10 Easy and Delicious Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time for family, stories, and a memorable feast. The turkey gets all the attention, but let’s be hones… it’s the side dishes that everyone truly loves! And when it comes to Side Dishes, we’ve got you covered!
Here you’ll find ten super easy, super delicious recipes that are tasty and simple to make. These dishes range from creamy mashed potatoes to cheesy casseroles to iconic classics like stuffing and cranberry sauce.
So read on and pick your favorite to make. You might even want to make ALL TEN!
Don’t forget you can click on any recipe below to find a longer, more expansive version of the recipe that has fun ingredient variations, presentation ideas, and other cooking tips. ENJOY!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Gooey Marshmallows
Sweet potato casserole is a favorite at many holiday meals. This recipe uses Thanksgiving sweet potatoes for a sweet and savory dish. Start with 3 pounds of peeled and diced sweet potatoes, about 6 medium to large ones. Boil them for 20-25 minutes until tender, then mash with sugar, butter, and milk until creamy.
Next, layer the mixture in a baking dish. The marshmallow topping is the star. Use mini marshmallows for even distribution. Bake for 25 minutes until the marshmallows puff up and turn golden. This adds a delightful contrast to the creamy mash below.
This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious. Each serving has about 260 calories, with 38 grams of carbs and 3 grams of protein. You can make it up to 48 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it in the microwave, then in the oven or air fryer to get that fresh-baked taste.
For those short on time, canned yams can be used as a shortcut. This recipe is also flexible, allowing for dietary preferences. You can omit the pecans or skip the marshmallows for different textures.
It’s a rich and decadent dish, but don’t forget that sweet potatoes are actually pack with nutrition… SERIOUSLY!
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 18 mg |
| Sodium | 109 mg |
| Potassium | 496 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 13 g |
| Vitamin A | 19525 IU |
| Vitamin C | 3.3 mg |
| Calcium | 59 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
This sweet potato casserole with marshmallow topping is a holiday classic. You can adjust it to fit your taste and dietary needs. It’s sure to be a favorite at your Thanksgiving feast.
Classic Turkey Stuffing
The classic turkey stuffing is a simple yet flavorful side dish for Thanksgiving. It combines sautéed leeks, celery, garlic, and fresh herbs. This mix creates a delicious taste that goes well with roasted turkey.
To start, use 1 pound of day-old crusty sourdough bread, cut into cubes. This bread is the perfect base. Add ½ cup of salted butter to make it richer and tastier. While sautéing the vegetables in butter, include fresh herbs like sage, parsley, and rosemary. These herbs make the stuffing even more special.
Here is a quick overview of the classic turkey stuffing preparation:
| Detail | Time/Quantity |
|---|---|
| Servings | 8 people |
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Average Rating | 4.99 out of 5 |
| Recommended Dish Size | 9×13 baking dish |
Mix the sautéed vegetables with bread cubes and 2 ½ cups of stock. Place the stuffing in a baking dish. You can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it until baking. Leftover stuffing stays tasty for up to three days in an airtight container.
You can adjust the recipe for any size gathering. Doubling it is great for bigger families or more guests. This stuffing is a comforting side dish that makes your Thanksgiving feast unforgettable.
Tart & Tangy Cranberry Sauce
The vibrant flavor of homemade cranberry sauce is a must-have for Thanksgiving. It adds a tangy freshness to the table. It also contrasts beautifully with the savory elements of the meal.
To make this dish, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a pot. Cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Let it cool before serving. You can also make it ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to four days.
This side dish is perfect for a crowd, offering a delightful mix of sweetness and tartness. It makes about 12 servings, making it easy to share. Here are some quick stats about this homemade cranberry sauce:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Servings | 12 servings (¼ cup each) |
| Calories per Serving | 125 |
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Cranberry Portion | 12 ounces fresh cranberries |
| Apple Portion | 1 cup tart apples peeled and diced |
| Storage | Covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days |
| Recipe Rating | 4.99 out of 5 from 183 votes |
Cinnamon Fried Apples
Cinnamon Fried Apples mix sweetness with spice, making them a great Thanksgiving side dish. Start by peeling and slicing tart Granny Smith apples. They balance the dish’s sweetness well.
To make this autumn flavor, heat ½ cup of unsalted butter in a skillet. Add ⅓ cup of sugar and stir until it dissolves. Then, add the apple slices. Cover and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, until the apples are tender.
For more flavor, add ¾ cup of sugar and ground cinnamon after the apples soften. This creates a caramelized mix of cinnamon apples that’s hard to resist.
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people, perfect for family gatherings. It’s quick and easy, taking about 40 minutes total, including 10 minutes of prep. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat or as a fantastic side dish.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 6 months. Just thaw and warm them on the stove before enjoying.
Enjoy the perfect mix of tart and sweet with this cinnamon fried apples recipe. It brings autumn flavors to your Thanksgiving table.
Baked Mac & Cheese
Baked Mac & Cheese is a beloved dish that captures the essence of holiday comfort food. It’s easy to make and always a hit at gatherings. Begin by cooking elbow macaroni until it’s just right, al dente.
