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Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table, sharing delicious food, and celebrating the season of gratitude. While the turkey often takes center stage, it’s the Thanksgiving side dishes that truly make the meal memorable. From golden roasted vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes to fresh salads and gluten-free stuffing, the right sides bring balance, flavour, and a festive touch to your holiday spread.
Whether you’re planning a classic Thanksgiving dinner menu or looking for creative new twists on traditional favourites, this collection of recipes will help you create a table filled with variety and abundance. These sides are easy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for making ahead of time so you can enjoy more moments with your loved ones. Many of these dishes are also designed to fit different dietary needs, including plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free Thanksgiving recipes, so every guest can find something to enjoy.
One of the best things about Thanksgiving side dishes is their versatility. A crisp green salad with seasonal produce can lighten up the table, while a hearty stuffing or casserole adds comfort and warmth. Simple roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans can be elevated with herbs, citrus, or a drizzle of maple glaze for a festive seasonal touch. And no Thanksgiving table is complete without the creamy classics - think mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and gravies that tie the meal together.
If you’re hosting this year, consider making a mix of traditional Thanksgiving sides and modern, healthier options. Offering a variety ensures your table feels both familiar and fresh. For example, you can pair a buttery, herb-packed stuffing with a lighter quinoa salad or roasted squash dish. These contrasts keep guests satisfied while giving everyone a chance to discover something new. Plus, many of these recipes double as great leftovers - you’ll love reheating them the next day or even turning them into creative new meals.
No matter your skill level in the kitchen, these easy Thanksgiving side dishes will help you pull together a spread that looks impressive and tastes even better. We’ve included recipes that require minimal prep as well as a few show-stopping dishes perfect for making your table extra special. Whether you’re celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving in October or American Thanksgiving in November, these sides are sure to shine alongside your turkey (or plant-based main).
This year, let your Thanksgiving table reflect the abundance of the season. With these side dish recipes, you’ll have everything you need to serve a meal that’s wholesome, flavourful, and filled with gratitude.
Recipe by Julia Gibson
Give your Thanksgiving table a seasonal twist with this gluten-free pumpkin cornbread stuffing. The pumpkin adds subtle sweetness while the cornbread base keeps things hearty and satisfying. Fresh sage, thyme, and parsley bring aromatic flavour, and the mix of crisp golden edges with a soft, savoury center makes every bite crave-worthy. This is one of the best Thanksgiving side dishes to try if you’re looking for a balance of classic comfort and something a little unexpected. Perfect for holiday gatherings and great for leftovers too.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This stovetop green bean casserole is a lighter, modern take on a holiday classic. Instead of creamy soups, it features fresh green beans, shiitake mushrooms, garlic, and vegan parmesan, cooked quickly in a hot skillet for maximum flavour. Crispy shallots and toasted almonds add the perfect crunch on top. With no dairy and no oven time required, this dish is as easy as it is delicious. A standout on your holiday table, it’s one of the best Thanksgiving side dishes for a fresh, vibrant upgrade.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Sweet potatoes get a rich, nutty upgrade in this Thanksgiving side dish. These smashed sweet potatoes crisp up beautifully on the outside while staying soft and fluffy inside. Finished with brown butter, crispy sage, and toasted walnuts, they bring earthy flavours and festive flair to your holiday menu. Simple to prepare yet elegant enough to impress, this recipe is perfect for balancing out the traditional mashed potato offering. It’s hearty, flavourful, and one of the best Thanksgiving sides you’ll want to make year after year.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Step aside, potatoes, these smashed Brussels sprouts are the new holiday favourite. Smashing them before roasting creates extra surface area for maximum crispiness, while garlic powder, parmesan, and a touch of chilli flakes boost the flavour. The result is a side that’s crispy, cheesy, and downright irresistible. This gluten-free and vegetarian dish fits right into a balanced holiday spread. A creative twist on a classic vegetable, it’s one of the best Thanksgiving sides to surprise and delight your guests.
Recipe by Fran Allen
Inspired by the Belgian dish Stoemp, this root vegetable mash is a nourishing, flavourful alternative to plain mashed potatoes. Turnip, butternut squash, and sweet potato are blended with butter, shallots, garlic, and a hint of mustard for depth and richness. It’s creamy, colourful, and pairs beautifully with gravy or cranberry sauce. Using seasonal produce makes it both hearty and wholesome. If you’re looking for one of the best Thanksgiving sides that’s familiar yet unique, this root vegetable mash will be a standout.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Add a refreshing and protein-packed option to your Thanksgiving spread with this lentil and burrata salad. French lentils are paired with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and crispy sourdough croutons, then finished with creamy burrata. It’s a lighter side that balances out heavier holiday dishes, while still feeling festive and indulgent. With its vibrant colours and mix of textures, this salad is one of the best Thanksgiving sides for guests looking for something fresh, filling, and unexpected on the holiday table.
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
This grilled radicchio with tahini garlic sauce is a bold and flavourful addition to your Thanksgiving table. Grilling gives the radicchio a smoky char and mellowed bitterness, while the creamy tahini sauce with garlic and lemon ties it all together. It’s vegan, simple to make, and absolutely stunning served family-style. Perfect for breaking up the richness of other sides, this dish proves that vegetables can be just as exciting as the mains. One of the best Thanksgiving sides if you love big, unexpected flavours.
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Sweet, nutty, and beautifully caramelized, these tahini maple roasted carrots deserve a spot on every Thanksgiving menu. Heirloom carrots are roasted until tender, then drizzled with a tahini-garlic sauce and a touch of maple syrup for balance. With warming cinnamon and a gorgeous presentation, they make a nutrient-packed side that looks as good as it tastes. Easy to prepare yet elegant on the table, this is one of the best Thanksgiving side dishes for adding colour and freshness to your holiday spread.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This plant-based mushroom gravy brings rich, umami-packed flavour to all your Thanksgiving sides. Cremini and shiitake mushrooms, miso, and nutritional yeast create a velvety sauce that rivals any traditional gravy. It’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or roasted vegetables, and no one will miss the meat-based version. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick and versatile recipe to keep in your holiday toolkit. One of the best Thanksgiving sides for vegans, vegetarians, and gravy lovers alike.
Recipe by Julia Gibson
No Thanksgiving table is complete without cranberry sauce, and this version is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and brightened with orange juice and zest. A cinnamon stick and a pinch of nutmeg add cozy spice, making it a festive complement to turkey, stuffing, and roasted vegetables. With only a handful of ingredients and 15 minutes of cook time, it’s quick, easy, and full of holiday flavour. This recipe is one of the best Thanksgiving sides for adding freshness and balance to your feast.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Bright, earthy, and full of texture, this beet and arugula salad adds freshness to your Thanksgiving table. Roasted beets pair beautifully with peppery arugula, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts, all tied together with a light lemon vinaigrette. It’s colourful and nutrient-rich and balances out heavier holiday dishes with a burst of vibrant flavour. Elegant yet simple to prepare, this dish is one of the best Thanksgiving sides for anyone looking to add a lighter, seasonal option to their holiday spread.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Looking for a holiday appetizer that’s fun, unique, and full of flavour? These sausage stuffed fried olives are the perfect bite-sized side for Thanksgiving gatherings. Crispy on the outside, savoury inside, and easy to prep ahead, they bring a playful twist to your appetizer spread. Serve them with your favourite dipping sauce or enjoy them as-is for a deliciously satisfying snack. As one of the best Thanksgiving sides to serve before the main event, these olives will keep guests talking long after dinner.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
These stuffing muffin cups are a festive way to serve everyone’s favourite holiday side dish in perfectly portioned form. Whether you’re using leftovers or making a fresh batch, these individual cups bake up golden and crisp on the outside while staying soft and flavourful inside. Add sausage for richness or keep them vegetarian to suit all guests. They’re kid-friendly, easy to serve, and make one of the best Thanksgiving sides for potlucks or buffets where everyone wants their own bite.
