Upgrade Your Feast with These 16 Thanksgiving Side Dishes

When it comes to Thanksgiving, I’ve always believed the side dishes are where the real magic happens. Don’t get me wrong, the turkey is the star of the show, but it’s the spread of potatoes, veggies, breads, and little bites that make the meal feel so festive and abundant. I love seeing everyone crowd around the table, piling their plates high with all the colorful, flavorful sides that balance out the holiday feast. Honestly, half the fun is mixing and matching bites – sweet with savory, crispy with creamy – so you get the perfect forkful every time.

Over the years, I’ve collected a mix of tried-and-true favorites and a few new twists that keep things exciting. Some of these sides are cozy classics, like creamy mac and cheese or herby stuffing, while others are a bit unexpected, like bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts or mini pigs in a blanket (always a hit with the kids!). I also love sneaking in a few air fryer recipes because they save me oven space and still turn out perfectly crisp and flavorful. Whether you’re hosting a big crowd or just making a smaller meal, having a variety of sides means everyone finds something they love.

That’s why I’ve put together this list of 16 Thanksgiving side dishes that will take your holiday feast to the next level. There’s a little bit of everything here; carbs, veggies, finger foods, and comfort food favorites, so you can build a menu that feels special without adding too much stress. If you’re looking to upgrade your Thanksgiving table this year, these recipes will definitely do the trick.

1. Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes

If you want a side dish that looks impressive but is secretly super simple, these Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes are it. I love how the crosshatch cuts make them crisp up beautifully on the outside while staying soft and tender on the inside, it’s the best of both worlds. They’re a fun twist on regular roasted potatoes, and since they’re made in the air fryer, they free up that precious oven space on Thanksgiving day. A little olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and you’ve got a side that’s golden, crispy, and guaranteed to be a conversation starter at the table.

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. Pat them dry with kitchen towels.

2. Slice the potatoes into quarters or about half-inch thick pieces.

3. Place the potato slices on a cutting board and carefully make thin cuts on one side, using chopsticks on each side to avoid cutting all the way through.

4. Flip the potato slices over and cut diagonally on the other side to create a crosshatch pattern.

5. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and season them with salt.

6. Cook the potatoes in the air fryer at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they turn golden brown.

7. Serve the potatoes hot.

2. Air Fryer Broccolini

When I want something green on the Thanksgiving table that’s quick, light, and still full of flavor, I reach for this Air Fryer Broccolini. It comes out perfectly crisp-tender with just a touch of char that makes it taste like it came off the grill. A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens it up and balances all the rich, hearty dishes that usually take over the holiday spread. Plus, it only takes about 12 minutes in the air fryer, which makes it a total lifesaver when oven space is packed to the brim.

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3. Air Fryer Roasted Carrots

These Air Fryer Roasted Carrots are such a simple but flavorful addition to the Thanksgiving table. I love how the air fryer brings out their natural sweetness while giving them just the right amount of caramelization on the edges. Tossed with a little olive oil and herbs, they come out tender, savory, and so easy to snack on between bites of turkey and stuffing. Plus, they don’t take up oven space, which is always a win on a busy holiday cooking day.

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.
2. Add the olive oil and seasonings to a medium size bowl, and stir to mix together.
3. Add the carrots to the bowl, and toss to coat with the seasoning mixture.
4. Add carrots in a single layer to the air fryer basket, and air fry for 15-18 minutes, tossing the basket half way through cooking.

4. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potatoes are always a must on my Thanksgiving table, and these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are such a fun way to serve them. They come out perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with flavor thanks to the mix of paprika, dill, and garlic. I love that they’re lighter than traditional fries but still feel indulgent, especially when served with a good dipping sauce. Plus, they’re a great side for both kids and adults, everyone grabs a handful the second they hit the table!

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5. Air Fryer Sweetcorn

Corn on the cob might not be the first thing that comes to mind for Thanksgiving, but this Air Fryer Sweetcorn has become one of my favorite holiday sides. It’s buttery, salty, and just a little bit charred, which makes it taste like it came straight off the grill. The air fryer makes it so easy – you wrap it up, let it cook, and in no time you’ve got juicy, flavorful corn that pairs perfectly with all the rich dishes on the table. It’s simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.

2. Place each ear of corn on a piece of aluminum foil large enough to wrap it completely.

3. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to each ear of corn.

4. Evenly sprinkle salt over each ear of corn.

5. Tightly wrap each ear in aluminum 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. After 10 minutes, carefully unwrap the corn and return it to the air fryer basket.

9. Cook uncovered for an additional 3 minutes to develop a slight char and enhance the flavor.

10. Once done, remove the corn from the air fryer and serve hot.

6. Balsamic Grilled Vegetables

Whenever I feel like I need a lighter, fresher option on the Thanksgiving table, I turn to these Balsamic Grilled Vegetables. They’re colorful, full of flavor, and bring a nice balance to all the creamy, cheesy, and carb-heavy dishes we usually enjoy during the holiday. The balsamic marinade gives the veggies a sweet tanginess, while grilling adds that irresistible smoky char. It’s one of those sides that feels a little fancy but is actually really simple to pull together, and it always makes the plate look extra inviting.