While the pasta cooks, mix a rich cheese sauce. Use sharp cheddar, milk, and cream for a creamy blend. The amounts are somewhat flexible, based on how cheesy you want it, so click the recipe to get more details about exact amounts as well as other varations.
When your sauce is ready, mix it with the macaroni. Pour this mix into a greased baking dish. Top it with breadcrumbs and more cheese for a crispy crust.
Bake until the cheese bubbles and the top is golden. This dish is a highlight of any Thanksgiving meal. Enjoy the creamy goodness of this cheesy pasta dish. It’s perfect as a side or a main course. Guaranteed to make your holiday meal unforgettable with every gooey bite.
Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
Try the cheesy cauliflower bake recipe for a tasty twist on traditional sides. It’s a healthier option for Thanksgiving. Start by steaming two large heads of cauliflower until tender.
To make a creamy cheese sauce, mix sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack with milk, heavy cream, and spices. Use paprika and garlic powder for flavor.
- 2 large heads of cauliflower
- 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces of Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- Seasoned with salt, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, mustard powder, and turmeric
Roast the cauliflower at 400°F for 20 minutes. Then, pour the cheese sauce over the florets. Bake for another 15 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden.
This dish is perfect for comfort food lovers. It’s also a healthy choice for holidays. Each serving has 292 calories, 20g of protein, and 596mg of calcium.
Make the casserole a day ahead for easy prep. You can freeze it for later. This keeps your sides delicious and healthy all season.
Broccoli Rice Casserole
The broccoli rice casserole is a fantastic choice for Thanksgiving! It’s a creamy dish that combines tender broccoli with sharp cheddar cheese. To start, cook jasmine rice and steam broccoli florets.
For the sauce, mix olive oil, chicken broth, milk, and butter. This creates a rich base. Once the rice and broccoli are cooked, mix them with cheese and put them in a baking dish.
Top it with more cheese and Panko breadcrumbs for a golden finish. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. This side dish serves up to eight people, perfect for family gatherings.
This dish can be made ahead and stored for up to four days. It also freezes well for three to six months. Each serving has about 568 calories, with 19g of carbs, 10g of protein, and 19g of fat.
There are variations for different diets. You can make a lower carb version by skipping the rice. Or, use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
Pair this casserole with main dishes like Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin and Keto Chicken Tenders. It’s a satisfying meal that combines nutrition and comfort.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Broccoli florets | 20 ounces (about 2 heads) |
| Jasmine rice | 1 cup, cooked |
| Chicken stock or broth | 32 ounces, preferably low-sodium |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 8 ounces, grated |
| Half and half | 1¼ cups |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1 cup, for topping |
| Calories per serving | 568 calories |
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a must-have for Thanksgiving. Repeat: MUST-HAVE! They add comfort and flavor to any holiday meal. To make this dish, start by peeling and cutting three pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes into large chunks. Boil them for about 15 to 20 minutes until they’re tender.
Once the potatoes are done, mash them with unsalted butter, milk, sour cream, roasted garlic, salt, and pepper. This mix makes the potatoes rich and delicious. For an extra fancy touch, add Parmesan cheese. Serve warm, topped with fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor.
This classic recipe pairs well with turkey, but also steak, pork chops, or even vegetarian dishes. You can store leftover mashed potatoes in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for two months. Freezing might change the texture a bit, but they still taste great when reheated.
Mashed potatoes also go well with garlic-herb butter and rich gravies. This makes them a great choice for your holiday table and steal the show from the turkey main course.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yukon Gold Potatoes | 3 pounds |
| Unsalted Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Sour Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic | 2-3 cloves |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes add a fun twist to Thanksgiving. This creamy dish is great for those who love a little extra indulgence. Start by slicing 2.5 pounds of Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes thinly. Aim for slices that are 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch thick for even cooking.
Layer the potato slices with chopped yellow onion in a casserole dish. For the cheese sauce, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Then, stir in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until smooth. Add 2 cups of heavy cream and seasonings like kosher salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of garlic powder.
Stir in 1 ½ cups of mild cheddar cheese and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese. Pour the sauce over the potatoes, making sure they’re well coated. Cover the dish and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for another 30 minutes to get a golden crust.
For a crispy top, broil the dish for a few minutes after baking. This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe is full of flavor. It’s sure to become a favorite in your collection of creamy potato recipes. Enjoy this rich side dish at your Thanksgiving feast!
Cheesy Corn Casserole
Cheesy Corn Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for Thanksgiving. It combines creamed corn, whole corn, and cornbread mix for a sweet and savory taste. With full-fat sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese, it’s both affordable and flavorful.
This dish is easy to make, perfect for busy hosts. Just mix all the ingredients in one bowl, pour into a baking dish, and bake.
This cheesy vegetable dish is a hit during holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Add bacon, chives, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
Reheating this casserole is easy, making it great for leftovers. Each serving is satisfying and helps you stay on track with your diet. Enjoy it with turkey or on its own, and it’s sure to be a hit.
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