47 Thanksgiving Side Ideas That Deserve Their Own Corner of the Table

Here’s a collection that helps when you want every part of the feast to feel intentional, not overwhelming. With 47 Thanksgiving side ideas lined up, rounding out the table becomes simple. These picks lean warm, familiar, and easy to manage. You’ll appreciate how well they fit gatherings, potlucks, or relaxed evenings.

Savory French Onion Casserole

One whiff of this Savory French Onion Casserole and you’ll see why it always gets a second look at the Thanksgiving spread. The cheesy, golden crust on top has that irresistible baked finish everyone loves. Each bite is hearty and comforting, making it a serious crowd-pleaser. Guests often ask for the recipe before dessert even appears.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole

Buttermilk Biscuits

There’s something about these Buttermilk Biscuits that makes folks reach for seconds, even if their plate is already full. When served warm, they practically melt in your mouth with a soft, fluffy center. Slathering one with butter feels like a holiday must. Expect crumbs and lots of happy faces when a basket makes the rounds.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

Hearty Cabbage Casserole

Rich and filling, this Hearty Cabbage Casserole draws a number of surprised raves from those who try it for the first time. Layers come together in a way you wouldn’t expect, bringing a warmth that feels perfect for chilly November gatherings. It’s always great to see this kind of comfort food on a big day. I often hear how it disappears quickly.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

My go-to move is to bring this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes to a holiday potluck because they start conversations each time. There’s a creamy, cheesy richness beneath a crunchy topping that seems to call everyone back for “just one more scoop.” The texture adds something unique to any holiday plate. Watch how fast the serving spoon empties the dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Tender Sautéed Kale

For guests seeking lighter options, this Tender Sautéed Kale brings a burst of fresh flavor to the table. Going green adds a bit of balance to the feast, yet this dish never gets overshadowed. Nutty undertones and just the right wilt make it a welcomed side. Holiday meals often need those fresh touches to round them out.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale

Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

Combining smoky and sweet, this Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes isn’t your average side, but it absolutely deserves a spot come Thanksgiving. Guests often come back curious about the flavors mingling on their plate. It’s hearty and bold, with just enough kick to keep things interesting. Big feast days can use a little lively flair like this.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Nothing says comfort like this Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole tucked among the fancier dishes. I’ve found it often gets the same attention as the main course because it’s warm and deeply comforting. It’s easy to serve and even easier to love. A dish like this feels like a nostalgic nod to old-school holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Pulling together a Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board brings a playful upgrade to the typical Thanksgiving starter. It’s colorful and inviting, with plenty of snacking variety to spark conversation. People love picking their favorites from all the different options. The board usually ends up empty long before dinner is officially served.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Bubbling and golden, this Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole has a way of vanishing before you know it. I always make extra because nobody wants to miss out on that crispy, cheesy crust. Kids and adults alike will find something to love here. At big gatherings, it’s usually among the first sides to go.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Sourdough Stuffing

Holiday spreads feel incomplete without a pan of this Sourdough Stuffing on the table. The hearty bread soaks up every savory note, giving a rustic touch to the feast. Friends often ask what makes it so flavorful. You’ll want to save room for seconds after that first forkful.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing

Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Vivid in color and rich in texture, this Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto introduces a gentle sweetness and luxurious creaminess. It’s perfect for pairing alongside the classic Thanksgiving dishes. The rice turns silky, blending with fall flavors in every bite. If you haven’t tried risotto at Thanksgiving yet, now might be the time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Easy Cornbread Casserole

Comforting and just a bit sweet, Easy Cornbread Casserole wins hearts each year. I watch people help themselves to bigger portions of this than anything else. Something about that golden top and soft interior always draws a crowd. Holiday feasts need those tried-and-true favorites.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole

Crusty Focaccia Bread

Breaking open a loaf of this Crusty Focaccia Bread reveals an airy, tender center that feels bakery-fresh. The salty, crisp edges give it homemade appeal from the first bite. Even non-bakers will find this bread impressive and approachable. Thanksgiving tables always benefit from another good bread.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread

Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Every holiday meal is brighter with a bowl of Buttery Mashed Potatoes close by. Fluffy peaks, rich with flavor, practically call out for a ladle of gravy. This side always has folks asking for just one more spoonful. When I serve these, smiles around the table are easy to come by.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy Egg Casserole

Tucking this Fluffy Egg Casserole into your Thanksgiving lineup brings something unexpected but welcome. The texture feels light while still filling, making it a sleeper hit among the sides. Guests notice the subtle richness and ask about it. Even after the meal, people keep talking about that surprise dish.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Egg Casserole

Comforting Turkey Soup

When the meal ends and everyone is resting, Comforting Turkey Soup often appears as a beloved leftover. Fragrant and warm, it wraps up the day’s flavors in each spoonful. I find myself hoping for extra turkey just so this becomes possible. Bowls disappear fast when the air turns brisk.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Turkey Soup

Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Colors pop across the tray with this Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables side dish. The caramelized edges give way to sweet, earthy bites that bring vibrance to your holiday meal. Each vegetable gets its moment to shine. The visual appeal here is half the joy.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

There’s always a buzz when this Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole shows up at gatherings. Generous, creamy layers offer a hug on a plate, while little pockets of savory surprise keep things interesting. Folks say it evokes memories of holidays past. That sense of tradition makes it extra special.
Get the Recipe: Comforting Ham and Potato Casserole

Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

Bringing a pop of color to your spread, Easy Honey Glazed Carrots often get scooped up first by those looking for a lighter bite. Their glossy sheen hints at the sweetness to come. The gentle glaze is just enough to please everyone without overpowering. These veggies make holiday plates feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

A spoonful of Homemade Cranberry Sauce can truly make a Thanksgiving plate sing. Its jewel-toned color catches the light, standing out among all the browns and golds on the table. Tart and sweet meet perfectly here. There’s always someone asking if there’s any left for their turkey sandwich later.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Colorful Antipasto Salad

Bright and brimming with flavor, Colorful Antipasto Salad livens up any holiday buffet. The variety of textures and colors keeps it exciting from start to finish. It’s a refreshing plate that gives your palate a change of pace. Even the pickiest guests seem to return for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad

Hearty Breakfast Casserole

Warmth and comfort fill the room when this Hearty Breakfast Casserole comes out hot from the oven. I’ve found that having a savory breakfast option is perfect for holiday mornings or to tide people over until main meals. It always disappears faster than you’d think. Guests appreciate something filling to kick off the festivities.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Breakfast Casserole

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Shiny and bite-sized, Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze become a show-stealing side every year. Crisped edges offer a bit of crunch, while the glaze rounds things out with tangy depth. Folks who swear they don’t like Brussels sprouts are often converted. That combination draws unexpected fans.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Guests’ eyes widen when a tray of Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes hits the table. They’re crispy, creamy, and made to be shared with laughter and good company. The little bites pack flavor into every nibble. It’s not surprising when they vanish in record time.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Loaded Million Dollar Casserole

Rolling out a Loaded Million Dollar Casserole brings some real excitement to any gathering. Layers stack up with creamy richness and an unmistakable comforting vibe. Friends keep coming back for more, wanting to know its secret. I always leave with an empty dish.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Million Dollar Casserole

Hearty Stuffed Cabbage

Chilly autumn nights call for something substantial, and Hearty Stuffed Cabbage just fits the bill. It’s got that irresistible, old-fashioned appeal that people find hard to resist. The filling is the kind that draws “wow” reactions from those trying it for the first time. At large feasts, there’s never a leaf left behind.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Stuffed Cabbage

Mushroom Gravy

Pouring this Mushroom Gravy over potatoes or turkey has a way of bringing the whole plate together. Velvety and flavorful, it adds the perfect finishing touch without being overpowering. People always want extra on the side. Thanksgiving dinner just isn’t quite the same without a pitcher of it.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy

Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

Layered with savory goodness, Cheesy Eggplant Casserole often turns into the most talked-about dish of the night. It’s hearty, satisfying, and brings new fans to the table each November. Even folks who don’t usually eat eggplant find themselves digging in. A bubbling cheese crust never hurts.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

That lovely color tells you right away these Mashed Sweet Potatoes are something special for the holiday. Creamy and naturally sweet, they’re a crowd-favorite for adults and kids alike. I always grab a bigger spoon to make sure I get a generous portion myself. Holidays seem brighter with them on the table.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole

With so much going on in one bite, this Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole might just be the star of your meal. Each forkful feels like a full holiday plate in one dish. It brings everyone together for seconds and even thirds. It’s the kind of tradition people look forward to every year.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Thanksgiving Casserole

Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

A centerpiece in its own right, this Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower grabs attention and delight from plant-based guests and meat-eaters alike. The golden exterior hides a tender interior that slices easily. I like to serve it when I want something different and dramatic. Slices look stunning arranged on a platter.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Rich Creamed Spinach

Harvest shades and a dreamy texture come together in this Rich Creamed Spinach. There’s a luxurious silkiness that is especially welcome on a plate already brimming with hearty fare. Guests often scoop up more than expected. This side holds its own among the classics.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach

Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Carrying in a tray of these Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes usually sparks a round of applause you didn’t ask for. Crisp skins, filled and browned, entice both kids and adults to dive in. I watch guests try to sneak extras for later. A side like this makes the table feel festive.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Rich French Onion Soup

Bubbling cheese over caramelized onions gives this Rich French Onion Soup an aroma that pulls everyone toward the kitchen. The deep, complex broth brings comfort with every spoonful. Some folks might even skip the main dish for a second bowl. Cold nights and holiday gatherings were made for soup like this.
Get the Recipe: Rich French Onion Soup

Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

As bite-sized as they are bold, Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls give the classic stuffing a fun twist. The cranberry offers a little zing, resulting in a surprising pop of flavor. Festive feasts need dishes that get people talking. It’s hard to eat just one when they hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

Bringing home a little restaurant magic, this Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto is creamy, aromatic, and guaranteed to get compliments. The rich, earthy flavors provide a welcome contrast to roasted meats. I find it pairs especially well with autumn’s finest. Spoonful after spoonful, it disappears before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Stirring up a pot of this Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi brings comfort and warmth to the chilly November table. Their soft texture and gentle sweetness win new fans every year. Perfect for adding something unique to the mix. People often ask how these soft bites came together.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Soft Garlic Knots

There’s nothing like tearing into a fresh batch of Soft Garlic Knots as the feast begins. Warm, pillowy, and laced with just enough garlic, they belong at every special gathering. I notice hands reaching for them long before the main course. A good bread basket is always empty at the end.
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots

Mashed Potato Casserole

For a dish that stands out among sides, Mashed Potato Casserole brings fluffy indulgence to the menu. Crisp and creamy with every bite, it lands on plates with more enthusiasm than any other potato. The familiar taste leaves guests feeling cared for. Thanksgiving simply wouldn’t be complete without it.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole

Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

The first spoonful of Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce hints at cozy fall comfort. Sweet and gently spiced, it’s so much more than just a side for turkey or ham. Guests of all ages enjoy this little break from traditional flavors. Rainbow leaves outside seem to pair perfectly with its warmth.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

Perfect Baked Potato

Warming hands on a just-out-of-the-oven Perfect Baked Potato feels like a simple luxury during a big holiday feast. The steaming, fluffy inside makes a canvas for any topping. No side is more versatile or universally enjoyed. Planning for leftovers with these in mind is always wise.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Baked Potato

Tender Roasted Broccoli

Roasted just to the point of crispness, Tender Roasted Broccoli turns into an inviting, bright green side that pairs well with nearly everything. The edges take on a mellow char that deepens the flavor. Health-conscious guests take notice, but so do those looking for something fresh. This dish never feels out of place on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Serving up Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes always gets big reactions, thanks to a decadent texture that feels pure holiday. The deep, creamy layers offer something bold without being heavy. It’s a plate-filler that disappears by the spoonful. Friends often ask if I have any special secret, but the results speak for themselves.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Swapping in Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad as a Thanksgiving side brings a refreshing change. The blend of sweet and savory appeals to those who want something a little lighter. Guests keep coming back for helpings between heavier bites. It balances out the richer dishes perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Tender Cauliflower Steaks

Grilled or roasted, Tender Cauliflower Steaks present a hearty, plant-forward option that feels festive and new. Their thick slices offer plenty to sink your fork into. I love how they stand up next to traditional sides without getting lost. Guests are often won over by their satisfying texture.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Each slice of Scalloped Potatoes and Ham layers warm memories with creamy, savory comfort. This dish makes even the largest gatherings feel intimate and homey. Carving out a generous helping always feels right at Thanksgiving. The flavors linger in all the best ways.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Fresh Greek Salad

Closing out your spread with a Fresh Greek Salad brings brightness and crunch to the holiday. Its crisp vegetables and bold flavors keep diners refreshed between heavier bites. Salad lovers find themselves piling this high alongside beloved classics. No table is complete without at least one big, colorful bowl of greens.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Greek Salad