These delicious Thanksgiving side dishes are perfect for busy hosts looking to impress their guests without the stress.
This collection of 26 easy and festive recipes is designed for everyone, from novice cooks to seasoned chefs, ensuring that you’ll find the perfect accompaniment to your turkey.
Thanksgiving can be hectic, with family gatherings and preparations that can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed.
The last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen while the festivities unfold without you. So, let’s keep it simple!
I’ve put together a list of easy Thanksgiving side dishes that will elevate your holiday meal without the chaos. These recipes will help you create a festive spread because they:
- Are quick to prepare
- Use simple, affordable ingredients
- Will please even the pickiest eaters at your table
From creamy mashed potatoes to vibrant roasted vegetables, there’s something for everyone in this collection. Dive into the list now and discover how easy it can be to create a memorable Thanksgiving dinner!
1. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. With layers of tender russet potatoes, gooey melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, this dish is perfect for any gathering. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, so you can have a stress-free mealtime. Your family will love the rich flavors in this deliciously cheesy casserole!
2. Twice Baked Potatoes
Twice-baked potatoes are perfect for any holiday table. This easy recipe yields 12 to 16 servings, making it perfect for gatherings. With a delicious blend of creamy cheese and crispy bacon, these potatoes can be customized to suit everyone’s taste. Your family will love this indulgent treat, and you’ll appreciate how simple it is to prepare!
3. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Any holiday table would appreciate these crispy, golden Oven-Roasted Parmesan Potatoes. They are baked upside down to form a parmesan and herb crust while staying tender and soft on the inside! Customize the herb and spice blend to suit your taste. Make sure to double the amount because everyone will have seconds!
4. Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin
Potatoes au Gratin (Dauphinoise) is the ultimate indulgent side dish that transforms any meal into something special. Creamy layers of tender potatoes with garlic and a golden, bubbly cheese topping make it a true showstopper. Perfect for gatherings and easy to make ahead, it’s a comforting classic that’s sure to impress!
5. Roasted Sweet Potato Soup
Creamy Sweet Potato Soup is a quick, one-pot dish. A perfect starter for your holiday meal. With a blend of sweet potatoes, apples, and warm spices, this 45-minute recipe, perfect for making ahead, delivers a rich, velvety texture that’s both vegan and gluten-free. Top with pepitas and cilantro, and pair with crusty bread!
6. Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
Sautéed Brussels Sprouts are a quick and easy side dish that packs a punch of flavor! With just a handful of ingredients and one pan, these tender-crisp sprouts are infused with garlic and topped with Parmesan cheese. They are the perfect accompaniment for your Thanksgiving meal. This recipe makes healthy eating effortless and delicious!
7. Roasted Parmesan Broccoli
Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan is a simple and flavorful side dish that transforms ordinary broccoli into an irresistible treat! With just a few ingredients, it highlights the natural sweetness of broccoli, enhanced by zesty lemon and rich Parmesan cheese. Quick to prepare, this dish is perfect for any meal!
8. Easy Cornbread
Perfect for a southern-inspired holiday meal, this easy-to-make Cornbread recipe comes together using just one bowl. Mix all ingredients, pour into a baking dish, bake, and you’re done! Serve with butter and a little drizzle of honey for a sweet treat!
9. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food! Rich and buttery, these easy-to-make potatoes are infused with savory garlic flavor, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Customize them with sour cream for extra creaminess and top with your favorites for a delightful twist on this classic side dish!
10. Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
No Boil Crockpot Mashed Potatoes are a stress-free side dish that practically cooks itself! Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Your family will love the rich, creamy texture, and you’ll love how hands-off and easy it is to prepare. Perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners!
11. Cucumber Salad
Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and vibrant side dish! Packed with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, and protein-rich chickpeas, this quick and easy recipe comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for meal prep, it stays crisp and fresh until serving. Step out of the ordinary holiday side dishes and serve this refreshing salad for a change!
12. Potato Croquettes
Potato Croquettes are a delightful, crowd-pleasing treat! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they combine the comforting flavors of bacon and gooey cheese wrapped in creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, serve them with a creamy dip for an extra burst of flavor!
13. Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
Using frozen hash browns makes this the easiest side dish ever! All you have to do is combine the ingredients and bake. They form a cheesy crust while staying moist and soft on the inside. The bacon and ranch flavor combo will make them a favorite for all holidays to come!
14. Crispy Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are the ultimate side dish! With a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, these potatoes are generously smothered in rich garlic butter and topped with melted parmesan cheese. Easy to make and perfect for any meal, they’re sure to become a family favorite!
15. Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
Air Fryer Potatoes are a quick and easy side dish! Ready in just 25 minutes, they transform simple baby potatoes into crispy, golden perfection. Enjoy a healthier option with minimal oil and customizable seasonings. Perfect for any meal, these delicious bites will elevate your dining experience!
16. Southern Potato Salad
Southern Potato Salad is a must-have dish for any gathering! This creamy, classic recipe combines the delicious flavors of mayonnaise, mustard, and hard-boiled eggs, making it perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or holiday meals. Best made ahead of time, this crowd-pleaser is quick to prepare and will have your family coming back for seconds!
17. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed Sweet Potatoes are an easy, 40-minute side dish that’s creamy, buttery, and naturally sweet. Whether you go savory with herbs or sweet with cinnamon, they’re customizable to suit any taste. Pair them with roasted meats or chicken for a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. Perfect for weeknights or holidays!
18. Sweet Potato and Sausage Casserole
Sweet Potato, Kale, and Sausage Bake with White Cheese Sauce is a comforting, one-dish meal that’s both hearty and healthy. Combining roasted sweet potatoes, savory sausage, and fresh kale, it’s all topped with a creamy Gruyere cheese sauce. Kid-friendly and customizable, this easy-to-make dinner is perfect for weeknights or family gatherings as part of a buffet-style meal!
19. Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes are a show-stopping side dish with crispy edges and tender centers. With just 10 minutes of prep time, they’re perfect for any meal. Fresh thyme and garlic add rich flavor, while creamy Greek yogurt sauce provides a healthy, tangy twist. Simple, elegant, and delicious—everyone will love them!
20. Baked Sweet Potato Parmesan Tater Tots
Baked Sweet Potato Parmesan Tater Tots are a crispy, savory twist on a classic side dish! These oven-baked tots combine sweet potatoes, parmesan, and fresh herbs, all coated in crispy Panko breadcrumbs. Drizzled with warm herb butter, they’re the perfect appetizer or side dish for any occasion—and healthy enough to enjoy guilt-free!
21. Roasted Sweet Potato Stacks
Crispy Parmesan Thyme Sweet Potato Stacks are a guaranteed hit! Thinly sliced sweet potatoes, layered with butter, garlic, and cheese, bake to crispy perfection. The edges turn crispy like chips, while the center stays soft and buttery. Perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners—they’re delicious, elegant, and so easy to make!
22. Yummy Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic holiday favorite that’s always a hit! With creamy mashed sweet potatoes, sweet brown sugar, and cinnamon, topped with crunchy pecans and marshmallows, it’s the perfect mix of sweet and savory. Make it ahead for a stress-free side dish your family will love—easy, delicious, and ideal for any festive meal!
23. Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Broccoli Rabe is a comforting and flavorful side dish that brings together the rich sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and savory garlic sage butter. This easy-to-prepare recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or holiday side dish, making it a satisfying choice for any occasion!
24. Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin Soup is a quick and easy 15-minute recipe that highlights the rich flavors of pumpkin in a creamy, comforting bowl. Perfect for as a holiday meal starter, this soup is healthy and versatile. Pair it with crusty bread for dunking, and enjoy a luxurious meal made from everyday ingredients!
25. Creamy Broccoli Casserole
Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is a quick and easy 35-minute side dish that transforms broccoli into a star ingredient! Bursting with creamy goodness and Italian flavors, this customizable casserole is perfect for picky eaters. It’s a delicious way to enjoy veggies and makes a satisfying addition to any holiday spread!
26. Easy Roasted Cauliflower
Elevate your holiday meal game with roasted cauliflower—a delicious, healthy side dish ready in just 40 minutes! This recipe features bold flavors from Italian, Mexican, and Indian variations, making it a delightful complement to any meal. Say goodbye to boring veggies and hello to flavor!