50 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Thanksgiving. Let's call it what it is ? a never-ending cooking marathon than ends in piles of dirty dishes and everyone asleep on the couch with full bellies. Don't get me wrong, it's one of my favorite days of the year. But sometimes, you need your menu selections to do you a favor and you know, not be super time-consuming and difficult? These easy Thanksgiving sides have been highly rated by thousands of home cooks, and they require little prep work and few ingredients. Save your energy for the main event and give these easy sides a try. Read on for our 50 best easy Thanksgiving side dishes.

1of 51

Homesteader Cornbread

Photo by sanzoe

“This was the best cornbread I have had in so very long,” raves Lesamk. “It was very moist and flavorful. I will be using this recipe forever! I can’t wait to make Mexican cornbread with this recipe. It will no doubt be delicious.”

2of 51

Squash Casserole

Photo by

This comforting casserole is ready in under an hour. “Tender squash, gooey cheese, and crunchy crackers make this a memorable side dish or a hearty main course,” says recipe creator ROSECART.

3of 51

Quick Yeast Rolls

Photo by Michele Rowe Sparks

This old-fashioned family recipe won first place in a state fair competition, according to recipe creator DCASH30526.

4of 51

Roasted Butternut Squash with Onions, Spinach, and Cranberries

Photo by Christina

Bring this colorful salad to liven up a Thanksgiving table full of casseroles. Recipe creator Marcia says, “A delicious deviation from the typical squash preparation, this recipe has kind of a nutty flavor with or without the nuts.”

5of 51

Yummy Sweet Potato Casserole

Photo by Preethi Venkatram/Allrecipes

The Allrecipes community can't get enough of this top-rated sweet potato casserole — it has nearly 4,000 rave reviews from happy home cooks.

6of 51

Chef John's Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Photo by Eat

Learn this technique from Chef John to achieve the perfect fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth mashed potatoes for your Thanksgiving feast.

7of 51

Sesame Green Beans

Photo by Dianne

These nontraditional green beans make a unique addition to any Thanksgiving spread. Reviewer annersmarie says, “I’ve made these a few times now. They’re just so easy to make, and I love how I don’t have to use any butter.”

8of 51

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Photo by Leslie McOmber

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these candied sweet potatoes. Topped with marshmallows and flavored with brown sugar and cinnamon, this Thanksgiving side dish will be the star of the show.

9of 51

Really Easy Bread Stuffing

Photo by Amy Dunshee

White bread, onion, and seasonings are all that's needed to make this top-rated recipe.

10of 51

Thyme-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Fresh Cranberries

Photo by

“Turn boring Brussels sprouts into a sophisticated side dish by combining earthy thyme, sour cranberries, and sweet maple syrup,” according to recipe creator and Allrecipes All Star France C. “This lightly sweetened dish is a great way to highlight delicious fall flavors.”

11of 51

Muffin Tin Potatoes Gratin

Photo by lutzflcat

These individually portioned muffin tins make for an elegant holiday presentation. But beware…it's hard to have just one.

12of 51

Glazed Carrots

Photo by Allrecipes

Put your fall harvest on display with this carrot dish that takes just 25 minutes to make!

13of 51

Easy Corn Pudding

Photo by Brittany Bowers

This rich corn pudding is an easy addition to any Thanksgiving table.

14of 51

Cranberry Sauce

Photo by CookinBug

Put down the can! The best part? It's ready in less than 20 minutes.

15of 51

Simple Roasted Butternut Squash

Photo by Marisa R.

“Roasted butternut squash is so good on its own that barely any seasoning is needed,” says MChele. “In this simple recipe, we focus on the basics — olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper — and leave any additional garnishes up to you.”

16of 51

Best Green Bean Casserole

Photo by Cynthia Ross

No one will ever believe this green bean casserole with over 500 glowing reviews took just 25 minutes to make.

17of 51

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Photo by Rita

Even Brussels sprout skeptics will love this easy recipe that comes together quickly with just four ingredients.

18of 51

Roasted Yam and Kale Salad

Photo by

"A bright contrast in flavors makes this salad a favorite among friends and family," says the recipe submitter. "The yams have a subtle sweetness that pairs nicely with the caramelized onions and kale."

19of 51

Roasted Green Beans

Photo by KGora

Fresh green beans are simply seasoned in salt and pepper, then roasted to crispy perfection.

20of 51

Baked Butternut Squash

Photo by

"This simple baked butternut squash is easy to make, delicious to eat, and looks beautiful on the plate," according to the recipe submitter.

21of 51

Pear and Pomegranate Salad

Photo by

“A fall and winter favorite,” says recipe creator JPMJ. “I am always eager for pomegranates to come in season so I can make this again.”

22of 51

Bread and Celery Stuffing

Photo by

Use this simple stuffing recipe, made with easy-to-find kitchen staples, to stuff your turkey or enjoy it as a side dish.

23of 51

Oven-Fresh Seasoned Potato Wedges

Photo by Holiday Baker

If you don't want to make traditional mashed potatoes this year, try this kid-friendly alternative.

24of 51

Roasted Vegetables

Photo by PVerlaan

This casserole dish of seasonal vegetables is so easy to prepare. "It can be made a day ahead — just reheat before serving," says the recipe submitter.

25of 51

Balsamic Grilled Baby Potatoes

Photo by

Grilling a turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner? “This quick and easy, cleanup-free side dish is an obvious choice when you’re already grilling your main course,” according to CanadianCook.

26of 51

Easy Chorizo Stuffing

Photo by

“This zesty chorizo sausage is easy to make in just 30 minutes with a boxed stuffing mix,” according to recipe creator and Allrecipes Allstar Yoly.

27of 51

Easy Cranberry Orange Relish

Photo by cooken mama

Make this easy relish with just four ingredients: fresh cranberries, a navel orange, white sugar, and cinnamon.

28of 51

Make-Ahead Stuffing

Photo by

Get a jump start on holiday cooking by making this flavorful stuffing up to three days in advance.

29of 51

Oyster Dressing (Stuffing)

Photo by Natalie T.

This regional staple is moist, flavorful, and simply irresistible. If you've never tried oyster dressing, this is your year!

30of 51

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Photo by Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Is it a side dish? Is it dessert? This sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is somewhere in the middle — and we wouldn't have it any other way.

31of 51

Basic Corn Muffins

Photo by dotdash meredith food studios

These simple corn muffins are perfect as-is. However, recipe creator Doug Matthews suggests dressing them up with fun additions like jalape?os, honey, or cheese.

32of 51

Fondant Potatoes

Photo by Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

“My fondant potatoes are oven-braised in a buttery, thyme-flavored sauce,” says Chef John. “The result of this old-school method? Golden brown potatoes with a crispy crust that remain rich and creamy on the insides.”

33of 51

Classic Dinner Rolls

Photo by

These restaurant-worthy dinner rolls are surprisingly simple to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

34of 51

Cream Corn Like No Other

Photo by OkinawanPrincess

This classic Thanksgiving side dish comes together in just 15 minutes. “Everyone always asks for the recipe,” according to recipe creator DIANA YOCKEY.

35of 51

Broccoli Casserole

Photo by Allrecipes Magazine

“Broccoli casserole enriched with cheese, mayonnaise, and cream of mushroom soup,” according to Laura Baker. “Delicious and EASY to make!”

36of 51

Gourmet Mushroom Risotto

Photo by Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

This creamy mushroom risotto is sure to add decadent Italian flair to your Thanskgiving table.

37of 51

Simple Macaroni and Cheese

Photo by Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Sometimes the best things in life are the simplest. Need proof? Try this basic macaroni and cheese that is easy to make with just seven ingredients.

38of 51

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Photo by

Use your trusty slow cooker to make this old-fashioned green bean casserole. “Very handy when you are having a large crowd for dinner and only have one oven,” says Karyb.

39of 51

Awesome and Easy Creamy Corn Casserole

Photo by My Hot Southern Mess

“This truly is the most delicious stuff,” says Ruth Phillips. “A bit like a cross between corn souffle and a slightly sweet corn pudding! Try it, I know you will love the ease of preparation and especially the taste.”

40of 51

Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Photo by Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

“Sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection with chunky onion wedges and garlic, then finished with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a naturally sweet holiday side dish,” says recipe creator CATICALIC.

