These 16 easy Thanksgiving side dishes will take the stress out of the big day. There are crispy potatoes, honey-glazed roasted veggies, fresh salads and a make-ahead gravy, so everything you need is here. Plenty can be made ahead, and some don't need the oven at all, which is a lifesaver when the turkey is taking up all the space.
I'm a recipe developer and busy mum of three, and these are the sides I make every holiday season. Every one is family-approved and made with simple, affordable ingredients. There's something for everyone, from creamy mashed potatoes and cheesy smashed potatoes to vegan and gluten-free options, so every guest at the table has something to enjoy.
A great side dish doesn't have to be complicated. Most of these recipes use just a handful of ingredients, and they all work alongside turkey, roast chicken, ham or a vegetarian main. Every one of them works just as well for Christmas dinner too. For more easy ideas, check out all my easy Side Dishes and Holiday Recipes.
Every recipe here has been tested and re-tested in my own kitchen, so you can trust it'll turn out perfectly on the day and have the whole family coming back for seconds.
How to Plan Your Thanksgiving Sides
Before we get to the recipes, here are a few simple tricks I use to make sure every side hits the table hot, on time and full of flavor.
- Pick a balanced mix. A good rule of thumb is one potato dish, two roasted vegetables, something green, something fresh and crunchy, and a gravy. That way there's plenty of variety without cooking ten different things.
- Plan around your oven. Oven space is the biggest challenge on the day. Choose a few sides that roast at the same temperature (most of the roasted recipes below use around 425°F), then add some that cook on the stovetop, in the microwave or in the air fryer.
- Get ahead wherever you can. Gravy, mashed potatoes, coleslaw and salad dressings can all be made the day before. Chop your vegetables ahead too, so on the day it's just a case of oil, season and roast.
16 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes
What to Serve With These Thanksgiving Sides
These sides go with any holiday main, but here are the ones I make most often, plus a few ideas to round out the whole meal.
- The main event. For a smaller gathering, my Honey Baked Turkey Breast with Vegetables is much easier than roasting a whole bird. A Classic Roast Chicken or Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Mushroom Sauce works beautifully too.
- Something to nibble first. Keep everyone happy while the turkey rests with Cranberry Goat Cheese Toasts or a Hot Baked Feta Dip with Honey.
- Something sweet to finish. An Apple & Blueberry Crumble or Peach Pie with Crumble Topping is the perfect end to the meal.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Use the turkey's resting time. A turkey needs to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. Turn the oven up as soon as it comes out and use that time to roast your potatoes and vegetables so everything is ready together.
- Don't overcrowd the pan. Spread vegetables out in a single layer, using two sheet pans if needed. Crowded veggies steam instead of roast, and you lose those crispy, caramelized edges.
- Dry your potatoes well. For the crispiest roast and smashed potatoes, let them steam dry for a few minutes after boiling. Less moisture means more crunch.
- Add honey at the end. When glazing carrots or parsnips, toss them in the honey and butter once they're out of the oven. Added too early, the honey can burn.
- Save the quick greens for last. Green beans, buttered kale and charred broccolini take 10 minutes or less, so cook them while the turkey is being carved and they'll be bright and fresh on the plate.
How to Make Thanksgiving Sides Ahead
- Weeks ahead. The Red Wine Jus freezes for up to 3 months, and both the Crispy Roast Potatoes and Cheesy Smashed Potatoes freeze well too. Reheat the potatoes in a hot oven until crisp.
- The day before. Make the gravy and the KitchenAid Mashed Potatoes, then reheat on the day. Prep the Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes, and make the Winter Coleslaw vegetables and dressing, keeping them in separate containers.
- For the salad. The roasted squash and tahini dressing for the Delicata Squash Salad keep in the fridge for up to 2 days in separate containers. Assemble just before serving.
- Leftovers. Store leftover sides in airtight containers in the fridge and eat within 2 to 3 days. Reheat roasted vegetables in a hot oven with a drizzle of olive oil so they don't dry out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many side dishes should I make for Thanksgiving?
For most families, four or five sides is plenty. Aim for one potato dish, a couple of roasted vegetables, something green and something fresh, plus gravy. For a bigger crowd, add an extra potato dish, since those always go first!
Which Thanksgiving sides can I make ahead?
The Red Wine Jus, Mashed Potatoes and Winter Coleslaw can all be made the day before. The roast and smashed potatoes can be frozen weeks ahead, and most of the vegetables can be chopped and stored in the fridge the day before.
How do I cook all my sides with only one oven?
Choose a mix of oven and oven-free recipes. The mashed potatoes, green beans, buttered kale, charred broccolini and red wine jus all cook on the stovetop or in the microwave, the coleslaw needs no cooking at all, and the delicata squash goes in the air fryer. Then roast the rest while the turkey rests.
How do I keep side dishes warm?
Mashed potatoes stay warm and creamy in a slow cooker on the warm setting. Roasted vegetables can be covered with foil and kept in a low oven, then given a few minutes in a hot oven just before serving to crisp back up.
Are there vegan and gluten-free Thanksgiving sides here?
Yes. The Delicata Squash Salad, Charred Broccolini, Roasted Asparagus & Carrots and Baked Sweet Potato Slices are all vegan and gluten-free. The honey-glazed carrots and parsnips are easy to make vegan by swapping the honey for maple syrup and the butter for olive oil.
Which Recipe Will You Try First?
So, which of these side dishes is making it onto your Thanksgiving table? I always love hearing which recipes become part of your holiday traditions, so drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out.
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