Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday. It’s a feeling—a day soaked in the warmth of family, the crackle of laughter across the table, and, of course, the kind of feast so glorious it feels like a big hug in food form. And while the turkey typically takes center stage, we need to talk about the real stars of the meal—the side dishes. Because let's be real, the turkey may bring us to the table, but it’s the mashed potatoes, stuffing, and casseroles that keep us coming back for seconds (and thirds).
Whether you’re a tradition fanatic or you like to add a little twist to your meal each year, these Thanksgiving side dishes will complement the bird and bring all the cozy, heartwarming vibes to your table.
1. Classic Sage and Sausage Stuffing
What’s Thanksgiving without stuffing? It’s practically illegal. This version, filled with sage and sausage, is the aroma of the holidays stuffed into one delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of day-old bread (sourdough or French works great), cut into cubes
- 1 pound ground sausage (mild or spicy, your call)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or turkey stock
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet. Toast for 10-15 minutes until slightly crisp.
- Cook the sausage in a skillet until browned, breaking it up as you go. Add the onions and celery, cooking until soft. Stir in the parsley, sage, and thyme.
- Combine the bread cubes and sausage mixture in a large bowl. Pour the melted butter and stock over everything, tossing gently until combined.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until golden on top.
The Feels: Bringing stuffing to the table feels a lot like pulling out your coziest sweater—comforting, familiar, and always welcome.
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Simple, satisfying, and absolutely essential. Mashed potatoes are the silent hero of the Thanksgiving table, humbly supporting the turkey while soaking up every bit of gravy they can.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Salt to taste
How to Make It:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the potatoes (a ricer or handheld masher works best) while still warm.
- Stir in the butter, cream, and sour cream until smooth and fluffy. Season generously with salt.
Pro Tip: For extra indulgence, fold in roasted garlic or shredded cheese.
The Feels: There’s something magical about passing around a big bowl of mashed potatoes. It’s like scooping pure love onto your plate.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping
Sweet potato casserole divides households—is it a side dish? Dessert? The answer is yes. Its creamy sweetness and toasty marshmallow topping make even the staunchest veggie-haters fall in love.
Ingredients:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Salt to taste
- Mini marshmallows
How to Make It:
- Boil the sweet potatoes until soft, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.
- Mix in the brown sugar, butter, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with a generous layer of mini marshmallows and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, until the marshmallows are golden and gooey.
The Feels: Nothing says Thanksgiving like watching kids (and adults) sneakily picking off the marshmallows before anyone notices.
4. Green Bean Casserole
This retro favorite has earned its place in Thanksgiving lore for a reason. Crunchy, creamy, and packed with nostalgia—it’s the dish that brings generations together.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (or use homemade mushroom sauce)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can crispy fried onions
How to Make It:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain.
- Mix the mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper in a bowl. Add the green beans and half the fried onions, stirring to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes. Top with the remaining crispy onions and bake for another 5 minutes.
The Feels: It’s that moment when a dish crosses the table and everyone smiles, because it tastes just like the one Grandma used to make.
5. Cranberry Sauce with a Twist
Listen, homemade cranberry sauce will always beat the canned version. But why not jazz it up a bit with orange and a sprinkle of spices? It’s tangy and sweet with a warmth that feels perfect for the season.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of cloves
How to Make It:
- Combine the cranberries, orange juice, water, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
- Cool before serving (it thickens more as it sits).
The Feels: Cranberry sauce adds that pop of color to your table and a burst of flavor to every bite. It’s the glue that ties the meal together. As an extra bonus, it should appeal to your vegan guests.
6. Cornbread
Golden, crumbly, and just a hint of sweetness—cornbread is the side dish that never overstays its welcome. Serve it plain or with a pat of butter and honey for ultimate fall vibes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
How to Make It:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a cast iron skillet or baking dish.
- Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet in another. Combine until just mixed—don’t overdo it.
- Pour the batter into the prepared skillet or dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
The Feels: Every Thanksgiving feast needs a side that feels like a warm hug, and cornbread is it.
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all we’re thankful for—family, friends, and food that brings us together. The side dishes are more than just extra plates on the table; they’re the flavors and memories that make the meal feel like home. From the stuffing to the potatoes to the sweet touches like cranberry sauce, each dish is a little reminder of why this holiday means so much.
Oh, and if there's any advice you take from this, it’s to always make more mashed potatoes than you think you’ll need. Trust me.