Thanksgiving Side Dishes

by Marsha McDougal
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All recipes are rigorously tested in our Nashville test kitchen to ensure they are easy, affordable, and delicious.

Well, I’m not sure if I’m more excited about the turkey or the sides this year for Thanksgiving. But who am I kidding…it’s definitely all about the sides!!! There’s just so many wonderful side dishes to choose from on Thanksgiving day. You have classic side dishes like mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and cranberry sauce. And there’s easy, stress-free sides like roasted Brussels sprouts and creamed spinach. So to help you make your selection this year, we’re sharing over 25 budget-friendly Thanksgiving Side Dishes! And no matter which ones you choose to add to your dinner menu, there’s definitely something here for everyone to enjoy!

Collage of six Thanksgiving side dishes with title text in the center.

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Mashed Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Mashed potatoes being scooped out of a bowl.
Follow these easy steps to make the smoothest, fluffiest, cloud-like mashed potatoes you've ever had! Plus ideas for more flavor add-ins.
5 from 4 votes
$2.29 recipe / $0.45 serving Get the Recipe

We can’t think of anything that’s better than a big bowl of buttery Mashed Potatoes. These classic mashed potatoes are fluffy, creamy and easy to make in just a few steps.

Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Roasted Carrots with Honey Balsamic Glaze

close up side view of a bowl of honey balsamic glazed carrots
Take your dinner menu to the next level with these sweet and tangy Roasted Carrots with Honey Balsamic Glaze as a side dish.
4.69 from 16 votes
$2.82 recipe / $0.71 serving Get the Recipe

These roasted Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots are sweet, tangy, and rich all at the same time. Incredibly easy to make and perfect for the big day!

Broccoli Cheddar Casserole

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Broccoli cheddar casserole being scooped out of the dish
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole recipe is a classic side dish made with a creamy homemade cheese sauce, rice, and broccoli florets.
4.73 from 79 votes
$6.56 recipe / $1.09 serving Get the Recipe

Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is a comforting, classic recipe that is always welcomed at dinner parties. This homemade version comes together quickly and is a great way to use up leftover rice!

Homemade Mac And Cheese

Homemade Mac and Cheese

side view of macaroni and cheese in a bowl with a fork
This incredibly creamy and cheesy homemade mac and cheese recipe features an easy cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, milk, and butter.
4.20 from 82 votes
$4.19 recipe / $1.05 serving Get the Recipe

If there’s one side dish that’s always welcomed at holiday gatherings it’s Homemade Mac and Cheese. This classic stovetop macaroni and cheese recipe is made with a classic roux-based cheese sauce that will satisfy all of your cheesy pasta cravings!

Vegetarian Stuffing

Vegetarian Stuffing

Overhead view of vegetarian stuffing in the casserole dish with a wooden spoon.
This Vegetarian Stuffing recipe is full of toasty bread cubes, colorful vegetables, flavorful herbs, and a rich vegetable broth.
4.94 from 16 votes
$7.54 recipe / $0.94 serving Get the Recipe

This Vegetarian Stuffing is chock-full of colorful vegetables that bring tons of flavor and texture to this classic Thanksgiving side dish!

Mushroom Herb Gravy

Mushroom Herb Gravy

Spoonful of mushroom herb gravy ready to serve.
This one quick, easy, and insanely flavorful Mushroom Herb Gravy will satisfy both meat eaters and vegetarians alike. 
5 from 17 votes
$3.23 recipe / $0.54 serving Get the Recipe

This insanely scrumptious Mushroom Herb Gravy is butter-based and perfect to drizzle over those creamy mashed potatoes or your Thanksgiving turkey.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole

Overhead shot of sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows in a white casserole dish.
Sweet potato casserole is a Southern holiday classic with its sweet and rich mashed sweet potatoes and gooey marshmallow topping.
5 from 6 votes
$5.94 recipe / $0.74 serving Get the Recipe

I mean who doesn’t love the classic, irresistible Sweet Potato Casserole? It’s the perfect side dish during the holidays and family gatherings, and can be topped with marshmallows or a decadent pecan streusel.

Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Close up side view of Roasted Brussels Sprouts in a bowl
Roasted Brussels Sprouts are an easy, tasty, and versatile side dish to compliment any of your fall or winter meals. Perfect for meal prep!
5 from 10 votes
$3.17 recipe / $0.79 serving Get the Recipe

If you don’t want to spend a lot of time on your Thanksgiving sides this year, you can whip up these easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts in hardly no time!

Corn Pudding

Corn Pudding

Overhead view of corn pudding being scooped out of the casserole dish.
This homemade corn pudding recipe is made with sweet corn, cornmeal, cheddar cheese, eggs, and dairy to make a rich and cozy corn casserole.
4.88 from 8 votes
$6.36 recipe / $0.80 serving Get the Recipe

This Corn Pudding recipe is made 100% from scratch (no boxed cornbread mix or canned creamed corn), it’s incredibly easy and it will definitely leave you wanting seconds!

Apple Walnut Stuffing

Apple Walnut Stuffing

Close up overhead shot of Apple Walnut Stuffing in the casserole dish with a wooden spoon in the corner
Take a Thanksgiving dinner short cut by upgrading a boxed stuffing mix with fresh ingredients for more flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
5 from 4 votes
$3.74 recipe / $0.47 serving Get the Recipe

We’re taking stuffing to the next level with this easy Apple Walnut Stuffing recipe. It’s a combination of boxed stuffing mix along with fresh ingredients like apples and chopped walnuts and ready to serve in just 30 minutes!

Classic HOmemade Cranberry Sauce

Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Thickened cranberry sauce in the pot being stirred.
This easy three ingredient cranberry sauce is fast, flavorful, and the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving meal!
4.75 from 12 votes
$4.16 recipe / $0.69 serving Get the Recipe

A simple but spectacular homemade Cranberry Sauce made with fresh cranberries and a little sweet orange juice. It will definitely brighten up your Thanksgiving meal!

Maple Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Maple Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Maple brown butter mashed sweet potatoes in a bowl.
Maple Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a simple way to add a little something extra special to your Thanksgiving table.
4.77 from 17 votes
$5.71 recipe / $0.95 serving Get the Recipe

Get ready to experience the magic that brown butter and maple syrup makes with these Maple Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes! Brown butter creates a nutty, caramel flavor which matches perfectly with the deep flavors of real maple syrup. A simple dish perfect for your holiday meal.

Wild Rice STuffed Acorn Squash

Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash

wild rice stuffed acorn squash close up from above
Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash makes a great vegetarian (or vegan) Thanksgiving main dish, or a delicious dinner for any chilly fall evening!
4.79 from 19 votes
$6.19 recipe / $1.55 serving Get the Recipe

This Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash is a show-stopping Autumn-inspired dish that is absolutely perfect for your Thanksgiving meal. It’s colorful, flavorful, full of texture, and just as delicious as it is beautiful.

Collard Greens

Collard Greens

Overhead view of collard greens on a plate with chicken and mac and cheese.
Collard Greens are an easy and delicious side dish that is a great way to use up leftover ham bones or a smoked ham hock.
4.58 from 7 votes
$5.92 recipe / $0.99 serving Get the Recipe

Collard Greens are a classic potluck side dish and are perfect to add to your Thanksgiving menu. This recipe includes smoked ham hock, chicken broth and lots of aromatics and spices!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad

Close up view of roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad in a wooden bowl.
This cozy Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad features roasted vegetables, toasted pecans, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy maple Dijon dressing.
4.93 from 14 votes
$7.20 recipe / $1.44 serving Get the Recipe

This gorgeous Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad will steal the show at your family gathering this year! It’s a beautiful combination of roasted Brussels Sprouts, sweet potatoes, pecans, goat cheese, and a tangy-sweet maple Dijon dressing!

Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms

Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms

Overhead view of balsamic roasted mushrooms in a white bowl
Balsamic roasted mushrooms are an easy side dish or appetizer, soaked in garlic, herbs, and tangy balsamic vinegar for maximum flavor.
4.85 from 19 votes
$4.24 recipe / $1.06 serving Get the Recipe

These Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms are bursting with flavor and they make the perfect side dish for any special occasion!

Easy Creamed Spinach

Creamed Spinach

Overhead view of creamed spinach in a bowl.
This easy creamed spinach recipe is a delicious and easy side dish for any meal, and is made with simple ingredients like butter, milk, and Parmesan.
5 from 9 votes
$3.40 recipe / $0.85 serving Get the Recipe

You can’t go wrong when you have an easy Creamed Spinach recipe in your back pocket. This version is simple, rich, and creamy without being overly heavy.

Potatoes Au Gratin

Potatoes Au Gratin

Close up overhead view of potatoes au gratin being scooped out of the casserole dish.
Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce make this Potatoes Au Gratin recipe pure potato casserole heaven.
4.62 from 13 votes
$5.33 recipe / $0.67 serving Get the Recipe

Potatoes Au Gratin – a truly classic comfort food dish made with thinly sliced potatoes in a rich and creamy sauce. Did I mention that I’m slightly addicted to this dish? It’s just SO good!

