47 Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas Everyone Fights Over

Every Thanksgiving, the real showdown isn’t about carving the turkey, it’s over which side disappears first. With 47 side dishes ready to compete, elbows fly and serving spoons clash. Grandma swears hers is the classic, someone tries a “new twist,” and everyone secretly hoards seconds. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and completely worth it.

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Plates get busy when something creamy lands on the table. Mississippi Mud Potatoes tend to vanish quick because everyone gets curious about that cheesy layer. The dish matches well with barbecue meats or roasts, especially for hungry crowds. Crispy edges bring lots of crunch without any fuss. It’s a sure bet if you need a side that doesn’t stick around long.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Garlic Knots

Bread baskets always move fast when there’s a twist to each bite. Garlic Knots pop up as snackable bites just right for dipping in sauces or eating with meat dishes. The texture keeps everyone reaching for another instead of waiting for mains. Handy for soaking up gravy or soup at dinner. These get eaten up before you can fill the basket twice.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Thanksgiving Casserole

Adding layers makes big meals more fun when you want everyone to dig in quick. Thanksgiving Casserole gives off a homey feel loaded with comfort and flavor in every serving. It lines up well with turkey, ham, or even by itself for leftovers. Stays warm for late-night snacks after the main event.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole

Sweet Potato Wedges

Quick sides with handheld slices bring color to any table and that crispy feel is easy to love. Sweet Potato Wedges keep snack trays lively for sharing at big gatherings or hanging out by the game. Pairs with spicy dips for a bite or sits neat next to roast chicken for a lighter option. The wedges stack up fast so no one waits for a snack.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Creamed Spinach

Smooth veggie sides make dinner plates pop for folks who want something green. Creamed Spinach serves up creamy without being too heavy and scoops easy with roast meats. Easy to portion so it fits any meal size. Works well for leftovers or in sandwiches the next day. Always gets a shout when someone asks for a light veggie option.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Ham and Potato Casserole

Casserole tables fill up quick with dishes that mix hearty staples in every scoop. Ham and Potato Casserole pairs up well with fresh bread or salad for comfort and crunch. It’s great for crowds who want something that sticks with them. People always grab seconds because those layers hit the spot. The pan never lasts long on busy days.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Casserole

Southern Cornbread

Slices of cornbread make meals feel honest and easy to share with all kinds of spreads. Southern Cornbread shows up soft and sturdy for lining plates next to chili or roast. Crumbs soak up gravies quick for no-mess eating. Fans of classic sides ask for this alongside every big dinner. Always stacks up fast for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread

Sautéed Kale

Veggie sides get more interesting when they pan out with light texture and crunch. Sautéed Kale keeps plates balanced when there’s lots of rich or creamy food. It pairs nice with chicken or fish for an easy finish. Quick refills mean no one misses out. Greens pop in the lineup for anyone who wants something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Kale

Honeycrisp Salad

Salad bowls jump off the table for mixing crisp chunks with each forkful. Honeycrisp Salad serves up clean flavor and helps cut through heavier roasts and gravy. Always handy during festive meals where plates get crowded. The color and texture get people talking and grabbing more. Salads like this never fade out of style at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Potatoes show up strong on any buffet when tater tots start stacking up. Easy Tater Tot Casserole lines up crunch with every bite, perfect for snacking before the main course. It goes fast with meat dishes or solo as a comfort meal. Kids and adults scoop these out with zero leftovers. No one complains when you double the batch.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Celery Salad

Salads with crisp crunch give plates a break from the usual heavy sides. Celery Salad makes meals feel cool and quick, especially with rich meats. It’s easy to serve by itself or as a filler in wraps and sandwiches. Clean bites keep the table balanced for picky eaters. Always a quiet hit when you want something lighter.
Get the Recipe: Celery Salad

Breakfast Casserole

All-day casseroles work for both brunch and dinner when crowd eats first. Breakfast Casserole packs in flavor layers and sets up simple sharing for parties or leftovers. It teams up with toast or fruit for added crunch. Brings extra variety to the meal with zero fuss. People clear the pan before you stop them.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole

Sweet Potato Fries

Snack plates stay popular when fries roll out with a twist in color and flavor. Sweet Potato Fries give handheld fun to big and small meals alike. Goes well with tangy sauces or solo for simple snacking. The crisp texture means refills go quick every time. Best for sharing during movies or family hangouts.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Pans lined with bright veggies get picked over when a balanced plate is needed. Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables mix crunch and sweet to fill up any spread. Matches well with chicken, pork, or heavier mains. Easy to serve since guests scoop their own. The mix keeps everyone happy for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Baked Potato

