25 Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering around the table, sharing delicious food, and celebrating the traditions that bring families together. While the turkey may be the centerpiece of the holiday meal, traditional Thanksgiving side dishes are often what everyone looks forward to most.

From creamy mashed potatoes and homemade stuffing to sweet potato casserole and classic green bean casserole, Thanksgiving sides bring warmth, comfort, and familiar flavors to the dinner table.

Many of these recipes have been passed down through generations, becoming treasured family favorites that make Thanksgiving dinner feel complete. Whether you are preparing a large holiday feast or planning a smaller gathering, having the right combination of side dishes can make all the difference.

These 25 traditional Thanksgiving side dish recipes include classic comfort foods, Southern favorites, vegetables, casseroles, and homemade breads that deserve a place on your holiday menu.

1. Classic Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are one of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes. Their creamy texture and buttery flavor make them the perfect companion to roasted turkey and homemade gravy.

Ingredients:

3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
½ cup unsalted butter
¾ cup warm whole milk
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized pieces.
Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold salted water.
Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
Drain thoroughly and return potatoes to the warm pot.
Mash with butter, warm milk, and sour cream.
Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

Thanksgiving tip: Warm the milk before adding it to keep the potatoes fluffy and creamy.

2. Traditional Bread Stuffing

Homemade bread stuffing is a Thanksgiving classic made with toasted bread, celery, onions, butter, and savory herbs.

Ingredients:

12 cups dried bread cubes
1 cup butter
2 cups diced celery
2 cups chopped onions
3 cups chicken or turkey broth
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon dried sage
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Melt butter in a skillet and sauté celery and onions until softened.
Combine dried bread cubes, vegetables, and seasonings in a large bowl.
Gradually add broth until the bread is evenly moistened.
Transfer to a buttered baking dish.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes until golden on top.

Thanksgiving tip: Use day-old bread for the best stuffing texture.

3. Classic Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole has been a Thanksgiving favorite for decades, combining tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions.

Ingredients:

4 cups cooked green beans
2 cans condensed cream of mushroom soup (10.5 ounces each)
¾ cup milk
1 teaspoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups crispy fried onions, divided

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Combine green beans, mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, and 1 cup fried onions.
Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish.
Bake for 25 minutes until hot and bubbling.
Sprinkle remaining fried onions over the top.
Bake another 5–10 minutes until golden.

Thanksgiving tip: Fresh green beans provide a firmer texture, while canned green beans offer a more traditional soft casserole.

4. Southern Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole brings the perfect balance of sweetness and comfort to Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients:

4 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup melted butter
2 eggs
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Spread mixture into a greased baking dish.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until set.
Add marshmallows and bake another 5–8 minutes until lightly golden.

Thanksgiving tip: Replace marshmallows with a brown sugar and pecan crumble for a crunchy Southern-style topping.

5. Homemade Turkey Gravy

A Thanksgiving meal would not be complete without rich, flavorful turkey gravy.

Ingredients:

¼ cup turkey drippings or butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups turkey broth
½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat turkey drippings or butter in a saucepan.
Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
Slowly pour in turkey broth while whisking.
Add poultry seasoning.
Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
Season to taste and serve warm.

Thanksgiving tip: Homemade turkey drippings add extra richness and depth of flavor.

6. Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

Baked macaroni and cheese is especially popular at Southern Thanksgiving dinners.

Ingredients:

1 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
¼ cup flour
3 cups milk
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Cook macaroni until just al dente and drain.
Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour.
Gradually add milk and cook until thickened.
Stir in 2 cups cheese and seasonings.
Combine sauce with macaroni and transfer to a baking dish.
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.

Thanksgiving tip: Mix sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack for an extra creamy casserole.

7. Traditional Candied Yams

Candied yams are a sweet holiday favorite made with tender sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and warm spices.

Ingredients:

4 large sweet potatoes
½ cup butter
¾ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Peel and slice sweet potatoes into thick rounds.
Arrange in a baking dish.
Melt butter with brown sugar, spices, water, and vanilla.
Pour sauce over sweet potatoes.
Cover and bake for 35 minutes.
Uncover and bake another 20–25 minutes until tender and glazed.

