My In-Laws Beg Me for These Side Dishes Every Thanksgiving

Save For Later

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

These sweet potatoes are bursting with flavor, topped with crunchy candied nuts and soft, gooey marshmallows that melt perfectly over the warm spuds. Cooking them in a slow cooker makes the whole process almost effortless, letting the natural sweetness of the potatoes shine. It’s a comforting dish that brings a little touch of sweetness and texture to any meal. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, it’s a recipe that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

These instant pot mashed potatoes are rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making them the perfect companion for any meal. In just 8 minutes, they turn out perfectly fluffy, saving you time without sacrificing taste. Smooth and buttery, each bite melts in your mouth, making it easy to see why they’ll quickly become a go-to side dish. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, these mashed potatoes are simple, satisfying, and always comforting.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Bacon Jalapeno Spoon Bread

This spoon bread is irresistibly moist and creamy, with gooey cheese melting throughout every bite and crispy bacon adding the perfect crunch. It’s a comforting dish that feels both special and simple, making it a hit at family dinners. The flavors blend together beautifully, creating a rich, savory experience that’s easy to prepare. Even picky eaters can’t get enough of this unique twist on classic comfort food. Perfect for weeknight meals or weekend gatherings, it’s a recipe that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Jalapeno Spoon Bread

Green Bean Casserole From Scratch

Made with a rich, homemade mushroom cream sauce and finished with crispy, homemade French fried onions, this side dish brings a comforting, flavorful touch to any holiday table. The creamy mushrooms blend perfectly with the golden, crunchy topping, creating a mix of textures that everyone will love. It’s a versatile dish that can be prepared ahead of time, making holiday cooking a little less stressful. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, it’s a classic that pairs beautifully with roasted meats and festive sides. This dish turns a simple meal into something memorable and special.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole From Scratch

Italian Sausage Stuffing

Italian Sausage Stuffing is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines savory Italian sausage with aromatic poultry seasoning and melted mozzarella cheese. Its rich, comforting taste makes it a perfect addition to any holiday table, whether used to stuff a turkey, fill bell peppers, or served as a stand-alone side dish. Each bite delivers a wonderful balance of spices and cheesy goodness that warms the soul. Guests will love the depth of flavor and the satisfying texture, making it a memorable dish for festive gatherings. It’s a versatile recipe that turns simple ingredients into something truly special.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Stuffing

Traeger Thanksgiving Dressing

This Thanksgiving, elevate your meal with a smoky take on classic dressing. Slow-cooked on a Traeger, it picks up rich, deep flavors that make every bite memorable. Soft, savory, and perfectly seasoned, it pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or any holiday main dish. It’s the kind of side that draws everyone back for seconds and adds a comforting, homemade touch to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Thanksgiving Dressing

Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

These maple bacon-wrapped green bean bundles are a delightful addition to any holiday table. The combination of crisp-tender green beans with the sweet, smoky flavor of bacon and a hint of maple creates a perfect balance of taste and texture. They’re simple enough to prepare but impressive enough to serve to guests, making them a crowd-pleasing side dish. Perfect for holiday dinners, they add both flavor and a touch of festive charm to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

Savory Carrot Souffle

This fluffy, savory carrot soufflé is a crowd-pleasing side dish that brings a touch of elegance to any meal. Its light, airy texture pairs perfectly with both casual brunches and formal dinners, making it a versatile addition to your table. The subtle sweetness of the carrots balances beautifully with the rich, savory flavors, creating a dish that guests will return to again and again. Whether it’s Easter, Thanksgiving, or a simple family gathering, this soufflé is sure to impress. It’s a comforting yet refined dish that feels special without being fussy.
Get the Recipe: Savory Carrot Souffle

Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries

Bring a fresh twist to your holiday table with these baked sweet potato slices, perfectly paired with the natural sweetness of apples and the tart pop of cranberries. Each bite is a delightful balance of flavors that feels both comforting and vibrant. Easy to prepare, this dish adds a colorful, wholesome touch to any meal without taking hours in the kitchen. It’s a simple way to make your festive spread feel special and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries

Mexican Deviled Eggs

Mexican Deviled Eggs put a zesty spin on the traditional deviled egg, combining creamy filling with bold, vibrant flavors. They’re simple to prepare and make a great addition to any gathering, from casual Game Day snacks to holiday spreads. Packed with protein, they’re satisfying enough to serve as a snack or appetizer that everyone will reach for. With a colorful and flavorful presentation, they’re sure to catch the eye and the taste buds of your guests. Perfect for bringing a little extra excitement to a classic favorite!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Deviled Eggs

Old Fashioned Sausage & Oyster Dressing

Oyster dressing is a cherished Southern classic that brings a comforting, homemade touch to any holiday table. This hearty side combines fresh oysters and their natural briny liquor with savory sausage, tender sautéed vegetables, and a hint of Cajun seasoning, creating layers of flavor that everyone will love. Perfect alongside roasted meats like pork, beef, or poultry, it adds a satisfying depth to family dinners and festive celebrations, from Thanksgiving to Christmas and Easter. With its rich, savory taste and irresistible aroma, it’s a dish that often becomes the centerpiece of the meal. Every bite captures the essence of Southern cooking, making it a favorite for generations.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Sausage & Oyster Dressing

Scalloped Corn

This Scalloped Corn recipe is a cherished Southern favorite that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Perfect for family dinners, holiday celebrations, or casual potlucks, it’s a dish that carries a sense of nostalgia with every bite. Tender, sweet corn kernels are blended with eggs and melted cheese, creating a rich, creamy texture that everyone will enjoy. Its gentle sweetness and cheesy goodness make it a standout side that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish never fails to bring smiles to the table.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Corn

Butternut Squash Apple Bake

The Butternut Squash Apple Bake is a comforting side dish that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. Sweet butternut squash and tender apples mingle with chewy raisins and crunchy pecans, creating a delightful mix of textures in every bite. Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg fill the kitchen with a cozy aroma, making it feel like the season itself has been plated. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham, adding a touch of sweetness and richness to your holiday table. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, a family dinner, or a festive gathering, it’s sure to bring smiles and satisfy every craving for seasonal flavors.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Sweet Potato Cornbread

This sweet potato cornbread is incredibly moist and tender, bursting with rich, comforting flavors. The roasted sweet potatoes add a subtle natural sweetness that perfectly balances the savory notes, making each bite satisfying and flavorful. It’s an ideal treat during the fall, Thanksgiving gatherings, or any chilly day when you crave something warm from the oven. This cornbread pairs beautifully with chili, hearty soups, stews, or chicken pot pie, adding a touch of cozy comfort to your meal. You can also enjoy a slice for breakfast, spread with butter and a little honey, while knowing it adds a nutritious boost to a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread

Apple Cranberry Salad

This Apple Cranberry Salad is a colorful mix of crisp, juicy apples and tart cranberries, tossed in a lightly sweet dressing that brings all the flavors together. Each bite offers a refreshing crunch and a hint of natural sweetness, making it a delightful complement to any meal. It’s a wonderful choice for holiday gatherings or casual dinners, adding both flavor and a pop of color to your table. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a salad that’s both satisfying and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Salad

Cranberry Orange Relish

Brighten up your holiday table or any weeknight meal with Cranberry Orange Relish. The sweet, citrusy notes of fresh oranges blend perfectly with the tartness of cranberries, creating a lively and flavorful side. It’s a wonderfully versatile dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, sandwiches, or even simple grain bowls. With its vibrant color and refreshing taste, it adds a cheerful touch to any plate. This relish is a delightful way to bring a little extra flavor and festivity to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Relish

Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

This broccoli cheese casserole is a holiday classic that never fails to impress. Made with simple, everyday ingredients, it’s creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors that everyone will enjoy. The golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping adds a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the soft, cheesy broccoli beneath. Quick and easy to assemble, it’s a reliable side dish that even picky eaters tend to love. Whether for a festive gathering or a weeknight dinner, this casserole always finds its way to the table and disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli and Cheese Casserole

Thanksgiving Wild Rice with Cranberries and Sweet Potatoes

Bring a cheerful splash of color and flavor to your Thanksgiving table with this delightful Thanksgiving Rice. Fluffy, perfectly cooked rice is mixed with the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes and juicy cranberries, creating a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. Each bite offers a lovely balance of textures and flavors, making it a standout side alongside your roasted turkey and other holiday favorites. Easy to prepare yet full of festive charm, this dish is sure to become a seasonal favorite for family gatherings. Its combination of sweet and savory notes adds a warm, welcoming touch to any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Wild Rice with Cranberries and Sweet Potatoes

Carrot Casserole

This Carrot Casserole is a cozy, comforting dish that brings together tender, naturally sweet carrots with just the right touch of sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Its rich, creamy texture makes every bite smooth and satisfying, while the warm spices create a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. It’s versatile enough to serve as a standout side for Thanksgiving or a simple, comforting dessert any time of year. The aroma alone fills the kitchen with a sense of home and warmth, inviting everyone to gather around the table. This dish truly captures the essence of comfort food in every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Casserole

Potato Casserole With Bacon

These creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food, rich and buttery with a smooth texture that melts in your mouth. They’re topped with savory, smoky bacon and a layer of golden, crunchy bread crumbs for the perfect contrast of flavors and textures. Easy to make ahead, this dish takes the stress out of holiday cooking while still impressing everyone at the table. Whether served alongside roasted meats or as part of a festive spread, it’s a side dish that’s sure to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole With Bacon