Cooking for a crowd is already enough work without wondering if the sides will run out halfway through. That’s why having 29 go-to recipes that stretch well and still hold up in taste is a lifesaver. These dishes don’t try to impress anyone with tricks; they just show up, do the job, and quietly win people over. Nobody asks how it’s made; they just want seconds. That’s how you know it worked.
French Onion Casserole
There’s something special about turning a soup into a rich side that everyone loves. French Onion Casserole captures the deep, hearty flavor of caramelized onions with none of the fuss of individual servings. It’s a go-to dish when you want something comforting yet easy to share with a crowd. Perfect for pairing with turkey or other Thanksgiving staples.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Cold sides offer balance on a table filled with warm dishes. Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing brings a crunch to your spread and a coating that complements nearly everything on a Thanksgiving plate. It’s a great way to add a veggie option without feeling too heavy or filling. Everyone reaching for seconds proves how well it fits a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Cabbage Casserole
Not every table needs the same old veggie dishes. Cabbage Casserole gives you something unexpected, with layers of flavor to keep everyone coming back for more. This hearty side is simple to scoop and serve, especially when feeding a group. It’s one of those dishes that quietly becomes a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole
Turkey Gravy
Gravy is a must on most Thanksgiving tables, but it needs to be done right. Turkey Gravy adds richness and ties everything else together. It’s not just for the turkey, it works just as well poured over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or even roasted veggies. A smooth and crowd-pleasing option ensures your meal feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Gravy
Beet Salad
Adding a unique salad to your meal can really mix things up. Beet Salad offers vibrant color and a freshness that stands out in a lineup of casseroles and warm dishes. It’s a great option for balancing heavier sides, and it pleases both beet lovers and skeptics with how approachable it is. Simple yet effective for large gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad
Cranberry Sauce
No Thanksgiving spread feels the same without something tangy on the table. Cranberry Sauce brings that necessary contrast to balance out rich, indulgent dishes. It works as a bridge between all the other flavors, whether it’s turkey, casseroles, or rolls. The crowd expects it, so it never lasts long.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce
Pumpkin Soup
Warm bowls at the start of a meal always make guests feel welcome. Pumpkin Soup is a smooth, flavorful way to kick off your Thanksgiving feast. Its creamy texture contrasts nicely with other hearty sides, offering a light yet seasonal touch. Perfect for a crowd, especially served in small portions so no one gets too full.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup
Dinner Rolls
Bread on the table brings everything together. Dinner Rolls are soft, easy to grab, and perfect for soaking up gravy or accompanying a spread of butter. They don’t steal the spotlight but make every dish around them better. A must-have when feeding any group, big or small.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Veggie sides don’t have to be boring. Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe adds a bit of sweetness that complements others on the table. They’re simple enough to prepare in large batches while still feeling special on a holiday table. A classic option that belongs at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board
Everyone loves a good spread to nibble on before the main meal. Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board keeps people entertained with its variety of meats, cheeses, and other goodies. It’s a little something to tide over the crowd while the main feast is being finalized. Eye-catching and just as functional, it’s a great addition to the usual side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Festive Turkey Charcuterie Board
Eggplant Casserole
A veggie-forward option can still feel hearty. Eggplant Casserole layers textures and flavors in a way that appeals to both vegetarians and meat lovers. It’s an ideal dish to pass around, giving guests something a bit different from typical sides. Perfect for large groups, it’s filling yet doesn’t overpower the rest of the table.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Turkey Soup
Having a warm option on the table can be comforting. Turkey Soup is light enough to serve before the meal or as a side alongside heartier dishes. It uses its flavors to complement the other Thanksgiving staples without overshadowing them. Easily ladled out and served to a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Soup
Bread Stuffing
No Thanksgiving spread feels right without a traditional bread-based option. Bread Stuffing soaks up sauces and pairs beautifully with all the heavier sides. It’s one of those must-have classics that can feed many without much effort. Filling yet versatile enough to allow room for other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing
Funeral Potatoes
