The Thanksgiving Feast is simply incomplete without a good variety of side dishes. This collection features traditional Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving side dishes, such as stuffing, green beans, sweet potatoes, and creamy mashed potatoes. There are also quite a few more exciting Fall side dishes that still highlight classic holiday ingredients but with unique twists. The turkey day would be dull without these holiday staples!
I have been posting recipes online since 2012, and this holiday menu includes tried and true Thanksgiving side dishes (our top 60 holiday recipes) - many of which have been reader favorites for years. These crowd-pleasing Autumn-inspired recipes will make an impressive addition to your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving menu. I always recommend you give any new recipes "a test run" before the turkey day and see how you like them! These side dishes feature classic Fall ingredients: butternut squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, pecans, cranberries, Brussels sprouts, apples, and so much more! You'll find several casserole dishes, including butternut squash casserole and scalloped potatoes.
Table of Contents
Jump to:
- My other Thanksgiving Recipe Collections
- Butternut Squash Side Dishes
- Brussels Sprouts Side Dishes
- Green Beans Side Dishes
- Acorn Squash Side Dishes
- Thanksgiving Stuffing
- Asparagus Side Dishes
- Potato Side Dishes
- Sweet Potato Side Dishes
- Spaghetti Squash Side Dishes
- Broccoli Side Dishes
- Other Side Dishes
- What is your favorite Thanksgiving side dish?
My other Thanksgiving Recipe Collections
- If you're looking for Thanksgiving salads, check out my collection of 30 Best Thanksgiving Salads.
- If you're looking for a complete Thanksgiving menu that features everything: Fall-inspired holiday appetizers, side dishes, salads, main courses, pasta recipes, desserts, and even breakfast, check out my 50 Best Thanksgiving Recipes (The Complete Holiday Menu).
- For a MEATLESS, VEGETARIAN holiday menu that features many vegetarian holiday main dishes and side dishes, don't miss my 40 Best Meatless Thanksgiving Recipes.
Butternut Squash Side Dishes
Butternut squash is the ultimate Fall vegetable and will definitely add a nice Autumnal twist to your Thanksgiving side dish menu selection. This winter squash has a beautiful orange color and a sweet and nutty flavor. It will no doubt be the star of the show! Take advantage of the seasonal produce, and include this beautiful vegetable in your Thanksgiving menu.
- Butternut Squash Pasta Salad with Brussels Sprouts, Pecans, and Cranberries
- Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese
- Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Pecans, and Cranberries
- Green Beans for Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Fall Salad with Maple-Lime Dressing
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cinnamon Butternut Squash with Pecans and Cranberries
- Thanksgiving Roasted Veggies (Green Beans and Butternut Squash) with Bacon and Pumpkin Seeds
- Stuffed Butternut Squash with Feta Cheese, Spinach, and Bacon
- Southwestern Ground Beef Stuffed Butternut Squash
- Green Bean Pasta Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash, Pecans, and Cranberries
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Feta and Spinach
- Winter Vegetable Salad with Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Beets
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Butternut Squash, Pumpkin Seeds, and Cranberries
- Autumn Dinner with Sausage, Pasta, Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash
- Butternut Squash and Black Bean Orzo with Sausage and Spinach
- Creamy Butternut Squash and Sausage Soup with Orzo and Spinach (30-Minute, One-Pot)
- Black Bean and Butternut Squash Casserole
- Roasted Butternut Squash stuffed with Corn, Zucchini, and Cheese
Brussels Sprouts Side Dishes
Brussels sprouts are cruciferous leaf vegetables that look like tiny cabbages. They are high in fiber and very nutritious. Brussels sprouts are a good source of vitamin K and vitamin C. Why not add this healthy vegetable to your Thanksgiving Menu?
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries
- Butternut Squash Pasta Salad with Brussels Sprouts, Pecans, and Cranberries
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cinnamon Butternut Squash with Pecans and Cranberries
- Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
- Winter Vegetable Salad with Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, and Beets
- Asiago Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Butternut Squash, Pumpkin Seeds, and Cranberries
- Autumn Dinner with Sausage, Pasta, Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mandarin Oranges, Walnuts, Cranberries, and Balsamic Glaze
- Autumn Chicken Dinner with Roasted Vegetables
Green Beans Side Dishes
Thanksgiving Feast is not complete without green beans! Every family has their favorite way to make a traditional green bean casserole. These green bean recipes offer a great alternative to the traditional green bean recipes, and I hope you try some!
- Green Beans with Pine Nuts
- Green Beans for Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Garlic Green Beans with Olive Oil and Parmesan
- Thanksgiving Roasted Veggies (Green Beans and Butternut Squash) with Bacon and Pumpkin Seeds
- Green Bean Pasta Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash, Pecans, and Cranberries
- Garlic and Bacon Green Beans
Acorn Squash Side Dishes
Any Thanksgiving side dish made with acorn squash is an immediate show-stopper on the holiday table. The unique shape of this winter squash + its orange color always adds vibrancy and a festive look to any holiday menu! Fun fact: Did you know that, botanically speaking, acorn squash is considered a fruit (not a vegetable)?!
