29 Thanksgiving Sides That Bring Back Every Holiday You Grew Up Loving

Add Preferred Source

Thanksgiving sides have a way of pulling everyone straight into nostalgia, no matter how old they are. With 29 recipes in this lineup, there’s something that connects to every memory of past holidays. These are the dishes people look for year after year, the ones that just feel wrong to leave out. They turn the table into more than a meal, they make it a tradition.

Easy German Potato Salad

Warm dishes that combine tangy and rich flavors always stand out. Easy German Potato Salad brings a comforting mix of tender potatoes and a bold dressing. Perfect for large gatherings, it’s easy to make in larger batches while keeping everyone happy. The balance of flavors makes every bite exciting without being too heavy. Share this with a crowd, and it quickly becomes a favorite side dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy German Potato Salad

Pickled Yellow Beans

Unique sides with a crisp bite often add variety to the table. Pickled Yellow Beans are a refreshing addition with their tangy and slightly crunchy texture. Ideal for balancing richer dishes, they add brightness without overwhelming the meal. They’re simple to prepare and can complement almost anything on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Yellow Beans

Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

Bold combinations of tangy and smoky flavors turn ordinary sides into something special. Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon creates a flavorful mix that pairs perfectly with hearty meats. It’s colorful, full of texture, and brings something different to the plate. Preparing it is simple, but the result feels like a well-thought-out addition to the spread. Expect this dish to be emptied quickly by your guests.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Creamy and rich options on the table always feel nostalgic and comforting. Twice-Baked Potato Casserole turns a classic into a sharable dish that’s easy to serve in portions. Hearty, filling, and easy to make in large quantities, it’s perfect for feeding friends and family. It combines everything people love about potatoes in one warm and comforting bite. Add it to the lineup for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Smoked Cauliflower

Low-carb sides with bold surprises can steal the show during holiday meals. Smoked Cauliflower adds a smoky depth to a tender vegetable, making it stand out among traditional options. Its unique flavor combination pairs easily with almost any main dish on the table. Simple preparation with amazing results makes this dish a no-brainer for serving guests.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Fun side dishes are always a conversation starter, especially when they’re this flavorful. Grilled Elote Corn Ribs deliver smoky charred sweetness combined with rich toppings that make them irresistible. They’re perfect for sharing and easy to prep for groups, creating a side that everyone can grab and enjoy. The presentation alone adds excitement to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Smooth and creamy staples bring comfort to the dinner table every time. Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese takes a classic side and adds a velvety richness that makes it unforgettable. It’s ideal for pairing alongside roasted meats and other hearty dishes, keeping the meal balanced. Making a batch is easy and perfect for feeding a crowd while still feeling indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Classic Corn Pudding Casserole

Combining sweet and savory elements into one dish makes this side unforgettable. Classic Corn Pudding Casserole brings soft, fluffy textures with a hint of sweetness that feels comforting. It’s perfect for big gatherings, as the dish can be served in generous portions. With its crowd-pleasing flavors and easy preparation, it’s a reliable holiday side. This casserole is bound to be loved by everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Corn Pudding Casserole

Ukrainian Potatoes

Hearty sides infused with rich flavor often become the most memorable dishes. Ukrainian Potatoes add a satisfying, buttery depth that pairs perfectly with roasted meats and vegetables. They’re easy to prepare and great for serving to larger groups. Add them to your spread for a side that everyone will ask for seconds of.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Bright, refreshing elements can balance out heavier dishes, creating a meal everyone enjoys. Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill offers tender textures paired with light, citrusy notes that feel fresh. Its vibrant flavors pair well with richer main courses, keeping the meal balanced. Easy to prep and always appreciated, it’s a versatile side for any gathering. Guests will love how this dish brings variety to the table.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

Hearty casseroles filled with comforting textures are always a win during big meals. Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli brings together soft rice and tender veggies into one dish. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd while staying a reliable pairing for roasted meats and other holiday staples. The balanced flavors make it one of those sides that fits in anywhere on the table.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Warm and smooth recipes have a way of bringing people together. Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin offers a velvety bowl of simplicity that feels special during gatherings. Easy to prepare in larger quantities, it’s the perfect addition to a cozy holiday spread. Each spoonful brings a hint of comfort and warmth that guests will appreciate. It’s a dish that fits the season beautifully without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Simple ingredients take on bold personality thanks to the unique approach in this recipe. Smoked Sweet Potatoes deliver tender textures infused with smoky richness to transform a holiday favorite. Versatile enough to pair with almost any main dish, their flavor is both comforting and surprising. Easy to prepare and packed with unique elements, they stand out among other sides.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Mediterranean Rice

Flavorful grains often make great sides for larger gatherings, especially when they’re done with a twist. Mediterranean Rice creates soft, fluffy textures combined with warm flavors that are hard to resist. Perfect for serving alongside a variety of mains, it can easily feed a crowd without losing its charm. The balance of bold and subtle notes makes every bite memorable.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice

Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Tender dishes with bold aromatics have a way of standing out on a crowded table. Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes bring earthy flavors mixed with a soft, comforting texture perfect for larger spreads. Ideal for pairing with roasted meats and other rich mains, they balance the meal beautifully. Preparing them for a crowd is simple, making them a reliable favorite for any host.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Greens with a touch of richness often surprise everyone during big meals. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds pair the nuttiness of almonds with buttery, tender sprouts for a standout dish. The slight crunch from the almonds adds texture, keeping every bite interesting. It’s a colorful and versatile side that fits in anywhere on the Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Baked Spanish Rice

Warm and flavorful sides often make meals feel more complete. Baked Spanish Rice creates soft, fluffy grains that are infused with bold flavors to complement any main dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and perfect for big gatherings. The simplicity of making this dish doesn’t take away from just how satisfying it is for everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Corn Fritters

Crunchy and soft textures combined in one bite create a side everyone loves. Corn Fritters offer a lightly crisp exterior and a soft, flavorful interior that pairs well with traditional holiday meals. These bite-sized treats are great for sharing and easy to serve at large gatherings. Their versatility makes them a surprising but welcomed addition to any spread.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Smoked Spaghetti Squash

Tender sides with smoky notes can bring new excitement to family meals. Smoked Spaghetti Squash transforms a simple vegetable into something unique with its deep, rich flavor. It’s a light yet flavorful choice, making it stand out from heavier sides while still fitting in effortlessly. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it’ll appeal to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Spaghetti Squash

Shirazi Salad

Fresh salads can add brightness to a table full of richer dishes. Shirazi Salad blends crisp ingredients with bold flavors that stand out without overpowering. It’s a fantastic way to bring variety to a larger spread while giving guests a lighter option to enjoy. Simple in preparation but big on presentation, it’s a beautiful addition to the menu.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Sweet Potato Casserole

Special occasions call for heartwarming classics that everyone knows. Sweet Potato Casserole is one of those sides that combines soft, creamy textures with a hint of sweetness. Perfect for fitting into a holiday spread, it pairs well with rich main dishes and brings a little balance to the table. The dish feels timeless while offering enough flavor to leave guests wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Light tang and hints of richness bring a balance that complements heavier main dishes. Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon offers a mix of bold and sweet flavors. It’s a simple yet thoughtful addition to a table full of traditional sides. Making sure everyone enjoys a variety like this keeps the whole spread interesting. This dish has a way of tying together all the natural flavors of a big meal.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Creamy comfort classics often get even better with a new twist. Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes add a layer of smoky richness to an already beloved recipe. Perfect for both small and large gatherings, they stand out while staying easy to love. You’ll definitely want enough for everyone to grab seconds.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Velvety and flavorful sides can be comforting without feeling too heavy. Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone transforms tender greens into a smooth, rich dish perfect for pairing with roasted meats. Its creamy texture adds luxury to the table while remaining easy to prepare in large quantities. This side fits seamlessly into holiday feasts where indulgence and balance matter.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Earthy sides with a tangy twist can be the perfect match for roasted mains. Greek Lemon Potatoes bring a brightness to the table that feels traditional yet refreshing. Their soft texture makes them comforting, while their unique flavor profile sets them apart. Easy to make in larger batches, they’re ideal for families and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes

Polenta with Mascarpone

Creamy and smooth textures make sides feel luxurious while being simple to prepare. Polenta with Mascarpone offers a rich and tender base that pairs perfectly with hearty mains. Its subtle flavor allows it to complement other dishes without overpowering them on the plate. Perfect for celebrations and larger meals, it’s a dependable addition to any spread.
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Tender sides that cook slowly often become the most flavorful on the table. Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans soak up bold, rich flavors while staying simple to prepare. They’re perfect for pairing with roasted meats and other holiday classics, making them great for large gatherings. This dish feels both hearty and well-balanced, offering a little something for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

Creamy textures with smoky notes often define comforting sides, and this one does it well. Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon bring together rich flavors and hearty textures for a dish loved by everyone. It’s easy to prepare in bulk and works perfectly for holiday spreads where feeding a crowd is key. These potatoes pair well with any main course while also standing out on their own.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Bold flavors and tender textures can turn ordinary vegetables into exciting sides. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes bring a natural sweetness with a crisp finish that feels both simple and inviting. They’re easy to prepare and pair well with roasted mains or lighter proteins. Adding these to your meal lineup brings variety and flair to the holiday table. Once tried, they’re sure to become a regular request.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes