These 25 + Thanksgiving Side Dishes Are So Good, They Might Upstage the Turkey

If you’ve already been planning the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, I’ve got the sides. Think cozy classics like sweet potato casserole, sausage stuffing, and a few fun ideas like a Turkey Veggie Tray for the kids. You’ll find crowd-pleasing favorites, kid-friendly picks, and a couple creative trays that come together fast, save oven space, and make the whole meal feel pulled together.

1. Cavatappi Mac and Cheese with Ham (Corkscrew Pasta!)

A wide view of a casserole dish with baked cavatappi macaroni and cheese mixed with ham, partially scooped out to reveal the creamy interior texture. — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

Creamy cavatappi mac and cheese with ham is a cozy Thanksgiving side that everyone actually eats. Corkscrew pasta holds onto a rich cheese sauce with salty ham in every bite, so it works as a hearty side or an easy next-day leftover win. Don’t have curly cavatappi pasta? Any short pasta can work in this recipe. CLICK HERE FOR THE CAVATAPPI MAC AND CHEESE WITH HAM RECIPE

2. Turkey Veggie Tray

Colorful turkey-shaped veggie platter with carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas arranged in fan shape. Hummus dip in a bowl on the side. — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

Who says veggie trays have to be boring? Make a simple turkey-shaped veggie tray with fresh, crunchy vegetables and a dip in the center. No cooking, easy to assemble, and a fun way to get veggies on the table before dinner. CLICK HERE FOR THE TURKEY VEGGIE TRAY RECIPE

3. Stuffing with Italian Sausage

A wide view of casserole dish filled with stuffing and mushrooms with a scoop missing and a spoon. — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

This Italian sausage stuffing is my husband’s must-have holiday side. Toasted bread cubes, savory sausage, and plenty of herbs bake up with a soft center and crispy edges. Make it ahead, then bake while the turkey rests. CLICK HERE FOR THE STUFFING WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE RECIPE

4. Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

Wide view of a bowl of Yukon Gold mashed potatoes with a pat of melty butter on top on a dinner table. — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

These cheesy Yukon Gold mashed potatoes are rich, creamy, and ready for gravy. Mash the potatoes, stir in butter, warm milk, garlic, and a good handful of shredded cheese. They hold up well on the Thanksgiving holiday table and reheat nicely. CLICK HERE FOR THE YUKON GOLD MASHED POTATO RECIPE

5. Baked Candied Yams

Candied yams wide view in a baking dish with a spoon scooping — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

These baked candied yams are coated in a brown sugar and butter glaze that turns glossy and caramelized. Easy to prep, no fancy steps, and a classic thanksgiving or holiday side dish your family will love. CLICK HERE FOR THE BAKED CANDIED YAMS RECIPE

6. Classic Sweet Potato Casserole

Wide view of a baking dish full of sweet potato casserole topped with toasted marshmallows and pecans, with a portion scooped out, revealing the mashed sweet potatoes underneath. — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

Sweet potato casserole with a creamy base and a toasty pecan-marshmallow topping. It bakes up soft underneath and crunchy on top, and you can prep it a day ahead so it’s ready to slide into the oven on Thanksgiving. CLICK HERE FOR THE SWEET POTAT CASSEROLE RECIPE

7. Cranberry Meatballs (Great App In The Slow Cooker)

Cranberry meaballs in a slow cooker from overhead with green onions scattered on top. — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

Slow cooker cranberry meatballs are sweet, tangy, and perfect for holiday snacking. Stir together the cranberry sauce and BBQ, toss in the meatballs, and let the crockpot do the work. Great as an appetizer or to keep warm on the buffet. CLICK HERE FOR THE CRANBERRY MEATBALLS (IN THE SLOW COOKER) RECIPE

8. Deviled Eggs (With No Mayo!)

A plate of three deviled eggs topped with paprika. — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

Deviled eggs without mayo that are still creamy and tangy. We use a lighter base so you get that classic flavor without the heaviness. Make them ahead, chill, and finish with a little paprika to dress up any holiday table. CLICK HERE FOR THE DEVILED EGGS (WITH NO MAYO!) RECIPE

9. Oven-Roasted Green Beans and Potatoes

Close up wide view of roasted potatoes and green beans. — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

Simple sheet pan potatoes and green beans that go with anything on the holiday table. The potatoes get golden and crisp, the green beans stay bright and tender, and a little garlic and seasoning ties it all together. This is a great dish for dinner for a smaller crowd. CLICK HERE FOR THE ROASTED POTATOES AND GREEN BEANS RECIPE

10. Easy Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti covered in cheese from overhead in a pan. — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

This baked ziti recipe is cozy, cheesy, and great for a crowd. Stir pasta with marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella, then bake until the top gets a little browned and bubbly. Perfect as a hearty Thanksgiving side or a next-day dinner. I grew up in an Italian family and pasta like baked ziti was always on the table for the holidays. CLICK HERE FOR THE EASY BAKED ZITI RECIPE

11. Dreamy Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Wide view bowl of a bowl of maple mashed sweet potatoes with a pat of butter on top with a spoon scooping the sweet potatoes. — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

These mashed sweet potatoes are made for the Thanksgiving plate. Creamy, lightly sweet, and cinnamon cozy, they sit right next to the turkey and gravy like they’ve lived there forever. Make them ahead and rewarm with a splash of milk before dinner. CLICK HERE FOR THE MASHED SWEET POTATO RECIPE

12. Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Wide view of a skillet filled with creamy honey butter corn, with a serving spoon scooping creamy corn in the middle. — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

This honey butter skillet corn checks all the Thanksgiving side boxes for a great dinner. It’s sweet, buttery, and scoops up nicely next to the mashed potatoes and turkey. It’s made on the stovetop, so it frees up oven space and comes together in about 10 minutes. CLICK HERE FOR THE HONEY BUTTER SKILLET CORN RECIPE

13. Roasted Baby Carrots with Honey Glaze

Close up of roasted baby carrots — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

If you need a bright veggie to shine on the Thanksgiving, try these honey glazed roasted baby carrots. They roast up tender with caramelized spots, and the quick honey drizzle makes them taste extra special without a lot of work. This recipe is especially picky eater friendly for a vegetable! CLICK HERE FOR THE ROASTED BABY CARROTS WITH HONEY GLAZE

14. Easy Classic Italian Pasta Salad

A large serving bowl filled full of italian pasta salad zoomed close up from the side of the bowl. — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

My aunt’s “secret” Italian pasta salad is bright, zesty, and made to feed a crowd. Tender pasta, crisp veggies, and a tangy Italian-style dressing mingle in the fridge, so it tastes even better the next day. Easy to make ahead, travels well, and fits right in on a holiday buffet. CLICK HERE FOR THE EASY ITALIAN PASTA SALAD RECIPE

15. Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Garlic cream cheese mashed potatoes in a white casserole dish after baking. — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

These garlic cream cheese mashed potatoes are cozy and crowd-friendly. The cream cheese adds body and tang, the garlic brings warmth, and the mash stays creamy even after reheating. Great for Thanksgiving or any comfort-food night. CLICK HERE FOR THE CREAM CHEESE MASHED POTATOES RECIPE

16. Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Close up on a pan of loaded mashed potato casserole missing a scoop covered in cheese and bacon from the side. — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

This loaded potato casserole packs in mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, cheddar, and sour cream for that classic “loaded” flavor. Assemble earlier in the day, then bake and broil for a melty top right before serving. CLICK HERE FOR THE LOADED MASHED POTATO CASSEROLE RECIPE

17. Easy Mini Cornbread Muffins

A plate of cornbread muffins stacked. — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

These mini cornbread muffins are soft, buttery, and bite-size for the holiday table. Mix the batter, scoop into a mini muffin tin, and bake until the edges turn lightly golden. I’ve made this recipe for years and it never lasts long. CLICK HERE FOR THE MINI CORNBREAD MUFFINS RECIPE

18. Cranberry Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

This cranberry vinaigrette brightens a Thanksgiving salad fast. Blend cranberry sauce, oil, and vinegar with a little honey, then drizzle over mixed greens with pecans and goat cheese. Make it ahead and give it a quick shake before serving. CLICK HERE FOR THE CRANBERRY VINAIGRETTE SALAD DRESSING RECIPE

19. Cheddar Garlic Biscuits

A basket of garlic cheese biscuits piled high from the side. — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

Fluffy, cheesy, and packed with savory garlic flavor, these Cheddar Garlic Biscuits are pure comfort in every bite. They’re easy to make and perfect for serving alongside soups, salads, or your holiday feast. Get ready for everyone to reach for seconds! CLICK HERE FOR THE CHEDDAR GARLIC BISCUITS RECIPE

20. Fresh Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Side view of green bean casserole in a casserole dish — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

This from-scratch green bean casserole keeps the classic vibes but adds smoky bacon and fresh green beans. The sauce is creamy, the topping gets crunchy, and it steals a little attention on the Thanksgiving table. CLICK HERE FOR THE FRESH GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE WITH BACON RECIPE

21, Favorite Fall Apple Cranberry Salad

Apple cranberry salad in a large clear bowl from the side at a wide angle. — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

Fresh apple cranberry salad that tastes like fall in a bowl. Crisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts toss with a light vinaigrette so it’s bright and refreshing next to all the cozy sides. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings! CLICK HERE FOR THE FALL APPLE CRANBERRY SALAD RECIPE

22. Buttermilk Cornbread

cornbread from above sliced into squares — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

This buttermilk cornbread is rich, buttery, and simple to make. The crumb stays soft, the top turns lightly golden, and it pairs with everything from soup to the holiday spread.CLICK HERE FOR THE BUTTERMILK CORNBREAD RECIPE

23. Easy Homemade Garlic Knots

Close up wide view of garlic knots stacked on a plate. — **Image Credit:** On My Kids Plate

These easy garlic knots are soft, buttery, and full of garlicky flavor—perfect for the Thanksgiving bread basket. They bake up golden, smell amazing, and pair perfectly with all the cozy sides, plus can be made ahead. CLICK HERE FOR THE GARLIC KNOTS RECIPE

24. Cheddar Broccoli Twice-Baked Potatoes

Cheese and broccoli stuffed potato up close

Take your potatoes to the next level with these Cheddar Broccoli Twice-Baked Potatoes! Packed with creamy mashed potato, melted cheese, and bites of tender broccoli, they’re the ultimate holiday side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. CLICK HERE FOR THE CHEDDAR BROCCOLI TWICE BAKED POTATO RECIPE

25. Hot German Potato Salad

Wide view of warm german potato salad topped with bacon, parley and green onion pieces on a platter.

Hot German potato salad brings big flavor to the Thanksgiving table. Warm potatoes get tossed with crispy bacon, tangy vinegar, and a hint of sweetness. It’s hearty, a little unexpected, and one of those sides people keep asking for the recipe for. CLICK HERE FOR THE HOT GERMAN POTATO SALAD RECIPE

26. Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Wide view of a glass bowl of loaded baked potato salad with bacon pieces, green onion and cheese, mixed with a wooden spoon.

Loaded baked potato salad brings all the flavors you love, crispy bacon, cheddar, and a creamy dressing into one bowl. Make it ahead, chill, and let the flavors blend. It’s rich, simple, and always disappears fast off the table. CLICK HERE FOR THE LOADED BAKED POTATO SALAD RECIPE