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Turkey may be the star of the table, but side dishes deserve some time in the spotlight, too. These ten reliable, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving Sides bring comfort, flavor, and Midwestern hospitality to your holiday table without turning into a full-time job. Whether youโre hosting a crowd or a small gathering, each dish is crafted with ease, tested with care, and designed to make your day a little smoother and a lot more delicious.
1. Classic Bread Stuffing
A savory bread stuffing filled with onion, celery, and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. Youโll love the crispy edges and the soft center of this timeless side dish. You can even assemble it a day ahead and bake it right before dinner.
2. Cranberry Apple Sauce
This twist on classic cranberry sauce adds apples and cinnamon for deeper flavor and texture. The sweet-tart combination tastes both familiar and refreshingly new.
3. Best Mashed Potatoes
Ultra-creamy and ultra-reliable, these buttery mashed potatoes are the comforting foundation every Thanksgiving plate needs. If youโre looking for more cozy crowd-pleasing potatoes, try my garlic mashed potatoes and my make ahead mashed potatoes.
4. Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
This family favorite features an easy mushroom sauce, frozen green beans, and a crunchy golden onion topping. Let the slow cooker do the work while you relax.
5. Vegetable Casserole (Midwestern Style)
A nostalgic crowd-favorite: veggies + buttery sauce + cheese and cracker topping. Familiar, comforting, and one of the first side dishes to disappear.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
With caramelized sprouts, smoky bacon, and sweet onions, this vegetable side doesnโt feel like an afterthought.
7. Soft Yeast Dinner Rolls
These pillowy soft, buttery rolls are perfect for mopping up gravy, piling on turkey, or simply enjoyed with butter.
8. Sweet Potato Casserole
A little sweetness, a lot of nostalgia, these rich sweet potatoes are topped with toasted marshmallows just like Grandma made.
9. Baked Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and topped with golden garlic-butter crumbs, this baked macaroni and cheese is the ultimate kid-friendly Thanksgiving side dish.
10. Cranberry Relish
Just three ingredients and five minutes! This raw relish offers bright, bold flavor to contrast the richer dishes on your table.
With these ten dishes on your menu, youโll have a table full of flavor, comfort, and ease. Itโs classic Midwestern warmth meets smart holiday hosting! Pick your favorites, prep ahead where you can, and enjoy the feast (and the company). Happy Thanksgiving!