A beautifully roasted turkey is lovely, but a memorable Thanksgiving is really made by the sides. Below are our top Thanksgiving side dishes — classic, dependable, and full of flavor — gathered in one place to help you plan a balanced and delicious holiday table.
The philosophy
We’ve hosted Thanksgiving many times for large and small gatherings, and we’ve learned to adapt recipes for a range of dietary needs while still keeping the food familiar and comforting. Our aim is to serve classic, reliable recipes that represent the best versions of themselves: each dish delicious on its own and harmonious with the rest of the meal. Flavor is never sacrificed for fuss; everything should be straightforward to prepare and satisfying to eat.
For additional recipes, planning tips, and techniques, visit our Thanksgiving headquarters in the recipe links throughout this article.
1. The mashed potatoes
Well-made mashed potatoes are indispensable. We favor Yukon Golds for their creamy texture and full flavor. Cook them until tender, mash with good butter and milk, and season generously. These hold up well and can be made slightly ahead and reheated without losing quality. For tools, timing, and step-by-step guidance, follow the mashed potato recipe linked in the recipe list.
For a lower-carb option, consider mashed cauliflower, which offers a similar comforting texture with fewer carbs.
2. The stuffing
We rotate between two favorite stuffing recipes, each a reliable crowd-pleaser. Both can be used to stuff a turkey, but we prefer to bake them separately for better texture and an easier cook. One version is a traditional family-style bread stuffing that adapts well to vegetarian, vegan, or meaty variations. The other is a cornbread stuffing with apples — a classic, lightly sweet take that pairs well with savory turkey flavors.
- Traditional bread stuffing
- Cornbread stuffing with apples
3. The gravy
A good gravy ties the whole plate together. We make gravy three ways depending on time and dietary needs: a classic pan gravy made from the turkey drippings for the most direct flavor; a make-ahead turkey gravy using the turkey neck that can be prepared well in advance; and a robust vegetarian gravy that satisfies non-meat-eaters while remaining rich and savory. Each method gives you a deeply flavorful sauce to pour over turkey and sides.
- Pan gravy from drippings
- Make-ahead turkey neck gravy
- Vegetarian gravy
4. The cranberry sauce
Our cranberry sauce balances bright fruit flavors with warming notes of orange, apple, and spice. It can be prepared quickly in an Instant Pot or simmered on the stove, and it freezes well if you prefer to make it ahead. There’s also a refined-sugar-free variation. The bright acidity and texture of homemade cranberry sauce are excellent contrasts to rich mains and starches.
Get the cranberry sauce recipe here.
5. The green beans
Instead of the ubiquitous green bean casserole, we often serve haricots verts with a shallot vinaigrette. These slender French-style green beans are tender, elegant, and bright — a welcome counterpoint to heavier dishes. They’re quick to prepare and add a fresh, green element to the table.
View the haricots verts recipe.
6. The salad
A bright salad provides needed greens and texture. For a showstopping option we make a harvest kale salad with roasted winter squash and hearty mix-ins; when we want something simpler, mixed greens with a classic balsamic vinaigrette is our go-to. Both options balance richness on the plate and can be prepped ahead.
- Harvest kale salad
- Mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette
7. The mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms are deeply savory and earthy — an excellent complement to turkey and a satisfying option for vegetarian guests. Cooked simply with butter or oil, garlic, and herbs, they add an umami-rich note that enhances the entire plate.
See the sautéed mushrooms recipe.
8. The perfect fancy cauliflower
A roasted cauliflower dish with brown butter, pear, hazelnuts, and sage transforms a humble vegetable into something elegant and texturally interesting. It’s a standout side that complements classic Thanksgiving flavors without overpowering them.
Find the cauliflower recipe here.
9. The applesauce
Homemade applesauce may feel old-fashioned, but it’s a comforting, lightly sweet element that pairs beautifully with turkey and stuffing. This family recipe freezes well and can be prepared well in advance, making it a convenient addition to the menu.
Get the applesauce recipe.
10. The popovers
Popovers are a cherished tradition in our family. With a crisp exterior and a light, hollow interior, they’re irresistible and worth carving out oven space for. Serve them warm for the best texture and flavor contrast next to richer dishes.
Popover recipe.
11. And one for good luck: The creamed pearl onions
These creamed pearl onions are a nostalgic favorite — simple, rich, and comforting. They were a particular favorite of my grandfather, and they remain an elegant, understated side that pairs well with the rest of the meal.
Creamed pearl onions recipe.
12. Okay, two for good luck: The crispy roasted broccolini
Roasting broccolini at high heat brings out its natural nuttiness and creates a satisfying contrast between a crisp exterior and tender interior. It cooks quickly and is especially useful when oven space is limited.
Roasted broccolini recipe.
The bonus round
These traditional favorites don’t always make our top ten, but they’re worth considering depending on your crowd and preferences:
- Braised kale
- Creamed spinach
- Mac and cheese: Instant Pot or baked versions available in our recipes
- Cornbread
- Collard greens
Choose a mix of these sides to create a balanced Thanksgiving plate: something creamy, something bright, something roasted, and something green. With a little planning and the right recipes, you can assemble a menu that feels thoughtful and satisfying for everyone at the table.