85+ Thanksgiving Side Dishes (Perfect for the Holidays!)

Thanksgiving side dishes are the heart of the meal, and having a collection of tried-and-true recipes makes all the difference when you’re hosting. These recipes focus on simplicity without sacrificing flavor, so you can spend more time with family and less time stressed in the kitchen. Most can be prepped ahead or made in slow cookers and air fryers to free up valuable oven space on the big day.

Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes

TABLE OF CONTENTS show

Potato Dishes

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

These Air Fryer Baked Potatoes cook in half the time of oven-baked potatoes with perfectly crispy skin. They’re great when you want a simple, classic side that everyone can customize with their favorite toppings.

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes give you crispy edges and fluffy centers in half the time of oven roasting. They’re perfect when you want something a little different from regular mashed potatoes, and kids love the crispy texture.

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes are loaded with cheese, bacon, and all the fixings. They feel fancy but are surprisingly easy to make, and you can prep them ahead and just warm them up on Thanksgiving day.

Crock Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These Crock Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a lifesaver when you need oven space for the turkey. The slow cooker keeps them warm and creamy for hours, and the garlic adds just the right amount of flavor.

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

This Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes recipe is comfort food at its finest. The slow cooker does all the work, and you end up with creamy, cheesy potatoes that pair perfectly with turkey and gravy.

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes combine two family favorites in one delicious side dish. The ranch flavor makes them irresistible to kids, while the cheese makes them rich enough for the holiday table.

Mashed Potato Bites

These Mashed Potato Bites are perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes or as a fun twist on the classic. They’re crispy on the outside, creamy inside, and great for kids who like finger foods.

Sheet Pan Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

Roasted Potatoes and Carrots is a one-pan side dish that saves on cleanup. Both vegetables roast at the same temperature and time, making this recipe perfect when you’re juggling multiple dishes.

Microwave Mashed Potatoes

Microwave Mashed Potatoes are a game-changer when you’re short on stovetop space. They come out creamy and delicious, and you can make them in minutes when you’re in a time crunch.

Air Fryer Potato Wedges

These Air Fryer Potato Wedges get perfectly crispy outside and fluffy inside without all the oil of traditional fries. They’re seasoned just right and cook in about 20 minutes, making them a great side dish when you want something more exciting than regular baked potatoes. Kids love them, and they pair perfectly with any holiday meal.

Loaded Hashbrown Casserole

Loaded Hashbrown Casserole brings all the flavors of loaded baked potatoes in casserole form. It’s rich, satisfying, and can be assembled the night before for easy Thanksgiving morning prep.

Loaded Fries Recipe

Loaded Fries Recipe turns regular fries into a hearty side dish with cheese, bacon, and all the fixings. They’re fun for casual Thanksgiving gatherings and kids absolutely love them.

Best Potato Salad

This Best Potato Salad recipe works year-round, but it’s especially nice for Thanksgiving when you want something cool and creamy. It can be made completely ahead of time, which is a huge help on busy cooking days.

Sweet Potato Dishes

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes cook in about half the time of oven-baked sweet potatoes. You can serve them whole with butter and cinnamon, or mash them up for a simple side dish.

Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole

Making Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole in the slow cooker frees up precious oven space. The sweet potatoes come out perfectly tender, and you can add your favorite toppings right before serving.

Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

These Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes are naturally sweet and creamy without being overly sugary. They’re a lighter alternative to traditional sweet potato casserole but still feel special enough for the holiday table.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges get perfectly crispy outside and fluffy inside in just 15 minutes. They’re naturally sweet with a hint of savory seasoning, making them the perfect side dish that feels special but couldn’t be easier. Kids love them as much as regular fries, but they’re so much healthier.

Carrot Dishes

Air Fryer Carrots Recipe

Air Fryer Carrots Recipe gives you perfectly tender carrots with caramelized edges in minutes. They’re naturally sweet and cook much faster than oven-roasted carrots.

Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots

These Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots cook themselves while you focus on other dishes. The glaze makes them taste like candy, and they stay perfectly warm in the slow cooker.

