18 Easy Thanksgiving Sides That Save Time

Save For Later

Bacon Jalapeno Spoon Bread

This spoon bread is the ultimate comfort food—moist, creamy, and loaded with gooey melted cheese and crispy, savory bacon in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast at our dinner table because everyone keeps going back for more. Easy to make yet wonderfully unique, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. The combination of creamy texture and crunchy bacon makes each spoonful irresistible, and it always brings a smile to anyone who tries it. My family can’t get enough of this cozy, flavorful treat!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Jalapeno Spoon Bread

Green Bean Casserole From Scratch

This holiday side dish is pure comfort on a plate, made with a rich, homemade mushroom cream sauce that’s full of flavor. Topped with crispy, do-it-yourself French fried onions, every bite has the perfect mix of creamy and crunchy textures. It’s indulgent enough to feel like a treat, yet simple enough to prepare at home. The best part? You can make it ahead of time, so it’s ready to pop in the oven while you focus on the rest of your festive meal. Your family and guests are sure to rave about it!
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole From Scratch

Potato Casserole With Bacon

Indulge in these creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, perfectly smooth and comforting with every bite. Topped with smoky, crispy bacon and golden, crunchy bread crumbs, they add the perfect balance of flavor and texture. This side dish is not only delicious but also a lifesaver for holiday prep, as it can be made ahead of time without losing any of its charm. Whether you’re serving a crowd or enjoying a cozy family meal, these mashed potatoes are sure to be the star of the table. Simple, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible!
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole With Bacon

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet, tender sweet potatoes get a delicious upgrade when topped with crunchy candied nuts and gooey, melty marshmallows. The combination of flavors and textures is pure comfort in every bite. Thanks to the slow cooker, this dish practically makes itself, letting you focus on other holiday preparations or simply relaxing. It’s the perfect side to bring warmth and sweetness to any meal, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Even those who usually skip vegetables won’t be able to resist this indulgent treat!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

Broccoli au Gratin

This Broccoli au Gratin is the ultimate holiday side—rich, cheesy, and topped with a perfectly crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust that everyone will fight over. Roasting the broccoli brings out its natural sweetness and keeps each piece tender without the fuss of boiling or steaming. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a great make-ahead option for busy holiday cooking. Comfort meets elegance here, adding a touch of gourmet flair to your table without any extra stress. Your guests will be coming back for seconds before they even realize how easy it was to make!
Get the Recipe: Broccoli au Gratin

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

This Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower is the ultimate holiday side dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The cauliflower roasts to perfection, with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center and a golden, slightly crisp exterior that’s full of flavor. It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients, yet it looks impressive on the table. In just 30 minutes, you can have a wholesome, comforting dish that pairs perfectly with any festive meal. Even those who aren’t usually fans of cauliflower will be reaching for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Crawfish Cornbread Dressing

This crawfish cornbread dressing is pure comfort on a plate, featuring tender crawfish tails, smoky sausage, fluffy buttermilk cornbread, and crisp, fresh vegetables all mingling together in perfect harmony. A gentle touch of Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of warmth and depth, giving each bite a rich, savory flavor that feels like home. It’s hearty, satisfying, and full of personality—exactly what you want on your Thanksgiving table. Pair it with your favorite holiday sides, and you’ll have a dish that not only fills bellies but also sparks conversation and happy memories. Every forkful is a little celebration of flavor that guests won’t soon forget.
Get the Recipe: Crawfish Cornbread Dressing

Baked Mac and Cheese

No matter the season, baked mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone to the table. Its rich, creamy cheese sauce and perfectly golden topping make it comforting and indulgent, whether you’re serving it as a holiday side or a hearty weeknight dinner. Every bite feels warm and satisfying, making it a dish that’s just as good on a chilly evening as it is during festive gatherings. It’s the kind of recipe that turns simple ingredients into something truly special that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mac and Cheese

Roasted Murasaki Sweet Potato Salad

This Quick and Easy Roasted Murasaki Sweet Potato Salad is a delicious and colorful addition to any holiday table. Roasted to perfection, the sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness and hearty texture that pairs beautifully with simple, fresh ingredients. With just five main components and minimal prep, it’s an effortless dish that feels special without taking hours to make. Whether you serve it as a side or enjoy it as a light main, it’s satisfying, nutritious, and full of flavor. Best of all, it’s completely vegan and gluten-free, so everyone at the table can dig in and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Murasaki Sweet Potato Salad

Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries

Brussels sprouts get a delicious holiday makeover in this recipe, combining their natural earthy flavor with the richness of creamy blue cheese, the sweetness of dried cranberries, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. Each bite is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty, turning a classic vegetable into a dish everyone will look forward to. It’s an easy way to make Brussels sprouts exciting, even for picky eaters at the table. Serve them alongside your favorite holiday mains, and watch them disappear fast—these sprouts are sure to become a new family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries

Italian Sausage Stuffing

Italian Sausage Stuffing is a warm and savory dish that brings together the bold, hearty flavors of seasoned Italian sausage with fragrant poultry seasoning and melty mozzarella cheese. Every bite is a comforting mix of rich, savory goodness that feels both indulgent and homey. This versatile recipe isn’t just for stuffing a turkey—it also works beautifully in stuffed bell peppers or as a standout side dish at any holiday meal. The combination of spices and cheese creates a flavor that’s both familiar and a little special, sure to have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and leaves guests asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Stuffing

Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

These maple bacon-wrapped green bean bundles are the perfect way to add a little extra flavor and flair to your holiday table. The crisp-tender green beans are lovingly wrapped in smoky bacon, then kissed with a touch of sweet maple for a delightful balance of flavors. They’re as beautiful to look at as they are to eat, making them an instant conversation starter. Whether served alongside your favorite roast or a festive main dish, these bundles bring both taste and charm to any holiday dinner. You might even find everyone sneaking one (or two!) before the meal officially begins.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

Roasted Acorn Squash

Looking for a Thanksgiving side dish that’s both simple and show-stopping? This Roasted Acorn Squash is the perfect choice. Tender, naturally sweet squash is roasted to perfection and topped with a golden layer of Parmesan, fragrant herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s easy to prepare but looks elegant on the holiday table, making it a crowd-pleaser for family and friends. With minimal ingredients, you get maximum flavor—comforting, delicious, and effortlessly festive.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Acorn Squash

Carrot Casserole

This Carrot Casserole is pure comfort in a dish, with tender, lightly sweetened carrots that melt in your mouth. Infused with just the right touch of nutmeg and cinnamon, it delivers a cozy, spiced flavor that fills the kitchen with warmth. The rich, creamy texture makes every bite indulgent, while the natural sweetness of the carrots keeps it balanced and delightful. Perfect as a side for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal, it’s so versatile that some even enjoy it as a sweet treat for dessert. Whether served hot from the oven or straight from the fridge, this casserole is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Casserole

Shrimp and Grits Dressing

Bring together the cozy familiarity of your favorite Thanksgiving sides with the rich, comforting flavors of a classic low-country dinner in this Shrimp and Grits Dressing. Every bite is packed with tender shrimp, creamy grits, and savory seasonings that make it impossible not to go back for seconds. It’s a unique twist that will stand out on your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving table, adding a touch of Southern charm to the holiday spread. Perfectly comforting yet a little unexpected, this dish is sure to earn you compliments and maybe even a few recipe requests. Serve it up warm, and watch it quickly become a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Dressing

Jiffy Cornbread Dressing

Give your Thanksgiving table a delightful upgrade with this Jiffy cornbread dressing that puts a fresh spin on a classic favorite. The soft, buttery cornbread brings a subtle sweetness and tang that perfectly complements the savory herbs and spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Every bite is comforting and satisfying, capturing the essence of traditional Southern dressing while feeling a little more special. This recipe is simple to make, yet it has that homemade touch that will make your guests think you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that’s easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a new holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Jiffy Cornbread Dressing

Almond, Cranberry and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole

This almond, cranberry, and sweet potato stuffing is a delightful balance of sweet and savory, making it a standout side for Thanksgiving. Each bite combines tender sweet potatoes, tart cranberries, and crunchy almonds for a comforting mix of flavors and textures. The addition of a berry granola topping adds a subtle crunch and a hint of natural sweetness that complements the savory notes perfectly. It’s a dish that feels both festive and homey, and it’s sure to become a favorite on the holiday table. Whether served alongside turkey or enjoyed on its own, this stuffing brings warmth and flavor to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Almond, Cranberry and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole

Cranberry Jello Salad

Cranberry Jello Salad is a festive and refreshing side dish that brings a perfect balance of sweet and tart to any holiday table. Packed with crisp apples, crunchy celery, and toasted nuts, it adds a delightful texture to every bite. Made with fresh cranberries, this salad is as flavorful as it is colorful, making it a standout on your spread. It’s simple to prepare yet impressive enough to wow family and friends. A classic holiday favorite, it’s a dish that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Jello Salad