10 Side Dishes That Stole the Show at My Thanksgiving Table

1. Cornbread Dressing with Sausage

My mother-in-law’s Southern dressing recipe is one I make every Thanksgiving. It’s moist, buttery, and packed with savory sausage in every bite.

2. Orange Juice Cranberry Sauce

This homemade cranberry sauce takes just four ingredients and five minutes. The orange juice balances the tart cranberries and goes especially well with turkey.

3. Sweet Potato Stacks

These cheesy sweet potato stacks look impressive but are easy to make. The edges get crispy while the centers stay buttery and tender.

4. Southern Mashed Potatoes

A little cream cheese is my secret to making these mashed potatoes extra creamy. They’re rich, buttery, and one of the sides my family looks forward to most.

5. Classic Deviled Eggs

I like making these ahead so there’s one less thing to prepare on Thanksgiving. The filling is creamy, tangy, and easy to make smooth with a few simple tricks.

6. Sausage Apple Stuffing

The sausage, apples, and cranberries give this stuffing a mix of savory and sweet flavors. You can prep it ahead and bake it when you’re ready.

7. Popovers

When I want something different from dinner rolls, I make these light, airy popovers. No yeast or kneading needed, and they’re especially good warm with butter.

8. Sweet Potato Casserole without Marshmallows

I skip the marshmallows and use maple syrup and a crunchy pecan topping instead. It’s a great option when you want sweet potato casserole that’s not overly sweet.

9. Winter Salad

With all the rich dishes on the Thanksgiving table, I like having something fresh. This salad combines greens, roasted vegetables, and a tangy dressing that balances the rest of the meal.

10. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

A hot skillet gives these Brussels sprouts crispy edges, while maple syrup and bacon add plenty of flavor. Even people who aren’t big on Brussels sprouts might go back for seconds.

Bonus 1: Roasted Radishes and Carrots

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in the carrots and mellows the radishes. I like these when I want a simple vegetable side that isn’t another casserole.

Bonus 2: Savory Butternut Squash with Garlic and Parmesan

This is how I make butternut squash when I want something savory instead of sweet. With garlic, Parmesan, and just 15 minutes of prep, it’s easy to add to the Thanksgiving menu.

Warm-Up Course: Acorn Squash Soup

If you’re serving Thanksgiving in courses, this creamy butternut squash soup is a great way to start. It’s warm, comforting, and full of fall flavor.

Cranberry Quinoa Salad

The cranberries, quinoa, and fresh herbs make this a lighter side to serve alongside turkey and all the richer dishes. It’s also a nice option for guests who want something different from the traditional sides.

Boozy Drink: Thanksgiving Margarita

If you’re serving cocktails, this cinnamon-apple margarita is a fun one for Thanksgiving. Make a pitcher so you’re not mixing individual drinks while everyone arrives.