Thanksgiving tip: Spoon the syrup over the potatoes several times while baking.

8. Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Fresh cranberry sauce adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances rich Thanksgiving dishes.

Ingredients:

12 ounces fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions:

Combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes until cranberries burst.
Stir in orange zest.
Cool before serving.

Thanksgiving tip: Prepare cranberry sauce a day ahead because its flavor improves after chilling.

9. Southern Cornbread Dressing

Cornbread dressing is a traditional Southern Thanksgiving side dish featuring crumbled cornbread, vegetables, broth, and savory seasonings.

Ingredients:

8 cups crumbled cornbread
2 cups diced onions
2 cups diced celery
½ cup butter
3 cups chicken broth
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon sage
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Sauté onions and celery in butter until tender.
Combine cornbread, vegetables, seasonings, and broth.
Allow mixture to cool slightly, then stir in beaten eggs.
Transfer to a greased baking dish.
Bake for 40–45 minutes until set and golden.

Thanksgiving tip: Homemade buttermilk cornbread creates an especially flavorful dressing.

10. Honey Butter Glazed Carrots

These tender carrots are coated in a sweet, buttery glaze that complements savory holiday foods.

Ingredients:

2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

Boil or steam carrots until tender, about 8–12 minutes.
Drain thoroughly.
Melt butter and honey in a skillet.
Add carrots, salt, and cinnamon.
Toss over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until glazed.

Thanksgiving tip: Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving for extra color.

11. Traditional Dinner Rolls

Soft homemade dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up turkey gravy and leftover cranberry sauce.

Ingredients:

4 cups all-purpose flour
2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
1 cup warm milk
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup melted butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
Knead until dough is smooth and elastic.
Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Shape into 12 rolls and place in a greased baking dish.
Let rise another 30–45 minutes.
Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until golden.

Thanksgiving tip: Brush warm rolls with melted butter for a soft, glossy finish.

12. Creamed Corn Casserole

Creamed corn casserole is a rich and comforting side dish with a soft, slightly sweet texture.

Ingredients:

1 can whole-kernel corn, drained (15 ounces)
1 can cream-style corn (14.75 ounces)
1 box corn muffin mix (8.5 ounces)
1 cup sour cream
½ cup melted butter
2 eggs

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Pour into a greased baking dish.
Bake for 40–50 minutes until the center is set and top is golden.
Rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Thanksgiving tip: Add shredded cheddar cheese for a savory variation.

13. Garlic Butter Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts provide a flavorful vegetable side dish with crispy edges and tender centers.

Ingredients:

2 pounds Brussels sprouts
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons melted butter
4 cloves minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425°F.
Trim and halve Brussels sprouts.
Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Arrange cut-side down on a baking sheet.
Roast for 20–25 minutes until browned and tender.
Toss with melted butter and garlic, then roast another 2–3 minutes.

Thanksgiving tip: Finish with a little balsamic glaze for added sweetness.

14. Classic Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes feature thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich cream sauce.

Ingredients:

3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Slice potatoes into thin, even rounds.
Heat cream, milk, butter, garlic, and seasonings until warm.
Layer potatoes in a greased baking dish.
Pour cream mixture over potatoes.
Cover and bake for 50 minutes.
Uncover and bake another 20–30 minutes until golden and fork-tender.

Thanksgiving tip: Let the potatoes rest for 10–15 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens.

15. Southern Collard Greens

Slow-cooked collard greens are a traditional Southern side dish that brings deep, savory flavor to the Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients:

2 pounds fresh collard greens
1 smoked turkey leg
1 diced onion
4 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Wash collard greens thoroughly and remove tough stems.
Chop leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Place smoked turkey leg, onion, and broth in a large pot.
Simmer for 30 minutes.
Add collard greens and seasonings.
Cover and cook for 60–90 minutes until tender.
Remove turkey leg, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
Stir in vinegar before serving.

Thanksgiving tip: Collard greens often taste even better the next day.

16. Buttery Corn on the Cob

Simple buttered corn is an easy Thanksgiving side dish that children and adults can enjoy.

