50+ Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Published Oct 29, 2026
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Planning Thanksgiving dinner can feel like a lot, especially when you’re trying to find the right mix of dishes for everyone at the table. These Thanksgiving Side Dishes will help you put together a menu full of family favorites, seasonal vegetables, homemade breads, and plenty of comforting dishes to go around. Whether you’re hosting this year or bringing a dish to share, you’ll find lots of ideas to make the meal delicious.
For more ideas on what to serve, make sure to check out my full Thanksgiving Menu!
Thanksgiving Side Dishes You’ll Love
I always think the side dishes are one of the best parts of Thanksgiving! Everyone has their favorites, and it’s fun to see which dishes disappear first once dinner is served. I like having a mix of familiar recipes and a few new ones on the table, and I always appreciate anything I can prepare ahead of time. Hopefully, you’ll find a few recipes here that you’ll want to make year after year.
Enjoy the rest of your fall season with my 40+ Fall Dinner Recipes and 30+ Fall Soups!
Made With Amore,
Table of Contents
Potato Side Dishes
If your family is anything like mine, you probably can’t imagine Thanksgiving without potatoes! They’re one of the first things I plan for the menu, and I usually want more than one kind. These recipes are a good place to start if you’re deciding between classic mashed potatoes, a cheesy casserole, or something crispy and roasted.
Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This Best Mashed Potatoes recipe uses Idaho Russet potatoes, butter, milk or cream, and sour cream for rich, creamy mashed potatoes with a fluffy texture. Idaho Russets are naturally high in starch, which makes them especially good for light and fluffy mashed potatoes, while sour cream adds a subtle tang that balances the richness. Ready in about 25 minutes, these homemade mashed potatoes are perfect for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinners, or serving alongside roast meats and gravy.
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Garlic Smashed Potatoes
If you're looking for the ultimate potato side dish, these Garlic Smashed Potatoes are it. Crispy, golden edges give way to fluffy centers, while a simple garlic-herb olive oil adds incredible flavor. They're easy enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough for a holiday table.
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Italian Roasted Potatoes
These Italian Potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy in the center, and flavored with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil. This simple side dish is a staple on Italian tables and pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, fish, or your favorite holiday meal.
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Garlic Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a classic holiday side dish and a staple for memorable family meals. Rich with sweet roasted garlic flavor, these mashed potatoes have the perfect balance of creamy and rustic texture with just the right amount of chunkiness. They’re the kind of comforting dish that brings everyone back for seconds.
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Party Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy, nostalgic, and made without canned soup. These Party Potatoes or Funeral Potatoes are a Utah classic found at church gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations. This from-scratch version delivers ultimate comfort food flavor, just better. One pan, simple ingredients, and a crunchy topping that everyone fights over.
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Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes Recipe
These Crispy Roasted Potatoes are simple, flavorful, and a staple in our home. Golden and crispy on the outside with a tender, fluffy center, they pair perfectly with just about any meal.
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Easy Cheesy Potatoes
These Easy Cheesy Potatoes (Grandma’s Recipe) are made with tender russet potatoes, a creamy mixture of milk and heavy cream, and plenty of melty Colby Jack cheese. The potatoes are seasoned between layers and baked slowly until tender, then finished uncovered until the cheese is golden and bubbly. This family recipe makes a comforting cheesy potato side dish for holiday dinners, family gatherings, and special meals.
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Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Twice baked potato casserole is a creamy, cheesy side dish that takes all the flavors of my mother-in-laws classic twice baked potatoes recipe and bakes them together in one easy, family-style dish.
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Au Gratin Potatoes
The best Homemade Au Gratin Potatoes are an indulgent side dish or main course. The creamy sauce infuses the tender potatoes with a rich, savory flavor perfectly complemented by the melted cheese. The potatoes remain tender and soft, with slightly crispy edges.
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Easy Duchess Potatoes Recipe
Transform ordinary mashed potatoes into extraordinary Duchess Potatoes. A delightful twist on a classic, these creamy and cheesy potatoes with crispy edges are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
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Best Twice Baked Potatoes
These are the best ever twice baked potatoes with a smooth, buttery filling that melts in your mouth. The extra layer of melted cheddar cheese on top gives you that satisfying, crispy, golden finish that contrasts perfectly with the soft potato inside. They make the perfect side dish for any meal! Enjoy this treasured Davis family recipe.
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Thanksgiving Stuffing & Bread
Stuffing is one of those dishes everyone seems to have an opinion about. Some families swear by a classic bread stuffing, while others love adding sausage and chestnuts for extra flavor. I’ve included a few options here, along with homemade breads for anyone who wants to bake something special for the occasion.
Serve your homemade bread with a side of butter and The Best Italian Bread Dipping Oil.
Ciabatta Bread Stuffing
You'll want to add this delicious ciabatta stuffing to your list of cozy side dishes! The contrast between the crunchy toasted ciabatta, savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and chewy chestnuts makes this an award-winning side dish everyone will love.
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Schiacciata Bread
Golden, crispy edges, a soft airy center, and rich olive oil in every bite – this Tuscan Schiacciata Bread tastes like something straight from a small bakery in Florence. The long overnight fermentation creates incredible flavor, a light chewy texture, and makes the bread easier to digest. In our house, we tear into it warm from the oven with dipping oil, marinated mozzarella, or use for sandwiches. Mangia!
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Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe
These buttermilk dinner rolls are the kind of bread that disappears as soon as they hit the table. Soft, fluffy, and golden on top, they’re buttery clouds of goodness with just the right amount of chew. All made in about 3 hours and SO EASY. You'll want to make these often!
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Best Sweet Cornbread Recipe
This Sweet Cornbread (Quick) makes a tall, fluffy, moist cornbread with a soft, cake-like crumb, golden edges, and just the right amount of sweetness. Made with buttermilk, yellow cornmeal, butter, and eggs, this homemade cornbread is tender enough to serve warm with butter and honey while still sturdy enough to pair with chili, soup, or barbecue. Ready in about 40 minutes.
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Vegetarian Stuffing (with Bread)
This vegetarian stuffing casserole with bread is a flavor-packed delight that will be a favorite side at your Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone will love its golden-brown crust, tender bread, and a medley of sautéed veggies and aromatic herbs!
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Italian Ciabatta Bread
In less than 4 hours, you can enjoy this bakery style, no knead Italian ciabatta bread! You don't need any special tools or bread baking pans; it's perfect for beginner bakers. You'll love the soft interior and deliciously crispy crust on this authentic bread.
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Focaccia Bread Recipe (No Knead)
This No Knead Italian Focaccia Bread recipe makes a soft, airy focaccia with a crisp, olive-oil-rich crust, and you don't need to knead the dough. An overnight rise develops flavor and creates those beautiful bubbles and pockets throughout the bread. It’s an approachable way to make traditional Italian focaccia at home.
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Casseroles & Comforting Sides
Need a side dish that can feed a crowd without much fuss? Casseroles are a great choice for Thanksgiving, especially when oven space and stovetop burners are already in high demand. A few of these recipes can also be assembled ahead, giving you one less thing to worry about on the big day.
For a full list of recipes you can make before Thanksgiving day, check out my Make Ahead Thanskgiving Recipes!
Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
This baked mac and cheese is everything: rich, creamy, with that irresistible golden crust on top. Perfect as a cozy family meal or a side for holiday gatherings.
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Fresh Green Bean Casserole
This Fresh Green Bean Casserole (No Soup) is made with crisp-tender fresh green beans, sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy homemade sauce topped with panko and crispy fried onions. The green beans are blanched before baking, which helps them keep their texture while the homemade mushroom sauce becomes bubbly and rich in the oven. Ready in about 40 minutes, this fresh green bean casserole is a flavorful side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday meal.
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Vegetable Au Gratin Recipe (Creamy Baked Vegetables)
Indulge in the best Vegetables Au Gratin Recipe, featuring layers of tender yellow squash, zucchini, sweet potatoes, eggplant, and red onion, all baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce with fontina, Gruyere, and Parmigiano. This flavorful and aromatic dish offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty notes, making it an irresistible addition to any meal!
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Creamy Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe
This Creamy Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is baked in a white sauce (bechamel) with a parmigiano and breadcrumb topping for a crunchy layer of cheesy goodness. It is a delicious side dish that is perfect for any meal.
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Green Beans and Potatoes
This authentic Italian Green Beans and Potatoes recipe combines tender potatoes, crisp green beans, and a homemade Italian vinaigrette for the perfect easy side dish ready in 30 minutes.
