Discover 20 amazing, healthy, make-ahead recipes for Thanksgiving sides that are sure to delight your family and make the holiday meal prep a breeze!
These delicious dishes range from creamy casseroles and crunchy carrots to savory mushroom soup and vibrant veggie trays, bringing a mix of comforting and surprising flavors to your Thanksgiving table.
Whether you’re looking to try a new twist on a classic side dish or add some fresh, seasonal veggies, these recipes have something for everyone.
Perfect for your favorite Thanksgiving gathering, these make-ahead dishes will keep you stress-free and give you more time to enjoy the holiday with loved ones.
Dive into these flavorful, wholesome favorite thanksgiving sides ideas and find the perfect additions to your Thanksgiving feast!
See more Thanksgiving food ideas.
20. Nana’s Famous Corn Pudding – Traditional Southern Thanksgiving Side
Creamy corn pudding is one of those classic Southern sides that you’ll find at Thanksgiving tables and family gatherings all over the South, with roots especially strong in Appalachia.
It’s a warm, comforting casserole that has a texture similar to bread pudding, making it both hearty and deliciously satisfying. This dish is simple to make, yet it packs plenty of flavor, and it’s perfect for rounding out a meal or bringing along to a potluck.
Whether it’s a holiday feast or just a cozy get-together, creamy corn pudding is always a hit!
19. Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash for Thanksgiving
It’s incredibly adaptable: you can mash it, grill it, roast it with garlic and olive oil, use it as a base for soups, add it raw to salads, or even roast it whole with a sprinkle of olive oil and salt.
One of cauliflower’s best qualities is how well it absorbs flavors, making it easy to create dishes that everyone, including the kids, will love.
This Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash is a perfect example—a simple, tasty side that pairs wonderfully with pork chops, roast turkey, or just about any main dish!
18. Collard Greens (Best Cornbread Dressing!)
Looking for hearty vegetable side dishes that are full of flavor? Grab a bowl of slow-simmered collard greens! This Southern staple is especially popular for a New Year’s Day dinner, where it takes on a festive role in a traditional feast.
Served alongside black-eyed peas (for coins), cornbread (for gold), and broth-soaked collard greens (for money), it’s a meal meant to bring luck, health, and wealth for the new year.
These collards aren’t just for New Year’s, though—they make an incredible Thanksgiving side or a tasty addition to any Southern comfort food spread. And don’t forget the corn muffins to soak up every drop of that savory broth!
17. Roasted Fennel with Delicata Squash, Shallot and Apples
As the seasons shift and the air gets that lovely crisp edge, cozy dishes take center stage—hello, casseroles, baked pasta, and all those hearty soups and stews! But fall and winter also bring some of the tastiest veggies into season.
If you’ve strolled through the farmers’ market lately, you may have noticed the crunchy, slightly sweet fennel bulbs, nestled right next to the vibrant delicata squash and tart apples.
These three come together beautifully in a healthy side dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. It’s perfect for everything from elegant dinner parties to simple weeknight dinners, or even as a light, flavorful addition to a rich holiday spread.
16. Sweet Potato Casserole for your Thanksgiving Dinner Table
Sweet potato casserole is a Thanksgiving must-have for many, but the debate over the topping is real! If you’re in the no-marshmallow crowd, this recipe is right up your alley.
Instead of the typical marshmallow topping, this version features a buttery pecan crust that’s sweetened with a touch of brown sugar. It gives you just the right amount of sweetness without turning the dish into a dessert.
So, if you love a classic, no-fluff casserole, this recipe is for you. Keep reading for our top tips to make this cozy, crowd-pleasing side the star of your Thanksgiving table!
15. Cheesy Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
This year, I’m adding something new to my Thanksgiving menu, and I couldn’t be more excited about it—Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese!
It’s the perfect dish to bring to the table, especially as an EXCELLENT vegetarian option for guests who aren’t fans of turkey. Plus, it’s a guaranteed hit with everyone, from kids to adults.
With its gooey, creamy texture and crispy, golden top, this mac and cheese is bound to be a favorite that everyone will devour!
14. Homemade Cranberry Sauce for Thanksgiving Dinner
For me, that sweet-tart flavor brings back visions of driving down Highway 101 along the Oregon Coast.
In late October, cranberry farmers in Bandon flood their bogs, creating a stunning scene with hundreds of acres transformed into a pinkish-red mosaic of floating cranberries.
Just passing by, I can practically taste that vibrant, tangy fruit—it’s like a little preview of Thanksgiving!
13. Smooth Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes – Best Thanksgiving Side Dish!
Everyone deserves a fantastic recipe for creamy mashed potatoes, and these smooth, cream cheese mashed potatoes are our go-to!
With only five main ingredients (plus a sprinkle of salt and pepper), they’re simple to whip up, and the addition of cream cheese brings a deliciously rich, tangy flavor that takes them to the next level.
A classic creamy mashed potato recipe is hard to beat.
This affordable, crowd-pleasing side pairs beautifully with nearly any meal—whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner, heading to a church potluck, or just making a cozy weeknight dinner for the family.
You may already have a trusted method for creamy mashed potatoes, but we’re here to suggest a new twist: try cream cheese mashed potatoes. You won’t regret it!
12. Teriyaki-Style Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Halve any larger sprouts, keep smaller ones whole, and let the high heat work its magic, creating those crispy, caramelized edges we all crave—no mushy, boiled-cabbage flavor here!
Once they’re out of the oven, give them a quick toss in a sweet soy glaze for a perfect finishing touch. Top it all off with thin strips of lemon zest for a pop of brightness.
These brussels sprouts are perfect with the Thanksgiving bird or as a tasty side for any weeknight meal.
11. Make-Ahead Sausage Stuffing
Making your Thanksgiving stuffing—or technically, dressing—the day before Thanksgiving is a game-changer! It clears up oven space for the other stars of the meal (we’re looking at you, 14-pound turkey).
On the big day, all you need is 15 minutes to reheat it in the oven without foil, letting the stuffing warm through while the top gets perfectly crispy.
Of course, if you’ve got the time and space, you can bake it fresh the same day—just skip the cooling and overnight refrigeration steps. Whether prepped ahead or baked on the spot, this stuffing is sure to be a hit on your Thanksgiving table!
10. Bacon Pasta Thanksgiving Salad with Creamy Ranch Dressing
I’ve got a truly delicious recipe to share with you today—my Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad, and it is absolutely divine! It’s a fresh twist on the classic pasta salad that’ll blow you away with its flavor.
This side dish is packed with taste, thanks to a creamy dressing and some extra goodies that coat the noodles to perfection. It’s one of those must-make recipes that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You’re going to love it!
9. Quick and Easy Crock Pot Fried Apples
These Easy Crock Pot Fried Apples make for a wonderfully simple Thanksgiving side or a tasty treat any day of the week! You’ll love how effortless they are to make, and the result is perfectly tender, sweet apples that everyone will enjoy.
8. Broccoli Casserole from Scratch (without mayonnaise)
This from-scratch broccoli casserole is packed with fresh broccoli, mushrooms, cheddar cheese, and a homemade cream sauce for a rich, savory flavor.
Topped with a buttery, cheesy breadcrumb layer, it adds a deliciously crispy finish to this healthier version of a classic. Made without mayonnaise, it’s a lighter take that’s just as satisfying!
7. Crispy Potato Roast with Fresh Herbs
This crispy potato roast is as much a showstopper visually as it is in taste. Thinly sliced potatoes roasted with fresh herbs create a beautiful and flavorful holiday side dishes for Thanksgiving that will impress at any dinner table.
6. Sweet and Tender Brown Sugar Bacon Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These Brown Sugar Crispy Bacon Roasted Sweet Potatoes are sweet, tender, and slightly smoky—the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread!
The brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, making this dish a warm, comforting side that pairs well with any holiday meal.
See also Delicious Bacon Side Dish Recipes.
5. Creamy Comforting Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
This creamy, comforting green bean casserole is made completely from scratch, delivering rich flavor that just might steal the spotlight from your Thanksgiving turkey!
With its undeniable creaminess and depth of flavor, this homemade classic is bound to be a holiday favorite.
4. Easy and Tasty Parmesan Roasted Carrots
These Parmesan Roasted Carrots are a game-changer! They’re simple to make and bursting with flavor—a surefire way to get both kids and adults to enjoy their veggies. The Parmesan adds a savory twist, making these carrots irresistibly tasty.
3. Make Roasted Mushrooms in a Browned Butter, Garlic and Thyme Gravy
These roasted mushrooms are tossed in a deliciously rich browned butter, garlic, and thyme gravy. The mushrooms absorb all those savory flavors, resulting in a side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s earthy, garlicky, and wonderfully comforting.
2. Pretty and Delicious Maple Pecan Hasselback Butternut Squash
This Maple Pecan Hasselback Butternut Squash is a gorgeous and flavorful way to serve squash!
Cut Hasselback-style, the squash is roasted with maple syrup, butter, and thyme, then topped with crunchy pecans for a stunning presentation and delicious taste.
Try this delicious Thanksgiving recipe!
1. Try Thanksgiving Turkey Veggie Tray
This Thanksgiving Turkey Veggie Tray is a fun and colorful way to get the kids involved in meal prep! They’ll love assembling this festive turkey tray, and it’s a great way to encourage them to eat their veggies.
Use whatever vegetables you have on hand for a creative and healthy snack!
It is one of the best classic Thanksgiving side dishes to make at home!
Thanksgiving Sides - 20 Healthy Make-Ahead Recipes
Discover the 20 best Thanksgiving side dishes, featuring creamy mashed potatoes, flavorful green bean casserole, and vibrant salads!
Ingredients
- Nana’s Famous Corn Pudding
- Garlic and Chive Cauliflower Mash
- Collard Greens
- Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Smooth Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
- Teriyaki-Style Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Make-Ahead Sausage Stuffing
- Bacon Pasta Thanksgiving Salad
- Crock Pot Fried Apples
- Broccoli Casserole from Scratch
- Crispy Potato Roast
- Brown Sugar Bacon Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Creamy Green Bean Casserole from Scratch
Instructions
- Choose any Thanksgiving Sides from the post that you like
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best Thanksgiving Sides and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