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Bring the colours and flavours of fall to your Thanksgiving table with this rosemary roasted vegetable medley. Brussels sprouts, potatoes, squash, and beets roast to tender perfection with garlic and olive oil, while fresh rosemary infuses each bite with aromatic flavour. It’s a simple yet impressive side dish that celebrates seasonal produce and pairs beautifully with turkey or plant-based mains. Gluten-free, vegan, and nutrient-packed, this is one of the best Thanksgiving sides for adding hearty, wholesome variety to your holiday feast.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
These mushroom and lentil balls are a savoury, satisfying vegetarian option that can easily be made vegan and gluten-free. Packed with earthy mushrooms, lentils, walnuts, and herbs, they’re hearty enough to stand alongside traditional mains. Served with a rich mushroom gravy, they’re full of umami flavour that everyone will love. Perfect for meal prep or a holiday potluck, these plant-forward bites are one of the best Thanksgiving sides for guests looking for a meatless yet indulgent addition to the table.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This allergen-friendly stuffing proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavour when cooking for dietary needs. Made with gluten-free bread, fresh herbs, and plenty of vegetables, it’s dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan, yet still moist, aromatic, and full of classic stuffing taste. Baked until golden on top and tender inside, it’s a side dish everyone can enjoy. Comforting and inclusive, this is one of the best Thanksgiving sides to bring to a gathering when you want a dish that’s safe, seasonal, and crowd-pleasing.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This pan-fried gnocchi with mushrooms and kale is a quick yet luxurious side dish that’s ready in minutes. Crispy gnocchi, earthy mushrooms, and tender kale come together in a garlicky skillet, finished with rosemary for depth. The result is a hearty, comforting dish that feels restaurant-worthy but couldn’t be simpler to prepare. Whether served alongside turkey or as part of a vegetarian Thanksgiving menu, it’s one of the best Thanksgiving sides to add variety and richness to your holiday feast.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
These roasted grape and goat cheese crostini are a beautiful, bite-sized addition to your Thanksgiving appetizers. Roasting grapes intensifies their sweetness, pairing perfectly with tangy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of honey. Served on toasted baguette slices, they’re elegant yet easy to make in under 30 minutes. Perfect for starting the holiday meal or pairing with wine, this recipe is one of the best Thanksgiving sides for anyone who loves a mix of savoury, sweet, and seasonal flavours.
Recipe by Julia Gibson
This gluten-free sourdough stuffing is a holiday must-have, made extra special with kale and plenty of fresh herbs. The sourdough bread creates the perfect texture, crispy on top and tender inside, while garlic, celery, leeks, and rosemary bring depth of flavour. It’s hearty, comforting, and completely gluten-free without sacrificing any of the traditional taste. Ideal for serving at gatherings where dietary needs vary, this recipe is one of the best Thanksgiving sides to ensure everyone can enjoy a classic holiday favourite.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
These roasted acorn squash wedges bring cozy fall flavour to your holiday table. The squash caramelizes in the oven, then gets finished with brown butter, crispy sage, pumpkin seeds, and a shower of Parmigiano Reggiano. Tender inside with golden edges, each wedge is savoury, nutty, and a little bit toasty, everything we love in the best Thanksgiving sides. Simple to prep and beautiful on a platter, this seasonal side pairs perfectly with turkey, mushroom gravy, or a plant-based main.
Recipe by Megan Horsley
Warm spices, real pumpkin, and a tender crumb make this gluten-free pumpkin loaf a crowd-pleasing addition to your Thanksgiving sides spread. Lightly sweet and super moist, it’s perfect for brunch, the bread basket, or a cozy nibble with coffee after dinner. Pumpkin seeds add crunch while cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom give classic fall bakery vibes, without any gluten. Slice it thick and serve with butter or a drizzle of honey. One bite and you’ll see why this belongs among the best Thanksgiving sides.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
This dairy-free potato gratin delivers all the comfort of a classic, with none of the cream. Thin-sliced potatoes bake in a velvety cashew–miso sauce scented with garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika, then finish under a crisp, golden panko topping. It’s rich, savoury, and completely plant-based, ideal for guests with dairy sensitivities. Make ahead and reheat before serving to keep oven space free. Elegant yet easy, this gratin earns its place among the best Thanksgiving side dishes for a modern holiday menu.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
A festive, vegetarian riff on sausage rolls, these mushroom puff pastry bites are flaky, hearty, and bursting with umami. Cremini mushrooms, walnuts, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and thyme create a satisfying filling that bakes up beautifully inside golden pastry. They’re the perfect pass-around appetizer or side for your Thanksgiving gathering, easy to assemble, impressive to serve, and wonderfully savoury. Pair with mustard or your favourite chutney. Add them to your board of the best Thanksgiving sides to give guests something deliciously different.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Sweet meets salty in this ultra-simple Thanksgiving appetizer. Creamy goat cheese gets a citrusy lift from lemon zest and a gentle kick of Aleppo pepper, then gets tucked into tender Medjool dates and wrapped with delicate prosciutto. A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of flaky salt bring it all together. Ready in minutes and easy to prep ahead, these bites balance richer mains and cozy casseroles. They’re one of the best Thanksgiving sides when you need a make-ahead crowd-pleaser with big flavour.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Crispy, golden, and totally snackable, these delicata squash rings are a playful addition to your Thanksgiving sides. Lightly seasoned, dredged, and pan-fried, they’re crunchy outside and tender within. A tangy-sweet gochujang mayo for dipping adds just the right zing. Delicata’s thin skin means no fuss, simply slice, fry, and serve hot with a sprinkle of flaky salt and herbs. Perfect as an appetizer or side, these rings bring colour, texture, and a little heat to your holiday spread.
Recipe by Megan Horsley
This warm harvest salad delivers cozy comfort in a lighter package. Kale wilts slightly under a maple–apple cider vinaigrette, then gets topped with roasted Brussels sprouts and carrots, shredded beets, pecans, and cranberries for sweetness and crunch. It’s a vibrant counterpoint to richer dishes and an easy way to round out the best Thanksgiving sides with colour and freshness. Serve it family-style straight from the sheet pan to the bowl, minimal fuss, maximum flavour, and plenty of seasonal produce in every bite.
Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin
Roasting artichokes concentrates their flavour and creates tender leaves perfect for dipping. A simple mix of olive oil, smashed garlic, salt, and pepper does the heavy lifting, while a lemony aioli brings brightness to each bite. Elegant yet unfussy, this recipe works as an appetizer or a vegetable side in your Thanksgiving lineup. It’s naturally gluten-free and a great fit for lower-sugar menus, earning a spot among the best Thanksgiving sides when you want something special, savoury, and shareable.
Recipe by Tina Gravalos
Make room on your table for this hearty, plant-forward star. Roasted acorn squash halves cradle a savoury mix of mushrooms, chickpeas, wild rice, kale, pecans, herbs, and dried cranberries, an irresistible blend of textures and autumn flavours. It’s festive enough for the main event, yet fits seamlessly with the best Thanksgiving sides when you’re feeding a crowd with varied diets. Naturally gluten-free and vegan, it brings colour, comfort, and a satisfying bite to every plate.
Recipe by Julia Gibson
Nutty wild rice stands in for bread in this wholesome Thanksgiving dressing, packed with sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. Pecans and cranberries add crunch and tart-sweet pops, while butter (or your favourite alternative) ties everything together. It’s a gluten-free side that still feels hearty and classic, perfect with turkey, gravy, or a plant-based roast. Make it ahead and rewarm before serving. Balanced, aromatic, and deeply satisfying, this dish earns its place among the best Thanksgiving side dishes.
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