When Thanksgiving rolls around, the table becomes more than just a place to eat—it’s where memories are made, laughter is shared, and gratitude fills the air. You’ve got your turkey, sure, but let’s be honest: the real stars of Thanksgiving dinner are the side dishes. From creamy mashed potatoes and golden sweet potato casseroles to sizzling bacon bits and buttery corn, each bite tells a story of warmth, family, and the joy of good food.
In this post, you’ll discover the ultimate lineup of Thanksgiving side dishes—a feast of flavors that’ll make everyone at your table go back for seconds. You’ll get full recipes, ingredient tables, and expert tips to make sure each dish comes out perfectly, from the comforting Sweet Potato Casserole to the rich, savory French Onion Rice.
Table of Contents
🦃 Why Thanksgiving Side Dishes Matter So Much
You already know Thanksgiving is more than turkey—it’s about balance, color, texture, and comfort. The right side dishes create harmony on your plate: a sweet bite here, a buttery scoop there, a touch of crunch in between. You can craft your menu to match your vibe—classic and comforting, or bold and modern.
And the best part? These recipes are easy, family-tested, and absolutely foolproof. Whether you’re hosting or contributing a single dish, you’re about to make something unforgettable.
🍠 SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
A dessert disguised as a side dish. This Sweet Potato Casserole is rich, velvety, and sweetly spiced with nutmeg and orange juice—then finished with a golden crown of toasted mini marshmallows.
🧾 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes in syrup | 59 oz |
| Large eggs | 4 |
| Dark brown sugar | ¾ cup |
| Salted butter | ¼ cup |
| Cornstarch | ¼ cup |
| Orange juice | 2 tbsp |
| Nutmeg | 1½ tsp |
| Mini marshmallows | 10 oz bag |
👩🍳 Instructions
- Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them until smooth.
- Whisk together eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, cornstarch, orange juice, and nutmeg.
- Combine the mixture with mashed sweet potatoes.
- Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
- Top with mini marshmallows and broil until golden and bubbly.
💡 Tips
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for deeper warmth.
- Swap marshmallows for a pecan crumble topping if you prefer a nutty twist.
🌽 HONEY BUTTER SKILLET CORN
This side dish hits every note—sweet, salty, creamy, and buttery. It’s the corn everyone fights for seconds of.
🧾 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| White and gold whole kernel corn, drained | 30.5 oz |
| Honey butter cream cheese | 3 tbsp |
| Honey butter | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Lime zest | A pinch |
| Chopped parsley | For garnish |
👩🍳 Instructions
- Melt honey butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in corn and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add cream cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lime zest.
- Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
💡 Tips
- Use frozen corn if canned isn’t available—just cook a bit longer.
- Add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
🥔 MASHED POTATO CASSEROLE
This recipe transforms ordinary mashed potatoes into a cheesy, bacon-filled masterpiece.
🧾 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Yukon Gold potatoes | 5 lb |
| Salt (for boiling) | ½ tsp |
| Salted butter | 1 stick |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
| White pepper | ½ tsp |
| Salt | 1½ tsp |
| Sour cream | ½ cup |
| Whole milk | ½ cup |
| Cheddar cheese | 3 cups |
| Chives, finely chopped | To garnish |
| Bacon strips, cooked | 10 |
👩🍳 Instructions
- Peel and boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender.
- Drain and mash with butter, sour cream, milk, and seasonings.
- Fold in half of the cheese and bacon.
- Spread into a baking dish, top with remaining cheese and bacon, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Garnish with chives before serving.
💡 Tips
- Make this ahead and refrigerate; bake before serving.
- Use smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for a twist.
⚡ INSTANT POT MASHED POTATOES
Quick, creamy, and effortless—perfect for saving stovetop space on Thanksgiving Day.
🧾 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Yukon gold potatoes | 6 |
| Cream cheese | 4 oz |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp |
| Butter | For serving |
👩🍳 Instructions
- Place peeled, chopped potatoes in your Instant Pot with 1 cup water.
- Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick-release.
- Drain, mash, and stir in cheese, milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
💡 Tips
- Don’t overmix; you want fluffy, not gluey potatoes.
- Add roasted garlic for next-level flavor.
🥬 GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE
A true Thanksgiving legend—creamy, savory, and finished with that iconic crispy onion topping.
🧾 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh green beans, trimmed | 2 lb |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tbsp |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Cremini mushrooms | 8 oz |
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup |
| Half & half | 2 cups |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Soy sauce | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ tsp |
| Crispy fried onions | 1½ cups |
👩🍳 Instructions
- Blanch green beans in salted water for 5 minutes; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms in butter.
- Add flour to make a roux, then whisk in half & half and chicken broth.
- Stir in soy sauce, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Combine with green beans, pour into casserole dish, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- Top with crispy onions and bake 5 more minutes.
🌿 GARLIC GREEN BEANS
For a lighter, crisp-tender side dish, these garlicky green beans are unbeatable.
🧾 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Oil | ¼ cup |
| Fresh green beans | 1 lb |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Dried Italian seasoning | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
👩🍳 Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add green beans and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and seasoning; cook until fragrant.
- Serve immediately for a vibrant, fresh side.
🍚 FRENCH ONION RICE
Buttery, savory, and rich—this side pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or roast beef.
🧾 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Long-grain rice | 1 cup |
| French onion soup | 10.5 oz |
| Beef broth | 1¼ cup |
| Salted butter | 8 tbsp |
| Fresh parsley | 1 tsp |
👩🍳 Instructions
- Combine rice, soup, broth, and butter in a baking dish.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and sprinkle with parsley.
💡 Tips
- Add caramelized onions for extra depth.
- Try jasmine rice for a softer texture.
🧈 STICK OF BUTTER RICE
The name says it all—rich, buttery, and completely addictive.
🧾 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| White rice, uncooked | 1½ cups |
| French onion soup | 1 pack |
| Beef broth | 1¾ cups |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Fresh parsley | To garnish |
👩🍳 Instructions
- Mix rice, soup, broth, and seasonings in a casserole dish.
- Cut butter into slices and place on top.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
🍴 Tips for a Seamless Thanksgiving
- Plan ahead: Prep casseroles and rice dishes the night before.
- Use your oven wisely: Bake dishes together at 350°F.
- Mix textures: Combine creamy, crunchy, and fresh dishes for balance.
- Garnish smartly: Fresh herbs, citrus zest, and crispy toppings elevate presentation.
❓ FAQs about Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Q: Can I make these side dishes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Most casseroles can be assembled a day in advance and baked before serving.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Use your oven for casseroles to maintain texture. Rice dishes reheat best with a splash of broth.
Q: How do I keep mashed potatoes creamy?
Avoid overmixing and use warm milk and butter when mashing.
Q: Can I make the green bean casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
❤️ Final Thoughts: Create Your Perfect Thanksgiving Table
Thanksgiving isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of love, gratitude, and food made from the heart. Whether you’re scooping creamy mashed potatoes, savoring buttery corn, or toasting marshmallows over sweet potatoes, each dish brings a touch of warmth to your table.
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