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Marry Me Butter Beans Recipe
These Marry Me Butter Beans (in Tuscan-Style Sauce) are tender butter beans simmered in a creamy Tuscan-style sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian herbs, Parmigiano Reggiano, and spinach. This vegetarian dish comes together in 30 minutes and has the rich, savory flavor of marry me chicken without the meat.
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Creamy Brussels Sprouts
Warm, bubbly, and full of flavor, these creamy Brussels sprouts are the ultimate holiday side dish. Tender sprouts are baked in a luscious cream sauce with fresh herbs, Parmesan, and mozzarella until golden and irresistible. It’s comfort food with an elegant touch!
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Fall Squash & Sweet Vegetable Sides
This is the time of year when sweet potatoes and winter squash really shine. Their natural sweetness works so well with savory Thanksgiving dishes, and ingredients like maple syrup, herbs, and Parmesan give you plenty of ways to prepare them. Don’t overlook the carrots and corn, either. They deserve a place on the holiday menu, too.
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
This Savory Sweet Potato Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and topped with golden Parmesan breadcrumbs for a deliciously savory take on a holiday classic. Roasted sweet potatoes are mashed with fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, butter, cream, eggs, and Parmesan, then finished with an herb-infused breadcrumb topping.
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Best Hasselback Sweet Potatoes Recipe
These Hasselback Sweet Potatoes (With Maple Syrup) are a delicious addition to your holiday table or any special meal. The thinly sliced potatoes roast until tender with crispy edges, while garlic, fresh herbs, butter, and maple syrup bring together savory and sweet flavors in every bite.
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Honey Glazed Carrots
This Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe turns ordinary carrots into a sweet and savory show-stopping side dish. With just one sheet pan and 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.
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Roasted Butternut Squash Halves
This Oven Roasted Butternut Squash is made by cutting the squash in half, removing the seeds, and roasting it with butter or olive oil until the flesh is tender and easy to scoop. Choose a sweet cinnamon-sugar finish or savory fresh herbs to make this easy roasted squash a flavorful side dish. Ready in about 1 hour, it’s a delicious way to prepare butternut squash in the oven.
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Vegetarian Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe
This Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe (Vegetarian) combines roasted butternut squash, wild rice, mushrooms, leeks, onion, savory herbs, and melted Gruyere cheese. The roasted squash adds a lightly caramelized sweetness to the hearty wild rice and savory vegetables, while Gruyere melts over the top for a rich finish. Serve this vegetarian casserole as a side dish or a meatless main dish for a fall or holiday meal.
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Savory Roasted Acorn Squash
Roasted Acorn Squash with Parmesan and Herbs is a favorite winter side dish. We love to top the thick slices of squash with parmesan and herbs for a savory twist. It’s an easy squash recipe for your holiday table, or serve it as a filling vegetarian main dish.
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Jiffy Corn Casserole
This Jiffy Corn Casserole is the perfect side dish for any meal, especially during the holidays! With just 5 simple ingredients, it comes together quickly and is always a crowd pleaser. Plus, it's versatile—you can bake it in the oven or let it cook slowly in a crock pot.
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Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
These Easy Candied Sweet Potatoes are tender slices of sweet potato baked in a buttery maple-brown sugar sauce with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. The sauce coats the potatoes as they bake, creating tender centers, caramelized edges, and a sweet, warmly spiced flavor that makes this a favorite for holiday meals.
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Roasted Rainbow Carrots Recipe
Elevate your dinner table with these Roasted Rainbow Carrots! Sweet, caramelized, and bursting with vibrant flavors, they’re tossed with fresh herbs, a splash of citrus, and optional crunchy nuts or a drizzle of honey for a gourmet touch. Perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts!
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Creamed Corn Recipe
This creamed corn is silky, savory, and a little indulgent with that Parmigiano touch. It’s a rustic side dish that feels special enough for holidays, yet easy enough for a weeknight table.
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Roasted & Cooked Vegetable Sides
Simple vegetables can be some of the easiest dishes to add to your Thanksgiving menu. Roasting brings out their natural flavor, while a few herbs, garlic, or a sprinkle of Parmesan can make them feel a little more special.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with these Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic! Roasted to crispy, golden perfection, these Brussels sprouts are mixed with savory, crunchy bacon and a sweet, tangy balsamic glaze that ties everything together. With a touch of garlic and red onion for extra flavor, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser.
