As soon as I start to feel those slightly cooler mornings, it gets me in the mood to start thinking about fall recipes and getting ready for those Thanksgiving side dishes to impress everyone.
![collage of four images depicting side dishes for thanksgiving.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Thanksgiving-side-dishes.jpg)
Even though it's just a few of us, I like to get the Thanksgiving table all dressed up and there's always usually an extra straggler or two that show up!
Jump to:
The holiday season always brings those we love together, it's one of the reasons I love it so much. That, and the weather changes from being stifling hot to deliciously cold (plus the absence of mosquitoes!)
Getting your Thanksgiving menu together can be quite daunting, but I'm here to help with this awesome list of my favorite Thanksgiving side dishes to impress.
🥦 Vegetable Side Dishes
I like to try to stick with easy recipes, especially considering the amount of dishes being made. Brussel Sprouts, Green Beans and Butternut Squash are some of the more typical types of vegetable sides. Following are some favorite vegetable dishes for next to the Thanksgiving turkey:
![Close up of a bowl of southern black eyed peas and collard greens.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Southern-Black-Eyed-Peas-and-Collard-Greens-Recipe-Featured-Image.jpg)
![Close up of a corner of a baking dish with broccoli casserole, with a scoop missing.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Broccoli-Casserole-Featured-Image.jpg)
![Close up shot of a spinach madeleine dish in a pan with a scoop missing.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spinach-Madeleine-Featured-Image.jpg)
![Close up of an eggplant casserole in a baking dish, with a piece missing.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Eggplant-Casserole-Featured-Image.jpg)
![Close up of a spoon inside a corn casserole in a crock pot.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Jiffy-Corn-Casserole-Recipe-Crock-Pot-FB.jpg)
![Close up of some cajun corn maque choux with a big spoon digging in.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Cajun-Corn-Maque-Choux-Featured-Image.jpg)
![close up of a ceramic bowl full of cajun green beans with bacon](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Cajun-Green-Beans-Featured-Image.jpg)
![Overhead view of a dish inside the basket of an air fryer with green bean casserole.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Air-Fryer-Green-Bean-Casserole-Featured-Image.jpg)
![A scoop of loaded green bean casserole being lifted out of the dish.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Loaded-Green-Bean-Casserole-Featured-Image.jpg)
![Close up shot of a dish of cornbread pudding with a wooden spoon resting.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Cornbread-Pudding-Featured-Image.jpg)
![Close up of a skillet with Texas Roadhouse Sauteed Mushrooms inside.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Texas-Roadhouse-Sauteed-Mushrooms-Recipe-Featured-Image.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Brown-Sugar-Brussels-cornerW.jpg)
![An orange bowl of delicious broccoli and rice casserole.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Broccoli-Rice-and-Cheese-Casserole-5.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Balsamic-Roasted-Fall-Vegetables-with-Sumac.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Green-Bean-Casserole-3.png)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Slow-Cooker-Broccoli-Casserole.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Corn-Casserole-FB.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Maple-Glazed-Butternut-Squash-with-Bacon-9.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/bussels-sprouts-cranberries-7.jpgfit7742c500ssl1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/air-fryer-carrots-with-herbs-1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_6726.jpgfit6832c1024ssl1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/butternut-squash-orzo-feta-sage1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Oven-roasted-rutabaga-recipe-thumbnail.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Easy-roasted-carrots-and-parsnips-thumbnail.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/crockpot-mac-and-cheese.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Aimees-Green-Bean-Casserole-15-1-scaled-1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/pan-fried-brussels-sprouts-with-bacon-cranberries-walnuts-sq.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/mashed-turnips-l.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sauteed-Carrots-Julienne-Carrots-Maple-Thyme-Glaze-8.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Balsamic-Roasted-Root-Veggies-10-683x1024-1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Creamed-Leeks-1-scaled-1.jpgfit18052c1200ssl1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/air-fryer-maple-roasted-acorn-squash.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Carrot-Casserole_16Featured-Image-1200.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Cauliflower-Mash-With-Sour-Cream-homepage-1b.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Oven-Roasted-Broccoli-Recipe.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Summertime-side-dish-recipe-idea-with-green-beans-686x1024-1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Parsnip-mash-8.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/CreamedPeas-22.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/CreamedCorn-5.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/FI-Savory-Butternut-Squash-Casserole-Eats-By-The-Beach.pngfit12002c600ssl1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Wild-Rice-Pilaf-Cover.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/rsz_20161010_201731_2.jpgfit7742c1376ssl1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Loaded-Cauliflower-Baked-5-scaled-1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Brown-Sugar-Glazed-Carrots-recipe-3.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/roasted-grapes-and-squash-4-of-7-scaled-1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/pumpkin-risotto-recipe-f.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Roasted-Brussels-sprouts-butternut-squash-3.jpg)
🥔 Potato Side Dishes
My family love a good sweet potatoes dish, especially my daughter, she loves anything sweet! There's so many more ways to make a potatoes recipe though, a dinner table with a roast turkey is not the same without a bowl of mashed potatoes dish or two:
![Slow cooker roast potatoes recipe with a wooden spoon digging in.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Slow-Cooker-Roast-Potatoes-Featured-Image.jpg)
![A dish full of yams with a treacle being poured over the top.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Candied-Yams-Featured-Image.jpg)
![Close up shot of a pot of stewed potatoes.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Stewed-Potatoes-Featured-Image.jpg)
![Overhead image of slow cooker mashed potatoes made with chicken broth, and pats of butter on top.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Slow-Cooker-Mashed-Potatoes-with-Chicken-Broth-Featured-Image.jpg)
![Close up of a corner of a dish of sweet potato casserole with a scoop missing.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Cracker-Barrel-Sweet-Potato-Casserole-Featured-Image.jpg)
![Side shot of a bowl of amish mashed potatoes cropped square.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Amish-Mashed-Potatoes-Featured-Image.jpg)
![a dish full of crispy potatoes in front of an instant pot](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Crispy-Instant-Pot-Potatoes-Featured-Image.jpg)
![a closeup image of some popeyes cajun fries in a cylindrical flower like container with white paper towel](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Popeyes-Cajun-Fries-Featured-Image.jpg)
![Overhead shot of a sweet potato fluff in a dish, with a spoon missing.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Sweet-Potato-Fluff-Featured-Image.jpg)
![Overhead closeup shot of sweet potato fritter recipe.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Sweet-Potato-Fritter-Recipe-Featured-Image.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Delicious-Make-Ahead-Sweet-Potatoes-with-Brown-Sugar.jpg)
![A bowl full of mashed potatoes with brown gravy on top.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Copycat-Popeyes-Mashed-Potatoes-Featured-Image.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Golden-Potatoes-Au-Gratin-scaled.jpg)
![close up of a spoon digging into a hash brown casserole.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Crockpot-Cracker-Barrel-Cheesy-Hash-Brown-Casserole-Recipe-Featured-Image.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/5M3A1223-scaled.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Slow-cooker-Mashed-Potatoes-FB.png)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Slow-Cooker-Sweet-Potato-Casserole.png)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/candied-sweet-potato-recipe.png)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Candied-Hasselback-Sweet-Potato.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Loaded-Baked-Mashed-Potatoes-fb.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/instant-pot-garlic-mashed-potatoes-4.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_4557-e1476625086309.jpgfit7502c500ssl1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_20191207_162249-1-1024x768-1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sweet-potato-5.jpgfit6002c400ssl1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Vegan-Sweet-Potato-Casserole-1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Mashed-Potato-Casserole-sq-1-2.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/slow-cooker-mashed-sweet-potatoes.jpgfit6812c941ssl1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sweet-potato-casserole-2.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Twice-Baked-Potato-Casserolef-3.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sweet-potato-casserole-recipe-photo.jpgp20012.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Logopit_1555282280536.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Southern-Candied-Sweet-Potatoes4-scaled.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sweet-Potato-Casserole-with-Pecan-Streusal-11-of-30.jpgfit8002c533ssl1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Loaded-Mashed-Potatoes-30-of-99.jpgfit10802c720ssl1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Instant-Pot-Parmesan-Garlic-Red-Potatoes-2.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/nutmeg-sweet-potato-stacks-0.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/mashed-sweet-potatoes-recipe-2.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Twice-Baked-Mashed-Potato-Casserole-Feature-post.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Parm-Garlic-Potatoes-1-9-scaled-1.jpg)
🥬 Salad Dishes
A lot of the time, when you think about Thanksgiving side dishes, you think comfort food. However, a good salad dish can be satisfying and tasty! A yummy Kale Salad springs to mind and it's a simple side dish that doesn't require the cooking that the other dishes do. Healthy recipes can also be comforting!
Hint: Prepare your salad ahead of time and just add any dressings at the point of serving.