Easy Butter Roasted Carrots Recipe

Easy Butter Roasted Carrots Recipe are simple, classic, and delicious. The butter enhances their natural sweetness without being too fancy or complicated.

Honey Roasted Carrots

These Honey Roasted Carrots bring natural sweetness to the table and look beautiful alongside other dishes. The honey caramelizes as they roast, creating carrots that taste like candy but are still a vegetable.

Maple Glazed Carrots

Maple Glazed Carrots are sweet, tender, and have that perfect fall flavor. They’re simple enough for everyday but special enough for Thanksgiving, and the glaze makes them look restaurant-quality.

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots have a rich, caramelized sweetness that makes vegetables feel like dessert. The brown sugar creates a beautiful glaze that coats each carrot perfectly.

Easy Roasted Carrots

Easy Roasted Carrots are the simplest side dish that always turns out perfectly. Just toss with oil and seasonings, then let the oven do the work while you prep other dishes.

Air Fryer Carrot Fries

Air Fryer Carrot Fries are a fun twist on regular fries that even picky eaters will love. They get crispy and caramelized on the outside while staying tender inside, and the natural sweetness of the carrots makes them taste almost like a treat. Perfect when you want to sneak more vegetables onto the holiday table.

Corn Dishes

Cheesy Skillet Corn

5. Once the cheese has melted, remove from heat and season with salt and pepper, as desired.

This Cheesy Skillet Corn is creamy, cheesy comfort food that cooks in just one pan. The cream cheese makes it extra rich and smooth, while the skillet gives you those perfect caramelized edges that everyone fights over. It’s ready in 15 minutes and pairs beautifully with ham or turkey.

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob cooks quickly and gets perfectly tender kernels every time. It’s much faster than boiling and doesn’t heat up the whole kitchen.

Crock Pot Corn Casserole

This Crock Pot Corn Casserole is like cornbread and corn had the perfect baby. It’s slightly sweet, incredibly moist, and the slow cooker keeps it warm throughout dinner without drying out.

Crockpot Cheesy Corn

Crockpot Cheesy Corn is comfort food at its best. The cheese melts perfectly with the corn, creating a creamy side dish that kids and adults both love.

Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob

Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob gets beautifully caramelized kernels and frees up stovetop space. You can roast multiple ears at once, making it perfect for feeding a big family.

Other Vegetable Sides

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air Fryer Butternut Squash caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer and takes much less time than oven roasting. It’s naturally sweet and pairs perfectly with savory holiday dishes.

Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

This Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole takes the classic holiday side and makes it completely hands-off. All the traditional flavors are there, but the slow cooker does the work while you focus on other dishes.

Air Fryer Green Beans

These Air Fryer Green Beans stay crisp-tender and cook quickly. They’re a simple, healthy side that adds color to your plate without any heavy sauces or casseroles.

Air Fryer Cauliflower

This Air Fryer Cauliflower gets golden and crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. It’s a simple way to make cauliflower exciting, and the air fryer brings out its natural nutty flavor without any heavy sauces. Perfect for adding a healthy vegetable to your holiday table that even veggie skeptics will enjoy.

Air Fryer Squash

Air Fryer Squash is naturally sweet and gets perfectly caramelized edges. It’s an easy way to add fall flavors to your table without a lot of prep work.

Air Fryer Zucchini

This Air Fryer Zucchini gets perfectly tender with lightly crispy edges in just minutes. It’s a simple way to add fresh vegetables to your holiday spread without any fuss, and the air fryer keeps the zucchini from getting soggy like it sometimes does in the oven. Great for using up extra zucchini and adding color to your plate.

Air Fryer Mushrooms

These Air Fryer Mushrooms get perfectly golden and meaty with concentrated flavor that’s so much better than sautéed mushrooms. They cook quickly and don’t release all that water like they do in a pan, so you get crispy edges and tender centers. Perfect alongside any holiday roast or mixed into other side dishes.

Roasted Beets Recipe

Roasted Beets Recipe brings earthy sweetness and beautiful color to your holiday table. They’re simple to prepare and add an elegant touch to the meal.

Biscuits, Bread & Rolls

Air Fryer Dinner Rolls

These Air Fryer Dinner Rolls are fluffy, warm, and ready in minutes. Using store-bought dough makes them completely doable even when you’re making a full Thanksgiving spread.

7-Up Biscuits

7-Up Biscuits are incredibly easy and turn out light and fluffy every time. The secret ingredient makes them foolproof, which is exactly what you need when you’re managing multiple dishes.

Bisquick Biscuits

Bisquick Biscuits are a shortcut that actually works beautifully. They’re buttery, flaky, and come together in minutes when you need fresh bread on the table quickly.

Microwave Biscuits

Microwave Biscuits are perfect for when you need bread fast or when every other appliance is occupied. They’re surprisingly good and ready in just minutes.

Savory Monkey Bread

This Savory Monkey Bread is loaded with cheese, herbs, and garlic that makes it irresistible pull-apart bread. It’s perfect for sopping up gravy or soup, and everyone loves tearing off their own cheesy piece. You can prep it ahead and just pop it in the oven when dinner’s ready.

Corn Salads

Frito Corn Salad Recipe

This Frito Corn Salad Recipe adds crunch and freshness to the heavy holiday table. The Fritos give it a fun twist that makes it memorable, and it can be made hours ahead of time.

Sweet Corn Salad Recipe

4. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir again.

Sweet Corn Salad Recipe is fresh, colorful, and naturally sweet. It’s a lighter option that balances out all the rich, heavy dishes on the Thanksgiving table.

Feta Corn Salad

This Corn Salad Recipe with Feta and Basil combines sweet corn with tangy feta and fresh basil. It’s sophisticated enough for adults but still appealing to kids who love corn.

Creamy Corn Salad

Creamy Corn Salad is rich and satisfying with a creamy dressing that brings everything together. It’s like a lighter version of corn casserole that you can make ahead.

Classic Casseroles & Beans

Crock Pot Baked Beans

Crock Pot Baked Beans are sweet, savory, and perfectly tender. They’re a nice change from the usual Thanksgiving sides and add some protein to the vegetarian options on your table.

Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas

These Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas are tender, flavorful, and completely hands-off once you get them started. They’re perfect for New Year’s Day tradition or anytime you want a hearty, protein-packed side dish. The slow cooker does all the work while you focus on other holiday prep.

Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers

This Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Crackers makes broccoli irresistible. The Ritz crackers on top add the perfect buttery crunch, and it’s a great way to get vegetables on the holiday table that everyone will actually eat.

Fruity Fluff Salads

Pistachio Fluff Recipe

Pistachio Fluff Recipe has that classic retro flavor that many families remember from childhood. The pistachio pudding gives it a beautiful green color that looks festive on the holiday table.

Ambrosia Salad

Traditional Ambrosia Salad is a classic holiday side that many families expect on the table. It’s sweet, creamy, and full of fruit and coconut that makes it feel special.

Cranberry Fluff Salad

Cranberry Fluff Salad brings that traditional cranberry flavor in a creamy, sweet form. It’s like dessert and side dish rolled into one, and the cranberries add the perfect tart balance to rich holiday dishes.

Pineapple Fluff

This Pineapple Fluff adds tropical sweetness to the holiday table. It’s light and refreshing after all the heavy dishes, and the kids always ask for seconds.

Orange Fluff Salad

Orange Fluff Salad brings bright citrus flavor that cuts through rich holiday foods perfectly. It’s creamy, sweet, and adds a beautiful orange color to your spread.

Cherry Fluff Salad

Cherry Fluff Salad is sweet, creamy, and has beautiful red color that looks festive. The cherries add tartness that keeps it from being too sweet.

Strawberry Fluff Salad

Strawberry Fluff Salad is pink, pretty, and perfectly sweet. The strawberries add freshness and color that brightens up the traditional brown and orange holiday table.

Berry Cheesecake Fluff

Berry Cheesecake Fluff tastes like cheesecake without any of the work. The berries add tartness that balances the sweet cream, making it perfect alongside rich holiday dishes.

Cool Whip Fruit Salad

This Cool Whip Fruit Salad Recipe is light, fresh, and adds color to your holiday table. The Cool Whip makes regular fruit salad feel more special and holiday-appropriate.

Savory Dips

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip brings holiday flavors in a sweet and creamy dip. It’s perfect with crackers as an appetizer or even as a light dessert option.

Ham Dip

Ham Dip is a great way to use up leftover holiday ham. It’s creamy, savory, and makes excellent use of ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Cream Cheese Vegetable Dip

Cream Cheese Vegetable Dip is classic, creamy, and pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables. It’s a lighter option that balances out the heavier holiday foods.

Crock Pot Bacon Jalapeno Dip

This Crock Pot Bacon Jalapeno Dip has just the right amount of heat and the bacon makes everything better. It stays perfectly warm in the slow cooker while guests arrive and mingle.

Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip keeps perfectly warm in the slow cooker while guests arrive. Serve it with crackers or bread for an easy appetizer that gets the meal started right.

Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Dip

Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Dip tastes like a bacon cheeseburger in dip form. It’s hearty, indulgent, and perfect for casual Thanksgiving gatherings where you want comfort food appetizers.

Crack Corn Dip Recipe

This Crack Corn Dip Recipe is addictive (hence the name) and disappears quickly at parties. The combination of corn, cheese, and spices creates a dip that people can’t stop eating.

Baked Cream Cheese Onion Dip Recipe

Baked Cream Cheese Onion Dip Recipe is warm, creamy, and so much better than store-bought onion dip. It bubbles up golden and delicious in the oven.

Boat Dip

Boat Dip is a fun layered dip that’s perfect for casual gatherings. Each layer adds different flavors and textures that work perfectly together.

Deviled Egg Dip

Deviled Egg Dip has all the flavors of deviled eggs but in easy dip form. It’s much less work than making individual deviled eggs and perfect for a casual Thanksgiving gathering.

Hot Corn Dip

Hot Corn Dip is warm, cheesy, and loaded with corn flavor. It’s perfect for cold November weather and gives you that cozy comfort food feeling.

Mediterranean Dip

Mediterranean Dip brings fresh, bright flavors that cut through all the rich holiday foods. It’s loaded with vegetables and herbs that make it feel lighter and more sophisticated.

Whipped Feta Dip

Whipped Feta Dip is creamy, tangy, and feels more sophisticated than typical party dips. It’s perfect with vegetables or pita chips for a lighter appetizer option.

Sour Cream Taco Dip

Sour Cream Taco Dip is layered, colorful, and always a hit with kids and adults. The layers look impressive but it’s actually very simple to assemble.

Holiday Appetizers

Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs

Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs combine sweet cranberry sauce with savory meatballs for the perfect holiday appetizer. The slow cooker keeps them warm and the flavors get better as they sit.

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts get perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside. Even Brussels sprouts skeptics come around when they’re cooked this way, and they add a nice green vegetable to the table.

Roasted Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Roasted Shrimp Cocktail Recipe feels elegant and special but is surprisingly easy to make. Roasting the shrimp gives them better flavor than boiling, and they look beautiful on a platter.

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe makes asparagus irresistible with crispy bacon wrapped around each spear. It’s elegant enough for company but simple enough for family dinners.

Crispy Baked Green Beans

Crispy Baked Green Beans are a lighter alternative to traditional green bean casserole. They get crispy without being heavy, and even picky eaters enjoy them.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

These Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are crispy, golden, and taste just like regular fries but way healthier. The coating gets perfectly crunchy while the zucchini stays tender inside, and they’re ready in about 12 minutes. Kids love them as much as potato fries, making them a sneaky way to get more vegetables on your holiday table.