These Thanksgiving side dish recipes cover the classics and a few fresh additions: stuffing, potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, cranberry sauce, and gravy.
Tips for Planning This Course
- Choose dishes by cooking method as well as flavor. Instant Pot stuffing or mashed potatoes and slow cooker stuffing can free oven space for the turkey and casseroles.
- Balance a creamy potato or casserole with a simpler green vegetable. Cranberry sauce adds a tart contrast to savory dishes and can often be prepared before the holiday.
- Make a timing list for each side: what can be chopped or assembled ahead, what needs last-minute cooking, and which dish needs a burner or oven rack. Follow each recipe’s storage and reheating instructions.
- A few strong sides serve a small party better than too many half-finished dishes. Add variety as guest count grows or when guests bring their favorites.
Stuffing and dressing
Instant Pot Stuffing Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour
Transform your Thanksgiving feast with our Instant Pot Stuffing! Its classic, herb-infused taste and buttery richness make it a must-try, all while freeing up your oven for other holiday delights.
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Slow Cooker Stuffing Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Holiday cooking just got easier with our fool-proof Slow Cooker Stuffing. Made in a slow cooker, it’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it dish for your festive table.
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Mashed potatoes and potato sides
Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Perfectly smooth and infused with rich, garlicky flavor, Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes bring the comfort of a home-cooked meal. A perfect side dish for holidays, family dinners, or weeknight meals.
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Whipped Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Forget everything you know about mashed potatoes and welcome the light, fluffy delight of Whipped Potatoes—perfect for those who love great taste and texture.
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Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Quick, easy and incredibly delicious – these ultra-light and fluffy Instant Pot mashed potatoes are a holiday and sunday meal staple.
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Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Transform your mealtime with Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes – a harmonious blend of tender potatoes, rich cheese sauce, and a crispy, golden topping. A side dish that's sure to steal the spotlight!
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Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes
Get ready to indulge in the cheesiest, most irresistible Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole ever! It's a perfect blend of crispy, cheesy goodness, melt-in-your-mouth dish that's perfect for any occasion!
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Hasselback Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Experience the magic of Hasselback Potatoes! Each slice is a perfect mix of crispy and soft textures making them a show-stopping addition to any meal.
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Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes are a perfect addition to any meal. Packed with creamy cheese, bacon, and chives, these potatoes are flavorful, hearty, and ideal for a satisfying side.
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Smashed Potatoes Roasted in the Oven Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes
Flavorful Smashed Potatoes Roasted in the Oven with crispy, golden edges are a versatile addition to any meal. Serve them alongside your favorite proteins for an easy and satisfying dish.
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Sweet potatoes and squash
Candied Yams Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Warm, spiced Candied Yams are the perfect blend of sweetness and richness. With tender yams coated in a glossy, buttery glaze, ideal for your next family dinner or holiday feast.
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Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
A mix of mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and cream cheese turns these Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes into a soft, flavorful side with a crisp, nutty topping.
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Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Tender, caramelized butternut squash tossed with maple syrup makes a side dish that’s both hearty and sweet. Maple Roasted Butternut Squash is a family favorite during the fall and holiday seasons.
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Green beans and Brussels sprouts
Creamy Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour
A Thanksgiving must-have! This Creamy Green Bean Casserole is made with fresh green beans, a rich mushroom cream sauce, and a crispy topping—you’ll never want the canned stuff again!
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Green Beans Almondine Recipe
Total Time: 18 minutes
Green Beans Almondine isn’t your average veggie dish. Crisp beans, nutty almonds, and savory garlic make a simple, flavorful side—perfect for weeknights and parties!
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Brussel Sprout Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes
Indulge in this savory Brussel Sprout Casserole. It combines fresh brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and luscious cheese for a dish that's irresistibly delicious.
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Potatoes and Green Beans Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Enhance your dinners with this incredible Potatoes and Green Beans recipe! A hearty and simple side dish that everyone will enjoy!
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Carrots, corn and other vegetables
Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour
Carrots never tasted so good! With honey and a quick roast in the oven, this easy Honey Glazed Carrots recipe is a total win for any occasion.
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Browned Butter Roasted Carrots Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Take your carrot side dish from boring to absolutely amazing! These Browned Butter Roasted Carrots have a sweet and nutty flavor. They are crisp on the edges and tender in the center, making this the perfect side dish!
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Creamed Corn Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour
Upgrade your holiday table with this irresistible Creamed Corn Casserole. It's easy, delicious, and guaranteed to have your guests coming back for more!
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Oven Roasted Broccoli Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
Perfectly roasted and lightly seasoned, Oven Roasted Broccoli is a simple side dish that’s both healthy and delicious—the perfect way to bring wholesome goodness to any meal.
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Healthy Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour
Light, fresh, and delicious—our Healthy Broccoli Casserole will be your new favorite dish! This lighter version of the classic comfort food will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
Crispy tips and soft, flavorful stalks make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus a standout side dish. Roasting brings out its natural flavors, and a little seasoning takes it to the next level.
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Instant Pot Asparagus Recipe
Total Time: 17 minutes
Tired of overcooked asparagus? This Instant Pot Asparagus method guarantees perfect results every time! Crisp-tender, flavorful, and incredibly simple to make—it's the easiest way to enjoy this healthy side.
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Mac and cheese
Skillet Mac and Cheese Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes
Tender pasta, velvety cheese sauce, and a golden topping make Skillet Mac and Cheese a perfect balance of creamy and crispy. This dish works as a main course or as a satisfying side.
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Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
Creamy, cheesy, and naturally nourishing, Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese is a wholesome comfort food that comes together effortlessly in 25 minutes!
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Cranberry sauce and gravy
Cranberry and Orange Sauce Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
Tart cranberries simmered with fresh orange juice and a hint of cinnamon make this Cranberry and Orange Sauce a flavorful, festive addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread.
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Turkey Gravy Recipe
Total Time: 16 minutes
This Turkey Gravy recipe is a rich, savory sauce made from pan drippings, broth, and seasonings that adds comforting flavor to roasted turkey and all the classic holiday sides.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many side dishes do I need for Thanksgiving?
For a smaller dinner, a potato dish, stuffing, and one or two vegetables give a useful starting point. Add cranberry sauce, gravy, or additional favorites as needed.
Which sides can free up oven space?
Look at the Instant Pot stuffing and mashed potatoes, slow cooker stuffing, and stovetop mac and cheese. Check each recipe for timing and appliance requirements.
What can I make ahead?
Cranberry sauce and components of many casseroles are good candidates. Follow each recipe for safe storage and whether to bake before or on Thanksgiving.
How do I avoid serving only heavy sides?
Pair creamy potatoes and stuffing with a simpler vegetable, roasted carrots, green beans almondine, or a fresh salad.
