18 Thanksgiving Sides That Steal the Show Before the Turkey

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey—side dishes play a starring role in making the meal unforgettable. From creamy casseroles to roasted vegetables and hearty breads, the right selection of thanksgiving sides can turn any table into a true feast. Guests often rave more about the sides than the main dish, making them essential for holiday success.

Cheddar Chive Popovers

thanksgiving sides — Photo Credit: Magdanatka/Deposit photos

Tall, airy popovers filled with melted cheddar and fresh chives bring sophistication and fun to the feast. Their hollow centers make them unique among thanksgiving sides, and their savory flavor pairs perfectly with gravy or soup. These golden, puffed breads offer an exciting alternative to rolls, guaranteed to impress guests.

Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Bright roasted beets paired with tangy goat cheese and walnuts create a refreshing, earthy salad. Dressed lightly with vinaigrette, it adds color and balance to heavier fare. As one of the lighter thanksgiving sides, this dish offers elegance, flavor complexity, and a palate-cleansing freshness that shines alongside traditional favorites.

Creamed Spinach

Silky creamed spinach combines tender greens with a buttery, garlicky cream sauce. It’s one of those classic thanksgiving sides that feels indulgent while sneaking in some nutrition. Rich and flavorful, this dish pairs beautifully with turkey, potatoes, or stuffing, rounding out the meal with a comforting, old-fashioned charm that guests appreciate.

Get recipe here: Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip with Frozen Spinach

Corn Pudding

Golden corn pudding blends creamy custard with sweet kernels for a satisfying, slightly sweet side. This Southern staple is one of the most beloved thanksgiving sides, bridging savory and sweet effortlessly. Its soft, spoonable texture contrasts beautifully with crispy or roasted dishes, making it a family favorite that often disappears first.

Roasted Mushrooms with Herbs

Savory roasted mushrooms tossed with olive oil, garlic, and herbs offer earthy depth. Their meaty texture makes them one of the most satisfying vegetable thanksgiving sides. Packed with umami flavor, they enhance the meal without overpowering it, creating a rustic yet elegant addition that guests will happily savor alongside turkey.

Pumpkin Risotto

Creamy pumpkin risotto infused with Parmesan and sage brings rich seasonal flavor to the table. Velvety rice paired with warm spices makes it a standout among thanksgiving sides. This dish feels luxurious, adding Italian flair to the holiday spread while highlighting autumn’s most iconic ingredient in an unexpected, comforting way.

Jalapeño Cornbread

Spicy jalapeño cornbread delivers a flavorful kick alongside traditional dishes. The slight heat from peppers blends beautifully with the sweetness of cornmeal, creating balance in every bite. Among thanksgiving sides, this one adds variety, appealing to guests who enjoy bold flavors. It pairs perfectly with chili, turkey, or slathered in butter.

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Golden roasted cauliflower tossed with Parmesan and herbs transforms into a nutty, savory delight. Crispy edges and tender bites make this vegetable shine as one of the most underrated thanksgiving sides. Its lightness balances heavier dishes, while the cheesy finish offers just enough indulgence to keep everyone coming back for more.

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Twice-Baked Potatoes

Stuffed with cheese, butter, and chives, twice-baked potatoes bring fun presentation and hearty flavor. Fluffy interiors and crisp skins deliver satisfying texture in every bite. These thanksgiving sides combine comfort with creativity, ensuring they stand out among classics. Guests love the balance of rich flavors, making them a dependable hit for gatherings.

Apple Walnut Salad

Fresh apples, crunchy walnuts, and mixed greens tossed in vinaigrette bring refreshing brightness to the spread. This salad is one of the healthiest thanksgiving sides, cutting through rich, heavy dishes. Sweet, crisp fruit balances savory plates, offering a palate-cleansing moment guests appreciate. It’s colorful, vibrant, and wonderfully seasonal for the holiday table.

Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash

Roasted acorn squash drizzled with maple syrup brings warmth and seasonal flavor to the feast. Its natural sweetness, enhanced by caramelization, makes it a standout among thanksgiving sides. Simple yet elegant, it pairs well with turkey, stuffing, or cranberries. The rich glaze adds depth without overwhelming, ensuring it appeals to every guest.

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Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds

Crisp green beans sautéed with toasted almonds and garlic create a light, crunchy side. This dish is one of those thanksgiving sides that balance richness with freshness. The nutty crunch adds contrast, while the quick preparation makes it stress-free. Its elegant simplicity ensures it feels special enough for a holiday celebration.

Polenta with Roasted Vegetables

Creamy polenta topped with roasted vegetables delivers hearty comfort with rustic charm. Smooth, buttery cornmeal contrasts beautifully with caramelized seasonal produce, making this one of the most unique thanksgiving sides. It’s warm, satisfying, and a little unexpected, ensuring guests enjoy something memorable that adds variety and sophistication to the holiday table.

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Baked Brie with Cranberries

Warm baked Brie topped with cranberry sauce offers indulgence and elegance in one dish. Creamy cheese paired with tart fruit creates a balance that feels festive and refined. Among thanksgiving sides, this doubles as an appetizer, delighting guests before the turkey arrives. Served with crackers or bread, it’s a guaranteed conversation-starter at the table.

Get recipe here: 4 Ingredient Baked Brie with Garlic

Roasted Fennel with Parmesan

Sweet roasted fennel topped with Parmesan turns this underrated vegetable into a standout dish. Its caramelized flavor and delicate licorice notes add something new to thanksgiving sides. The crisp cheese topping provides an irresistible texture. Beautiful and flavorful, this dish adds variety, impressing guests who enjoy discovering unique and flavorful holiday options.

Wild Mushroom Stuffing

Rustic stuffing made with wild mushrooms, herbs, and crusty bread offers earthy depth. Rich and savory, it’s one of the most gourmet thanksgiving sides, perfect for those who want something beyond traditional cornbread versions. The mushrooms’ meaty texture ensures this dish holds its own, making it an unforgettable part of the holiday feast.

Get recipe here: Best Vegan Mushroom Stuffing

Roasted Carrots with Honey and Thyme

Vibrant roasted carrots tossed with honey and thyme make a colorful, healthy addition to the holiday spread. Their natural sweetness deepens in the oven, while herbs add freshness. They’re light yet flavorful thanksgiving sides that bring balance to heavier dishes. A simple preparation that looks elegant, making vegetables a highlight of the celebration.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Flaky buttermilk biscuits served warm are the perfect canvas for butter or cranberry sauce. Their tender crumb and golden tops make them irresistible alongside turkey and gravy. As one of the most versatile thanksgiving sides, biscuits embody homey comfort, creating a cozy, satisfying addition to the feast that everyone happily reaches for.

Thanksgiving sides aren’t just fillers—they’re the dishes that bring comfort, color, and variety to the holiday table. From casseroles to roasted vegetables, breads, and grains, each side has the power to shine just as brightly as the turkey. With these thanksgiving sides, you’ll craft a spread that feels both traditional and exciting, leaving guests eager for every bite.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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