These 21 Sides and Appetizers Are Basically Thanksgiving’s Greatest Hits in One List

Thanksgiving isn’t complete without the classic sides and appetizers that bring everyone back for seconds. This list has all the crowd-pleasers, from the tried-and-true favorites to fresh ideas that fit right into the holiday spread. Each dish brings a bit of nostalgia or a hint of something special, adding to the warmth and flavor we all crave this time of year. Let these 21 hits take your Thanksgiving meal from good to unforgettable.

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.

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.

This butternut squash wild rice pilaf brings a cozy, autumnal flavor that feels right at home on a Thanksgiving table. The nutty wild rice and tender squash create a hearty dish that balances any meal. Ready in 45 minutes, it’s a side that’s filling without overshadowing the main course. Guests will likely leave the table talking about this dish.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping

A close-up of a baked side dish being served with a spoon. The dish features a cheesy, crispy top layer, with visible ingredients like shredded cheese and what appears to be chunks of cabbage in a creamy sauce. Perfect for appetizers, the background is artfully out of focus. — Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping (No Canned Soup). Photo credit: Thermocookery.

This Cheesy Cabbage Casserole brings a comforting, homestyle touch to the Thanksgiving table, offering a creamy, savory side without relying on canned soup. The crispy cracker topping adds a satisfying crunch that complements the tender cabbage underneath. Easy to prepare and bake, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that fits right in with traditional holiday fare. Guests will appreciate the homemade flavors and textures, making this dish a potential new family favorite. Watch as everyone reaches for seconds of this cozy, cheesy delight.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping

Best Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

A rustic table setting features bowls of eggplant and tomato dip. — Best Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk). Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

This Moroccan-inspired roasted eggplant and tomato dip offers a unique appetizer option for Thanksgiving, perfect for setting the mood. Prepared in advance, it’s an easy, flavorful addition to the spread. The bold, earthy flavors make it a refreshing counterpoint to heavier sides. This dip may just spark as much conversation as the main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip Recipe (Zaalouk)

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 bold, bright flavors to Thanksgiving that balance out the richness of other dishes. The lemon and turmeric add a refreshing twist, making this side both eye-catching and easy to prepare. Ready in 40 minutes, it’s a side that won’t be ignored. By the end of the meal, this dish may become a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers

Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Baked butternut squash chips are a light, seasonal addition to the Thanksgiving spread, perfect for snacking before or during the meal. They’re quick to prepare and bring a casual, crunchy option to the table, adding variety to the lineup. These chips are easy to make, keeping things stress-free. Watch as guests munch happily, focusing on these over any holiday chaos.
Get the Recipe: Baked Butternut Squash Chips

Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole Recipe

A baking dish filled with a golden-brown baked casserole graces the marble countertop, making an irresistible addition to any array of sides and appetizers. Topped with breadcrumbs and fresh thyme, this broccoli and cheese delight boasts a delectably crispy surface. — Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

The Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole offers a plant-based twist on a classic Thanksgiving side, ensuring all guests can enjoy a rich, comforting dish. Packed with nutritious broccoli and a creamy, dairy-free sauce, this casserole brings both flavor and inclusivity to the holiday spread. Its golden, crispy top gives way to a luscious interior that's sure to satisfy vegans and non-vegans alike. Easy to prepare ahead of time, this casserole helps make the big day less stressful while adding a modern touch to traditional offerings. Expect guests to be pleasantly surprised by this delicious vegan option.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Fried Halloumi Salad

Fried halloumi salad is a refreshing, crunchy addition to the Thanksgiving menu, offering a lighter option to balance richer sides. With salty halloumi and fresh greens, this side adds a pop of texture and is ready in just 20 minutes. It pairs well with heavier dishes, bringing a balanced flavor to the table. Guests may find this one of the most memorable bites of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad

Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

Close-up of stuffed mushrooms on a baking tray. The mushrooms are filled with a mixture of chopped ingredients, including nuts and herbs, with some visible oil on the tray. The surface appears slightly baked and textured. — Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

These tofu-stuffed mushrooms are a savory, satisfying side that brings variety to Thanksgiving without any fuss. The meaty texture and savory flavor make them a hearty addition that even non-vegans will love. These mushrooms are perfect for adding interest to the spread. By the time they’re gone, guests may just be surprised they’re plant-based.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms

Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions

A pile of pumpkin pockets. — Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Puff pastry pumpkin pockets add a festive touch to Thanksgiving, capturing seasonal flavors in a simple, flaky pastry. With pumpkin and caramelized onions, these pockets are a quick and cozy side to impress guests. They’re easy to bake and make an eye-catching addition to any holiday table. By the end of the meal, these pockets may be what everyone remembers most.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions

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 takes Thanksgiving to a new level, adding a bright, fruity twist to a classic side. The sweet and tart mix of cranberries and apples keeps this stuffing lively, creating a dish everyone will want seconds of. It’s easy to prepare in 45 minutes and sure to stand out. Expect guests to talk about this flavorful stuffing long after dinner.
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.

