These Thanksgiving Side Dishes Might Upstage the Turkey (2024)

When it comes to holiday feasts, you want to fill the sideboard with as many classic dishes as you can—and nothing is as classic as creamed spinach!

Get the recipe for Creamed Spinach.

Tart cranberries, fresh apples, plenty of brown sugar and butter — as well as a few key spices — turn your average head of red cabbage into a wow-worthy side!

Get the recipe for Spiced Red Cabbage.

Thanksgiving salads can't be wispy little things. You want both heft and crunch to stand up with the other sides. With pecans, avocado, and a maple-bacon vinaigrette, this salad will do the trick.

Get the recipe for Pecan, Kale, and Parmesan Salad.

This classic cold-weather veggie gets a fancy-dinner makeover with roasted chestnuts and bacon lardon (essentially very thick-cut bacon).

Get the recipe for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Chestnuts.

Something magical happens when you mix tender russet potatoes with butter, heavy cream, and some salt. With this recipe, we'll help you achieve mashed potato perfection.

Get the recipe for Best-Ever Mashed Potatoes.

It's not Thanksgiving without stuffing! The secret to this classic side is in using really good bread: Skip the supermarket stuff and get to a local baker if at all possible.

Get the recipe for Pork-and-Sage Stuffing.

Who'd have guessed the Thanksgiving side we'd be most excited about would be a salad?

Get the recipe for Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Warm Apple Cider Dressing.

This simple holiday side has it all: Roasted sweet potatoes with a sweet crunchy topping that you can put together in minutes and then let slowly turn into a delectable dish in the oven while you get the rest of the feast ready.

Get the recipe for Roasted Sweet Potato Coins with Rosemary-Pecan Streusel.

If creamed onions are a part of your holiday feast tradition, consider switching it up this year with a tasty update.

Get the recipe for Sweet-and-Sour Onions.

This holiday salad will hold its own at any fall or winter feast.

Get the recipe for Big Green Winter Salad.

This unfussy holiday side is easy to toss together, but make no mistake: the flavor is pure autumn goodness. Use the firmest veggies you can find. You can follow our lead or fill it with your favorite root mix.

Get the recipe for Easy Root Vegetable Gratin.

It's just not a feast without a big basket of biscuits gracing the holiday table. These smart seasoned sides are flavored with chives, asiago cheese, and a smattering of cream cheese to make them extra delicious.

Get the recipe for Cream Cheese Herb Biscuits.

If you've only ever thought of salads as cold, crunchy, or unsatisfying, let this hearty assemblage of roasted squash, baby kale, dates, and almonds tempt you.

Get the recipe for Acorn Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette.

Forget the marshmallow topping: Whip your sweet potatoes thoroughly with a good helping of bourbon, and top them with toasted walnuts instead. You can thank us later.

Get the recipe for Bourbon Yams.

I think we can agree that Nana would not be pleased if you left this off the table.

Get the recipe for Nana’s Famous Corn Pudding.

As far as side dishes go, it will be hard to pass up this broccoli and cauliflower recipe. Even your children won't be able to resist vegetables covered in cheese.

Get the recipe for Broccoli and Cauliflower Gratin.

Pass the rolls, please! In particular, these soft Parker House ones topped with a pinch of sea salt.

Get the recipe for Parker House Rolls.

Second only to turkey, mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving must-have. These can be made ahead, and get an extra little kick from fresh horseradish.

Get the recipe for Horseradish–Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes.

For those who find the time-honored Thanksgiving condiment a little too mouth-puckering, we offer this sweeter edition.

Get the recipe for Cranberry-Grape Sauce.

Looking for a set-it-and-forget it side? These bite-sized veggie chunks are tossed in oil and herbs, then baked off for an easy dish.

Get the recipe for Roasted Vegetable Mélange.