Easy Homemade Cornbread

Easy Homemade Cornbread Recipe

Side view of a piece of cornbread being lifted out of the baking dish.
Toss that boxed mix and make this fast and Easy Homemade Cornbread, which makes a great side dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! 
4.62 from 135 votes
$1.51 recipe / $0.19 serving Get the Recipe

This Easy Homemade Cornbread is deliciously sweet, moist and it only uses a few pantry staple ingredients. It always makes the perfect side to go with collard greens or any type of slow cooked beans to help soak up all of that good flavor on your plate.

Potato And Green Bean Skillet

Potato and Green Bean Skillet

Close up overhead view of a bowl of potatoes and green beans.
This easy and delicious potato and green bean skillet is the perfect weeknight meal made with simple ingredients like potatoes, green beans, onions, and bacon.
5 from 8 votes
$6.86 recipe / $1.72 serving Get the Recipe

You get two for one with this easy Potato and Green Bean Skillet! Caramelized onions, smoky bacon, and tender potatoes…yes, count me in!

Roasted Delicata Squash

Roasted Delicata Squash

Close up view of roasted delicata squash on the baking sheet
Roasted Delicata squash is surprisingly sweet and rich, and is almost effortless to prepare, making it the perfect fall or winter side dish.
4.84 from 6 votes
Get the Recipe

Take some of the stress away and make this simple and delicious Roasted Delicata Squash for Thanksgiving this year. A little bit of olive oil and a simple seasoning mix is all you need.

Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice Baked Potatoes

Close up overhead view of twice baked potatoes staked beside each other.
Twice baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food featuring fluffy mashed potatoes, bacon, cheddar cheese, and more delicious toppings.
5 from 14 votes
$7.80 recipe / $0.98 serving Get the Recipe

You’ll definitely impress your guests this year with these Twice Baked Potatoes. These deconstructed loaded baked potatoes are mixed perfectly with all your favorite toppings, then re-stuffed into crispy potato skins. Perfect for individual servings too!

Balsamic Roasted Vegetables

Balsamic Roasted Vegetables

Close up of Balsamic Roasted Vegetables on a white platter
These sweet and savory caramelized Balsamic Roasted Vegetables are an easy and elegant all-purpose side dish that you'll want to make over and over!
4.35 from 23 votes
$6.37 recipe / $1.59 serving Get the Recipe

These sweet and savory caramelized Balsamic Roasted Vegetables are versatile (use any vegetables) and make a simple yet stunning Thanksgiving side dish!

Baked Mac And Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese

Side view of baked mac and cheese being lifted out of the casserole dish with a wooden spoon.
Oven Baked Mac and Cheese is an extra rich and cheesy pasta casserole that is baked to perfection with a buttery and crunchy topping.
4.46 from 11 votes
$5.83 recipe / $0.97 serving Get the Recipe

I’m pretty sure this Baked Mac and Cheese will be in high demand on Thanksgiving Day. It’s a staple potluck side dish and if you want more of that cheesy goodness with a crunchy flavorful topping, then baked mac and cheese is the way to go!

Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Pecans

Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecans

Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes in a casserole dish with a wooden spoon on a blue background with leaves and pine cones on the side.
Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecans are an easy, classic Thanksgiving side dish that everyone will love.
5 from 11 votes
$6.77 recipe / $1.13 serving Get the Recipe

Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecans are tender, sweet, easy to prepare, and a simple side dish for holiday gatherings.

Sweet Potato Cornbread

Sweet Potato Cornbread

baked sweet potato cornbread with butter on top
Mashed sweet potato, fragrant spices, and rich sour cream make this Sweet Potato Cornbread a decadent fall treat.
4.85 from 69 votes
$4.00 recipe / $0.50 serving Get the Recipe

Get ready to take your cornbread skills to the next level with this rich and thick Sweet Potato Cornbread! It’s slightly sweet but also has a good amount of warm, aromatic spices to keep it from being too dessert-like.

Wild Rice Pilaf

Wild Rice Pilaf

Overhead view of a bowl of wild rice pilaf
This wild rice pilaf is full of color, texture, and fall flavors. It's the perfect side dish for dinner during the cooler months.
4.93 from 13 votes
$2.73 recipe / $0.68 serving Get the Recipe

This Wild Rice Pilaf is full of color, texture, and flavor! It has lots of aromatics and is a great side dish for your next holiday gathering.

Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped Potatoes

Overhead shot of scalloped potatoes in a white casserole dish.
These rich and creamy scalloped potatoes are the perfect comfort food side dish to pair with your holiday meal or any weeknight dinner!
5 from 1 vote
$5.26 recipe / $0.58 serving Get the Recipe

Does it get any better than thinly sliced potatoes drenched in a rich and creamy sauce, then baked to perfection? I think not. Scalloped potatoes are a MUST on any Thanksgiving table.

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  1. I have never seen this site before but thank you thank you thank you for some wonderful vegetarian options. I have a big group this year and am shaking up my normal menu. This is all wonderful.