15 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes Everyone Will Love

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I have always said that as much as I love Thanksgiving turkey, the side dishes are really my favorite part of the whole meal. Give me a plate piled high with stuffing, creamy potatoes, corn casserole, macaroni and cheese, and a couple of warm homemade rolls, and I am a happy girl!

There is just something about Thanksgiving dinner that makes all those familiar comfort foods taste even better. Maybe it’s having everyone together, maybe it’s the excitement of the holidays starting, or maybe it’s just the fact that Thanksgiving is the one day when nobody questions why you have three different kinds of potatoes and bread on your plate. 😂

As much as I love cooking for the holidays, though, I also know how quickly things can get overwhelming. Between getting the turkey cooked, finding room in the oven, and trying to make sure everything is ready at the same time, Thanksgiving dinner can turn into quite the juggling act.

That’s why I love having a good collection of easy Thanksgiving side dishes to choose from. Some of these are traditional favorites that belong on just about every holiday table, while others are fun little twists on the classics. There are cheesy potatoes, comforting corn casseroles, homemade rolls, vegetables, and even a slow cooker stuffing that saves precious oven space.

Whether you’re hosting the entire family or just bringing a dish to Thanksgiving dinner, these 15 recipes have something for everyone. And don’t be surprised if a few of them end up becoming part of your holiday tradition!

1. Slow Cooker Cornbread Stuffing

Stuffing is one of my absolute favorite parts of Thanksgiving dinner, and this Slow Cooker Cornbread Stuffing makes it so much easier to get everything on the table. It has all those delicious, savory holiday flavors, with tender cornbread, celery, onion, and plenty of seasoning.

The best part is that you don’t have to fight for oven space! Just let the slow cooker handle the stuffing while you’re busy with the turkey and everything else. It’s one of those little Thanksgiving shortcuts that makes such a difference.

2. Loaded Cornbread Casserole

If you love a good corn casserole, just wait until you try this loaded version! It starts with a rich, moist cornbread casserole and takes things up a notch with cheddar cheese, bacon, and scallions.

This is the kind of side dish that gets people coming back for another scoop. It’s cheesy, comforting, and just a little different from the usual Thanksgiving corn casserole. Plus, it’s a great option to prepare ahead of time when you’re trying to get a jump on holiday cooking.

3. Classic Corn Casserole

Sometimes you just can’t beat the classics, especially on Thanksgiving. This Classic Corn Casserole is one of those easy, comforting side dishes that goes perfectly with turkey, ham, and all your other holiday favorites.

It’s soft, rich, and full of sweet corn flavor, making it a great addition to a plate full of savory Thanksgiving dishes. This is especially nice when you need something simple that doesn’t require a ton of preparation.

4. Creamy Parmesan Potatoes

Potatoes are a must-have at Thanksgiving, and these Creamy Parmesan Potatoes are a delicious way to change things up from the usual mashed potatoes.

They’re rich, creamy, and full of Parmesan flavor, making them a wonderful side dish for turkey or roast beef. If you’re the kind of person who believes there’s no such thing as too many potato dishes on the holiday table, you’ll definitely want to save this one.

5. Bacon Ranch Brussels Sprouts

I know Brussels sprouts aren’t always the first thing people reach for at Thanksgiving, but adding bacon and ranch flavor is a pretty good way to change that!

These Bacon Ranch Brussels Sprouts are a flavorful alternative to the usual green vegetable side dish. The bacon adds a savory touch, while the ranch seasoning makes them anything but boring. They’re a great way to add something green to a holiday table filled with casseroles and potatoes.

6. Cheesy Asparagus Tart

If you’re looking for a Thanksgiving side dish that’s a little different, this Cheesy Asparagus Tart is such a fun choice. It’s a beautiful way to serve asparagus and brings something special to the holiday table without feeling overly complicated.

The combination of asparagus and cheese makes it a nice change from traditional vegetable casseroles. It’s also a lovely option when you want something that looks a little fancy for Thanksgiving dinner.

7. Comforting Corn Casserole

There is a reason corn casserole shows up on so many Thanksgiving tables year after year. It’s warm, comforting, and goes with just about everything.

This Comforting Corn Casserole is another delicious option for anyone who loves that soft, rich corn casserole texture. It’s especially good alongside turkey, stuffing, and potatoes, and it’s the kind of familiar side dish that makes Thanksgiving dinner feel like Thanksgiving dinner.

8. Bacon Ranch Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice baked potatoes already feel like a special occasion side dish, but adding bacon and ranch makes them even better.

These are a fun alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, especially if you’re having a smaller Thanksgiving dinner or want to serve something a little different. Everyone gets their own potato, and the rich, savory filling makes them a perfect match for turkey or ham.

9. Lunch Lady Rolls

You cannot have Thanksgiving dinner without some good bread to go with it, and these Lunch Lady Rolls are exactly the kind of homemade rolls I love serving with a big holiday meal.

They’re soft, fluffy, and perfect for spreading with butter or using to soak up that last little bit of gravy on your plate. And if your family is anything like mine, you’ll want to make sure there are plenty of extras!

10. Homemade Hawaiian Rolls

If your family loves those soft, slightly sweet Hawaiian rolls, you need to try making them at home. They are such a delicious addition to Thanksgiving dinner and pair perfectly with all those savory holiday dishes.

I especially love having extra rolls around for the next day because leftover turkey sandwiches on soft Hawaiian rolls are one of the best things about Thanksgiving leftovers!

11. Sweet Potato Gratitude Rolls

Sweet potatoes are such a classic Thanksgiving ingredient, but they don’t always have to be served in a casserole.

