Best Thanksgiving Sides (from scratch!) (2024)

I’ve got all your Thanksgiving side dishes covered ~ my best recipes, all from scratch, no cans! From green bean and sweet potato casseroles to buttery rutabagas, creamy Brussels sprouts, and wild rice.

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Sides can sometimes be an afterthought on Thanksgiving, but honestly, they are my favorite part of the meal! And even though most of us rely on the tried and true family faves that make repeat appearances every year, it’s always good to shake things up now and then. These comforting, flavorful side dishes will definitely be the stars of your holiday table ~ just add turkey!

My Favorite Green Bean Casserole

Classic, but upgraded and made entirely from scratch, this delicious green bean casserole could easily be a meal in itself for me. Don’t even get me started about those crispy fried shallots…

Butter Pecan Pumpkin Souffle

This delicious fluffy pumpkin side dish treads the line between sweet and savory so beautifully. It fills the niche of that sweet-potatoes-covered-in-marshmallows thing, but soooo much better. And yes, there’s brown sugar in that streusel topping ~ you have a problem with that? (Don’t miss my Butter Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole, it’s fab too!)

Creamed Brussels Sprouts

I’m a devout Brussels sprout lover, so I might be biased, but I don’t think anyone could hate this dish. A classic, creamy gratin is an easy way to elevate just about any vegetable, not that Brussels sprouts need it, of course 🙂 This Thanksgiving side dish is so good it spawned a cheesy Brussels sprout dip, too.

French Potato and Onion Gratin

Speaking of gratins, there’s nothing more comforting and cozy than potatoes baked in cream and cheese, right? Serve this potato gratin as an alternative to mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving, and keep the recipe to pair with your Christmas ham. Then follow up on repeat through January and February.

Green Beans Almondine

Casseroles are great but sometimes you need something a little fresher on the table, and this Thanksgiving side dish is a classic.

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Whipped Kabocha Squash with Vanilla Bean and Nutmeg

This gorgeous, silky, bright golden whipped kabocha squash is infused with real vanilla bean and nutmeg. The flavors are really unique, making this a memorable contribution to the Thanksgiving line-up.

Wild Rice Salad

I always choose at least one wild rice dish for Thanksgiving, I love the chewy texture and nutty flavor of this wild grass, and it’s native to North America! Everybody loves this salad, it’s packed with fruit, nuts, and little cubes of roasted squash!

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Buttered Rutabaga

A simple, homey, underrepresented veg that’s always been on our Thanksgiving table. This side dish is easy and oh so buttery.

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Broccoli Cheese Casserole

When you’ve got a holiday crowd and need a dish you know they’ll love, go for broccoli cheese, it’s a universal winner. This from scratch recipe is divine.

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Wild Mushroom Stuffing

There are some who come to Thanksgiving for one thing and one thing only ~ the stuffing!

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Ina Garten’s Cauliflower Gratin ~ Updated!

If you want a sure fire winner you can always turn to Ina. But guess what? I’ve gone and made her recipe even better, and easier! Perfect for a busy holiday.

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Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Sage

Simply slice and arrange these sweet potatoes in your baking dish and pop them in the oven. What could be easier?

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Fall Apple Slaw

Every Thanksgiving menu needs a salad, and this one ticks all the boxes!

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Sweet Corn Spoonbread Casserole

Sweet Corn Spoonbread Casserole with (or without!) roasted chiles is one of the best side dishes you’ll ever taste, it goes with everything from pulled pork and meatloaf all the way up to the Thanksgiving turkey!

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Southern Corn Sticks

This Southern favorite is just perfect for your Thanksgiving table, the cast iron pan creates the crispiest edges!

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Hasselback Potatoes with Lemon Garlic Butter

Take a tip from Sweden and switch out your regular potatoes for these thinly sliced butter basted nuggets from heaven!

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Spiced Orange Cranberry Relish

Spiced cranberry relish is a no cook cranberry sauce and a must-have Thanksgiving and Christmas condiment (that also bumps up a turkey or roast beef sandwich like nothing else!)

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Maple Candied Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Maple Candied Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is an easy side dish that will make a sprout lover out of anyone ~ guarateed!

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Sour Cream and Onion Biscuits

Flakey doesn’t even begin to describe these mouthwatering biscuits ~ they’re made with an innovative technique that we love!

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Honeynut Squash Streusel

Adorable Honeynut Squash Streusel is an absolutely irresistible fall side dish!

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Braised Red Cabbage

Straight from my great-grandmother’s recipe box, this family favorite is tangy and delicious. We wouldn’t dream of doing Thanksgiving without it!

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Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary

These crispy roasted potatoes with fragrant rosemary are always the first to go!

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Cranberry Pumpkin Cornbread

Give ’em something to talk about this year with this fun cornbread infused with our favorite fall flavors.

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Old Fashioned Spiced Peaches

I like to make these with canned peaches for Thanksgiving.

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Best Thanksgiving Sides (from scratch!) (2024)
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