27 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes Everyone Will Actually Eat
Introduction
Thanksgiving meals shine brightest when surrounded by irresistible side dishes that everyone loves. These 27 easy Thanksgiving side dishes are thoughtfully chosen to please picky eaters and food enthusiasts alike—each balancing traditional flavors with a modern, approachable twist. Whether you’re feeding a small family or hosting a large gathering, these dishes offer a delicious variety to round out your holiday table and ensure nothing gets left untouched.
Why These Sides Will Steal the Show
It’s not just about the turkey—these sides pack big flavor with familiar ingredients, making them crowd favorites. From perfectly fluffy mashed potatoes to surprising veggie bakes and vibrant salads, each recipe is designed for simplicity and guaranteed to satisfy even finicky eaters. These easy, make-ahead options allow you to stress less and enjoy more time celebrating.
The 27 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes List
1. Classic Creamy Mashed Potatoes
2. Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
3. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
4. Herb-Buttered Green Beans
5. Traditional Sausage Stuffing
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
7. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
8. Honey Butter Cornbread
9. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
10. Cranberry Orange Relish
11. Creamed Spinach Gratin
12. Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
13. Simple Caesar Salad
14. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
15. Roasted Root Vegetable Medley
16. Parmesan Herb Dinner Rolls
17. Sautéed Mushrooms with Thyme
18. Southern Style Collard Greens
19. Green Bean Almondine
20. Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
21. Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
22. Balsamic Roasted Beets
23. Traditional Gravy
24. Garlic-Butter Rice Pilaf
25. Classic Deviled Eggs
26. Apple Walnut Salad
27. Scalloped Potatoes
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this entire list of side dishes and let CookifyAI automatically generate an organized shopping list. Ingredients are sorted by store section, making your Thanksgiving grocery run simpler than ever!
Instructions: How to Batch Prep Thanksgiving Sides
- Review Your Menu: Pick your top 6–8 favorite sides to avoid overwhelm and ensure variety.
- Start With Make-Ahead Dishes: Prepare stuffing, casseroles, rolls, and cranberry relish a day ahead–simply reheat on Thanksgiving Day.
- Roast Vegetables: Prep veggies the night before and roast them just before dinner for best flavor.
- Opt for Sheet Pan Recipes: Combine multiple veggies on large pans to maximize oven space and streamline cleanup.
- Stagger Cooking Times: Cook dishes that can stay warm, like mashed potatoes or gravy, first and save salads or relishes for last-minute assembly.
- Portion and Garnish: Transfer sides to serving dishes and finish with fresh herbs, nuts, or cheese right before serving for a polished look.
Serving Suggestions for a Memorable Spread
Pair classic comfort foods like mashed potatoes and stuffing with lighter or tangy dishes, such as apple walnut salad or cranberry orange relish, for a balanced plate. For added color and texture, sprinkle chopped herbs or toasted nuts before serving. Offer at least one vegetarian and one gluten-free side dish to accommodate all guests’ preferences.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
Most side dishes serve 6-8 and are designed to be filling without overpowering the main course. Depending on your choices (creamy, starchy, or veggie-focused), expect sides to range from 80–300 calories per serving. Mix and match lighter salads with hearty casseroles for a festive yet balanced meal.
27 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes Everyone Will Actually Eat (Recap)
These 27 side dishes combine beloved Thanksgiving classics with simple, crowd-pleasing twists. By emphasizing approachable flavors and easy prep, each dish is destined to stand out and disappear quickly from your holiday table.
Weekly Meal Planning
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to get organized with your meal prep! Save and schedule your chosen side dishes with CookifyAI to plan ahead which days to prep or bake each item and to generate a smart shopping list that organizes every ingredient you need.
Planning Benefits:
- Calculates total quantities across all dishes, so you know exactly how much butter, milk, or fresh produce to buy
- Groups ingredients by grocery store sections, speeding up your pre-holiday shopping
- No more duplicate purchases or forgotten staples—CookifyAI tracks everything for you
- Perfect for coordinated holiday meal prep (and leftovers!)
Pro Tip: When scheduling recipes for your Thanksgiving menu, plan them together in CookifyAI and see exactly how ingredients overlap—reducing waste and over-buying while saving time and money.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20–40 minutes per dish
Cook Time: 30–60 minutes per dish
Total Time: Plan for 2–3 hours prep plus reheat time if batch baking
Make this Thanksgiving effortless and delicious—maximize flavor and minimize stress with these easy, universally loved side dishes!