![Close up of a bowl of KFC Macaroni Salad with a spoon digging in.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/KFC-Macaroni-Salad-Recipe-Featured-Image.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Harvest-Salad-32-2.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/creamy-fruit-salad-3.jpg)
![Overhead shot of a full bowl of a copycat cracker barrel kale salad.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Cracker-Barrel-Kale-Salad-Featured-Image.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_20191019_133909-01-1-1024x768-1.jpeg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Old-Fashioned-Cranberry-Salad-1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Waldorf-Salad-1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Southern-Potato-Salad2.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/E8FA68B6-0AED-4929-A71F-E83496780D67.jpeg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/green-bean-salad-1w-1.jpg)
![Overhead shot of a bowl of summer pesto pasta salad, cropped square.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Summer-Pesto-Pasta-Salad-Featured-Image.jpg)
![Close up of a bowl of Ruby Tuesday ham and pea pasta salad with a spoon digging in.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/ruby-tuesday-ham-and-pea-pasta-salad-recipe-Featured-Image.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Cranberry-Salad-Recipe-4.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_0051.jpeg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_5921.jpeg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Vegan-Fall-Harvest-Salad-with-Pumpkin-and-Kale-in-a-Bowl.jpg)
Stuffings/Dressings
No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a good stuffing (dressing) dish. The type of stuffing will depend on what the main dish is (e.g. turkey), and makes a great addition. This dish is perfect made the day before to make things easier on you to serve the next day.
![close up shot of an oyster dressing in a casserole dish.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Emerils-oyster-dressing-featured-image.jpg)
![Close up of a dish full of mirliton dressing, with a scoop missing.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mirliton-Dressing-Featured-Image.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Southern-Cornbread-Dressing-10.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sage-and-Onion-Stuffing-Balls-3.jpg)
![A cropped square image of Amish turkey stuffing recipe, with a spoon resting.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Amish-Turkey-Stuffing-Recipe-Featured-Image.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Spicy-Chorizo-Cornbread-Dressing-title-image.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/traditional-herb-stuffing-SQUARE.jpgfit2002c200ssl1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Gluten-Free-Vegan-Stuffing-PM1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/DSCF0875-scaled.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2881F80D-CB98-4BF9-9E79-3547AC9F1753.png)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/apple-sausage-cranberry-stuffing-thanksgiving-table-dinner-recipe-wine-bottles.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Slow-Cooker-Stuffing-For-Turkey-slow-cooker-recipe.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Grandmas-Turkey-Dressing-Recipe-686x1024-1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_1394-scaled.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Easy-Vegan-Stuffing-vertical.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IMG_1606-2.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/vegan-stuffing-recipe-create-682x1024-1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Italian-Sausage-Stuffing-with-Cranberries-and-cherries-pan.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/mexican-cornbread-stuffing-recipe-2.jpg)
Gravies and Sauces
A gravy can make or break a meal. A lot of people are very particular about their gravy or sauce and go so far as to bring the gravy themselves! That can actually be quite helpful, so just roll with it. Here's some fabulous gravy and sauce recipes:
![close up overhead image of a bowl of dried cranberry sauce with some orange zest sprinkled on top.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dried-Cranberry-Sauce-Recipe-Featured-Image.jpg)
![Overhead shot of southern white gravy poured over a pork chop.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Southern-White-Gravy-Recipe-Featured-Image.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Turkey-Gravy-FB.jpg)
![Close up of southern giblet gravy in a gravy boat.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Southern-Giblet-Gravy-Recipe-Featured-Image.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Cranberry-Sauce-11.jpgfit6002c410ssl1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Cranberry-Orange-Sauce-683x1024-1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/mushroom-gravy-14-720x720-1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Cranberry-Sauce.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/No-fail-homemade-turkey-gravy.jpgfit9402c788ssl1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Cranberry-Sauce-Grand-Marnier-9.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Cranberry-Fluff-Pinterest2.jpg)
🍞 Bread Recipes
A lot of you know that I am a bread lover. It's my happy place and that smell of fresh bread baking cannot be beat. My skillet southern cornbread is one of my favorites to serve as a Thanksgiving side dish, or to totally change things up - I'll pull out some crawfish from the freezer and make my famous Crawfish Bread. Following is some of my favorite bread recipes out there that will not dissapoint:
![A picture of a pull apart bread wreath cropped square.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Pull-Apart-Bread-Wreath-Featured-Image.jpg)
![A baking dish with garlic butter rolls just cooked.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Garlic-Butter-Rolls-Featured-Image.jpg)
![Stuffed garlic bread slightly opened to show inside.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Stuffed-Garlic-Bread-Recipe.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/How-to-Make-Dinner-Rolls-2.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Easy-Honey-Graham-Cornbread-Recipe-3.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/bacon2Bleek2Band2Bartichoke2Bbread2Bpudding2B1.jpg)
![](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Cornbread-7-scaled-1.jpg)
![Close up of some cheddar bay sausage balls with ranch in a bowl.](https://thecaglediaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Cheddar-Bay-Sausage-Balls-Featured-Image.jpg)
Top tip
If you can find something that can be cooked in a crock pot, e.g. see my Pinto Beans recipe, it can be helpful as a hands-off dish while you cook the rest of the meal.
Check out my list of Thanksgiving Tart Recipes for dessert ideas.
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