You know it’s serious when the sides start getting more compliments than the main course. That’s exactly what happens with these 31 Thanksgiving sides built to grab all the attention. They turn the table into a friendly competition where flavor wins every round. By the end, you’ll wonder why anyone still calls it a “side” dish.

A close-up of Grandma's Mashed Potato Casserole with a serving spoon in the dish. — Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

Bold flavors meet creamy textures in Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts, creating a mix that’s hard to resist. Its earthy tones balance out beautifully for an unforgettable side. This combination makes it equally appealing and refreshing during a holiday feast. Bringing together contrasting tastes, it offers something different for everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!)

A white rectangular plate with Potatoes & Cabbage garnished with parsley on a patterned surface. — Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!). Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

In Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!), tender pieces combine for a hearty addition to the meal without overpowering the main dish. It’s less traditional yet still delivers solid comfort food vibes. Blended well, it adds balance to more indulgent sides on the Thanksgiving table. Ideal for those who want a twist on usual potato-based dishes.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!)

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

An iPad and an iPhone display the cover of a digital cookbook titled "31 Hot & Hearty Casseroles" by Chef Jenn Allen, featuring a close-up of a cheesy casserole.

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Easy White Bean Salad

A fresh White Bean Salad on a white plate featuring arugula, white beans, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, avocado, and cheese, placed on a wooden surface with two forks beside it. — Easy White Bean Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

A simple yet surprising addition, Easy White Bean Salad brings a light contrast to heavier meals. The texture keeps it fresh and enjoyable alongside rich entrées. Convenient to prepare as it pairs well with other sides on the menu. This option is a great choice for variety without complicating balance in the meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy White Bean Salad

German Kohlrabi

Offering a unique addition, German Kohlrabi adds a touch of crunch as an unexpected side to classic holiday spreads. Light yet impactful, its presence can refresh the experience without demanding attention. It’s perfect for blending traditional and non-traditional plates for guests. A little different but still approachable with every bite.
Get the Recipe: German Kohlrabi

Southern Style Pickled Shrimp

Tangy and bold, Southern Style Pickled Shrimp makes an impressive side that’s different from typical spreads. Designed to be shared, it’s made to complement heavier dishes with its lighter feel. This option introduces something new without overpowering the classic favorites. A strong pick if you’re looking to broaden the flavor combinations during dinner.
Get the Recipe: Southern Style Pickled Shrimp

Bacon Fried Corn

Comfort meets richness with Bacon Fried Corn as it effortlessly fits into the thanksgiving lineup. Sweet and savory elements come together in this crowd-pleasing dish. It’s simple yet unforgettable, offering bold textures that stand out next to other classic sides. The addition of strong flavor contrast makes it an easy favorite for anyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon

A plate of roasted green beans garnished with sliced almonds, accompanied by lemon slices on a black serving board. — Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon brighten up the meal while still feeling substantial. It blends a tender snap from the beans with texture from the almonds for well-rounded bites. The hints of added flavor keep it interesting without overpowering other parts of the meal. Definitely a nice addition if you’re looking for something versatile and unfussy.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon

Sausage Stuffing

Bold flavors and hearty bites make Sausage Stuffing a must-have side that competes with the centerpiece. Every serving feels classic yet brings enough variety to stand out on the table. Its strong flavors pair with almost everything, making it a dependable choice for guests. Perfect for those who want to add comforting flavors to the mix without overshadowing lighter sides.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffing

Classic Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe

A black plate with bow-tie pasta salad mixed with cherry tomatoes, diced vegetables, herbs, and a creamy dressing. — Classic Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Heartier than most salads, Classic Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe blends satisfying textures with bold flavors. It’s packed enough to feel substantial but still balances well with other dishes. The mix of textures offers variety and keeps things interesting from start to finish. Whether paired with rich or fresh plates, it finds a way to complement everything.
Get the Recipe: Classic Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Green beans with pork on a black plate. — Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Warm, tender bites define Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans, a comforting option on busy meal spreads. It fills the gap for anyone looking for a mild yet fulfilling vegetable dish that feels classic. Easily paired with richer or lighter sides, it delivers a consistent flavor that meshes with other parts of the meal. A crowd-pleaser that’s easy to fit into your menu.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Squash Casserole

A family favorite, Squash Casserole brings together creamy textures for a side that feels nostalgic and filling. It crowns the table as a softer option while holding its own flavor among more robust dishes. The dish complements everything, from rich servings to lighter options around it. Great for adding variety without straying from crowd-pleasing elements.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole

Ukrainian Potatoes

Ukrainian Potatoes offer a unique spin on traditional spud sides. With intriguing textures and special preparation, it breaks away from classic mashed varieties. This side introduces an exciting flair while still bringing comfort and familiarity to the table. It’s one worth grabbing for adventurous yet hearty moments among the spread.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes

Polenta with Mascarpone

Smooth textures meet a touch of indulgence in Polenta with Mascarpone for a side that feels slightly improved. A great choice when looking for something a bit unexpected, yet familiar to fit into the scene. It’s versatile with its mild flavors, making it easy to pair alongside bold mains or lighter sides. Guests will enjoy exploring its soft richness.
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Rich and creamy, Mississippi Mud Potatoes deliver a hearty kick that feels comforting and right for festive tables. It’s the kind of dish people look forward to scooping onto their plates for satisfying bites. This potato-based option stands out thanks to its depth and balance, making each serving memorable. A reliable option that works well beside nearly anything.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Baked Bean Casserole

