out first. They’ve been passed around, doubled up, and quietly fought over at more than one family table. Having them on hand makes Thanksgiving feel less like work and more like a win. At this point, not showing up with them feels rude.

Cabbage Casserole

Baked layers of soft and crispy textures always make for a reliable side. Cabbage Casserole works great alongside main dishes or as its own small centerpiece. It’s simple to serve in big portions or smaller scoops depending on the gathering. Everyone appreciates how easy it is to enjoy without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole

Turkey Soup

A warm bowl of classic flavors always feels right for big family meals. Turkey Soup is perfect for using leftovers or making something that feels homemade without much effort. It pairs well with bread or other sides to create a complete dish. Everyone goes back for seconds because it feels light yet filling.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Soup

Amish Breakfast Casserole

One-dish option that’s both hearty and simple makes it perfect for any meal. Amish Breakfast Casserole delivers layers that feel both homemade and comforting. It’s easy to portion and works for big groups without needing too many extras. People always ask for this dish at the table because it hits the spot every time.
Get the Recipe: Amish Breakfast Casserole

Cranberry Sauce

Mixing sweet and tart flavors makes this the kind of side you can’t skip. Cranberry Sauce brings a fresh, bright balance to heavier plates and cuts through the richness of big meals. It’s simple yet essential for every gathering because it pulls all the dishes together. Everyone asks for a little extra on their plate.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce

Beet Salad

Cool textures mixed with earthy flavors create a salad that looks great on any table. Beet Salad is as visually striking as it is easy to share, making it perfect for gatherings. It pairs well with meaty or lighter dishes and balances out heavier sides. Guests love its simplicity while still feeling different from the usual choices.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Cauliflower Steaks

Thick slices that feel hearty work well as a main or a creative side dish. Cauliflower Steaks bring something sturdy to the table without being complicated. They’re great for adding a bold plant-based option that everyone can enjoy. They end up as a talking point because they look unique but are so easy to eat.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

French Onion Casserole

Warm layers of flavor make this a reliable dish that’s hard to ignore. French Onion Casserole feels rich and comforting while being simple enough to serve in larger portions. It pairs perfectly with meats or stands out as its own pleasing choice on the table. No one leaves the gathering without grabbing a helping of this one.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Mac and Cheese

Creamy and cheesy always win when it’s time to bring a side everyone loves. Mac and Cheese is simple to make but feels complete, whether it’s for kids or adults at the table. It works as a side or even as a main when paired with lighter options. Everyone clears their plate every time this shows up.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Focaccia Bread

Fluffy and lightly crisp bread always feels like the perfect companion to hearty meals. Focaccia Bread brings something warm and versatile that works well with soups and casseroles. It’s easy to tear and share for something casual yet satisfying. People grab extra because it feels fresh and fits into every part of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Eggplant Casserole

Layers of hearty and fresh ingredients turn into a side dish that’s both rich and simple. Eggplant Casserole pairs well with meat-based dishes or plant-based spreads without being too heavy. It’s easy to serve in generous portions and looks great on the table. Everyone appreciates this as an option when they want something different.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Twice Baked Potatoes

Soft and creamy centers topped with a firmer layer make this a side that feels complete in every bite. Twice Baked Potatoes have a way of making people grab one for every plate, no matter what else is there. They’re easy to customize and perfect for gatherings where multiple choices matter. Guests always leave asking for this simple classic.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes

7 Layer Salad

Stacking layers of fresh and crunchy textures always catches everyone’s attention. 7 Layer Salad looks impressive in bowls and plates up beautifully. It’s great for pairing with heavier options while staying light and balanced. People love grabbing a little of each layer, making it perfect for big meals.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Warm and comforting layers make this an easy go-to for the table. Chicken and Stuffing Casserole blends everything into a simple dish that serves well alongside other sides. Perfect for get-togethers when comfort food is needed. Everyone appreciates how it brings something hearty without a lot of extra work.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Seven Layer Salad

Colorful stacked layers turn this salad into one of the stars at the table. Seven Layer Salad is easy to plate and gives everyone variety in a single scoop. It’s perfect for balancing out richer dishes while keeping it simple. Guests can’t help but enjoy how fresh and vibrant this option feels every time it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Egg Casserole

A baked option filled with hearty layers works well for any time of day. Egg Casserole brings a filling yet light texture that pairs perfectly with a range of other dishes. It’s easy to prep and plate, making it a versatile choice for larger groups. People love how it feels both complete and easy to scoop into servings.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole

Bread Stuffing

Soft, flavorful bites that soak up juices make this side a staple at every gathering. Bread Stuffing works well with other classics or stands alone as a warm, filling dish. It can be prepped in big batches without much effort, which makes it ideal for group meals. Everyone craves its simple comfort no matter how much is on the table.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing

Macaroni Salad

Creamy textures make this a dependable addition to the spread. Macaroni Salad pairs easily with heavier casseroles or works on its own as a lighter, refreshing side. It travels well, making it a favorite for shared meals or potlucks. Guests always come back for second servings because it’s so simple and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Creamy baked side with hearty potatoes always feels like a hit at the table. Mississippi Mud Potatoes blend soft textures with a little crisp edge that pairs well with any spread. It’s easy to serve, and leftovers work just as well for another meal. Everyone enjoys grabbing extra because of how rich but balanced they turn out.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Warm slices coated in a sweet touch turn simple veggies into something memorable. Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe pairs well with meats and other rich sides, adding a bright contrast to the table. They’re quick to plate and always grab attention when served. No one leaves without grabbing a few to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Funeral Potatoes

Creamy layers with a crispy topping make this dish both comforting and shareable. Funeral Potatoes are an easy choice when feeding large groups or making one big effort dish. They go well with meat-heavy plates or lighter salads and are always a crowd favorite. Guests always scrape the dish clean by the end of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Easy Cornbread Casserole

Combining soft textures with a slightly sweet touch turns this into a must-have side. Easy Cornbread Casserole pairs perfectly with savory dishes, creating a more balanced plate. It’s easy to slice into generous portions and feels filling without taking over. People always want to grab seconds to pair it with other favorites.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Sweet Potato Wedges

Chunky wedges that feel hearty yet simple are a great grab-and-go side. Sweet Potato Wedges look great on the table and give plates a comforting texture. They’re perfect for pairing with rich dishes or serving solo as quick finger food. Everyone loves how easy they are to enjoy without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Pumpkin Soup

A warm bowl brings something different to the table while feeling familiar. Pumpkin Soup is perfect for plating alongside bread or casseroles without being too heavy. It’s a light way to start a meal or pair with multiple other sides for balance. Everyone loves the simplicity and cozy flavors this option brings.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

Mashed Potatoes

Smooth and creamy textures make this one of the most comforting sides at any meal. Mashed Potatoes go perfectly with rich gravies, roasted dishes, or just eaten on their own. They’re simple to prepare in large amounts, which makes them easy for gatherings. No one ever skips a scoop of this staple when it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Thanksgiving Casserole

Putting everything together into one baked dish turns it into an easy classic. Thanksgiving Casserole mixes hearty flavors and makes portioning simple for big groups. It’s great for those who love a little bit of everything folded into one bite. Guests never leave without going for seconds of this comforting option.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole

Honeycrisp Salad

Sweet and crunchy textures make this salad stand out during bigger meals. Honeycrisp Salad adds a fresh element to the table without being too heavy, making it perfect with casseroles. It’s easy to plate and offers something different from the usual traditional sides. Groups love the balance it brings to all the other rich choices.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

A crispy topping with hearty layers makes this casserole an easy go-to for any occasion. Easy Tater Tot Casserole serves well as a main for smaller groups or a side for feasts. People love how fun and simple it is while still being filling. Plates are always scraped clean when this dish shows up.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Fresh crunch mixed with creamy layers creates a salad that works with anything. Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing is light and balanced, perfect for eating alongside casseroles. It’s easy to adjust portions and keeps well, so it’s ideal for groups. Guests enjoy the mix of textures while still loving how simple it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Smashed Potatoes

Crispy bites turn simple ingredients into something fun and shareable. Smashed Potatoes work perfectly with gravies, sauces, or just served as they are. They’re easy to place at the center of the table and grab as a side or snack. Guests can’t get enough of the texture and always clear the plate.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes