Top 10 Must-Have Thanksgiving Side Dishes (2024)

We're counting down our top 10 Thanksgiving side dishes (you've got to try #1!).

Top 10 Must-Have Thanksgiving Side Dishes (1)

It just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without all your favorite side dishes! Turkey may get top billing, but Thanksgiving side dishes are just as important as the holiday bird. Feast your eyes on our collection of the Top 10 Must-Have Thanksgiving Side Dishes, featuring the best sides for your holiday dinner. From essential vegetable side dishes to easy make ahead side dishes, this go-to list has the most festive fare for your Thanksgiving meal. It was tough to narrow the list down to just the top 10 Thanksgiving sides, so be sure to check outThe Ultimate Thanksgiving eCookbook, which has more than 15 side dish recipes, including gravies, cranberries, stuffing, potatoes, and more!

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10. Best Bacon Sprouts

Most people either love or hate Brussels sprouts but we bet you can change any negative opinion with these magnificent Best Bacon Sprouts! Tender and savory, this is one Thanksgiving vegetable side that'll make sprout-lovers out of your gang.

  • Click here for the recipe!

9. Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits

Who can resist the smell of homemade biscuits? These all-important staples are a must at Thanksgiving dinner, especially when paired with turkey and gravy. Our light and fluffy Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits melt in your mouth, just like Grandma's biscuits always did!

  • Click here for the recipe!

8. Creamy Corn for a Crowd

For an easy crowd-pleasin' Thanksgiving side dish, our Creamy Corn for a Crowd is a breeze to make and feeds ten! Your slow cooker does all the work for you and the result is a creamy delight. Garnish with bacon bits for a holiday-worthy side dish!

  • Click here for the recipe!

7. Butternut Squash Mash

Seasonal butternut squash is a traditional Thanksgiving side dish that goes all the way back to the Pilgrims. After trying our recipe for creamy, buttery Butternut Squash Mash, it won't be any wonder why this delicious Thanksgiving dish has stuck around all these years!

  • Click here for the recipe!

6. Cauliflower Blossom

Onion blossoms are a classic, but did you know that you can create an equally flavorful version with cauliflower? This easy dish has a crispy crust surrounding the tender vegetable, making this a perfect Thanksgiving side — especially when served with extra butter for dipping.

  • Click here for the recipe!

5. Baked Cranberry Sauce

If you’ve never made your own homemade cranberry sauce, you are really missing out. Besides being easy to make, with each spoonful, you’ll experience a burst of flavor that is second to none. Ditch the can — try this easy recipe for homemade cranberry sauce this Thanksgiving!

  • Click here for the recipe!

4. Sweet Potato Casserole

There couldn't be an easier way to make an elegant sweet potato side dish. Canned sweet potatoes are a huge time-saver, and when they're mixed and baked with a few ingredients and topped with pecans, you get a super Thanksgiving meal side that's sweet and savory. This recipe belongs on any list of top 10 Thanksgiving foods.

  • Click here for the recipe!

3. New Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is one the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes, and we bet you'll love this updated version of a classic veggie casserole. A tasty twist on a timeless dish, New Green Bean Casserole may just become your new favorite!

  • Click here for the recipe!

2. Best Mashed Potatoes Ever

If you love the creamy comfort of classic mashed potatoes, we think you'll agree that these are the Best Mashed Potatoes Ever. Mashed potatoes are a traditional Thanksgiving side dish for a reason, and we definitely look forward to serving up this delicious dish every November.

  • Click here for the recipe!

1. Holiday Stuffing

This easy recipe for Holiday Stuffing is our number one must-have Thanksgiving side dish! Here's the secret combo: Using a stuffing mix along with some of our own fresh ingredients makes the perfect pairing with your holiday bird. And if there's any leftovers, this stuffing reheats well the next day!

  • Click here for the recipe!

Now that you've checked out our top 10 Thanksgiving sides, how about you take a peek at some of our collection of 10 Desserts for Thanksgiving: Pie Edition?

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Top 10 Must-Have Thanksgiving Side Dishes (2024)

FAQs

Top 10 Must-Have Thanksgiving Side Dishes? ›

How many dishes should I serve with the turkey? For 4 people, choose 1-2 appetizers and 3 sides. For 8 people, choose 1-3 appetizers and 3 sides. For 16 people, choose 2-3 appetizers and 3 or more sides.

What are the top 10 side dishes for Thanksgiving? ›

Thanksgiving side dishes: Here's the 10 most popular for your...
  • Sweet potatoes.
  • Brussels sprouts.
  • Gravy.
  • Bread.
  • Stuffing/dressing.
  • Cranberry sauce.
  • Squash.
  • Corn.

What are the 10 traditional Thanksgiving foods? ›

Our Top 10 Easy Traditional Thanksgiving Dishes w/ Recipes
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Serves: Up to 4 people. ...
  • Stuffing. ...
  • Green Bean Casserole. ...
  • Sweet Potato Casserole. ...
  • Baked Corn. ...
  • Mac and cheese. ...
  • Peas & Water Chestnuts. ...
  • Fresh Rolls.
Oct 28, 2021

How many side dishes should you have for Thanksgiving? ›

How many dishes should I serve with the turkey? For 4 people, choose 1-2 appetizers and 3 sides. For 8 people, choose 1-3 appetizers and 3 sides. For 16 people, choose 2-3 appetizers and 3 or more sides.

What is the least favorite side dish for Thanksgiving? ›

And the least favorite side dish for Americans on Thanksgiving is -- green bean casserole. 31.4 percent of people surveyed do not like it.

What is the most eaten food on Thanksgiving? ›

The centerpiece of contemporary Thanksgiving in the United States is Thanksgiving dinner (informally called turkey dinner), a large meal generally centered on a large roasted turkey.

What is the average American's favorite Thanksgiving side dish? ›

Mashed potatoes are the front-runner to be on the most plates this Thanksgiving.

When should I start cooking Thanksgiving sides? ›

Side dishes taste the best fresh out of the oven, so don't start on them until Thursday afternoon. When you should start cooking: In the afternoon, while other dishes are in the oven. Various side dishes, such as green-bean casserole, are best when served fresh.

What is the number one side dish for Thanksgiving? ›

Mashed potatoes are a traditional Thanksgiving side dish for a reason, and we definitely look forward to serving up this delicious dish every November.

What not to bring up at Thanksgiving? ›

Here are five topics that should best be kept to yourself when celebrating the holiday meal.
  • Religion. Religion is a big topic for people, especially if you do not believe in it. ...
  • Politics. ...
  • Finances and Jobs. ...
  • Relationships. ...
  • Weight.
Nov 21, 2023

What are the 5 most common sides served on Thanksgiving Day? ›

  • Mac And Cheese. PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON. ...
  • Rolls. PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: Taylor Ann SPENCER. ...
  • Cornbread. PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON. ...
  • Salad. Andrew bui. ...
  • Scalloped Potatoes. ...
  • Sweet Potato Casserole. ...
  • Creamed Spinach. ...
  • Cornbread Stuffing.
Nov 16, 2023

What are the 3 most popular food dishes served on Thanksgiving? ›

  • Thanksgiving.
  • Stuffing.
  • Mashed potatoes.
  • Roast Turkey.
  • Holidays.
  • Honey-baked ham.
Nov 24, 2020

What to serve for Thanksgiving besides turkey? ›

Whatever the reason, here are 20 Thanksgiving recipes for a turkey-free table.
  • Roast Chicken With Maple Butter and Rosemary. Image. ...
  • Beef Wellington. Image. ...
  • Ombré Gratin. Image. ...
  • Skillet Pork Chops and Apples With Miso Caramel. Image. ...
  • Samosa Pie. Image. ...
  • Maple-Baked Salmon. Image. ...
  • Lasagna. Image. ...
  • Ina Garten's Make-Ahead Coquilles St.
Nov 10, 2022

What to bring to a Thanksgiving dinner as a guest? ›

Here are a couple of suggestions:
  • Flowers (arranged in a vase or container)
  • Cornucopia.
  • Box of chocolates.
  • Box of teas.
  • Gourmet treats like specialty cheeses, jam containers, crackers or a beautifully packaged gourmet gift basket.
  • Wine.
  • Holiday drink mix.
  • Book.
Nov 16, 2023

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