Spuds stacked with toppings always turn plain meals into crowd-pleasers. Baked Potato opens up endless options for crispy skins and soft centers. Fits any plate whether you load it or keep it simple. Leftovers work great for next-day meals. Reliable pick for any feast with lots of choices.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Plates look fancy fast when soft bites meet a sweet finish. Sweet Potato Gnocchi rolls up with creamy texture and packs in warmth for group meals. Goes nice with savory sauces or as a small plate for sharing. No leftovers signals a hit at dinner. These little bites go quick at big gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Macaroni Salad

Mixing pasta and crunch in a bowl means easy eating at any meal. Macaroni Salad keeps buffet trays full and mixes up classic flavors for everyone. Pairs well with barbecue and sandwiches or sits solo for light lunches. Seriously, it disappears in minutes when the crowd gets hungry. Always good for extras or lunchbox fillers.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Pumpkin Soup

Bowls go down smooth when there’s mild flavor ready for sipping. Pumpkin Soup pours out creamy and keeps the table neat for sharing. It lines up with bread or salad as a starter or side. Hands always ask for refills when it’s served hot. Soup keeps guests happy while waiting for bigger plates.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup

Potato Casserole

Stacking up potatoes in layers makes every bite cheesy and full. Potato Casserole brings crunch and comfort to holiday tables where comfort counts most. Easy to pair with roasts or soups. Plates get filled up twice by the time dinner ends. It’s always a favorite where guests want extra.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Antipasto Salad

Cold salads take center stage with bold chunks mixed in. Antipasto Salad adds variety to tables loaded with heavy dishes and strong sauces. Good for snacking before the meal or sharing with meats and cheese. Fresh texture always sets it apart in the lineup. Guests keep asking for seconds with every round.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Stuffed Cabbage

Rolls that stack on a plate fill up fast when you want something new. Stuffed Cabbage packs in flavor and stays firm for easy serving. Works well alongside potatoes or rice for hearty dinners. Handy for sharing at big family meals. The classic shape always brings up stories at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Cabbage

Funeral Potatoes

Creamy casseroles fill up dinner tables with crunch that’s hard to ignore. Funeral Potatoes mix up cheesy comfort so plates always go fast. Fans of classic sides pick these first before anything else. Stays warm and gooey for leftovers or late-night snacks. No one passes up this bowl at holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Stuffing Balls

Bringing stuffing into bite-size shapes means less mess and quick eating. Stuffing Balls pop off the tray at big gatherings for ease and handy snacking. Pairs up with gravy or solo for finger food fun. They stack up fast so you never run out during the meal. Most people grab a few before mains hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing Balls

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Salad bowls get a kick when a little sweet heats things. Hot Honey Chicken Salad offers a balance against rich meats and creamy casseroles. Crunch hits first with a hint that wakes the palate. Stands up well alone or next to bread. Always creates buzz for round two at group meals.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Putting main dishes with snacks on one tray makes for good sharing. Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board offers slices, spreads, and color so people snack before or after the main. The tray lines up strong for photo sharing and quick grabs. Guests rotate in, making sure every flavor hits the plate. Always looks impressive without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

Plates clear out fast when smoke and sweet hit a bite together. Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes stand up strong beside lighter sides for balance at big meals. The hearty pair draws eyes when you serve. People go for seconds before the meat is gone. A solid win for grilling days or roast events.
Get the Recipe: Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

Turkey Soup

Bowls go right on the table for sharing when there’s extra turkey on hand. Turkey Soup pours up mild and filling to work as starter or side. People scoop seconds if served hot with bread. Good for stretching leftovers into another meal. Always a go-to for chill nights with company.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Soup

Mac and Cheese

Cheesy pasta always crowds dinner tables since everyone fights for seconds. Mac and Cheese lines up creamy servings, mixing well with roasts and veggies. Good pick for big groups wanting simple comfort food. Leftovers work great for next-day meals. No one passes up an extra scoop when this is cooked right.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Bread Stuffing

Loaf bread sides soak up gravy and anchor the meal for hungry guests. Bread Stuffing serves up chunky bites that mix herbs and crunch. Always beside turkey for balance. Guests grab handfuls before the main dish hits the table. Leftovers reboot as quick lunches.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing

Cinnamon Applesauce

Bright bowls add sweetness that keeps plates lively. Cinnamon Applesauce goes well with pork dishes or by itself for dessert. It’s light for snacking and filling up between meals. Easy to make big batches for any group. Smooth texture wins out when you want a simple side.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Applesauce

Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Large veggie sides stand out for both shape and color at holiday meals. Roasted Whole Cauliflower puts crunch and earthiness front and center for everyone. Slices up easy for sharing with big or small plates. Eats well with sauces or as a solo snack. Impresses guests with just a simple cut and serve.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Comfort meets ease when rice and chicken show up for dinner. Chicken and Rice Casserole packs up plates quick for group meals. The soft layers fill everyone up with minimal leftovers. Adds balance next to veggies or bread. People ask for seconds once they spot it on the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

Beet Salad

Color jumps off salad bowls when earthy chunks get tossed in. Beet Salad matches well with light dressings or simple cheese for variety. Adds crunch and freshness to heavy spreads. Pairs up with bread for lighter bites. Always gets compliments for the look and texture.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Roasted Broccoli

Crunchy greens make plates brighter and offer more bite for simple eating. Roasted Broccoli gets taken first next to macaroni, chicken, or baked potatoes. Goes back on the table for easy refills. Picky eaters reach for green when it’s crispy. This side keeps things moving without slowing dinner down.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli

Cranberry Sauce

Jars of sauce fit right next to meats for a sweet sharp pairing. Cranberry Sauce brings color to plates and matches mashed potatoes or turkey. Handy for spreading onto bread or mixing into leftovers. Light texture balances richer mains at big meals. Jars always finish up before everyone leaves.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce

French Onion Casserole

Onion layers with cheese add a rich kick to casseroles at big gatherings. French Onion Casserole carries the flavor with meat or bread sides for extra comfort. Crispy topping wins over picky eaters fast. Works for leftovers or as a main for lighter meals. The pan clears out quick when dinner ends.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Quick sides for pasta jump out as lifesavers when crowds run hungry. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese scoops up creamy bites with every serving, good for weeknights or holiday feasts. Works for leftovers without extra mess. Guests stack extra helpings when there’s plenty. This is one of those quick classics everyone remembers.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Mushroom Risotto

Creamy rice sides fill plates with flavor and chew for every group meal. Mushroom Risotto rolls in easy with roast meats or solo for a lighter crowd. Texture stays rich without being heavy. Handy for second helpings at dinner. Always gone once people try a bite.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto

Amish Breakfast Casserole

Hearty breakfast sides join dinners for bigger meals without extra trouble. Amish Breakfast Casserole stacks up eggs and cheese, easy to cut and pass around. Pairs with bread or fruit when you want variety. Stays popular at potlucks or family gatherings. The pan always empties ahead of schedule.
Get the Recipe: Amish Breakfast Casserole

Smashed Potatoes

Crunch in every bite makes for easy eating at busy dinner tables. Smashed Potatoes line up next to roast meats or gravy for simple filling. Good for snacking when you want something bite-sized. Crowds grab these first before mashed versions. No fuss means no leftovers by the end.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes

Turkey Gravy

Warm sauce makes everything better when poured over sides. Turkey Gravy fits mashed potatoes, stuffing or casseroles for smooth extra flavor. Bowls refill quick during big meals. Works for sandwiches or next-day snacks. Always finishes up faster than the turkey.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Gravy

Green Bean Casserole

Veggie casseroles bring classic flavor for plates that need crunch and color. Green Bean Casserole keeps bowls busy with creamy layers and crispy topping. Pairs with chicken, turkey or pork for balance. Easy to refill for big crowds hungry for more. The dish gets eaten up before other veggies have a chance.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Greek Salad

Salads packed with bold chunks stand out for fresh bites at busy meals. Greek Salad brings brightness and crunch so plates never feel dull. Goes well with grilled meats, breads or pasta sides. Bowls empty quickly with groups looking for lighter options. It’s always a hit at parties for a balanced plate.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy potatoes smooth out plates and keep napkins working overtime for seconds. Mashed Potatoes work best piled high with gravy or paired with roast. Reliable pick for feeding big groups and packing up leftovers. Extra bowls get filled up quickly. This dish keeps every plate happy.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Hashbrown Casserole

Cheesy casserole sides light up plates for breakfast or dinner crowds. Hashbrown Casserole brings a crunchy top and soft center to match eggs or roasts. Guests never turn down a second scoop. Handy for making meals last longer. The pan gets cleaned out before everyone sits down.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

French Onion Soup

Soup bowls get passed around for comfort bites during big dinners. French Onion Soup dishes up rich broth and classic cheese crust on top. Good for pairing with bread or lighter sides. The bowls always empty fast at group meals. Soup keeps conversations moving at the table.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Seven Layer Salad

Stacking veggies and dressing gets plates moving for hungry guests. Seven Layer Salad matches up crisp greens and bold toppings just right. Easy to spoon out for group dinners and family get-togethers. By the end, you always find an empty bowl. This salad fits right into big spreads.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad