Top 10 Must-Have Thanksgiving Side Dishes (2024)

We're counting down our top 10 Thanksgiving side dishes (you've got to try #1!).

Top 10 Must-Have Thanksgiving Side Dishes (1)

It just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without all your favorite side dishes! Turkey may get top billing, but Thanksgiving side dishes are just as important as the holiday bird. Feast your eyes on our collection of the Top 10 Must-Have Thanksgiving Side Dishes, featuring the best sides for your holiday dinner. From essential vegetable side dishes to easy make ahead side dishes, this go-to list has the most festive fare for your Thanksgiving meal. It was tough to narrow the list down to just the top 10 Thanksgiving sides, so be sure to check outThe Ultimate Thanksgiving eCookbook, which has more than 15 side dish recipes, including gravies, cranberries, stuffing, potatoes, and more!

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10. Best Bacon Sprouts

Most people either love or hate Brussels sprouts but we bet you can change any negative opinion with these magnificent Best Bacon Sprouts! Tender and savory, this is one Thanksgiving vegetable side that'll make sprout-lovers out of your gang.

  • Click here for the recipe!

9. Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits

Who can resist the smell of homemade biscuits? These all-important staples are a must at Thanksgiving dinner, especially when paired with turkey and gravy. Our light and fluffy Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Biscuits melt in your mouth, just like Grandma's biscuits always did!

  • Click here for the recipe!

8. Creamy Corn for a Crowd

For an easy crowd-pleasin' Thanksgiving side dish, our Creamy Corn for a Crowd is a breeze to make and feeds ten! Your slow cooker does all the work for you and the result is a creamy delight. Garnish with bacon bits for a holiday-worthy side dish!

  • Click here for the recipe!

7. Butternut Squash Mash

Seasonal butternut squash is a traditional Thanksgiving side dish that goes all the way back to the Pilgrims. After trying our recipe for creamy, buttery Butternut Squash Mash, it won't be any wonder why this delicious Thanksgiving dish has stuck around all these years!

  • Click here for the recipe!

6. Cauliflower Blossom

Onion blossoms are a classic, but did you know that you can create an equally flavorful version with cauliflower? This easy dish has a crispy crust surrounding the tender vegetable, making this a perfect Thanksgiving side — especially when served with extra butter for dipping.

  • Click here for the recipe!

5. Baked Cranberry Sauce

If you’ve never made your own homemade cranberry sauce, you are really missing out. Besides being easy to make, with each spoonful, you’ll experience a burst of flavor that is second to none. Ditch the can — try this easy recipe for homemade cranberry sauce this Thanksgiving!

  • Click here for the recipe!

4. Sweet Potato Casserole

There couldn't be an easier way to make an elegant sweet potato side dish. Canned sweet potatoes are a huge time-saver, and when they're mixed and baked with a few ingredients and topped with pecans, you get a super Thanksgiving meal side that's sweet and savory. This recipe belongs on any list of top 10 Thanksgiving foods.

  • Click here for the recipe!

3. New Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is one the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes, and we bet you'll love this updated version of a classic veggie casserole. A tasty twist on a timeless dish, New Green Bean Casserole may just become your new favorite!

  • Click here for the recipe!

2. Best Mashed Potatoes Ever

If you love the creamy comfort of classic mashed potatoes, we think you'll agree that these are the Best Mashed Potatoes Ever. Mashed potatoes are a traditional Thanksgiving side dish for a reason, and we definitely look forward to serving up this delicious dish every November.

  • Click here for the recipe!

1. Holiday Stuffing

This easy recipe for Holiday Stuffing is our number one must-have Thanksgiving side dish! Here's the secret combo: Using a stuffing mix along with some of our own fresh ingredients makes the perfect pairing with your holiday bird. And if there's any leftovers, this stuffing reheats well the next day!

  • Click here for the recipe!

Now that you've checked out our top 10 Thanksgiving sides, how about you take a peek at some of our collection of 10 Desserts for Thanksgiving: Pie Edition?

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Read Next11 Tasty and Quick Easy Dinner Recipes

Top 10 Must-Have Thanksgiving Side Dishes (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular side dish served at Thanksgiving? ›

Thanksgiving side dishes: Here's the 10 most popular for your...
  • Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
  • Potatoes.
  • Green beans.
  • Sweet potatoes.
  • Brussels sprouts.
  • Gravy.
  • Bread.
  • Stuffing/dressing.

What are the 12 most popular Thanksgiving dishes? ›

Scroll through to take a look at our most popular Thanksgiving recipes.
  • 01 of 24. Perfect Turkey. ...
  • 02 of 24. Roasted Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • 03 of 24. Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • 04 of 24. Homemade Mac and Cheese. ...
  • 05 of 24. Sweet Potato Pie. ...
  • 06 of 24. Granny Kat's Pumpkin Roll. ...
  • 07 of 24. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. ...
  • 08 of 24. Cream Corn Like No Other.
Oct 26, 2023

What are the 10 traditional Thanksgiving foods? ›

Our Top 10 Easy Traditional Thanksgiving Dishes w/ Recipes
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Serves: Up to 4 people. ...
  • Stuffing. ...
  • Green Bean Casserole. ...
  • Sweet Potato Casserole. ...
  • Baked Corn. ...
  • Mac and cheese. ...
  • Peas & Water Chestnuts. ...
  • Fresh Rolls.
Oct 28, 2021

What is the least favorite side dish for Thanksgiving? ›

And the least favorite side dish for Americans on Thanksgiving is -- green bean casserole. 31.4 percent of people surveyed do not like it.

What are the 3 traditional foods Americans eat during Thanksgiving? ›

Along with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry the "traditional" table now included white bread, apple pie, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and various fruit pies.

How many sides should you have at Thanksgiving? ›

How many dishes should I serve with the turkey? For 4 people, choose 1-2 appetizers and 3 sides. For 8 people, choose 1-3 appetizers and 3 sides. For 16 people, choose 2-3 appetizers and 3 or more sides.

What not to bring up at Thanksgiving? ›

Here are five topics that should best be kept to yourself when celebrating the holiday meal.
  • Religion. Religion is a big topic for people, especially if you do not believe in it. ...
  • Politics. ...
  • Finances and Jobs. ...
  • Relationships. ...
  • Weight.
Nov 21, 2023

What dishes are mandatory for Thanksgiving? ›

Most Traditional Thanksgiving Foods. A traditional Thanksgiving meal consists of roast turkey and many sides including stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, green beans and cranberry sauce, with pumpkin pie as dessert.

What should I bring to a Thanksgiving dinner party? ›

What kind of items can I bring to a Thanksgiving dinner?
  1. Flowers (arranged in a vase or container)
  2. Cornucopia.
  3. Box of chocolates.
  4. Box of teas.
  5. Gourmet treats like specialty cheeses, jam containers, crackers or a beautifully packaged gourmet gift basket.
  6. Wine.
  7. Holiday drink mix.
  8. Book.
Nov 16, 2023

What is the main dish served at Thanksgiving? ›

There's no doubt that a big, roasted Thanksgiving turkey is the centerpiece of any holiday dinner. But that doesn't mean there isn't room at the table for other main courses, too.

What are America's favorite Thanksgiving foods? ›

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and though the turkey (or ham) might take top billing, everyone knows the sides are the true stars of the table. What would our national holiday be without stuffing and sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and mac and cheese, green beans and rolls?

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