27 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes Everyone Will Actually Eat

Introduction

Thanksgiving is all about gathering around a festive table laden with delicious food that everyone can enjoy. But let’s be honest—the side dishes are what truly steal the show! The perfect line-up of simple, mouth-watering sides will have your guests going back for seconds (and thirds). These 27 easy Thanksgiving side dishes aren’t just classics—they’re crowd-pleasers designed to fit all tastes and make your holiday hosting stress-free.

Why These Side Dishes Will Win Over Every Guest

The beauty of these sides is their universal appeal. Each recipe combines approachable ingredients with bold flavors, so even the pickiest eaters will find something to love. From garlicky green beans to creamy mac and cheese, these dishes keep tradition alive while offering enough variety to please all palates. Best of all, most require minimal prep, making them perfect for busy Thanksgiving hosts.

The Ultimate List: 27 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Here’s your go-to menu for the celebration:

1. Classic Herb Stuffing
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
3. Honey-Glazed Carrots
4. Green Bean Almondine
5. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
7. Sweet Potato Casserole (with Marshmallows or Pecan Streusel)
8. Cranberry Sauce (Homemade, not from a can!)
9. Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
10. Macaroni and Cheese
11. Cornbread Muffins
12. Sauteed Garlic Green Beans
13. Easy Creamed Spinach
14. Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
15. Baked Acorn Squash Rings
16. Roasted Root Vegetables
17. Classic Gravy
18. Glazed Pearl Onions
19. Quick Dinner Rolls
20. Apple-Walnut Slaw
21. Garlic Parmesan Pull-Apart Bread
22. Oven-Roasted Asparagus
23. Easy Scalloped Potatoes
24. Herbed Wild Rice Pilaf
25. Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
26. Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing
27. Pecan-Topped Baked Apples

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save these side dish recipes to instantly generate a categorized shopping list. Get all your Thanksgiving ingredients sorted by grocery aisle—saving time and simplifying your holiday meal prep.

Instructions

1. Choose your favorite dishes from the list above, depending on your guests and available kitchen time.
2. For each recipe, gather your ingredients in advance. Most of these sides can be prepped or assembled the day before for easy reheating on Thanksgiving Day.
3. Follow prep instructions specific for each side (e.g., sauté, bake, or roast). For example, for Roasted Brussels Sprouts, simply toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F until caramelized and crisp.
4. For make-ahead options (like stuffing or casseroles), assemble the day prior, then bake just before serving.
5. Warm sauces and gravies on the stovetop right before the meal.

Weekly Meal Planning

Thanksgiving can be hectic, but planning your menu in advance can turn stress into celebration! Save and schedule your Thanksgiving side dishes to see exactly which ones to prep on which days—and get a consolidated shopping list that ensures you don’t forget a thing.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient needs for multiple sides and mains
• Organizes your grocery run by store section for lightning-fast shopping
• Reduces duplicate purchases and helps prevent forgotten items
• Makes juggling multiple holiday recipes much more manageable

Pro tip: Add all your planned side dishes to CookifyAI for that week, and your shopping list will update to show exact quantities needed—perfect for big family meals or Friendsgiving potlucks, and minimizes waste!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time (average per dish): 10 to 15 minutes
Cook Time (average per dish): 20 to 45 minutes
Total Time (for full spread): Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours, making use of oven space and stovetop for optimal timing.

Recap: The 27 Thanksgiving Sides Everyone Will Actually Eat

With wholesome, flavor-packed recipes and easy prep, these sides ensure a joyful, delicious Thanksgiving dinner. Simplify your meal planning and maximize flavor—because the best Thanksgiving memories are made around a table everyone can enjoy.

Ready to plan your best holiday menu yet? Start organizing your Thanksgiving sides today with CookifyAI and make your celebration effortless.