Thanksgiving Side Dishes Everyone Will Love

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Thanksgiving is all about the side dishes, right? The turkey might be the star of the meal, but the real magic happens when the table is filled with creamy, cozy, flavorful dishes that everyone reaches for again and again.

Over the years, I’ve collected a handful of Thanksgiving side dishes that have become favorites around our table. They’re made with simple ingredients, don’t require anything too complicated, and bring all those comforting homemade flavors we look forward to this time of year.

Some are classic holiday favorites, while others add something a little different to the menu. And because Thanksgiving Day is busy enough, I’ve included make-ahead tips to help you get a little more done before the big day.

1. Favorite Corn Casserole

This is one of those holiday side dishes that always seems to disappear quickly! My Favorite Corn Casserole is creamy, slightly sweet, and golden around the edges. It’s made with Jiffy cornbread mix, cream-style corn, whole-kernel corn, sour cream, an egg, and butter.

The ingredients are simple, but together they make a comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, and other holiday favorites.

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can do some of the prep ahead of time. Mix the ingredients together, leaving out the butter, cover the mixture, and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking.

Thanksgiving tip: This recipe makes 12 servings, and it’s easy to double for a larger gathering. If you double it, you don’t need to double the butter.

Get the Favorite Corn Casserole Recipe

2. Corn Casserole Bites

If your family loves traditional corn casserole, these Corn Casserole Bites are a fun little twist!

They’re made with many of the same simple ingredients as the classic casserole, but baked in a mini muffin pan to create individual bite-sized portions. They’re perfect for a holiday appetizer platter, a kids’ table, or anyone who loves a little taste of corn casserole without scooping it out of a baking dish.

I also love that they’re freezer-friendly, which makes them a handy option when you’re planning ahead for a busy holiday.

Thanksgiving tip: Make these for guests to enjoy while the turkey and other dishes finish cooking. They can be served as a side dish or an easy appetizer.

Get the Corn Casserole Bites Recipe

3. Instant Pot Sour Cream and Chives Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a must-have for so many Thanksgiving dinners! These Instant Pot Sour Cream and Chives Mashed Potatoes are a creamy, flavorful option that helps free up valuable stovetop space while you’re preparing the rest of the meal.

Sour cream adds a little tang and richness, while fresh chives bring a lovely savory flavor. They’re a delicious match for turkey and gravy, and they’re a nice change from plain mashed potatoes.

Thanksgiving tip: Using the Instant Pot can help make holiday cooking easier when your stovetop is already busy. If you prepare the potatoes ahead, reheat them gently and stir in a little warm milk or cream if needed to bring back their creamy texture.

Get the Instant Pot Sour Cream and Chives Mashed Potatoes Recipe

4. Homemade Spiced Cranberry Sauce

A little something sweet and tart is always welcome on a Thanksgiving plate, and this Homemade Spiced Cranberry Sauce is an easy way to add those bright holiday flavors.

Made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, white and brown sugar, a cinnamon stick, and nutmeg, this cranberry sauce has a lovely balance of tart fruit and warm spices.

As the cranberries cook, some will pop and soften while others can remain whole for a little texture. The sauce also thickens as it cools, making it easy to prepare ahead of your holiday meal.

Thanksgiving tip: This is one of the best make-ahead dishes on the menu! The recipe notes that it can be refrigerated for up to 10 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Get the Homemade Spiced Cranberry Sauce Recipe

5. Creamy Pumpkin Risotto with Parmesan and Applewood Bacon

Want to add something a little different to your Thanksgiving menu? This Creamy Pumpkin Risotto with Parmesan and Applewood Bacon is a cozy fall side dish that feels a little more special than the usual holiday favorites.

Pumpkin puree gives the risotto a seasonal flavor and creamy texture, while Parmesan adds a savory richness. Applewood bacon brings a smoky touch that makes every bite delicious.

It’s a wonderful option if you want to add something unexpected to your holiday spread without going too far from those comforting fall flavors.

Thanksgiving tip: Risotto is best served fresh, so save this one for the day of your gathering. You can make the prep easier by chopping the onion and bacon, measuring the rice and seasonings, and having your broth ready before you start cooking. This recipe needs a little attention as the broth is added, but the creamy result is worth it!

Get the Creamy Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

6. Easy Phyllo Wrapped Stuffing Bites

Stuffing is another Thanksgiving favorite, and these Easy Phyllo Wrapped Stuffing Bites turn a boxed stuffing mix into something fun and a little different.

Herb stuffing is wrapped in layers of buttery phyllo dough and baked until golden and flaky. They’re delicious little bites that can be served alongside the main meal or arranged on a platter as an appetizer.

I love that you can customize the stuffing with different flavors and add-ins, too. Cranberries, sausage, or bacon would all be fun additions.

Thanksgiving tip: You can assemble and freeze these before baking. When you’re ready to serve, bake them from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. That makes them a handy option for holiday prep!

Get the Phyllo Wrapped Stuffing Bites Recipe

7. Grandma’s Corn Fritters

There’s something special about a family recipe, and Grandma’s Corn Fritters are a nostalgic favorite that deserves a place on the table.

These fritters are made with simple ingredients like flour, baking powder, egg, milk, butter, and corn. They cook up golden on the outside while staying tender inside, and they’re a delicious alternative to a traditional corn side dish.

The recipe takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, so it’s a nice choice when you want one more homemade side without spending hours in the kitchen.

Thanksgiving tip: Serve them warm, or keep them in a low oven until you’re ready to bring them to the table. They’re also a fun addition to a holiday appetizer spread.

Get Grandma’s Corn Fritters Recipe

Make-Ahead Tips for a Calmer Thanksgiving

A little planning can make Thanksgiving Day feel so much easier. I like to look at the menu ahead of time and figure out which dishes can be prepared early and which ones are best made right before serving.

Here’s how I’d plan these seven Thanksgiving side dishes:

• Favorite Corn Casserole: Mix the ingredients, leaving out the butter, and refrigerate for up to two days before baking.
• Corn Casserole Bites: Prepare the batter ahead and refrigerate it, or bake the bites and freeze them for later.
• Mashed Potatoes: If making ahead, refrigerate and reheat gently, adding a little warm milk or cream if needed.
• Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Make up to 10 days ahead and refrigerate, or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Pumpkin Risotto: Prep the ingredients ahead, but cook the risotto close to serving time for the best texture.
• Phyllo Wrapped Stuffing Bites: Assemble and freeze unbaked. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
• Grandma’s Corn Fritters: Mix the dry ingredients ahead and measure the remaining ingredients so they’re ready to combine and cook.

How to Build a Balanced Thanksgiving Side Dish Menu

When I’m planning a holiday menu, I like to include a variety of flavors and textures. You don’t want every dish to be creamy or every dish to be sweet. A little variety makes the whole meal more interesting!

Here’s one way to build a delicious Thanksgiving side dish spread from these recipes:

• Something creamy: Favorite Corn Casserole or Sour Cream and Chives Mashed Potatoes
• Something bright and tart: Homemade Spiced Cranberry Sauce
• Something crispy or bite-sized: Phyllo Wrapped Stuffing Bites or Corn Casserole Bites
• Something savory and a little different: Creamy Pumpkin Risotto
• Something nostalgic: Grandma’s Corn Fritters

You certainly don’t need to make all seven recipes. Choose a few that your family loves, add a dish or two that you haven’t tried before, and build a menu that works for your gathering.

More Thanksgiving Recipes to Try

Once you’ve chosen your side dishes, don’t forget the main event! My Perfect Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe is another delicious option for your holiday meal.

And if you’re looking for more cozy dishes to add to your menu, browse the Domestically Speaking recipe collection for more family-friendly recipes.

What Are Your Must-Have Thanksgiving Side Dishes?

I hope these Thanksgiving side dish recipes give you a little inspiration as you plan your holiday menu. From creamy corn casserole and mashed potatoes to homemade cranberry sauce and crispy stuffing bites, there’s something here for every kind of Thanksgiving table.

Now I want to hear from you! Which of these sides will be making an appearance at your table this year? And do you have a Thanksgiving side dish that’s an absolute must-have every single year?

I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Happy cooking, friends!