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Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey. For me, it’s always been the sides that steal the show. Growing up in Georgia, the highlight of every Thanksgiving was my grandmother’s sweet potato casserole and the divine crunch of green bean almondine. Now, decades later, living in Austin and running my own kitchen, I’ve made it a mission to breathe new life into classic recipes while honoring their roots.

This article dives into the best Thanksgiving sides that bring bold flavor, creativity, and comfort to your holiday plate. Whether you’re a stuffing fanatic, mashed potato purist, or cranberry sauce connoisseur, this guide’s got you covered. I’ve even sprinkled in some nontraditional favorites to surprise your guests and maybe start some new traditions.

In the sections below, we’ll explore my top picks for crowd-pleasing sides, walk you through ingredients and shortcuts, and help you craft a table filled with memorable dishes. Let’s get cooking.

Flavors of Tradition: Time-Tested Thanksgiving Sides (Keyword-rich)

Stuffing That Brings the Crowd Back for Seconds

Stuffing is the heart of any Thanksgiving plate—and let me tell you, there’s no shame in going big here. From traditional sage blends to creatively modern twists, the options are endless. My favorite growing up was a sausage and cornbread stuffing with crispy edges and a moist interior. Want something savory with umami depth? Try a mushroom stuffing that’s rich, earthy, and vegetarian-friendly.

Whether you’re making it inside the bird or baking it separately, the key to unforgettable stuffing is marrying texture with flavor. If you’re going for convenience without sacrificing taste, explore my stuffing recipes for Thanksgiving that highlight combinations like apple and thyme, or sourdough and caramelized onions.

Looking for something even easier? Check out this homemade stuffing guide, balancing flavor depth and prep simplicity.

Mashed, Roasted, or Fried: The Potato Parade

If there’s one Thanksgiving side that shows up in every home across America, it’s a hearty potato dish. Mashed potatoes shouldn’t just be creamy—they should be crave-worthy. My version? Yukon Golds whipped with roasted garlic and a splash of buttermilk. It’s smooth, indulgent, and has just the right tang.

Don’t stop at mashed—try loaded potato stacks or crispy roasted spirals if you want guests talking. For a balanced meal, throw a bowl of garlicky mashed potatoes next to turkey and drizzle with homemade turkey gravy. The combo is timeless and soul-satisfying.

And if you’ve never had it, garlic-rosemary potato gratin might just change your life. It’s fancy without being fussy.

Ingredients & Timing: Pulling It All Together

Essentials to Master the Perfect Side Dish Lineup

When it comes to Thanksgiving sides, your ingredient game needs to be tight. Let’s run through a few power players:

Core Ingredient	Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes	Russets, Red Bliss
Fresh Herbs	Dried herbs (use 1/3 amount)
Heavy Cream	Milk + butter, or coconut cream for dairy-free
Cranberries (fresh or frozen)	Dried cranberries rehydrated in orange juice

Seasonal produce like carrots, sweet potatoes, and acorn squash are great staples. Want a showstopper? Make sure to grab maple syrup, pecans, and smoked paprika—three secret weapons that elevate everyday recipes.

Timing is Everything: Maximize Flavor, Minimize Stress

Thanksgiving is basically a juggling act. To keep your rhythm, plan a prep schedule that staggers cooking time. Here’s how I do it:

Dish	Total Time
Maple Glazed Carrots	30 minutes
Corn Casserole	45 minutes
Homemade Stuffing	90 minutes, including prep

Maple carrots can be roasted while your corn casserole bakes. That way, you’ve got time for basting the bird or catching up with family.

For more tips, the USDA’s Thanksgiving food safety guide is a solid resource to help you prep smarter and safer.

Step-by-Step: Creamy Mashed Potatoes with a Twist

Peel and chop five large Yukon Gold potatoes.
Boil them in salted water until tender—about 20 minutes.
While they boil, melt 4 tbsp butter and sauté 2 tbsp minced garlic.
Drain potatoes. Add garlic butter, ½ cup warmed buttermilk, salt, and cracked black pepper.
Mash until smooth. For extra creaminess, throw in a dollop of sour cream.

Tip: Warm your milk/buttermilk before mixing—it keeps the mash fluffy and not sticky.

Beyond the Basics: Underrated Thanksgiving Sides Worth Trying

Let Cranberry Sauce Shine

Cranberry sauce should never come from a can—unless you’re using it for nostalgia. My homemade take includes fresh cranberries and orange zest, simmered until it’s thick with character. It brightens every bite, balancing the rich sides beautifully.

Try this fruity gem with this cranberry sauce recipe. It’s tangy, tart, and sings next to turkey, ham, or even on leftover sandwiches.

Spice it up by adding jalapeños or chipotle for that Southwestern flair, especially fitting for a Texas holiday table like mine.

Sweet, Savory, and Surprising

Not every side has to follow tradition. Bring something unexpected. Think roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in honey-mustard, or creamy mushroom wild rice.

Casseroles always hold strong ground—especially when you jazz them up. Add caramelized onions to your mac and cheese, or spice up your sweet potatoes with miso and maple.

Want something buttery and golden? Add a browned top to your favorite corn casserole—a comfort classic that balances sweetness and richness in every bite.

From the South to Your Table: Personal Favorites Reimagined

Southern-Style Touches for a Texas Thanksgiving

In my family, collard greens and cornbread dressing weren’t optional—they were gospel. Now, I give them a little Austin flair. Collards simmer with smoked turkey legs and apple cider vinegar. For cornbread stuffing, jalapeños and cheddar lend spice and depth.

Even something simple like roasted carrots gets upgraded—try drizzling with a chili-maple glaze and sprinkling toasted pecans for crunch.

Pair that with turkey gravy so rich and silky, it needs its own spotlight.

Making It Yours: Build New Traditions

Thanksgiving sides are all about personalization. Whether it’s a dish from childhood or a brand-new TikTok trend (hello, whipped feta green beans), food is a bridge to memory and meaning.

The magic lies in mixing old with new. Bring grandma’s classics, tweak them for your taste, and own them. A holiday plate filled with homemade stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, and cranberry-orange chutney tells a story of love. Your story.

FAQs about Thanksgiving Sides

What are traditional Thanksgiving sides?

Traditional Thanksgiving sides include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, roasted vegetables, and sweet potato casserole.

What side dishes go well with turkey?

Turkey pairs beautifully with savory sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and tart cranberry sauce. Sweet sides like glazed carrots or sweet potatoes also balance the meat’s richness.

What is America’s favorite Thanksgiving side dish?

According to surveys, mashed potatoes consistently rank as America’s most beloved Thanksgiving side, followed closely by stuffing.

What are nontraditional Thanksgiving sides?

Nontraditional sides include dishes like kimchi mac and cheese, quinoa-stuffed squash, chili-lime Brussels sprouts, or wild rice pilaf with mushrooms. These add variety and creativity to the table.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving sides are more than just a supporting act—they’re the rhythm in the meal’s melody. From creamy potatoes to tangy cranberry sauce and bold, unexpected updates, these dishes capture what the holiday is all about: connection, comfort, and a shared love of food.

So whether you keep it classic or mix it up with a few modern surprises, start new traditions with these unforgettable dishes. And remember—your sides tell a story. Make it delicious.

Best Thanksgiving Sides to Wow Your Guests This Holiday