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Peas and Pancetta Recipe
This vibrant and savory dish combines sweet peas with crispy pancetta and aromatic shallots for an irresistible side dish or light main course. The touch of olive oil and optional red pepper flakes elevate the flavors, making this simple recipe a family favorite. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or fish.
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Longhorn Steakhouse Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe
These Longhorn Steakhouse Crispy Brussels Sprouts remain tender with perfectly crispy edges. The ideal amount of sweet & spicy flavors leaves you craving more after every bite. Ready in less than 30 minutes!
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Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
This steakhouse creamed spinach is an easy side dish that's ready in 20 minutes. It's sure to be an absolute knockout alongside your favorite steak or any main course! This version is made without all-purpose flour, and is thickened with cream and cheeses for a decadent, low-carb side dish. This creamy, cheesy spinach delight will be a new family favorite!
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Tuscan Roasted Broccoli
This Parmesan Roasted Broccoli combines the earthy flavor of roasted broccoli with the brightness of lemon vinaigrette and the richness of Parmesan cheese. It's a quick recipe even picky eaters will eat!
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Frozen Peas Recipe (Italian)
This easy Italian Peas Recipe is made with sweet, tender peas sautéed in olive oil with onion, garlic, and a little butter, just like my nonna used to make! Growing up in Italy, simple vegetable side dishes like this were always part of our family meals. With a handful of fresh ingredients and frozen peas, you can have a delicious, flavorful side dish on the table in just 20 minutes. Simple Italian cooking at its best!
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Easy Oven Roasted Zucchini and Yellow Squash Recipe
These Roasted Zucchini and Squash are perfectly caramelized, tender on the inside, and lightly seasoned to bring out their natural sweetness. Quick to prepare and effortlessly delicious, this is a simple side dish you’ll find yourself making on repeat all season long.
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Roasted Fennel Recipe (Italian Style)
This Italian-style roasted fennel recipe brings out the sweet, delicate flavor of fennel with golden, caramelized edges. Tossed in olive oil and finished with a sprinkle of Parmigiano, it's a delicious and easy side dish for any meal, served warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
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Steamed Asparagus
This simple Steamed Asparagus (Quick and Easy) is the best! Bright green, tender, juicy, and full of fresh flavors, these steamed asparagus are a tasty and healthy side dish ready in less than 10 minutes with a few basic ingredients.
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Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe
The ultimate crispy roasted Parmesan Brussels sprouts—perfectly golden, savory, and topped with a generous layer of melted Parmesan cheese. A hint of garlic, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest take these Brussels sprouts to the next level, creating an irresistible side dish that’s full of flavor and texture. Perfect for any gathering or weeknight meal!
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Roasted Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon
These Roasted Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon are tender with lightly browned edges and bright lemon-garlic flavor. Fresh green beans are tossed with olive oil, garlic, shallot, lemon juice, and zest, then roasted at high heat until tender. Ready in about 20 minutes with no blanching required, this easy vegetable side is perfect for everyday meals and holiday dinners.
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Roasted Portobello Caps Recipe
This Roasted Portabello Mushrooms Recipe with Balsamic and Thyme is an easy appetizer or side dish packed with rich, earthy flavor. Tender portobello caps are roasted with balsamic vinegar, garlic, fresh thyme, and Parmesan creating a dish that feels elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for any meal.
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Italian Green Beans Recipe
Italian Flat Green Beans (with Tomatoes and Garlic) is your next easy and flavorful side dish that comes together in 25 minutes! This Italian green beans with tomatoes and garlic are one of the healthiest, tastiest and easiest side dishes.
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Oven-Roasted Asparagus
The savory Parmigiano, garlic, and the brightness of lemon will make this roasted asparagus side dish flavorful and delightful.
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Braised Leeks
These French braised leeks are silky, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, gently simmered in white wine and bay leaf, then finished with whole grain mustard and fresh lemon. A shower of golden lemon breadcrumbs adds the perfect crisp contrast. Elegant enough for a dinner party, simple enough for a weeknight, this is classic French technique made irresistible.
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Sautéed Frozen Green Beans Recipe
This Frozen Green Beans Recipe turns frozen green beans into a flavorful Italian-style side dish with olive oil, butter, onion, garlic, and toasted pine nuts. The beans are quickly blanched and then sautéed until tender with a lightly crisp texture, making this an easy way to get flavorful green beans on the table. Ready in 20 minutes.
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Fresh Salads
Salad might not be the first thing you think of when planning Thanksgiving, but I always like having something fresh on the table. Fall fruit, crunchy nuts, and flavorful cheeses make these salads feel special enough for a holiday meal.
If you’re looking to build your own salad, try my Parmesan Vinaigrette and Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing!
Beet Salad Recipe
This vibrant beet salad with goat cheese, citrus, and balsamic dressing is fresh, elegant, and incredibly easy to make. A must-try!
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Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is a crisp, fresh salad made with raw shaved Brussels sprouts, toasted pine nuts, dried cranberries, Parmigiano Reggiano, crispy pancetta, and fresh chives. A Parmesan vinaigrette brings everything together, while ciabatta breadcrumbs toasted in the pancetta drippings add a savory crunch. It’s a flavorful Italian-inspired side dish that works especially well alongside a holiday meal.
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Fall Harvest Salad Recipe
This Fall Harvest Salad with Apple and Butternut Squash combines crisp Honeycrisp apples, warmly spiced roasted butternut squash, pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas and candied pecans, and creamy goat cheese. Everything comes together with a sweet and tangy apple cider vinaigrette for a colorful salad that balances crisp, creamy, sweet, savory, and crunchy textures. Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s a beautiful addition to Thanksgiving and other fall meals.
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Fennel and Orange Salad (Italian Style)
This fennel and orange salad is sure to brighten your table this season! This Italian inspired winter salad is a gorgeous display of simple, fresh ingredients and contrasting textures. You'll love making this refreshing salad for family dinners or holiday parties all winter long.
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Pear Gorgonzola Salad Recipe
This Pear Gorgonzola Salad combines sweet, juicy pears, tangy Gorgonzola, crisp greens, and crunchy walnuts with a bright orange-honey vinaigrette. The fresh citrus dressing brings all the flavors together for a beautiful Italian-inspired salad that's especially lovely for fall, winter, and holiday meals.
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Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe
This Famous La Scala Chopped Salad Recipe (Italian) is crisp, hearty, and made with iceberg and romaine lettuce, chickpeas, Italian salami, mozzarella, and a tangy Parmesan dressing. This iconic Beverly Hills salad comes together in just 15 minutes and makes an easy lunch, side dish, or light meal.
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Lemon Arugula Salad in Parmesan Cups
These crisp, elegant salad cups bring instant “wow” to any table. Fresh, zesty arugula salad pairs perfectly with the salty crunch of Parmesan cups for a bite that’s both beautiful and delicious. Ideal for weddings, showers, parties, holiday gatherings, or any meal you want to make feel special.
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Serving Ideas
- Appetizers: Give everyone something delicious to snack on while the main meal finishes cooking. Serve a warm Baked Brie, bite-sized Brie Bites, or savory Stuffed Mushrooms.
- Main Dishes: Make the main course the star of your Thanksgiving table with a classic Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey, juicy Oven-Roasted Chicken, or a flavorful Baked Ham. Choose your favorite centerpiece and pair it with a few of these delicious Thanksgiving sides for a meal everyone will look forward to.
- Condiments & Sauces: Round out your Thanksgiving meal with the little extras that bring everything together. Serve your turkey with Homemade Turkey Gravy or Easy Mushroom Gravy, and add a bright, tangy touch with Fresh Cranberry Relish.
FAQs
What Thanksgiving side dishes can I make ahead of time?
Many Thanksgiving sides can be prepared ahead, including casseroles, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and some vegetable dishes. Check each recipe for specific make-ahead instructions so you know what can be assembled or cooked in advance and what is best made just before serving.
How do I keep Thanksgiving side dishes warm?
Cover cooked dishes and keep them in a low-temperature oven when appropriate, or use a slow cooker for sides that hold well that way. Avoid leaving perishable foods at room temperature for more than two hours, and use a food thermometer to check that hot foods stay at 140°F or above.
What Thanksgiving side dishes are good for a large crowd?
Casseroles, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and corn casserole are especially useful for feeding a crowd because you can make larger portions without preparing individual servings. Dinner rolls and roasted vegetables are also easy to scale up for a bigger gathering.
I hope this list helps you plan a Thanksgiving menu your family will love! Whether you’re sticking with the classics or trying something new this year, the best holiday meals are the ones shared around the table with the people who matter most. Buon appetito!
