17 Thanksgiving Sides So In-Demand, You Might Have to Make a Double Batch

Thanksgiving is all about those sides that bring everyone back for seconds—and sometimes thirds. These 17 in-demand sides are so popular, you might just want to double the recipe from the start. From comforting classics to fresh new favorites, each dish brings something special to the table. Get ready for flavors that will make your Thanksgiving spread the one everyone remembers.

A delightful slice of carrot cake with a dollop of whipped cream graces a decorative black and white plate. A fork rests invitingly on the cake while a white and blue cup peeks from the background, almost like the perfect ending to a recipe for an unforgettable carrot casserole. — My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah, and Honey

A plate of hummus garnished with slices of cherry tomato, a parsley leaf, and sprinkled with black sesame seeds and spices. The dish is placed on a marble surface next to a partial view of a plate with sliced bread. — Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah, and Honey. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta brings a savory and slightly sweet flavor, adding a unique touch to the Thanksgiving spread. The creamy roasted carrots, paired with feta and dukkah, offer a vibrant color and taste. This side dish is perfect for guests seeking something different but festive. Its elegant look and warm flavors make it an ideal choice for the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah, and Honey

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping

A close-up image of a casserole dish filled with a cheesy cabbage casserole. The top is golden brown and crispy, with a serving spoon lifting a portion, revealing melted cheese and tender cabbage underneath. — Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

This Cheesy Cabbage Casserole combines tender cabbage with rich cheese and a crunchy cracker topping, making it a comforting Thanksgiving side. Its simple preparation and nostalgic flavors will draw guests back for second helpings. A dish like this brings warmth and familiarity to the table, making it a holiday favorite. It’s bound to become a go-to addition to any Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping

Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts

A slice of crumbly dessert topped with a dollop of white cream is presented on a dark plate. The dessert is garnished with chopped nuts, and a fork rests in front of it, partially obscuring the dessert. — Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Topped with toasted hazelnuts, this Sweet Potato Casserole is an easy and flavorful side dish that fits perfectly on the Thanksgiving table. Its sweet, comforting flavor will appeal to guests of all ages, making it a likely request year after year. The dish’s balance of texture and richness complements the other traditional sides. Prepare for this casserole to be in high demand among your guests.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts

Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole

A black plate with a serving of broccoli casserole, topped with breadcrumbs. A fork rests on the plate. The background is a marble surface, with some green plant decorations partially visible. — Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

This Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole offers a plant-based twist on a classic comfort food, making it perfect for a holiday crowd. It’s rich, cheesy, and dairy-free, providing the familiar flavors of traditional casseroles without dairy. Guests will enjoy its comforting taste and creamy texture, which fits right in with other Thanksgiving classics. Each bite of this dish promises a memorable experience.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole

Roast Air Fryer Asparagus

A plate of roasted asparagus topped with almond slices, capers, and parsley. Two lemon wedges are placed on either side of the asparagus. The dish is presented on an oval white plate. — Roast Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Roast Air Fryer Asparagus brings a fresh and crispy option to the Thanksgiving spread, ready in only 7 minutes. Its light texture and flavor provide a pleasant contrast to heavier sides, making it a welcome addition to the holiday table. Topped with capers and almonds, it’s a flavorful side that stands out among the usual offerings. This simple dish will surprise guests with its bold taste and ease.
Get the Recipe: Roast Air Fryer Asparagus

Spinach Colcannon

A bowl of mashed potatoes mixed with chopped green onions and leafy greens, seasoned with black pepper. — Spinach Colcannon. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Spinach Colcannon gives a vibrant twist to mashed potatoes, blending spinach with creamy potatoes for an appealing and flavorful side. This dish brings a comforting richness to the table while adding a pop of green to the plate. Ideal for Thanksgiving, it’s a memorable dish that pairs well with many traditional flavors. Guests will be reaching for seconds of this fresh yet familiar favorite.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Colcannon

Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole

A baked dish with a large serving of cheesy cauliflower in a glass baking dish is next to a white plate holding a portion of the same dish. The background is a light wooden surface. A fork is visible beside the plate. — Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

This Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole turns a humble vegetable into a rich and comforting Thanksgiving side. Filled with sharp cheddar and seasoned with paprika, it’s simple to prepare and full of satisfying flavors. Perfect for a holiday gathering, this casserole provides a familiar taste that everyone loves. With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, it’s likely to become a new holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole

Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts

A plate of roasted multicolored carrots topped with chopped hazelnuts and garnished with fresh thyme. The carrots are glazed and appear slightly caramelized, arranged neatly on a white dish. — Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts is a side dish that could easily become the star of your Thanksgiving spread, making it so popular you might need a double batch. The combination of roasted carrots, crunchy hazelnuts, fresh thyme, and a hint of date syrup adds a rich and surprising depth of flavor that complements any holiday meal. This dish offers a refreshing twist that balances traditional flavors with a Middle Eastern touch, making it a memorable addition to the table. Its unique blend of textures and flavors is likely to have guests requesting more.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic

Roasted brussels sprouts with pomegranate and goat cheese. — Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

These Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts combine tangy balsamic, sweet pomegranate, and salty feta, creating a bold and colorful Thanksgiving side. This dish offers a balance of flavors that stands out on the holiday table. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for those seeking a fresh addition to the usual sides. Guests will appreciate the unique flavors and visual appeal of this dish.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic

Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers

A roasted vegetable sheet pan on a rustic table includes potatoes, broccoli, and peppers. A spoon rests on the pan. Nearby are small bowls of turmeric, salt, and a glass jar with spices. A burlap cloth is partially visible underneath. — Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers bring bright, citrusy flavors to the Thanksgiving spread, paired with turmeric and herbs for an extra kick. This side dish is easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, making it convenient for busy holiday prep. The combination of flavors and colors will bring added warmth and freshness to the meal. Guests are bound to remember this vibrant dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Small baking dish with scalloped potatoes. — Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These Easy Scalloped Potatoes offer layers of creamy, cheesy goodness, making them a classic addition to the Thanksgiving table. Simple yet comforting, this side dish pairs well with holiday flavors, adding richness to every bite. It’s a crowd-pleaser that guests will be talking about long after the meal. Prepare for these scalloped potatoes to become a staple in future celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Plate of butternut squash in front of an air fryer with a blue napkin in the background. — Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Butternut Squash brings a caramelized, roasted flavor to the holiday table in just 20 minutes. Its rich orange color and comforting taste fit right in with Thanksgiving classics, adding a satisfying warmth to the meal. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this dish is likely to be a hit with guests. It’s a side dish that will bring requests for more every year.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish. — Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes offer a rich and indulgent side with layers of cheese, sour cream, and fluffy mashed potatoes. These twice-baked potatoes bring a comforting flavor that can easily stand out among the other Thanksgiving dishes. Guests who crave classic comfort foods will appreciate this flavorful addition. Prepare to see this dish become a requested favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Cranberry Apple Stuffing

A round glass baking dish filled with golden-brown stuffing on a wooden cutting board. A silver serving spoon is placed inside. A piece of red fabric is draped to the left of the dish. — Cranberry Apple Stuffing. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Cranberry Apple Stuffing brings a blend of sweet and tart flavors to the Thanksgiving table, enhancing the classic stuffing experience. This side dish adds a pop of color and a unique flavor combination that’s perfect for the holiday season. Its vibrant taste complements the richness of other Thanksgiving dishes, making it an exciting choice. With its memorable flavors, this stuffing is bound to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing

Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

A sweet potato on a plate with a fork. — Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer bring a caramelized, fluffy texture that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, ready in just 20 minutes. Their comforting flavor and ease of preparation make them a popular choice for any holiday spread. This side dish pairs well with other classics, adding a satisfying taste that guests love. Simple, fast, and flavorful, it’s a dish that will likely be a repeat request each year.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Side view of wild rice pilaf with pomegranate and butternut squash. — Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf combines sweet squash and nutty wild rice in a hearty side perfect for Thanksgiving. This elegant dish brings warmth and balance to the table, fitting seamlessly among other classic sides. Its vibrant colors and rich flavors make it a memorable addition to the holiday spread. Guests will likely ask for this unique side long after the meal.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole

My Grandmother’s Carrot Casserole brings tender carrots with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon, making it a comforting and nostalgic side for Thanksgiving. This dish offers a balance of sweetness and warmth that complements other holiday flavors beautifully. Perfect as a side or even a dessert, it brings a taste of tradition to the holiday table. Each bite feels like a tribute to cherished family recipes.
Get the Recipe: My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole