29 Thanksgiving Side Dishes Everyone Will Fight Over

Ready to steal the spotlight at dinner? These 29 sides range from timeless classics to clever twists that will have guests going back for seconds and asking for the recipe.

1. You Need These Classic Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Silky, buttery, and totally comforting, mashed potatoes are the hug on your plate everyone expects. Upgrade with a hit of roasted garlic and a drizzle of brown butter for applause-worthy flavor.

2. Crispy Herb Roasted Potatoes That Disappear Fast

Tiny potatoes tossed in garlic, rosemary, and olive oil get blistered to golden perfection. Crunchy outside and fluffy inside, they’re the side that vanishes first at every gathering.

3. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes for Maximum Comfort

Thinly sliced potatoes layered with a molten cheese sauce are pure indulgence. Bake until bubbling and brown on top and prepare for instant nostalgia with every forkful.

4. Sweet Buttery Candied Yams Everyone Will Love

Sweet potatoes caramelized in butter and brown sugar bring cozy autumn vibes to the table. Add a sprinkle of toasted pecans for texture and a little jaw-dropping crunch.

5. Green Bean Casserole with Extra Crunch

A classic reborn with fresh green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a crispy fried onion crown. It’s comfort food with attitude and endless second-helpings potential.

6. Maple Glazed Carrots That Shine

Sweet carrots roasted with maple syrup and a kiss of thyme turn humble veggies into a star. They’re glossy, slightly caramelized, and impossible not to eat by the handful.

7. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts Hot From The Oven

Brussels sprouts roasted until charred and tossed in Parmesan and garlic make skeptics into believers. Crisp edges and cheesy depth mean even picky eaters will come around.

8. Sausage and Sage Stuffing with a Crispy Top

Herby bread cubes mingle with browned sausage and fresh sage for a stuffing that sings. Baked until the top is golden and crunchy, it’s the savory side that defines Thanksgiving.

9. Cranberry Orange Relish That Pops With Flavor

Tart cranberries and bright orange zest create a fresh, zippy counterpoint to rich turkey and gravy. It’s the tangy splash of color and flavor your plate needs.

10. Creamed Corn with Bacon for Cozy Comfort

Sweet kernels swimming in a velvety sauce with smoky bacon bits is pure indulgence. Spoonfuls disappear fast because it tastes like childhood and luxury at once.

11. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole That Feels Like Home

Tender broccoli florets baked in a creamy cheese sauce with a golden top are total crowd-pleasers. It’s the green side that still manages to feel decadently cheesy.

12. Rustic Dinner Rolls Hot and Fluffy

Soft, pillowy rolls straight from the oven are the unsung heroes of any Thanksgiving spread. Slathered in butter, they make every bite of leftover turkey better.

13. Cornbread with Honey Butter That Melts Hearts

Golden cornbread with a slightly sweet crumb and a smear of honey butter adds southern charm to the feast. It’s simple, nostalgic, and dangerously moreish.

14. Wild Rice Pilaf with Nuts and Cranberries

Nutty wild rice studded with tart cranberries and toasted almonds brings texture and color to the plate. It’s earthy, festive, and a perfect foil to rich mains.

15. Balsamic Roasted Root Vegetables for Color and Flavor

Carrots, parsnips, and beets roasted until caramelized and finished with a splash of balsamic are rustic perfection. They add vibrancy and depth without stealing the show.

16. Sweet Potato Casserole with Crispy Pecans

Silky sweet potato base under a crunchy pecan streusel is the dessert-side hybrid everyone dreams of. It’s indulgent, sweet, and absolutely essential to the holiday table.

17. Lemon Herb Asparagus Light and Bright

Quick-roasted asparagus with lemon zest and fresh herbs brings a bright, green note to the feast. It’s the refreshing bite that balances out the heavier dishes.

18. Braised Red Cabbage with Apples for Sweet Tang

Slow-cooked red cabbage with sweet apples and a hint of vinegar is tangy, vibrant, and full of autumn charm. It’s the kind of side that adds both color and complexity.

19. Spinach and Artichoke Bake That Steals the Show

All the spinach and artichoke dip vibes but in a warm, shareable casserole that pairs perfectly with turkey. Cheesy, garlicky, and utterly irresistible.

20. Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

Rich, creamy pasta layered with melty cheese and finished with a crunchy breadcrumb crust is the ultimate comfort upgrade. Expect it to be the first dish gone and the one kids rave about.

21. Autumn Harvest Salad That’s Surprisingly Addictive

Mixed greens tossed with roasted squash, toasted seeds, and a maple vinaigrette bring freshness to the table. It’s seasonal, crunchy, and just sweet enough to brighten the meal.

22. Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese Wow Factor

Earthy roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, and candied walnuts make a sophisticated and colorful salad. It’s fancy without fuss and always gets compliments.

23. Parmesan Polenta Cakes Crisp and Comforting

Creamy polenta cooled, sliced, pan-fried, and topped with Parmesan creates golden little cakes everyone will love. They’re a fun, unexpected side that pairs beautifully with gravy.

24. Yorkshire Puddings for Turkey Night Tradition

Light, airy puddings with crispy edges are perfect for scooping up gravy and stuffing. They add an English twist that’s delightfully textural and utterly moreish.

25. Garlic Butter Mushrooms Sizzle With Flavor

Button mushrooms sautéed in garlic and herb butter become an irresistible savory side. They’re rich, fragrant, and vanish faster than you expect.

26. Cheesy Twice Baked Potatoes Turn Heads

Baked potatoes scooped, mashed with cheese and herbs, then baked again until golden are pure decadence. They’re individual comfort parcels that everyone fights over.

27. Buttermilk Biscuits with Chive Butter Warm and Flaky

Flaky biscuits made tender with buttermilk and topped with chive butter are essential spooners and soppers for gravy. They’re rustic, buttery, and impossible to resist.

28. Tangy Coleslaw with Apple for Crunch and Zing

Crisp cabbage and shredded apple tossed in a bright, tangy dressing add refreshing crunch to heavy plates. It’s the palate cleanser that keeps everyone reaching for another bite.

29. Pumpkin Risotto with Sage for Cozy Elegance

Creamy arborio rice infused with pumpkin and finished with crispy sage feels like fall in a spoon. It’s luxurious, seasonal, and memorable enough to be a conversation starter.