A casserole that always gets attention. Funeral Potatoes brings a creamy and filling dish to the table, making it a favorite for both kids and adults. Its simplicity keeps it appealing, while the flavor works alongside the turkey or other mains. It’s one of those dishes that reminds everyone why Thanksgiving sides are so good.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole combines familiar flavors and a range of textures that make it a big hit with guests. It’s reliable, quick to serve, and loved by nearly every generation. A staple for big gatherings, fitting well with almost any menu. A veggie dish that feels right for any Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Honeycrisp Salad
Salads can feel refreshing on a rich table. Honeycrisp Salad offers bites of crunch and sweetness, creating balance with the heavier sides like mashed potatoes and casseroles. It’s a dish that doesn’t need much attention but quickly disappears from the table. A go-to for crowd-friendly Thanksgiving spreads.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad
Hashbrown Casserole
Potatoes are a holiday favorite, but there’s always room for variety. Hashbrown Casserole has creamy layers and textures that stand out from other traditional potato dishes. It fits perfectly into a big family meal, served as easily to adults as to kids. Effortless to make but impossible to keep on the table for long.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Focaccia Bread
A freshly made addition to any Thanksgiving table. Focaccia Bread provides a slightly different twist on traditional rolls but pairs just as well with spreads and sauces. Its thicker texture means it holds up under even the richest gravies or soups. Guests always appreciate the effort for something homemade.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread
French Onion Soup
Offering soup to start can set a special tone for your meal. French Onion Soup brings rich, layered flavors with a familiar twist. It feels just right for cooler months and pairs nicely with Thanksgiving staples as an appetizer. A crowd-pleaser that works well for small servings.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Mashed Potatoes
There’s no Thanksgiving without a scoopable, creamy starch. Mashed Potatoes hold their spot as the quintessential comfort side for any large gathering. It works as a base, pairing with everything on a plate and holding its own with a bit of gravy. Everyone reaches for seconds when it’s done well.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Million Dollar Casserole
A dish with a name this bold sets high expectations, and easily meets them. Million Dollar Casserole delivers a rich and lovely feel that crowds always appreciate. It’s an excellent choice when you want something warm, filling, and easy to serve from one dish. Thanksgiving meals with this option feel just a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole
Mississippi Mud Potatoes
There’s always room for more potato dishes when feeding a crowd. Mississippi Mud Potatoes bring a rich, creamy option that’s equally satisfying for kids and adults. It’s a thicker, heartier choice that adds variety to a lineup of sides. Chances are, there won’t be leftovers of this one.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Veggie dishes don’t always need to feel heavy. Roasted Whole Cauliflower is light, colorful, and easy to carve and share across a busy table. It’s a fantastic alternative to richer casseroles, offering something lighter that still feels celebratory. A side that surprises people with how quickly it disappears.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Potato Casserole
With potatoes being such a versatile option, it’s no wonder they show up often. Potato Casserole is an all-around great choice that combines simple prep with flavors big enough to serve any holiday crowd. Its creamy consistency balances nicely against the other dishes. A fan favorite for making plates feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole
Macaroni Salad
A cold side like this can often pull the table together. Macaroni Salad works as a mellow, reliable choice that goes with just about anything on the Thanksgiving spread. It’s simple enough for large groups, and people tend to pile their plates with it because it’s so easy to enjoy. Hits all ages and tastes alike.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Smashed Potatoes
Potatoes don’t always need to be mashed traditionally. Smashed Potatoes offer a crisp and unique way to serve this holiday favorite. They stand out at the table while blending in with gravy or other pairings flawlessly. Great for balancing textures and flavors on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Convenience is key when making sides for a crowd. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor, making it a great choice for Thanksgiving. Everyone loves a cheesy, warm side to mix with their turkey and beyond. It’s effortless yet thoroughly appreciated by all ages.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Seven Layer Salad
More layers bring more excitement to the table. Seven Layer Salad is as fun for the eyes as it is delicious on the plate. Its variety ensures it pairs with every other dish, giving guests a fresh option amid hearty sides. Easy to serve and even easier to finish off.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
Twice Baked Potatoes
Having potatoes with that extra something feels right for special gatherings. Twice Baked Potatoes combine creamy insides with crispy edges, making them stand out among your sides. Individually portioned, they’re easy to grab and enjoy without a mess. A fun and satisfying dish for guests of all ages.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes