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7. Potato Fritters

These Potato Fritters are one of those sides that disappear almost as soon as they hit the table. Crispy on the outside, cheesy and tender on the inside, they’re basically little bites of comfort food that fit right in with the Thanksgiving spread. I love how versatile they are too, you can serve them as a fun finger food with dipping sauces or pile them on a platter as a heartier side. They’re simple to make, but they always feel special, and honestly, who can resist golden, crispy potatoes on a holiday?

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8. Herb & Vegetable Stuffing

Stuffing is hands down one of my favorite Thanksgiving sides, and this Herb & Vegetable Stuffing is the kind I could happily eat a whole plate of on its own. It’s loaded with toasted bread cubes, sautéed veggies, fresh herbs, and just enough cheese to make it extra cozy. I love how the top gets golden and crisp while the inside stays soft and full of flavor—it’s the perfect balance of textures. For me, no Thanksgiving spread feels complete without a big dish of stuffing in the center of the table, and this recipe always hits the spot.

Servings: 12-14

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of crusty bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Spread the bread cubes out on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool.

3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 10 minutes, until softened.

4. Stir in the garlic and mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes.

5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, parsley, and rosemary.

6. Pour the vegetable broth over the mixture, stirring until the bread is evenly moistened.

7. Mix in the beaten eggs and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

8. Transfer the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

10. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and crisp.

11. Take out of the oven and let the stuffing rest for 10 minutes before serving.

9. Lemon Greek Potatoes

These Lemon Greek Potatoes are such a bright and flavorful twist for the Thanksgiving table. I love how the lemon juice and oregano give them a fresh, zesty kick that balances out all the rich, heavy dishes we usually dig into during the holiday. They come out golden on the edges, tender in the middle, and full of that irresistible savory-citrus flavor. It’s one of those sides that feels a little unexpected but always gets rave reviews, I’ve had more than one person ask for the recipe after just one bite!

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10. Loaded Tater Tots

Loaded Tater Tots are my idea of comfort food heaven, and they make such a fun addition to a Thanksgiving spread. Crispy tots smothered in melty queso, crispy bacon, a drizzle of ranch, and a sprinkle of scallions, what’s not to love? They’re the kind of side dish that disappears fast because everyone keeps going back for “just one more bite.” I especially love serving these when we’ve got kids at the table, but honestly, the adults usually devour them just as quickly!

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11. Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug, and I can’t imagine a Thanksgiving table without it. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb layer, it’s the kind of side that both kids and adults dive into with equal excitement. I love how the mix of cheddar and Gruyère gives it that rich, comforting flavor with just the right amount of gooeyness. It’s hearty, indulgent, and the perfect balance to all the savory dishes that make the holiday meal so special.

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12. Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

These Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts are a total game-changer on the Thanksgiving table. The salty bacon paired with the sweet maple glaze makes them downright irresistible, even for people who usually claim they’re not fans of Brussels sprouts. I love how they crisp up perfectly in the oven while staying tender inside, and they’re just the right size for popping into your mouth. They feel a little fancy but are actually so simple to make!

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13. Mini Pigs in a Blanket

Mini Pigs in a Blanket are one of those sides that bring a little fun to the Thanksgiving table. They’re bite-sized, golden, and flaky with a juicy sausage tucked inside, basically impossible to resist. I love serving them because they work just as well as an appetizer while everyone’s waiting for the main meal as they do alongside all the traditional sides. Plus, they’re kid-approved, adult-approved, and always the first thing to disappear from the platter!

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14. Smashed Potato Salad

This Smashed Potato Salad is such a fun twist on a classic, and it makes a perfect Thanksgiving side. I love how the potatoes get crispy and golden in the oven before being tossed with a creamy, herby dressing, it gives you the best mix of textures in every bite. The fresh dill and lemon juice brighten it up just enough to balance all the rich dishes on the table, while still keeping that cozy, comforting potato goodness we all crave during the holidays. It’s one of those sides that feels familiar but still brings something new to the spread.

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15. Sweet Potato Bites

These Sweet Potato Bites are like little bundles of Thanksgiving joy, and I can never make enough of them. They’ve got everything you want in a holiday side – soft, buttery sweet potatoes, gooey toasted marshmallows, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a crunchy pecan on top to finish it off. I love how they capture all the flavors of a classic sweet potato casserole but in a bite-sized version that’s easy to serve and even easier to eat. They’re festive, fun, and always a huge hit on the table!

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16. Rosemary & Sea Salt Focaccia

Rosemary & Sea Salt Focaccia is one of those sides that feels extra special on the Thanksgiving table. The fluffy, golden bread with its crisp edges and dimpled top sprinkled with rosemary and flaky sea salt is just begging to be torn apart and enjoyed. I love serving it warm so everyone can dip a piece into gravy, mop up extra sauce, or simply savor it with a drizzle of olive oil. It’s simple to make but adds such a cozy, homemade touch to the holiday spread.

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