Thanksgiving Stuffing
Thanksgiving stuffing comes in many forms. I prefer to cook stuffing in a separate baking dish, not inside the turkey. It's a safer cooking practice and also prevents stuffing from getting mushy. And what about stuffing the Thanksgiving dressing into roasted butternut squash or spaghetti squash instead of turkey? Try these stuffing recipes below for your next holiday menu, and you might never go back to the traditional stuffing (or dressing):
- Italian Sausage Stuffing with Apples, Cranberries, Pecans, and fresh herbs
- Sausage Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Pecans, and Cranberries
- Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Southwestern Ground Beef Stuffed Butternut Squash
- Italian Sausage Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Mushrooms
Asparagus Side Dishes
Adding refreshing recipes, such as asparagus, is always a great idea with all the comfort food on the Thanksgiving Table. Who knows - these kind of recipes might steal the show!
Potato Side Dishes
Thanksgiving potatoes don't have to be boring or complicated. And there are so many other fun ways to serve the potatoes other than just mashing them! Share these comforting and cozy side dishes at your next Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving party.
Sweet Potato Side Dishes
Take your sweet potato game to the next level by trying these new, exciting ways to serve them. These side dishes will make a great addition to a traditional sweet potato casserole.
Spaghetti Squash Side Dishes
Spaghetti squash is often a neglected vegetable at Thanksgiving dinners. But it's a delicious way to serve Thanksgiving stuffing and makes a beautiful presentation. Serving Tip: Slice each stuffed and roasted spaghetti squash half into 2, 4, or more slices and serve it on a large platter. Your guests can grab some of these smaller portions with a serving utensil.
- Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Baked Spaghetti Squash with Zucchini, Corn, and Bacon
- Parmesan Zucchini and Spaghetti Squash with Pine Nuts
- Bacon, Spaghetti Squash Fritters Recipe
- Parmesan Spaghetti Squash, Spinach, and Bacon with Pine Nuts
- Italian Sausage Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Spinach, Tomatoes, and Mushrooms
- Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Smoked Sausage, Roasted Bell Peppers, and Zucchini
- Spaghetti Squash, Quinoa and Parmesan Fritters
- Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Broccoli, Sausage, and Cheddar Cheese
- Spaghetti Squash with Chicken, Tomatoes, Spinach, and Feta Cheese
Broccoli Side Dishes
Combining broccoli with other Autumn ingredients, such as apples, dried cranberries, or pecans, turns this healthy vegetable into a delicious Thanksgiving side that might become a show-stopper at your next holiday gathering!
- Broccoli Cashew Salad with Apples, Pears, and Cranberries
- Broccoli Bacon Salad with Pecans, Raisins, and Cranberries
- Asiago Roasted Broccoli
- Creamy Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, Bacon Salad
- Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
- Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Broccoli, Sausage, and Cheddar Cheese
- Broccoli Pasta Salad
- Broccoli Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Sweet Peas, Cheddar Cheese
Other Side Dishes
This section features some "bonus side dishes" that have been reader favorites for years. Give them a try at your holiday gathering.
What is your favorite Thanksgiving side dish?
Is it a traditional Thanksgiving staple, such as stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, and mashed potatoes? Maybe it's something from this menu? Or a unique side dish? Either way, let me know in the comments what you're cooking this Thanksgiving! Below are my current 2 favorite side dishes that I will definitely make during this holiday season:
Roasted Brussels sprouts and Cinnamon Butternut Squash with Pecans and Dried Cranberries
Stuffed Butternut Squash with Spinach, Bacon, and Cheese
These Thanksgiving sides sound delicious! Thanks for sharing your recipes. Everything you post is awesome. You make my holiday menu planning easy!
Annie, you are so sweet! ❤️ I am happy to have you here.
Favorite side dish: Corn Pudding. Received this recipe from the Amish in PA.
Nancy, I need to add that to my list of Thanksgiving sides. I don't even have a corn side dish on this list. 🙂
Saved this menu for the holidays. You are the butternut squash queen!
Bonnie, you are so funny! 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂
A favorite in my family is the Pineapple Casserole...topping is crumbled buttered Ritz Crackers.
Charleen, that sounds really interesting! I have quite a few holiday recipes that use pineapple on my to-do list that I yet have to make.
I was running out of ideas what to do with squas until I discovered your page on FB. So much inspiration - thank you!
Cathy, I am so glad that you find inspiration on my website! 🙂 Enjoy and let me know if you try any of these recipes! 🙂
I tried the butternut squash stuffed with cheese and the sausage acorn squash from this menu - loved it!
Beth, thank you for your feedback - it's always appreciated! 🙂