It’s time to plan your Thanksgiving menu. Whether you’re hosting a family feast, contributing to a Friendsgiving, or bringing a dish to a potluck, the right sides can make the holiday memorable. Below are 20 standout Thanksgiving side dishes—classic flavors, fresh twists, and crowd-pleasing recipes that will complement the turkey and may even steal the spotlight. Browse the ideas and decide which sides will appear on your table this year.
Thanksgiving Jarcuteries
Jarcuteries are individual charcuterie servings presented in small jars or cups—an elegant, portable alternative to a shared board. They let guests sample a variety of flavors in single portions: cured meats, cheeses, fresh fruit, crunchy vegetables, and small spreads. These single-serve displays are perfect for mingling, reducing crowding around a communal platter while still offering a beautiful, flavorful appetizer.
Get ideas for Thanksgiving Jarcuteries here!
Bacon Wrapped Apples
Sweet, crisp apples wrapped in salty bacon make a simple yet irresistible appetizer. Honeycrisp or other firm, sweet varieties hold up well when baked or roasted with bacon and a drizzle of hot honey. The combination of textures—crisp fruit and crispy bacon—plus a touch of sweetness makes this a quick, three-ingredient crowd pleaser that pairs nicely with any Thanksgiving spread.
Get the recipe for Bacon Wrapped Apples here!
Apple, Cranberry, and Kale Salad
This salad balances sweet apples and dried cranberries with bitter kale, sharp blue cheese, and savory prosciutto for an elevated side. A light honey-mustard dressing brings everything together for a refreshing, textured salad that brightens the table and contrasts richer holiday dishes.
Get the recipe for Apple, Cranberry, and Kale Salad here!
Savory Bosc Pear Salad
Bosc pears bring a subtle sweetness and firm texture to this composed salad. The pears are cooked briefly in bacon fat and paired with toasted pecans, balsamic glaze, fresh thyme, and shaved Parmesan for a rich, savory-sweet side that feels polished enough for a holiday table.
Get the recipe for Savory Bosc Pear Salad here!
Cranberry, Blueberry, & Strawberry Sauce
Give the classic cranberry sauce an update by adding blueberries and strawberries for a sweeter, more complex flavor. Simmered until the fruit breaks down and thickens, this sauce adds bright color and tangy-sweet notes to turkey and other roasted dishes. For a milder tartness, prepare it with orange juice instead of water.
Get the recipe for Cranberry, Blueberry and Strawberry Sauce here!
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
This rich potato casserole layers mashed red potatoes with bacon, cheese, and sour cream for a comforting alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. It bakes until golden and bubbly, offering familiar flavors in a hearty, family-friendly format.
Get the recipe for Twice Baked Potato Casserole here!
Vegan Potatoes au Gratin
For plant-based or dairy-free guests, vegan potatoes au gratin deliver creamy, savory comfort without milk or cheese. Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a flavorful dairy-free sauce create a golden, satisfying side that blends well with a variety of main dishes.
Get the recipe for Vegan Potatoes au Gratin here!
Sweet Potato Casserole
This classic sweet potato casserole is creamy, warmly spiced, and topped with a crunchy streusel or marshmallow topping depending on preference. An egg-free version uses butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla to bind the filling, and the recipe includes simple methods for roasting whole sweet potatoes if you prefer fresh over canned yams.
Get the recipe for Sweet Potato Casserole here!
Sweet Potato Bake
A one-dish sweet potato bake is both stylish and convenient. Sliced sweet potatoes are arranged in a spiraled pattern, seasoned, and roasted until edges crisp. Cooking in a cast-iron skillet adds flavor and makes for an attractive presentation with minimal cleanup.
Get the recipe for Sweet Potato Bake here!
Cornbread-Sausage Stuffing with Pink Lady® Apples
This savory stuffing combines crumbled cornbread, browned sausage, and diced Pink Lady® apples for a balance of savory richness and bright, apple-sweet notes. It’s hearty, fragrant, and a welcoming addition to any holiday plate.
Get the recipe for Cornbread-Sausage Stuffing with Pink Lady® Apples here!
Stuffing Muffins
Portion-friendly and easy to serve, stuffing muffins bake traditional dressing flavors into compact, handheld servings. They can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making them a practical, tasty option when you need to streamline holiday prep.
Get the recipe for Stuffing Muffins here!
Barley Stuffing with Butternut Squash, Apples, and Kale
If you want a lighter, fiber-rich alternative to bread-based stuffing, barley makes a great base. This version mixes nutty pearled barley with roasted butternut squash, apples, and kale for a colorful, nutrient-dense side that still delivers comforting stuffing flavors.
Get the recipe for Barley Stuffing with Butternut Squash, Apples, and Kale here!
Blistered Green Beans with Fried Shallots
For a lighter take on green bean casserole, quickly blister green beans in a hot pan and top with crispy fried shallots. The result is a fresh, bright vegetable side that keeps beans crisp while delivering savory crunch and bold flavor. It’s naturally vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.
Get the recipe for Blistered Green Beans with Fried Shallots here!
Fresh Green Bean Casserole
This version of green bean casserole emphasizes texture: crisp, tender green beans and crunchy panko topping, all bound in a creamy sauce. It keeps the comforting familiarity of the classic while avoiding sogginess.
Get the recipe for Fresh Green Bean Casserole here!
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Air-fried Brussels sprouts become crisp on the outside and tender inside with minimal oil. Season them simply or finish with a balsamic glaze for a flavorful, lighter vegetable side that balances richer dishes on the Thanksgiving table.
Get the recipe for Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts here!
Baked Mushrooms with Lemon and Gruyere
Roasted mushrooms topped with a squeeze of lemon and melted Gruyère offer an earthy, slightly tangy side that comes together in about 15 minutes. Fresh thyme and a touch of citrus brighten the deep, savory mushroom flavor for a versatile accompaniment.
Get the recipe for Baked Mushrooms with Lemon and Gruyere here!
Sautéed Swiss Chard with Garlic and Mushrooms
Bright, leafy Swiss chard sautéed with garlic and mushrooms makes a colorful, savory side. Use Bright Lights® chard or any rainbow chard to add vibrant hues to the table while keeping the dish simple and satisfying.
Get the recipe for Sautéed Swiss Chard with Garlic and Mushrooms here!
Sautéed Radishes and Bacon
Radishes take on a potato-like texture when sautéed in bacon drippings, developing a tender interior and crisp edges. Paired with crispy bacon, this unexpected side offers familiar comfort with a novel vegetable twist.
Get the recipe for Sautéed Radishes and Bacon here!
Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Carrots
Quick to prepare and warmly spiced, cinnamon and brown sugar carrots add a sweet contrast to savory mains. Roast or sauté until tender-crisp, and serve them as an easy, family-friendly side that complements most Thanksgiving menus.
Get the recipe for Cinnamon and Brown Sugar Carrots here!
Pomegranate-Glazed Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted carrots, beets, and turnips glazed with pomegranate create a vibrant, jewel-toned side. Topped with whipped goat cheese and toasted pistachios, this dish is as visually stunning as it is flavorful—sweet, tangy, and texturally rich.
Get the recipe for Pomegranate-Glazed Roasted Root Vegetables here!
While the turkey often takes center stage, the right selection of Thanksgiving side dishes can transform the meal. Mix classics with a few new ideas to create balance, color, and variety on your holiday table. Which sides will you choose this year? Share your favorites and tell us how they turned out!