These Sweet Potato Gratitude Rolls are a fun way to bring those cozy fall flavors to your bread basket. They’re a little different from traditional dinner rolls and make a lovely addition to a Thanksgiving meal, especially if you enjoy trying something new alongside the classics.

12. Macaroni and Cheese Pie

Macaroni and cheese absolutely belongs on the Thanksgiving table, especially when you’re feeding a family with kids!

This Macaroni and Cheese Pie is a fun twist on the classic cheesy side dish. It’s hearty, comforting, and gives everyone another delicious reason to pile their plates high. If you have family members who aren’t big fans of stuffing or vegetables, having macaroni and cheese on the table is always a good idea.

13. Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls

Is there anything better than those soft, fluffy rolls from Texas Roadhouse? Now you can make that restaurant favorite right at home! These homemade rolls are perfect for Thanksgiving, especially served warm with a generous spread of cinnamon butter.

They’re wonderful for soaking up turkey gravy, and you’ll definitely want to make a few extras for leftover turkey sandwiches the next day. These might just steal the show from the turkey!

14. Creamy Baked Potato Wedges

If you want to skip the usual mashed potatoes this year, these Creamy Baked Potato Wedges are another delicious option.

They’re hearty, comforting, and a little different from the traditional Thanksgiving potato dishes. They also make a great choice when you’re planning a more casual holiday dinner or serving a smaller group and don’t need a giant bowl of mashed potatoes.

16. Slow Cooker Sourdough Bread

Homemade bread is always a welcome addition to Thanksgiving dinner, but finding room in the oven for everything can be a challenge! That’s why I love this Slow Cooker Sourdough Bread. You can make a delicious homemade loaf without taking up any of that valuable oven space.

Serve thick slices with plenty of butter alongside your turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. It’s also wonderful for soaking up gravy or making leftover turkey sandwiches the next day.

It’s simple, comforting, and a wonderful addition to the Thanksgiving bread basket.

Tips for Making Thanksgiving Side Dishes Easier

One of the biggest things I’ve learned from making holiday dinners is that you really don’t want to leave everything until Thanksgiving morning. Even the easiest recipes can become stressful when you’re trying to cook five different dishes at the same time.

I like to start by deciding which recipes can be prepared ahead of time and which ones really need to be made fresh. Casseroles are especially helpful because many can be assembled in advance and baked closer to dinner. Just make sure to follow the individual recipe’s make-ahead instructions.

Another thing that helps is making good use of the slow cooker. Thanksgiving is one of those days when oven space is precious, so being able to make something like cornbread stuffing without taking up another baking dish in the oven is a huge help.

I also try to include a little variety on the table. It’s easy to end up with nothing but rich, cheesy casseroles, so I like having a vegetable or two alongside all those potatoes, stuffing, and bread.

And don’t feel like you have to make everything from scratch! Pick the recipes your family really loves, take shortcuts where you can, and remember that Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes?

Some of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes include stuffing or dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, corn casserole, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls. Every family has its own favorites, which is part of what makes Thanksgiving traditions so special.

What Thanksgiving side dishes can I make ahead of time?

Many casseroles, potato dishes, and breads can be partially or fully prepared ahead of time. Some can be assembled the day before and baked on Thanksgiving, while others can be cooked and reheated. Always check the individual recipe for the best make-ahead and storage instructions.

What are some easy Thanksgiving side dishes for a crowd?

Corn casseroles, macaroni and cheese, stuffing, and homemade rolls are great choices when you’re feeding a crowd. They’re familiar, easy to serve, and generally pair well with all the traditional Thanksgiving main dishes.

How many side dishes should I make for Thanksgiving?

For a smaller family dinner, three to five side dishes may be plenty, especially if you’re serving bread and dessert. For a larger gathering, you might want six to eight different sides so there’s a good variety. It also depends on whether guests are bringing dishes to share.

How can I save oven space on Thanksgiving?

Slow cooker side dishes are a great place to start. You can also prepare certain casseroles ahead of time, use the stovetop for some recipes, and bake breads or other dishes earlier in the day. Planning your oven schedule before Thanksgiving morning makes everything much easier.

Make Thanksgiving Dinner a Little Easier This Year

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because so much of it revolves around food, family, and being together. I love all the traditional dishes, the smell of everything cooking, and of course having plenty of leftovers for the next day.

But I also know how much work goes into getting that big meal on the table.

That’s why I love having a collection of easy recipes like these to choose from. You can stick with the classics, try a new casserole, make some homemade rolls, or let the slow cooker handle the stuffing while you work on everything else.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year or bringing a dish to someone else’s house, I hope these 15 easy Thanksgiving side dishes give you a little inspiration and make your holiday cooking just a bit easier.

And if you ask me, the side dishes are still the best part of Thanksgiving dinner!

More Delicious Fall & Holiday Recipe Ideas

Planning meals during the fall and holiday season can get busy fast, so having plenty of easy ideas on hand is always helpful! From cozy family dinners to simple slow cooker meals, these collections have plenty of delicious recipes to keep everyone fed all season long.

• The BEST Holiday Recipes – A collection of delicious appetizers, dinners, sides, and desserts perfect for celebrating the holiday season.
• 25 Cozy Fall Family Dinners Everyone Will Love – Comforting family dinner ideas that are perfect for chilly fall evenings.
• 25 Dump-and-Go Fall Slow Cooker Dinners – Easy slow cooker meals you can toss together and let cook while you tackle everything else on your to-do list.
• 40+ Cozy Fall Dinner Recipes to Warm Your Family All Season Long – A big collection of comforting fall dinners perfect for busy weeknights and cozy weekends.
• 30 Easy Slow Cooker Beef Recipes for Fall – Hearty and delicious slow cooker beef dinners that make fall meal planning a little easier.