I Tried 29 Thanksgiving Side Dishes and Stuck With These

Thanksgiving side dishes come in all types. There are the crowd-pleasers, the overachievers, and the “why is this here” category. Out of 29 tried, only a handful earned a permanent invite. They worked with everything else on the table, made the main course look good, and kept everyone from asking what was missing.

French Onion Casserole

If you want something comforting for a crowd, French Onion Casserole is the way to go. It’s cheesy, loaded with layers, and has a rich depth to it. Perfect as a side dish, it always gets devoured quickly. You definitely can’t go wrong with this for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards are a hit at parties, and Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board adds a Thanksgiving touch. It’s colorful, loaded with snacks, and visually fun to serve. Bring it out as an appetizer, and it becomes an instant conversation starter. This platter truly pulls people around the table.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board

Amish Breakfast Casserole

For a warm, comforting addition, Amish Breakfast Casserole is always a solid option. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with a satisfying texture. You can’t overlook how it pairs with other holiday favorites. This dish just fits right in with Thanksgiving spreads.
Get the Recipe: Amish Breakfast Casserole

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Kids and adults enjoy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese every time. It’s creamy, quick to make, and fits perfectly alongside other tradition-heavy dishes. This dish is also very adaptable if you want to tweak it. Plus, it doesn’t stay on the table for long.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Cabbage Casserole

Another option that surprises people is Cabbage Casserole. It’s warm, hearty, and mixes well with other Thanksgiving go-to dishes. Even the skeptics often find themselves asking for seconds. It’s just classic comfort food at its best.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole

French Onion Soup

You probably won’t go wrong with French Onion Soup if you want soul-warming food. It’s got deep, rich notes and a bit of a hearty vibe to it. Normally, it works as an appetizer, but it can stand as a star on its own. It mixes easily with bread if you plan to serve that too.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Beet Salad

If salads are your thing, Beet Salad adds a different vibe to the table. It’s colorful, has a balanced texture, and keeps things light. This option works as a refreshing alternative during a heavier meal. Also, it’s great if you want to include something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Million Dollar Casserole

You know when you want something filling and comforting? Million Dollar Casserole nails it every single time. It’s this layered, baked dish that hits all the right notes for a cozy meal. Perfect for holidays or potlucks, and everyone keeps coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole

Focaccia Bread

Ever had bread that steals the spotlight? Focaccia Bread is just that, it’s soft, flavorful, and ridiculously good with just about anything. Whether you’re using it for sandwiches, dipping, or alongside a meal, it’s hard not to love. It’s simple, but it brings so much to the table.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A standout potato dish, Mississippi Mud Potatoes, is one that delivers every time. It’s hearty, rich, and has textures that go together perfectly. This side always gets compliments when placed on the table. You can’t really go wrong with it for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

When someone wants cozy-style food, Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a go-to dish. It has all those warm, familiar notes people love. This one’s always a hit during big gatherings since it feeds plenty of folks. Don’t be surprised if people ask you for the recipe afterward.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Turkey Soup

After the main meal, leftover turkey finds its place in Turkey Soup. It’s cozy, warm, and just what you need after a big meal. Simple yet effective, it makes use of what you already have. There’s something comforting about having it the next day.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Soup

Honeycrisp Salad

For something that balances sweet and fresh, Honeycrisp Salad is a top pick. It’s crisp, refreshing, and cuts through the heaviness of other dishes. This one brings variety to your traditional options. Plus, it adds some color to the table.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Bread Stuffing

At Thanksgiving, Bread Stuffing is a classic people know and love. It’s tasty, textured, and ties all the other side dishes together beautifully. Everyone scoops up at least a little to have with their plate. There’s no question it belongs at every holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

For a dish with sweet and spicy notes, Hot Honey Chicken Salad makes an appearance. It’s got just enough heat to keep it interesting but blends perfectly with everything else. You can serve it as a side or standalone, and it still works. It brings something a little different to classic meals.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Ham and Potato Casserole

There’s something so comforting about hearty casseroles. Ham and Potato Casserole is a classic that combines creamy layers with a bit of smoky goodness. It’s filling without being over the top and pairs well with just about anything on the table. Everyone seems to go back for seconds, so it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Potato Casserole

Seven Layer Salad

Salads don’t always have to be boring. Seven Layer Salad is a stacked masterpiece full of vibrant textures. It’s fresh yet hearty enough to stand out among richer sides. Plus, it looks great when served, so it’s always a hit on the table.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Sweet Potato Wedges

Sometimes simple sides hit just right. Sweet Potato Wedges bring a touch of natural sweetness with a perfect balance of crisp and soft textures. They’re easy to pair with anything, and they’re a nice alternative to traditional potato dishes. Guests usually love the change of pace these bring to the spread.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Thanksgiving Casserole

If you like combining everything in one dish, this is your pick. Thanksgiving Casserole layers all the classics into one hearty bite. It’s like having the entire dinner packed into those few forkfuls. This one’s perfect for anyone who loves leftovers baked into greatness.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole

Roasted Whole Cauliflower

A simple veggie doesn’t have to be boring. Roasted Whole Cauliflower is a showstopper that takes center stage despite its simplicity. It’s tender, evenly roasted, and never feels too heavy. Plus, it’s a great option for anyone looking for meatless sides during the meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Turkey Gravy

No special dinner is complete without it. Turkey Gravy ties everything together, from mashed potatoes to stuffing. It has a way of making everything on the plate taste even better. Just ladle it on, and you’re good to go.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Gravy

Smashed Potatoes

When you’re somewhere between creamy and crispy, you’ve got a winner. Smashed Potatoes are a fun twist on the regular potato sides, it’s part mash, part roast. They have a texture that’s hard to resist, and you can flavor them however you’d like. They’re quick to become a favorite at any table.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes

Antipasto Salad

If you want something light yet filling, this one checks the box. Antipasto Salad brings a nice variety of textures and bites to every dish. It’s a great addition to balance out the heavier crowd-pleasers. Guests always appreciate a fresh option on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Cauliflower Steaks

You don’t need heavy meals to make a side dish work. Cauliflower Steaks bring a certain vibe that’s both hearty and satisfying in a simple way. They’re a solid alternative when you want something outside the usual lineup. Every bite gives a nice balance of tender texture with just the right amount of crisp.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Mac and Cheese

There’s always room for comfort food on any table. Mac and Cheese is the definition of cozy, cheesy goodness that fills everyone up. It’s one of those dishes people reach for at least twice, guaranteed. You really can’t go wrong adding this to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Garlic Knots

Warm bread with a garlicky twist will always hit the spot. Garlic Knots are one of those options you can’t stop reaching for once you start. They strike the perfect note of buttery richness and classic garlic flavor. A big plate of these can turn a regular meal into something extra fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Mashed Potatoes

Nothing feels quite as classic or reliable as this side. Mashed Potatoes are creamy, smooth, and one of those dishes everyone wants seconds of. They pair well with just about everything, making them a must-have addition to your table. Simple yet comforting, they always seem to steal attention even when the mains get most of the love.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Adding a touch of sweetness to a savory meal is always a good idea. Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe finds that perfect balance between subtle sweetness and tender bites. They brighten up the plate and bring a little extra warmth to every forkful. It’s hard not to appreciate how quickly they disappear from the serving dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Twice Baked Potatoes

A classic with a twist, this dish feels just a bit fancier than usual. Twice Baked Potatoes bring a combination of fluffy, cheesy goodness and a lightly crisp texture together. Each bite feels richer than your average side, perfect for a holiday table. It’s one of those recipes guests always compliment long after dinner’s over.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes