These Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dishes have everything you need to round out the holiday table, from cornbread dressing and creamy potatoes to cheesy casseroles, roasted vegetables, and fresh seasonal salads. Whether you’re planning the whole menu or just need one more side, there’s plenty of Thanksgiving inspiration here.
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Classic Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Start with the classics—the cozy, cheesy, buttery Thanksgiving sides everyone expects to see on the table.
- Southern Cornbread Dressing – A classic Southern dressing made with homemade cornbread, savory herbs, and plenty of butter.
- Green Bean Casserole – Tender green beans in a homemade mushroom sauce topped with plenty of crispy fried onions.
- Baked Three Cheese Mac and Cheese – Creamy, cheesy, and baked until golden and bubbly for a holiday side everyone loves.
- Boursin Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes made extra rich and flavorful with garlic and herb Boursin cheese.
- Loaded Baked Potato Casserole – Creamy potatoes loaded with cheese, bacon, and all the good stuff from a classic loaded baked potato.
- Broccoli Rice Casserole – A cozy, cheesy broccoli and rice casserole that fits right in on a Thanksgiving table.
- Cafeteria Noodles – Buttery, savory noodles made with simple ingredients for an easy old-school side dish everyone goes back for.
Potatoes & Comfort-Food Sides
Because no Thanksgiving plate is complete without something buttery, creamy, cheesy—or preferably all three.
- Buttered Noodles – Simple, buttery noodles that are easy to make and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Duck Fat Roasted Potatoes – Crispy, golden roasted potatoes with fluffy centers and rich, savory flavor.
- Creamy Mashed Cauliflower – Smooth, creamy cauliflower with plenty of buttery flavor for an easy alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Cheesy Baked Cauliflower – Tender cauliflower covered in a creamy cheese sauce and baked until golden and bubbly.
- Creamy Parmesan Polenta – Rich, buttery polenta finished with Parmesan for a cozy side that pairs beautifully with turkey and gravy.
Thanksgiving Vegetable Sides
Add some green to the table with simple vegetable sides that still feel right at home next to turkey, dressing, and gravy.
- Crispy Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with plenty of savory Parmesan and golden edges.
- Lemon Parmesan Roasted Asparagus – Tender roasted asparagus finished with Parmesan and fresh lemon for a bright, easy side.
- Oven-Roasted Green Beans – Fresh green beans roasted until tender with lightly crisp edges and simple seasonings.
- Whole Roasted Cauliflower – A simple whole roasted cauliflower with golden edges and a tender center that makes a beautiful holiday side.
- Sautéed Cabbage – Tender, buttery cabbage cooked until lightly caramelized for an easy Southern-style vegetable side.
Fresh & Seasonal Thanksgiving Salads
A few fresh, colorful salads are just what a Thanksgiving table full of rich, cozy favorites needs.
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad – Crisp shaved Brussels sprouts tossed with a creamy Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and plenty of crunch.
- Creamy Radish Salad with Cauliflower – Crisp radishes and cauliflower tossed in a creamy dressing for a fresh, crunchy side.
- Roasted Sweet Potato Salad – Roasted sweet potatoes paired with fresh greens and plenty of fall flavor for a colorful holiday salad.
- Roasted Beet Salad – Sweet roasted beets, salty feta, and fresh greens come together for a beautiful seasonal salad that’s perfect for the Thanksgiving table.
Who’s Stirring the Pot?
Hi, I’m Ruth—the recipe developer and comfort-food enthusiast behind Rufus For Real. I believe dinner should be the best part of your day, not the most stressful one. That’s why I focus on meals that are simple, satisfying, and impossible to mess up in a real-life kitchen.
I want to hear from you! Which one of these Thanksgiving side dishes are you making first? Whether it’s the Southern Cornbread Dressing or that Green Bean Casserole, let me know in the comments below—I read every single one!
You’ll find me sharing even more comfort-food goodness, kitchen tips, and behind-the-scenes chaos over on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube (@rufusforreal everywhere).
If you love approachable recipes with a whole lot of personality, pull up a chair—there’s always room at this table.
Happy Cooking!
-Ruth aka Rufus
