The Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Try This Year

Thanksgiving is hands-down one of my favorite food holidays because let’s be honest, it’s all about the sides. Of course, the main dish has its place, but I think we can all agree it’s the variety of sides that make the table feel full of warmth and abundance. There’s just something special about gathering around with loved ones and seeing all those comforting flavors ready to be shared.

Over the years, I’ve tried all kinds of side dishes, from traditional family favorites to fresh new ideas, and I’ve noticed they always seem to be the part of the meal people get most excited about. They’re the dishes that bring everyone together, the ones that spark conversation, and the ones people often go back for seconds of without even thinking. No matter what else is on the menu, the sides always seem to steal the show.

What I love most about Thanksgiving sides is how flexible they can be. You can keep things simple and fuss-free, or go all out with dishes that feel a little more special. Either way, they set the tone for a cozy, memorable meal shared with family and friends. That’s why I’ve pulled together a list of the best side dish ideas to try this year, perfect for making your holiday table feel complete.

1. Stuffing Biscuits

I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for fun ways to bring a fresh twist to the Thanksgiving table, and these stuffing biscuits are such a winner. They take all the cozy, herby flavors we love about classic stuffing and bake them right into a warm, golden biscuit. The result is soft on the inside, a little crisp on the outside, and absolutely perfect for soaking up gravy or enjoying on their own. It’s the kind of side dish that feels familiar but still gets everyone talking because it’s just a little bit unexpected.

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2. Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

If you want a Thanksgiving side dish that looks super fancy but is secretly so easy, these air fryer accordion potatoes are the way to go. They crisp up beautifully on the outside while staying tender inside, and that fun accordion cut makes them look like something straight out of a holiday magazine. I love that they take hardly any effort yet still feel like a special addition to the table, perfect for impressing guests without adding any extra stress to your holiday cooking.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Golden potatoes
• 5 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Peel the potatoes and rinse them under cold water. Then dab them dry using kitchen towels.
2. Slice the potatoes in about a quarter, to a half inch.
3. Place the potato slices on your cutting board and thinly slice them on one side. Make sure to place chopsticks on each side, so you don’t fully cut the potatoes through.
4. Then flip the potato slices over and cut the other side diagonally.
5. Cover the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt.
6. Put them in the air fryer for 30-35 minutes on 350 degrees, or until golden brown. Make sure to flip them over halfway.
7. Serve while hot.

3. Air Fryer Broccolini

When I’m planning my Thanksgiving sides, I always like to balance out the heavier dishes with something light and fresh, and that’s where this air fryer broccolini comes in. It’s quick, simple, and brings a bright pop of green to the table, which makes the whole spread feel a little more complete. The broccolini gets perfectly tender with just the right amount of crisp on the edges, and a squeeze of lemon at the end gives it that extra touch of freshness.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lbs. broccolini heads
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Dash of salt
• Dash of black pepper
• Lemon juice, optional

Instructions:

1. Rinse the broccolini and let it drain.

2. Strip the leaves off the stems.

3. Trim the ends of the stems.

4. In a medium bowl, toss the broccolini with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

5. Place the broccolini in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

6. Take the broccolini out of the air fryer and, if you like, sprinkle with some lemon juice.

7. Enjoy!

4. Air Fryer Roasted Carrots

Roasted carrots are always a hit at my Thanksgiving table, and making them in the air fryer makes things so much easier. They come out perfectly tender with just the right amount of caramelization, and the herbs give them that cozy holiday flavor we all love. I like that they don’t take up any oven space, which is always a win on Thanksgiving day, and they add a beautiful pop of color to the plate alongside all the other hearty sides.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb bag of baby carrots
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil and seasonings, stirring to mix well.

3. Add the carrots to the bowl and toss them until they’re fully coated with the seasoning mixture.

4. Spread the carrots in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

5. Air Fryer Sweetcorn

Sweetcorn is such a simple but crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side, and making it in the air fryer takes it to a whole new level. The butter melts right into the kernels, the salt brings out that natural sweetness, and the quick char at the end gives it that irresistible flavor you usually only get from the grill. It’s easy, hands-off, and adds a touch of brightness to the holiday table that pairs perfectly with all the rich and cozy dishes.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Place each ear of corn on a sheet of aluminum foil large enough to fully wrap it.
3. Put 1 tablespoon of butter on each ear of corn.
4. Sprinkle salt evenly over each ear.
5. Wrap each ear tightly in the foil.
6. Arrange the wrapped corn in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
7. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
8. Carefully unwrap the corn and place it back in the air fryer basket.
9. Cook uncovered for another 3 minutes to give the corn a slight char and boost the flavor.
10. Remove the corn from the air fryer and serve immediately while hot.

6. Crispy Hasselback Potatoes with Creamy Garlic Sauce

If you want a Thanksgiving side dish that looks as good as it tastes, these crispy hasselback potatoes with creamy garlic sauce are a total showstopper. The thin slices bake up golden and crunchy on the outside while staying soft and fluffy in the middle, and that garlic butter flavor sneaks into every little crevice. Paired with the creamy garlic sauce for dipping, they’re the kind of side that makes everyone pause for a moment before digging in, and then reach straight back for seconds.

Servings: 3

Ingredients:

For the Potatoes:

• 3 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (28 g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
• Fresh herbs or greens for garnish (e.g., parsley, chives)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• ¼ cup thick Greek yogurt or sour cream (50 g)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (50 g)
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Slice them thinly across the top, about ⅛ inch apart, stopping just before you cut all the way through. (Tip: Place chopsticks along each side of the potato to act as a guard.)

3. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, grated garlic, salt, and pepper.

4. Brush the garlic butter generously over each potato, making sure it seeps into the slits.

5. Place the potatoes on a baking tray and bake for 45–50 minutes, occasionally basting them with the pan drippings until the edges are crispy and golden.

6. In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, and grated garlic until smooth, then set aside.

7. Remove the potatoes from the oven. Sprinkle with grated parmesan and chopped herbs, and serve hot with the creamy garlic dip on the side.

7. Easy Potato Fritters

Potato fritters are one of those sides that feel a little rustic but still totally festive, which makes them perfect for Thanksgiving. They’re golden and crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and full of those savory flavors that make everyone go back for just one more. I love that they can be made ahead of time and fried up quickly before serving, and they pair so well with a simple dipping sauce or even just a sprinkle of fresh herbs to finish them off.

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8. Herb & Vegetable Stuffing

Stuffing is such a Thanksgiving classic, and this herb and vegetable version is one of my favorites to make. It’s packed with fresh flavors from the rosemary, parsley, and plenty of veggies, and the toasted bread cubes soak up all that buttery goodness while still keeping a little crunch on top. I love how it feels both hearty and fresh at the same time, and it’s the kind of dish that ties the whole holiday meal together.

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9. Greek Lemon Potatoes

These Greek lemon potatoes are such a bright and flavorful addition to the Thanksgiving table, and I love how they bring something a little different to the mix of sides. The lemon and oregano give them a fresh, zesty kick, while the broth and olive oil make the potatoes tender and full of flavor. They come out golden, fragrant, and absolutely irresistible, and they pair beautifully with all the other cozy dishes on the holiday spread.

Servings: 3-4

Ingredients:

• 3 medium potatoes, cut into wedges
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 lemons (1 for juice, 1 for slicing)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the potato wedges in the baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the vegetable broth, juice of 1 lemon, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour this liquid mixture over the potato wedges.
5. Press the garlic cloves using a garlic press and then evenly distribute the minced garlic over the potato wedges.Add chopped parsley over the potato wedges.
6. Place the lemon slices from the second lemon on top of the potato wedges for garnish.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and tender.
8. Garnish with additional chopped parsley before serving.

10. Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is one of those Thanksgiving side dishes that never fails to make everyone smile. It’s rich, creamy, and full of that gooey cheese pull we all secretly look forward to, and the crispy breadcrumb topping gives it the perfect little crunch. I love how it adds a cozy, comforting touch to the table, balancing out all the other flavors with something that feels familiar and indulgent. It’s always the dish that disappears first, no matter how much I make!

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11. Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Sprouts

Brussels sprouts can be a bit divisive at Thanksgiving, but wrap them in bacon and drizzle them with maple syrup and suddenly everyone’s reaching for seconds. These maple glazed bacon wrapped sprouts hit that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory, and they come out crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. I love how they bring a little something unexpected to the table while still feeling festive and indulgent, definitely a side dish that gets people talking.

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12. Mini Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread

This mini cranberry brie pull apart bread is one of those Thanksgiving sides that feels fun and festive while still being so easy to make. The biscuits bake up golden and fluffy, with gooey melted brie and sweet-tart cranberry sauce tucked between every bite. I love how it doubles as both a side and a little appetizer, because people can just tear off a piece and enjoy. It’s warm, cheesy, and perfect for sharing around the holiday table.

Servings: 2-3

Ingredients:

• 1 can of refrigerated biscuits (8 biscuits)
• 1 wheel of brie
• 1/2 cup of whole cranberry sauce
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 6-inch bundt cake pan with cooking spray.

2. Cut each biscuit into eight pieces, then roll the pieces into small balls with your hands.

3. Add a layer of biscuit balls to the pan, followed by spoonfuls of cranberry sauce and cubes of brie.

4. Continue layering biscuit pieces, cranberry sauce, and brie until the pan is filled.

5. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the microwave.

6. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the layered ingredients.

7. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and cooked through.

8. Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes after baking.

9. Invert the bundt pan onto a serving plate and enjoy warm.

13. Rosemary & Sea Salt Focaccia

Rosemary and sea salt focaccia is one of my favorite ways to bring a little homemade bread to the Thanksgiving table. It’s soft and fluffy on the inside, crisp on the edges, and those dimples filled with olive oil, rosemary, and flaky salt make it completely irresistible. I love how it feels rustic yet elegant at the same time, and it’s perfect for serving alongside the main meal or for sopping up every last bit of gravy.

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14. Sweet Potato Bites

These sweet potato bites are such a fun twist on a classic Thanksgiving favorite, and I love how they turn a big comforting dish into perfect little bite-sized portions. The sweet potatoes get caramelized in the oven, then topped with gooey marshmallows, crunchy pecans, and just a drizzle of maple syrup for that cozy holiday flavor. They’re easy to make, look adorable on the table, and are always one of the first things to disappear.

Servings: 8

Ingredients: 

• 2 sweet potatoes (about 1 lbs)
• 8 pecan halves
• 4 medium-sized marshmallows
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Peel the sweet potatoes and slice each one into 4 even pieces.

3. Place the slices in a bowl, pour over the melted butter, season with salt, and toss until evenly coated.

4. Arrange the sweet potato slices on a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes. Flip them over and bake for another 10 minutes.

5. Remove the tray from the oven and switch the oven to the grill/roast setting.

6. Drizzle maple syrup over the sweet potato slices.

7. Cut the marshmallows in half and place one half on top of each sweet potato slice.

8. Roast under the grill for 2–3 minutes, watching closely until the marshmallows are toasted and golden.

9. Remove from the oven and top each slice with a pecan half.

10. Serve warm and enjoy your Maple-Roasted Sweet Potato Slices with Pecans and Marshmallows!

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is really about gathering around the table with the people we love, and the side dishes are what make that table feel so full and inviting. From cozy classics to a few fun twists, each one brings its own flavor and charm to the meal. I hope this list has given you plenty of inspiration to try something new or bring back an old favorite. No matter which dishes end up on your table, they’re sure to make the holiday feel even more special, and maybe even start a new tradition or two.