Ingredients:

8 ears fresh corn
½ cup softened butter
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions:

Remove husks and silk from corn.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add corn and cook for 4–6 minutes until tender.
Remove and drain.
Spread with butter and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and parsley.

Thanksgiving tip: Frozen corn on the cob works well when fresh corn is out of season.

17. Old-Fashioned Creamed Peas

Creamed peas are a nostalgic holiday side dish made with tender peas in a buttery white sauce.

Ingredients:

4 cups frozen peas
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Cook peas according to package directions and drain.
Melt butter in a saucepan.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually add milk, stirring until smooth.
Simmer until thickened.
Add peas and seasonings.
Heat through and serve warm.

Thanksgiving tip: A small pinch of sugar can enhance the natural sweetness of peas.

18. Traditional Cornbread

Golden Southern cornbread is a comforting addition to Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients:

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
¼ cup melted butter

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425°F.
Grease a cast-iron skillet or baking dish.
Combine dry ingredients in a bowl.
Whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter separately.
Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.
Pour batter into prepared skillet.
Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Thanksgiving tip: Preheating the cast-iron skillet helps create crispy edges.

19. Roasted Butternut Squash

Roasted butternut squash brings natural sweetness and beautiful autumn color to Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients:

2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cubed
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Toss squash with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
Roast for 25–35 minutes, turning halfway through.
Serve when tender and caramelized.

Thanksgiving tip: Add fresh rosemary for a savory contrast.

20. Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Broccoli rice casserole is a creamy, cheesy holiday favorite that combines vegetables, rice, and comforting flavors.

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked rice
3 cups cooked broccoli florets
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces)
½ cup milk
½ cup diced onions
2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Sauté onions in butter until softened.
Combine rice, broccoli, onions, soup, milk, and 1½ cups cheese.
Transfer to a greased casserole dish.
Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Thanksgiving tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.

21. Southern Fried Cabbage

Southern fried cabbage is a flavorful side dish cooked with onions, butter, and smoky bacon.

Ingredients:

1 medium head cabbage, chopped
6 slices bacon
1 diced onion
2 tablespoons butter
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy.
Remove bacon and reserve about 2 tablespoons of drippings.
Add onions and butter to the skillet.
Cook until onions soften.
Add cabbage and seasonings.
Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
Crumble bacon over the cabbage before serving.

Thanksgiving tip: A splash of apple cider vinegar balances the richness.

22. Classic Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a traditional holiday appetizer and side dish that often disappear quickly from the Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients:

12 large eggs
½ cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
1 teaspoon white vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Paprika for garnish

Instructions:

Hard-boil eggs and cool completely.
Peel and slice each egg lengthwise.
Remove yolks and place them in a bowl.
Mash yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Spoon or pipe filling into egg whites.
Sprinkle with paprika.
Refrigerate until serving.

Thanksgiving tip: Prepare the filling and egg whites separately ahead of time, then assemble before serving.

23. Old-Fashioned Baked Beans

Sweet and smoky baked beans are a comforting side dish for Southern-style Thanksgiving gatherings.

Ingredients:

2 cans navy beans, drained (15 ounces each)
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
½ cup diced onion
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Combine beans, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, onions, and bacon.
Transfer to a baking dish.
Cover and bake for 35 minutes.
Uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes until thickened.

Thanksgiving tip: Add a tablespoon of molasses for a deeper, old-fashioned flavor.

24. Traditional Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad is a refreshing holiday side dish made with crisp apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts.

Ingredients:

3 chopped apples
1 cup halved seedless grapes
1 cup diced celery
½ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

Combine apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts in a large bowl.
Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, and honey separately.
Pour dressing over the fruit mixture.
Toss gently until coated.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Thanksgiving tip: Use a combination of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.

25. Classic Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia salad is a traditional holiday favorite that combines fruit, coconut, marshmallows, and a creamy dressing.

Ingredients:

1 can mandarin oranges, drained (15 ounces)
1 can pineapple tidbits, drained (20 ounces)
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
½ cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved
1 cup sour cream

Instructions:

Drain fruit thoroughly.
Combine oranges, pineapple, marshmallows, coconut, and cherries.
Fold in sour cream until evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Stir gently before serving.

Thanksgiving tip: Prepare ambrosia salad the night before to allow the flavors to blend.

How to Choose the Best Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dishes

With so many delicious Thanksgiving side dishes available, planning a balanced menu can help prevent overcrowding the table or spending unnecessary hours in the kitchen.

For a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, consider serving a combination of creamy, savory, sweet, and vegetable-based sides.

A well-rounded holiday menu might include mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, homemade cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, and one additional vegetable dish.

For a Southern-style Thanksgiving meal, cornbread dressing, baked macaroni and cheese, collard greens, candied yams, and homemade cornbread are excellent choices.

The goal is to choose recipes that complement one another while including the family favorites everyone expects to see.

Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dishes You Can Make Ahead

Preparing Thanksgiving dinner becomes much easier when some dishes are made in advance.

Side dish	Make-ahead recommendation
Cranberry sauce	Prepare 2–3 days ahead
Cornbread dressing	Assemble 1 day ahead; bake before serving
Green bean casserole	Assemble 1 day ahead; add crispy onions before baking
Sweet potato casserole	Prepare filling 1 day ahead
Deviled eggs	Boil eggs 1–2 days ahead; assemble later
Collard greens	Cook 1–2 days ahead
Ambrosia salad	Prepare the night before
Dinner rolls	Shape and refrigerate overnight; allow to rise before baking

Refrigerate prepared dishes promptly, keep cold foods at 40°F or below, and reheat cooked casseroles and leftovers to 165°F.

How Many Thanksgiving Side Dishes Should You Serve?

The number of side dishes depends on how many people are attending Thanksgiving dinner and how much variety you want.

Number of guests	Suggested side dishes
2–4 people	3–4 sides
5–8 people	4–6 sides
9–12 people	6–8 sides
13–20 people	8–10 sides
20+ people	10–12 sides

These are planning guidelines rather than strict rules. Smaller servings of several dishes can offer more variety without creating excessive leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dishes

What are the most traditional Thanksgiving side dishes?

Some of the most traditional Thanksgiving sides include mashed potatoes, bread stuffing, turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and dinner rolls.

What are the most popular Southern Thanksgiving side dishes?

Southern Thanksgiving favorites often include cornbread dressing, baked macaroni and cheese, candied yams, collard greens, deviled eggs, and sweet potato casserole.

What Thanksgiving side dishes can be made the day before?

Cranberry sauce, collard greens, sweet potato casserole filling, cornbread dressing, and many cold salads can be prepared ahead of time. Some casseroles are best baked just before serving.

What are inexpensive Thanksgiving side dishes?

Mashed potatoes, homemade stuffing, roasted carrots, cornbread, cabbage, and rice casseroles are budget-friendly options that can feed several people.

What vegetables are traditionally served at Thanksgiving?

Green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, corn, Brussels sprouts, squash, collard greens, and peas are common choices for Thanksgiving vegetable sides.

How do you keep Thanksgiving side dishes warm?

Use covered oven-safe dishes, slow cookers with appropriate warm settings, or insulated serving containers. Hot dishes should be maintained at 140°F or above until served.

Final Thoughts: Bringing Thanksgiving Traditions to the Table

Traditional Thanksgiving side dishes are more than just food served alongside the turkey. They are part of the memories, family gatherings, and holiday traditions that make Thanksgiving special.

Whether it is a grandmother’s homemade stuffing, a favorite sweet potato casserole, or a big bowl of creamy mashed potatoes, these dishes often carry stories and memories from one generation to the next.

The beauty of Thanksgiving cooking is that every family has its own traditions. Some prefer classic recipes prepared exactly as they remember them, while others enjoy adding new flavors and dishes to the holiday menu.

These 25 traditional Thanksgiving side dish recipes offer plenty of ways to create a comforting, delicious meal filled with familiar favorites.

What is the one traditional Thanksgiving side dish your family absolutely must have on the table every year?