41of 51

Steakhouse Potatoes Romanoff

Photo by Chef John

“My potatoes Romanoff is an ideal dish for big holiday gatherings since you can make it the day before and bake it when needed,” says Chef John.

42of 51

Jamie's Cranberry Spinach Salad

Photo by

This seasonal salad (made with spinach, dried cranberries, slivered almonds, and poppy seeds) is full of fresh fall flavor.

43of 51

Roquefort Pear Salad

Photo by

"[This salad] is tangy from the blue cheese, fruity from the pears, and crunchy from the caramelized pecans," says recipe creator MARCEA. "The mustard vinaigrette pulls it all together."

44of 51

Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Photo by

This Brussels sprouts gratin is creamy, crunchy, and super cheesy. “The cream takes away the bitterness you usually find in Brussels,” according to recipe creator Creative Caterer. “This is a family favorite during the holidays!”

45of 51

Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes

Photo by

“I made this for Thanksgiving dinner and everyone loved it,” raves reviewer Pat. “I will definitely be making this again. I made it the day before and just put it in the oven when the turkey came out.”

46of 51

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Photo by Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Sweet potatoes are mashed with milk, butter, and maple syrup for a rich and flavorful Thanksgiving side dish.

47of 51

Chipotle Mac and Cheese

Photo by

Here's a smoky twist on a classic Thanksgiving side dish. It gets an extra kick from chiles in adobo sauce.

48of 51

Italian-Style Mushrooms and Spinach

Photo by AllrecipesPhoto

This unique way to serve mushrooms and spinach gets a kick from balsamic vinegar. It’s a “typical recipe of Southern Italy, specifically Apulia,” says recipe submitter Salvatore.

49of 51

Savory Roasted Root Vegetables

Photo by

This medley of seasonal vegetables (beets, carrots, onions, and potatoes) is flavored with garlic, thyme, and white wine.

50of 51

Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon and Caramelized Onions

Photo by

“I made this for Thanksgiving dinner and my family went crazy over it,” says recipe creator Chris B. “It is simple, looks great on the table and has already been requested for Christmas dinner!”

51of 51

More Inspiration

Photo by Lori

Try one of our 19 Fool-Proof Thanksgiving Recipes for Beginner Cooks. Plus, explore our entire collection of Thanksgiving Recipes.

source by allrecipe

Tags:

50 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Homesteader Cornbread

Squash Casserole

Quick Yeast Rolls

Roasted Butternut Squash with Onions, Spinach, and Cranberries

Yummy Sweet Potato Casserole

Chef John's Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Sesame Green Beans

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Really Easy Bread Stuffing

Thyme-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Fresh Cranberries

Muffin Tin Potatoes Gratin

Glazed Carrots

Easy Corn Pudding

Cranberry Sauce

Simple Roasted Butternut Squash

Best Green Bean Casserole

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Yam and Kale Salad

Roasted Green Beans

Baked Butternut Squash

Pear and Pomegranate Salad

Bread and Celery Stuffing

Oven-Fresh Seasoned Potato Wedges

Roasted Vegetables

Balsamic Grilled Baby Potatoes

Easy Chorizo Stuffing

Easy Cranberry Orange Relish

Make-Ahead Stuffing

Oyster Dressing (Stuffing)

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Basic Corn Muffins

Fondant Potatoes

Classic Dinner Rolls

Cream Corn Like No Other

Broccoli Casserole

Gourmet Mushroom Risotto

Simple Macaroni and Cheese

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

Awesome and Easy Creamy Corn Casserole

Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Steakhouse Potatoes Romanoff

Jamie's Cranberry Spinach Salad

Roquefort Pear Salad

Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Chipotle Mac and Cheese

Italian-Style Mushrooms and Spinach

Savory Roasted Root Vegetables

Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon and Caramelized Onions

More Inspiration

Tags:

Share This Post:

Leave feedback about this Cancel Reply

Related Post

The 10 Recipes We Can't Wait to Make

The Best Costco Deals For $10 or Less

The 7 Best Dips to Buy at Costco,

The Best Grocery Items Under $15 at Sam's

The Top 10 Recipes We Can't Wait to