Smoky and warm, Baked Bean Casserole ties together nostalgic flavors for a side that always feels welcome. With a balance of bold and sweet, it fits seamlessly into certain plates while keeping a personality of its own. Ideal for anyone wanting a robust option to enhance the lineup. A steady crowd-pleaser on big tables filled with variety.
Get the Recipe: Baked Bean Casserole

Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Braised potatoes in a pan after cooking. — Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fragrant and hearty, Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes take traditional potato dishes up a notch. Every bite feels a bit improved thanks to flavorful layers that don’t veer too far from comforting tastes. The dish sits wonderfully among either bold plates or lighter creations. It’s a nice way to add a bit more depth to the everyday potato sides.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

A rectangular white plate with cooked red cabbage and bacon pieces, placed on a light surface next to a floral-patterned cloth. — Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Intriguing flavors define Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon, bringing vibrant contrast to the table. It’s a bit different but works in harmony with more typical choices. With just enough interest in each bite, this side breaks up monotony and keeps the lineup fresh. A great addition for anyone after something that surprises but doesn’t overwhelm.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Mild yet refreshing, Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill works as a versatile choice for any table spread. It balances earthy undertones with a light twist that contrasts heavier options. This memorable dish is easy to place beside other sides without feeling out of place. Perfect for those who want a unique take on familiar vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Oma’s German Potato Salad

A spoonful of German potato salad topped with bacon, red onion, and chopped parsley held over a bowl of the same salad. — Oma’s German Potato Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Warm and rich, Oma’s German Potato Salad feels a little more lively than most traditional potato options. It includes layers of flavor that carry through each bite, making it stand out nicely on crowded tables. A good choice for those hoping to add something both comforting and a bit different. It meshes effortlessly with classics and newer additions alike.
Get the Recipe: Oma’s German Potato Salad

Mexican Black Beans

Mexican Black Beans bring an exciting twist to festive sides while blending smoothly into any meal flow. The hearty nature of this pick makes it ideal for balancing out lighter spreads. Its bold flavors are well-suited to offset milder choices, offering variety without overwhelming others. Serves well as a standout dish or complementary fix.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans

Broccoli Rice Casserole with No Canned Soup

Lighter yet loaded with texture, Broccoli Rice Casserole with No Canned Soup balances comfort and freshness. Ideal for anyone searching for lighter alternatives that still hit all the right notes. Works well to pair alongside rich offerings or fresher elements without feeling too heavy. This unique casserole option stands out without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole with No Canned Soup

Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans)

Greek Green Beans served in a white bowl. — Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans). Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Packed with bold layers of flavor, Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans) refresh the table lineup with something new. This dish introduces tender veggies dressed with balanced flavors that complement different plates. Easily paired with heartier sides or mains without losing its identity. A dependable option for tables needing variety.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans)

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping

A slice of sweet potato casserole topped with pecan crumble on a white plate with a spoon, surrounded by pecans and sunflowers. — Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping delivers a standout flavor that blends well into bigger meal spreads. The textures are tempting, offering enough crunch to break up softer components. This dish pushes sweet potatoes into centre focus, earning its spot on any table. A good way to mix up the traditional lineup while still sticking with crowd-worthy choices.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled corn on the cob pieces topped with cheese, chili powder, and cilantro, served on a black slate plate with lime wedges on the side. — Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Smoky, charred edges bring a modern twist to Grilled Elote Corn Ribs, making them stand out against more traditional picks. This dish mixes classic corn ideas with exciting preparation for something guests notice. Great for pairing with heavier meats or breaking up softer veggie sides. These ribs always feel special yet effortlessly fit into festive scenes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Tender bites feel just right in Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots, a dish that balances natural sweetness with a smooth texture. Perfect for traditional spreads or tables trying to cover all bases. The blend makes it easy to care for everyone’s preferences without complicating the meal. Ideal for filling out festive tables with dependable choices.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

A bowl of boiled potatoes with skins on, topped with a creamy herb sauce and garnished with chopped fresh dill. — Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy layers meet bold richness in Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon, elevating the classic potato side dishes. A balanced choice that pairs lovely with anything from meats to fresh salads. It adds variety without going too far off the usual track, ensuring everyone enjoys their portion. A strong pick for hearty sides done right.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs

Rich in seasoning, Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs bring exciting textures alongside comforting flavor. It’s a strong dish that feels at home on festive tables filled with variety. Perfect for breaking up softer sides with something crunchy yet layered. This pick earns its spot with an effortless versatility that goes with everything.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs

Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese settle perfectly beside nearly any dish. Its richness adds depth without overdoing it, making it well-suited to traditional spreads. Ideal for guests looking for classic flavors with a slight twist to keep things interesting. A classic choice everyone counts on but with just enough uniqueness.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Wild Rice Salad

Interesting textures bring Wild Rice Salad to life, offering something different among softer sides. It matches effortlessly with heavier dishes to create balance but also stands strong on its own. Great for tables hoping to surprise guests with unique choices that aren’t too unfamiliar. This pick feels versatile and always welcome.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Pickled Yellow Beans

Tangy and intriguing, Pickled Yellow Beans cut through heavier flavors with a refreshing addition to the lineup. Perfect for offering variety in textures among richer dishes. Good for pairing with most entries while holding its own flavor identity. A reliable option for keeping things fresh at the table.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Yellow Beans

Smoked Cauliflower

Bold preparation gives Smoked Cauliflower its edge, with flavors that feel hearty yet balanced. It’s ideal for adding variety to veggie choices while still feeling substantial. Easily balances out richer parts of the meal without disappearing among other options. Guests appreciate its uniqueness without it being overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower