Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and we all know the sides can often steal the show! I recently polled my Instagram community of over a 130K who seem to be engaged foodies to find out what’s on their tables this year, and the responses were nothing short of mouthwatering. From family favorites to unique twists, here’s the ultimate list of Thanksgiving side dishes that you might want to add to your holiday spread!
Classic Thanksgiving Sides
You can’t go wrong with the classics, and my readers are all about these tried-and-true recipes:
- Stuffing – From traditional versions to ones with sausage or cranberries, stuffing is a must-have.
- Mashed Potatoes – Especially when loaded with garlic and butter!
- Green Bean Casserole – A creamy, crunchy staple on any Thanksgiving table.
- Sweet Potato Casserole – Pecan topping? Marshmallows? Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
- Corn Casserole – Warm, creamy, and comforting.
Cheesy, Creamy Goodness
If you’re looking for rich, indulgent sides, these were some top picks:
- Mac and Cheese (from scratch!) – Bonus points for baked versions with crispy toppings.
- Cheesy Potato Casserole – Comfort food at its finest.
- Broccoli Rice Casserole – Combining veggies and cheesy goodness in one dish.
Unique Reader Favorites
My readers also shared some creative twists and lesser-known sides that sound incredible:
- Butternut Squash & Apple Casserole – A sweet and savory combo perfect for fall.
- Stuffin’ Muffins – Stuffing baked in cupcake form for individual servings.
- Crack Green Beans – Green beans elevated with a sweet and savory glaze.
- Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries – A festive twist on roasted veggies.
- Hash Brown Casserole – Perfect for a hearty and satisfying addition.
Salad & Veggie Options
Not everything has to be rich and heavy! Here are some lighter, fresh options that made the list:
- Chicken Caesar Salad Pasta – A refreshing side with a pasta twist.
- Roasted Carrots – Simple, caramelized, and delicious.
- Collard Greens – A Southern favorite packed with flavor.
Nostalgic & Family Recipes
Thanksgiving is about tradition, and these recipes sparked lots of nostalgia:
- Frog-Eyed Salad – A sweet and tangy side that’s a family favorite for many.
- Pineapple Stuffing – A sweet-savory dish that pairs perfectly with ham or turkey.
- Creamed Spinach & Onions – Decadent and flavorful comfort food.
Honorable Mentions
Some of the most unique sides that deserve a shoutout:
- Martha Stewart Cranberry Sauce – With cranberries, cherries, and pears for a tart-sweet balance.
- Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Adding a bit of heat to a classic dish.
- Stuffed Mushrooms – Perfect for an appetizer or side.
Here is the full list of Thanksgiving side dishes right from our Instagram poll:
- Creamed spinach
- Corn casserole
- Green bean casserole
- Stuffing
- Mac and cheese (from scratch!)
- Broccoli rice casserole
- Frog-eyed salad
- Dutch apple pie
- Cheesy company potatoes
- Tini’s mac and cheese
- Chicken Caesar salad pasta
- Dressing
- Deviled eggs
- Creamed onions
- Sweet potato casserole with a pecan topping
- Stuffing with sausage
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with maple syrup
- Spicy roasted sweet potatoes
- Cheesy potato casserole
- Broccoli casserole
- Butternut squash & apple casserole
- Hash brown casserole
- Pistachio pudding
- Martha Stewart cranberry sauce (with cranberries, cherries, and pears)
- Stuffing with homemade cranberry sauce on top
- Cornbread dressing
- Collard greens
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Strawberry dump cake
- Homemade cranberry salad
- Mississippi sin dip
- Chicken and noodles
- Stuffin’ muffins (stuffing baked in cupcake form)
- Crack green beans
- Italian sausage stuffing
- Roasted carrots
- Pineapple stuffing
- Bacon Brussels sprouts with cranberries
- Pumpkin roll
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Baked creamed corn
Make Your Thanksgiving Feast Unforgettable
This list of Thanksgiving side dishes has something for everyone—whether you’re sticking with the classics or adding a creative spin to your holiday table. If you’re still finalizing your menu, let these reader favorites inspire you!
What sides are a must-have on your table? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this list with friends and family who might need some last-minute ideas! Don’t forget to pin this post so you can save it for later too.
Happy Thanksgiving!
