17 Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Steal The Show

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Thanksgiving may be all about the turkey, but these side dishes are ready to steal the spotlight. From creamy casseroles to crispy vegetables and buttery, aromatic favorites, every recipe is designed to bring warmth, comfort, and big flavor to your holiday spread. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, filling out a potluck table, or searching for fresh ideas to complement your main dish, this collection has a side for every craving. You’ll find comforting classics, inventive twists, and easy make-ahead options that help you spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the feast. Get ready: These dishes are so good they might just outshine everything else on the table!

Green Bean Casserole

Made with fresh green beans and mushrooms, this classic holiday side bursts with rich, savory flavor. And whatever you do—don’t skip the crispy fried onions that make every bite irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

These savory, buttery hasselback sweet potatoes just might become your new favorite side dish. Their gorgeous presentation elevates the humble sweet potato into something truly special.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan

Smashed Brussels sprouts are a fun and delicious way to embrace this hearty vegetable. Tossed with parmesan, garlic, and salt, they bake into crispy, tender perfection.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan

Roasted Spaghetti Squash

Roasted spaghetti squash is simple on its own, but brown butter, sage, and crunchy hazelnuts take it to another level. It’s a cozy fall side with layers of warm, nutty flavor.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Spaghetti Squash

Creamy Corn Pudding

This creamy corn pudding is made from scratch and packed with both creamed corn and sweet kernels. It bakes into a silky, golden dish that feels like pure comfort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Corn Pudding

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

Crockpot cheesy potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser everyone will want seconds of. They’re incredibly easy to make yet loaded with rich, melty, irresistible flavor.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

Traeger Garlic Butter Mushrooms

These mushrooms are basted in luxurious garlic butter as they smoke, soaking up deep, savory flavor. The result is a simple, elegant side that pairs beautifully with any main course.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Creamy Lemon Orzo

This lemon orzo is bright, quick, and the perfect partner for virtually any main dish. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a side you’ll reach for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Lemon Orzo

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

Creamy scalloped potatoes are layered with ham and melted cheese for the ultimate comfort-food casserole. It’s a family favorite and a delicious way to use leftover ham.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Ham

Cauliflower Gratin

Cauliflower becomes incredibly decadent in this cheesy, creamy gratin. The buttery panko topping adds the perfect crunchy finish you won’t want to skip.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Gratin

Stove Top Candied Yams Recipe

Candied yams are tender, warmly spiced, and coated in a buttery sweet glaze. They’re a nostalgic holiday staple that brings cozy flavor to every plate.
Get the Recipe: Stove Top Candied Yams Recipe

Stuffed Delicata Squash

Stuffed delicata squash works beautifully as a hearty side or a vegetarian main. Filled with vegetables, rice, nuts, and dried fruit, it offers a delicious sweet-savory balance.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Delicata Squash

Southern Fried Apples Recipe

Tender apples cooked in a buttery cinnamon-nutmeg syrup make this dish wonderfully comforting. Serve them as a sweet side—or add vanilla ice cream for instant dessert.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Apples Recipe

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

These maple bacon Brussels sprouts strike the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and smoky. With just five ingredients, they’re a fast, festive side dish everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots

Crispy air fryer potatoes and carrots are seasoned with a warm, flavorful spice blend that includes a touch of brown sugar. They caramelize beautifully for a lightly sweet, savory finish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots

Glazed Turnips

Glazed turnips transform one of winter’s most underrated vegetables into something truly crave-worthy. Their delicate sweetness shines under a glossy, buttery glaze.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Turnips

The Best Southern Pineapple Casserole

This pineapple casserole delivers a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors in every bite. It’s a unique, crowd-pleasing side that brings a sunny twist to any meal.
Get the Recipe: The Best Southern Pineapple Casserole