Air fryer sweet potatoes add a quick, fluffy side to Thanksgiving that feels both comforting and festive. The caramelized richness pairs perfectly with other holiday dishes, and they’re ready in no time. This simple dish brings out the best in sweet potatoes without the fuss. Guests might even ask for this recipe by the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

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

Easy scalloped potatoes bring creamy, cheesy comfort to the Thanksgiving table, offering a classic side that’s hard to resist. This rich dish is simple to prepare, adding a familiar, satisfying flavor to the spread. Its straightforward preparation makes it a staple that complements any main dish. Watch as guests keep coming back for just one more serving.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Homemade Mushroom Savory Pastries

A wooden board with savoury, baked triangular pastries next to fresh parsley, shallots, and a bowl of mushrooms on a rustic table. — Homemade Mushroom Savory Pastries. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Homemade mushroom savory pastries make a rich, savory side perfect for keeping Thanksgiving guests happy and full. Served warm, these pastries are easy to grab and filled with flavor that pairs well with other holiday dishes. They’re a great option for a casual yet satisfying side on the holiday table. With these on the menu, guests will stay engaged with their plates.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Mushroom Savory Pastries

Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole

A dish of granola with cranberries and sprigs of rosemary. — Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Almond, cranberry, and sweet potato stuffing casserole is a unique take on traditional stuffing, perfect for a festive Thanksgiving table. The mix of cranberries, sweet potatoes, and almonds brings warmth and texture that will make it stand out. This casserole is simple to prepare, making it a practical addition for a busy holiday. Expect guests to remember this dish for its special twist.
Get the Recipe: Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole

Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

A bowl of kale salad on a wooden table. — Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Kale apple salad with creamy poppy seed dressing brings a fresh, autumn-inspired option to Thanksgiving that complements heavier sides. With massaged kale, sweet apple slices, and a poppy seed dressing, this salad keeps things light and seasonal. It’s a quick dish to prepare, adding a burst of color to the table. This salad may just be the refreshing bite guests need.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Gluten-Free Carrot Kugel

A fork cuts into a slice of carrot pudding topped with a dollop of whipped cream on a white and black floral-patterned plate. A blue and white cup is partially visible in the background. — Gluten-Free Carrot Kugel. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Gluten-free carrot kugel brings a sweet, spiced side to the Thanksgiving spread that appeals to guests of all ages. Made with cinnamon, egg, and nutmeg, this dish adds a touch of nostalgia without being heavy. It’s easy to make, fitting well among traditional sides. Once served, this kugel may quickly become a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Carrot Kugel

Spinach Colcannon Recipe

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

Spinach colcannon combines mashed potatoes with green onions and spinach, creating a unique Thanksgiving side that’s rich and comforting. The dish is easy to make, adding a bit of green to the spread without overshadowing other flavors. This variation on a classic brings something memorable to the table. Guests might find themselves requesting this recipe year after year.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Colcannon Recipe

Mashed Potatoes with Greek Garlic Beet Greens

A bowl of mashed potatoes with garlic and thyme. — Mashed Potatoes with Greek Garlic Beet Greens. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Mashed potatoes with Greek garlic beet greens put a fresh spin on classic mashed potatoes, adding layers of flavor and color to the Thanksgiving table. The garlicky beet greens atop creamy potatoes bring depth that’s both interesting and festive. This side is as simple to prepare as it is flavorful. Guests will likely be talking about this creative dish well after the meal.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Greek Garlic Beet Greens

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Overhead view of cucumber salad. — Ukrainian Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Ukrainian Cucumber Salad adds a refreshing option to the Thanksgiving table, bringing a crisp and light contrast to heavier sides. With fresh cucumbers, dill, and a simple dressing, it’s quick to prepare, making it an easy last-minute addition. Its bright flavors balance the richness of classic holiday dishes, giving guests a fresh bite between courses. This salad could easily become the surprise favorite at your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Cucumber Salad

Sauteed Cabbage with Peppers

A plate with mashed potatoes and meat on it. — Sauteed Cabbage with Peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Sauteed Cabbage with Peppers brings a comforting, savory side to Thanksgiving, ideal for guests looking for familiar flavors. Cooked with onions, tomatoes, and peppers, this dish becomes tender and flavorful, melting in each bite. Its warmth pairs perfectly with other holiday staples, adding a homestyle feel to the meal. Guests may find themselves reaching for seconds of this hearty, cozy side.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cabbage with Peppers

Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts

Roasted carrots with hazelnuts add a flavorful twist to the Thanksgiving lineup, combining nutty richness and seasonal herbs. Fresh thyme and a hint of date syrup bring out the carrots’ sweetness, making this side both simple and elegant. It stands out on the holiday table with ease. By the end, guests may find themselves asking for more of this standout side.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts