When the main dish doesn’t go as planned, these 29 side dishes step up like it’s their moment to shine. They’re reliable, easy to pull together, and never seem to disappoint the crowd. Every recipe adds something to the plate that feels like it belongs there. Think of them as the backup plan that’s secretly better than the original.
Baked Potato
Friends ask about perfect sides, and that’s where Baked Potato comes in. It fits with nearly any main dish you serve. People enjoy loading it up with favorite toppings and making it unique every time. You get golden, crisp skin that adds texture to the meal. Everyone at the table finds something to like, so it never sits untouched.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Few things bring the group together quite like Instant Pot Mac and Cheese at Thanksgiving. It comes together quickly, so there’s more time to focus on other parts of dinner. Creamy cheese and tender noodles create comfort without fuss. Kids especially ask for this one, but adults reach for seconds too. This dish always feels right with turkey plates.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Families notice something special when you serve Roasted Whole Cauliflower. Its shape stands out on the table, drawing attention and sparking curiosity. More guests want to try a bite when the head is presented whole, and conversation starts up fast about how it’s prepared. People searching for alternatives love this option. You will see friends asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Focaccia Bread
Guests often appreciate the fresh smell that comes with baking Focaccia Bread. Its crusty texture and soft middle make a side everyone grabs quickly. Slices pair well with everything from gravy to cranberry sauce, helping soak up all the extras on your plate. You might notice the tray empties before anything else. Sharing warm bread traditions feels easy here.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread
Thanksgiving Casserole
People ask for Thanksgiving Casserole year after year because it combines so many elements of the meal in one dish. Layers of familiar flavors bring back happy memories. This option saves mess since it’s all in one pan. Giving guests a scoop brings variety without confusion. If you want something that has all the favorites, this one belongs in the lineup.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole
Seven Layer Salad
When someone wants color and crunch, Seven Layer Salad helps break up heavier plates. It gives everyone a chance to taste different textures, adding brightness and variety. Assembling the layers creates anticipation and talk around the table. Everyone gets their favorite parts, so nobody feels left out. Passing a big bowl lets you share in a simple tradition.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
Turkey Soup
The leftover questions always pop up, and Turkey Soup answers them every time. People like seeing second-day turkey used in ways that still taste great. This bowl can warm everybody up and works next to most sides you already serve. You get a hearty option without much extra effort. Friends often appreciate having something to sip between bites.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Soup
Hot Honey Chicken Salad
A side with energy keeps conversations lively. Some guests look for bold flavor, and that’s when Hot Honey Chicken Salad becomes the star at Thanksgiving. Its sweet and spicy notes catch attention without overpowering other sides. You notice hands reaching for second helpings because they want more of the special pairing.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad
Million Dollar Casserole
Special occasions call for something richer, which is where Million Dollar Casserole comes in during Thanksgiving. It packs layers that make each serving seem a bit more festive. Children decide quickly that this is their pick from the sides, and even adults compare it to classic dishes. You notice it gets mentioned more as guests talk about favorites.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole
Turkey Gravy
Dinner feels incomplete without Turkey Gravy on the table first. Everyone reaches for the ladle to pour extra over their plate, adding flavor to everything. People watch how much others use, sharing tips about perfect portions. You recognize how this side brings dishes together. Few things help all the food connect, making meals smoother and richer.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Gravy
Antipasto Salad
People who want something tangy steer toward Antipasto Salad at Thanksgiving. It’s a break from heavier options and adds contrast to the spread. Many like picking out favorite bits to match their style. You’ll see lots of activity around this bowl as new flavors and textures encourage second servings. Conversations often start about why it’s included, keeping things lively.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad
Eggplant Casserole
Unique choices get people talking, so bringing Eggplant Casserole to Thanksgiving stirs up interest. You sense curiosity from anyone wanting something less ordinary. Layers give the plate personality, and guests find themselves explaining it to others. This dish gets requested by anyone hoping to branch out from basics. Its presence always means more discussion.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Smashed Potatoes
A twist on familiar sides always pleases, and you can count on Smashed Potatoes making an impression at Thanksgiving. People like breaking through the crust to get to the soft middle. It works well with classics like gravy or cranberry sauce. Kids grab extra pieces since they’re easy to eat. Families appreciate how this version fits into every meal.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes
French Onion Casserole
Big flavors draw attention, which is why French Onion Casserole makes Thanksgiving stand out. You’ll notice its aroma brings guests toward the table. Forks dig in and the rich, layered taste sparks lots of conversation. It’s a side that pairs with nearly all the main offerings. Guests looking for something extra know this belongs in the mix.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole
Sweet Potato Wedges
Crunch catches people’s eyes, and few sides do it better than Sweet Potato Wedges. These pieces make trying new flavors easy for everyone at the table. Kids and adults value the quick-grab style if they’re moving between bites. Guests add extras for dipping or pairing with main dishes. You’ll notice empty plates fast because these go quickly.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Bringing everyone together gets easy with Chicken and Rice Casserole. Simple flavor pairing means most guests feel confident asking for more. You watch people enjoy every bite, sometimes asking for the recipe. This side matches well with both lighter and heavier dishes. Its familiar comfort keeps conversations going.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole
Macaroni Salad
Tangy bites refresh the plate, especially when Macaroni Salad joins Thanksgiving dinner. It remains a go-to side thanks to its cool texture and simple presentation. Friends appreciate the break from richer options on the table. Every spoonful carries enough flavor to stand out without competing. Quick serving means groups of any size always finish it first.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup takes its place in the lineup for anyone craving warmth. Breads and cheese pool on top, making it popular with guests of all ages. Conversations spark about who makes it the “right way.” Each bowl becomes a meal in itself when paired with the rest of the spread. Many folks hold out for this, even if it’s just a small cup.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Mashed Potatoes
Families ask for Mashed Potatoes before almost anything during Thanksgiving. The creamy texture goes with every main dish you serve. Guests make room on plates for more every year. Serving bowls seem to empty faster than anything else at the table. Friends agree it’s a must for holiday meals without question.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Combining two favorites can spark interest, so putting out Chicken and Stuffing Casserole never fails. People enjoy how straightforward this side seems, tying together classic flavors. You’ll notice more reaching for seconds since everything feels familiar. This option often prompts new tryouts from hesitant guests. It finds a place every time without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Dinner Rolls
Baskets full of fluffy bites keep making the rounds, especially when Dinner Rolls fill the scene. They disappear fast since folks like using them for everything, from soaking up soup to building mini sandwiches. Everyone has a secret favorite way to enjoy them. Kids line up for seconds before anything else. There’s barely one left for late-night snacks.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls
Easy Cornbread Casserole
Layers with a little crunch become important, especially when Easy Cornbread Casserole is included in Thanksgiving dinner. Groups enjoy a slice on their plate because it balances flavors so well. You hear comments about how it rounds out every bite from turkey to gravy. Children ask for seconds faster than adults. Adding it gives every meal a smooth finish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole
7 Layer Salad
When you want a fresh crunch in every bite, folks reach for 7 Layer Salad right away. It’s easy to see which guests pick out their favorite layers, building their own combos. The dish adds variety among all the rich sides. Often, people trade tips for assembly and serving. Slowly, it becomes an expected part of the annual dinner.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad
Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board
Arranging options on a tray lets guests try new combinations with Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board. People grab bites as they talk, making everyone feel included. Mixing textures gives something new every time. You can see excitement over trying flavors together. This side keeps things flexible and fun.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board
Cranberry Sauce
Sweet and tart flavors round out plates, making Cranberry Sauce a Thanksgiving tradition. Its texture brings contrast to smooth mashed potatoes or savory casseroles. Guests reach for it first, sometimes even before filling their plates with turkey. You hear comments on how necessary it is for the holiday. Simple, easy serving means it always finds a spot.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce
Funeral Potatoes
Comfort is easy to understand when you serve this at Thanksgiving. Layers bake together for a side everyone feels good choosing. You see both kids and adults grab servings of Funeral Potatoes before anything else. Team members at the table share stories about why they love it. Bringing warmth makes every gathering relaxed.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Beet Salad
Color stands out at Thanksgiving, especially when you use Beet Salad as a side option. Conversation rises because people want something a bit different from classic choices. Its bright look means plates feel fresh in every portion. You hear new compliments every time it’s brought out. Pairing with mains adds a light finish for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad
Bread Stuffing
Hearty bowls get passed around fast when it’s Bread Stuffing for Thanksgiving dinner. Old traditions match new flavors in each bite. You hear people sharing memories and family stories over this side. It fits with almost any other dish, making planning easier. Many call it their favorite before dessert even starts.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing
Cauliflower Steaks
People searching for bold options often want Cauliflower Steaks. The shape alone gets noticed as plates fill up. Slices feel fresh and pair easily with every side served. You watch guests ask what’s inside and share bites across the table. This option sparks talk and always finds fans.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks
