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Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table and sharing food with the people we love. While the turkey often takes center stage, the sides are what really bring the meal to life.

For me, Thanksgiving sides are a chance to get creative and mix tradition with wholesome, fresh ingredients.

In this roundup, I’m sharing some of my favorite Thanksgiving sides—each with a healthier twist or a make-ahead option to help you enjoy more time with your family and less time stressing in the kitchen.

This blog post is about Thanksgiving side dishes your guests will love.

1. Mashed Potatoes Recipe:

These creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are the perfect side to any Thanksgiving feast. They’re made with Yukon Gold potatoes for that extra rich, velvety texture, and a generous amount of butter and cream to make them irresistibly smooth. The recipe also includes garlic for a flavorful twist on this classic dish.

Make Ahead: I highly encourage you to make these mashed potatoes ahead of time—they freeze wonderfully and will make your Thanksgiving prep so much easier! Simply store them in an airtight container in the freezer. When you're ready to serve, reheat with a splash of broth or milk to keep them perfectly creamy. You'll thank yourself later for having one less dish to worry about on the big day!

2. Honey Glazed Carrots

These tender, honey-roasted carrots are coated in a sweet honey glaze, making them a simple yet delicious addition to your Thanksgiving table. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by a light drizzle of honey and a pinch of salt, and they’re roasted to perfection for just the right amount of caramelization. This side dish is easy to make and brings a beautiful pop of color to your spread.

3. Green Bean Casserole

This classic green bean casserole is a must-have on any Thanksgiving table. It’s made with tender green beans and a homemade cream sauce instead of the traditional canned soup, offering a much healthier option without sacrificing any of the creamy, comforting flavor. Topped with crispy fried onions, this dish is the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Fun fact: Did you know green bean casserole was first created in 1955 by the Campbell Soup Company? It was designed to be a quick and simple side dish using pantry staples, but homemade versions like this one are not only healthier, they taste even better!

4. Cranberry Sauce

This homemade cranberry sauce is a perfect blend of sweet and tart, made with fresh cranberries, apples, and a touch of cinnamon. The natural sweetness from the apples pairs beautifully with the cranberries, creating a sauce that’s far superior to anything from a can. It’s a fresh and flavorful side dish that complements all the savory dishes on your Thanksgiving table.

Make Ahead: This cranberry sauce can be made up to a week ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop and making your holiday prep even easier!

5. Sweet Potato Casserole

This sweet potato casserole offers a delicious balance of sweet and savory, with a crispy bacon pecan topping that’s sure to be a hit. While the recipe calls for bourbon, it’s completely optional—feel free to skip it if that’s not your thing! Also, consider using 6 medium sweet potatoes instead of 4, as many reviewers found that the sweet potato base wasn’t quite enough for larger casseroles.

Make Ahead: To save time, you can easily make this dish ahead of time. Assemble the casserole up to two days in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. On the day of serving, take it out while the oven preheats, and bake as directed. This way, all you have to do is pop it in the oven, and it’s ready to go!

6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

These roasted Brussels sprouts are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Tossed with olive oil, garlic, and a little Parmesan cheese, they’re roasted until perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside while tender on the inside. A sprinkle of salt and pepper brings out their natural flavor, making this dish a beautiful and delicious addition to your Thanksgiving table!

Pro tip: Make sure to roast the Brussels sprouts cut-side down for maximum caramelization and crispiness.

7. Sourdough Stuffing

This sourdough stuffing is a flavorful twist on a classic Thanksgiving side. Made with crusty sourdough bread, savory breakfast sausage, sweet apples, and tart cranberries, it brings a perfect balance of flavors and textures to your holiday table.

The bread is toasted until golden and tossed with avocado oil and Italian seasoning for a crouton-like texture, making it the perfect base for soaking up the homemade bone broth.

Plus, the addition of poultry seasoning and a hint of red pepper flakes adds a comforting, herbaceous flavor with just a touch of warmth. It’s easy to make ahead and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your feast!

8. Fall Quinoa Salad

This cranberry apple quinoa salad is a light yet flavorful side that brings a refreshing balance to your Thanksgiving table.

With crisp apples, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans, each bite is full of fall-inspired flavors. The quinoa not only adds a hearty texture but also boosts the nutritional value, making this dish a healthy complement to the heavier sides.

Tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, it’s bright, vibrant, and perfect for those looking for a fresh twist on a holiday favorite.

Plus, it can be made ahead of time, saving you precious prep time on the big day!

9. Sourdough Dinner Rolls

These soft sourdough dinner rolls are pillowy, fluffy, and perfect for any Thanksgiving table. Made with active sourdough starter, they have a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with savory holiday dishes. These rolls are light, airy, and have a perfectly golden crust, making them the ideal side to soak up all that gravy.

Did you know that sourdough is not only delicious but also easier to digest than regular bread? The fermentation process helps break down gluten, making it gentler on your stomach. Plus, using organic flour means you’re avoiding harmful pesticides, making these rolls a wholesome addition to your holiday meal.

10. Mac and Cheese Recipe

This baked mac and cheese is seriously the best mac and cheese recipe you’ll ever try—it’s rich, creamy, and topped with a crispy, golden breadcrumb layer that’s worth every bit of effort.

The secret to making it extra delicious? Grating your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheese just doesn’t melt the same way, and this dish deserves the full, creamy texture that freshly grated cheese provides. If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side, this is it!

Pro tip: Add a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne pepper to give the dish a little extra warmth and depth.

11. Cranberry Fluff Salad

This light and fluffy cranberry salad is a nostalgic dish that’s sweet, tangy, and easy to make.

It’s made with fresh cranberries, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and whipped topping, bringing together the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors. Whether served as a side or dessert, this dish is sure to be a favorite at your Thanksgiving gathering.

Did You Know? Most marshmallows contain artificial blue dye!
Artificial food dyes, made from petroleum, have been linked to adverse health effects. Instead, look for marshmallows like Dandies, which are free from blue dye. Food dyes add to our body burden, so opting for dye-free marshmallows is a small, simple way to keep things a little healthier.
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Additionally, the recipe calls for store-bought whipped topping, but you can avoid a lot of unnecessary additives by making your own homemade whipped cream. It’s quick, easy, and tastes so much better! Here’s a simple recipe:

Homemade Whipped Cream (makes 2 cups):

1 cup of heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons of powdered sugar (or a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey)
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

In a large, chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with a hand mixer (or whisk) on medium speed until it starts to thicken. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, then continue beating until soft peaks form.

Now you’ve got a delicious, clean alternative to store-bought whipped topping!

12. Pumpkin Soup

This creamy, comforting pumpkin soup is made with simple ingredients like canned pumpkin, chicken broth, and warming spices. It's rich and full of fall flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

The best part? It comes together quickly and makes for a cozy, elegant starter to your Thanksgiving feast. Serve it with a drizzle of cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a special touch.

Healthy Twist: For an extra boost of protein and minerals, swap the regular broth for chicken bone broth. It’s a simple way to add even more protien and nourishment to this flavorful soup!

Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy good food and even better company. Whether you're trying out a classic dish or giving a healthier twist to a family favorite, these sides are sure to make your table feel complete.

The best part? Many of these recipes can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the holiday without feeling overwhelmed. I hope these sides bring warmth and joy to your Thanksgiving table! What are your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes? Share them in the comments below! Hugs.

These posts might be helpful:

Sourdough Stuffing Recipe

7 Thanksgiving Meal Prep Hacks For The Busy Homemaker