Thanksgiving tables have a habit of filling up fast, but with 33 different side dishes in the wings, there’s always room for more. These extra sides can rescue anyone who finds themselves lost in a mountain of turkey without a friendly casserole in sight. Sometimes the extra mac and cheese has a way of handling awkward silences better than any small talk.

Classic Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe

Holiday tables often need a bit of balance, and Classic Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe really fills that need. Pieces of bacon work smoothly with the slight tang of the dressing and the chew of pasta, offering contrast in both flavor and texture. Small touches of crunchy vegetables bring freshness to every forkful, creating harmony in a mix that isn’t too heavy. If you crave something to complement proteins and other sides, this salad is a staple that bridges any gap on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Classic Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping

Comfort can be found in every layer of Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping. Creamy sweet potatoes blend with a sugary nut topping, creating a dish where softness meets pleasant crunch. With family gatherings, a side like this often comforts more than just your appetite, filling a space that sometimes feels impossible at big meals. This staple has a way of making even simple moments seem a bit more connected.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping

Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

Many gatherings could use an extra easy side, and Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer answer that call with convenience and reliable flavor. Without loads of oil, you get tender pieces with a hint of crispness in every bite. This option is a good backup if you need something quick but delicious, fitting wherever you might be short on a more star dish. Bringing this to the table helps round things out without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

Baked Spanish Rice

Rich in flavor and color, Baked Spanish Rice adds just the right touch to a lineup that may be missing a grain. This classic dish brings together tomato, garlic, and warming spices for a gentle backdrop that welcomes bolder mains. Every spoonful can bring familiar comfort, helping break up all the heavier options. It has a way of making the meal feel more complete and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Everyone can appreciate how Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes fill in when you need a side that’s fuss-free and appealing to nearly everyone. They provide a tasty bite with just the right amount of texture. You’ll notice they don’t crowd the plate but seem to fit perfectly among other dishes. Quick prep and great taste make these cubes a go-to fill-in option for any spread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

When the table is calling out for a bit of excitement, Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers answer boldly. Smokiness blends with the heat of jalapenos and the richness of pork, offering a contrast that perks up everything else. This is a dish that’s fun to eat and even more fun to share, often becoming a conversation starter. Adding these poppers to the lineup ensures nothing feels monotonous.
Get the Recipe: Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Plates sometimes feel like they need a hint of char and robust flavor, which is where Smoked Brussels Sprouts come in. Their slightly smoky taste gives familiar vegetables new life, making them more intriguing. The slight bitterness is balanced by the rich smokiness, adding depth without overwhelming. This choice often surprises guests with how well it fits in and rounds out the group of sides.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

Whenever you want to fill a space with heartiness and comfort, Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole acts as a centerpiece on its own. Packed with marshmallows, nuts, and spices, every spoonful is full of layers and contrasting textures. It’s a dish that can stand up to any entrée, providing the sweet counterweight many people look for. You’ll find that it’s a favorite among both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

German Yellow Beans

Tables seem more balanced when German Yellow Beans are included, thanks to their subtle flavor and pleasant texture. This side fits neatly next to robust meats or other vegetables, offering just the right note of freshness. Simple ingredients help these beans shine, making them a dependable staple at any gathering. Serving them adds a touch of color and a gentle, familiar flavor that many enjoy.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans

Classic Corn Pudding Casserole

Offering a smooth transition between main dishes and bread, Classic Corn Pudding Casserole is an essential at gatherings. The natural corn flavor shines in this comforting, layered bake that bridges sweetness and earthiness. You get a soft, almost pudding-like texture in every bite, which contrasts nicely against crispier foods. When you want to guarantee there isn’t a gap in your spread, this casserole delivers.
Get the Recipe: Classic Corn Pudding Casserole

Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Smokiness brings new depth to Smoked Sweet Potatoes, providing a flavor that rounds out the collection of classic sides. This preparation enhances the potato’s natural sweetness without overwhelming the palate. It’s a great choice if you need something to bridge both sweet and tasty options. Add this to your spread whenever you’re searching for something to fill a gap that no other dish quite can.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

If you ever find your table missing something unbelievably creamy, Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese belong front and center. The addition of cream cheese creates a lush, pillowy texture that everyone seems to remember after the meal. Potatoes play well with nearly every other dish, which makes this version perfect for connecting all the flavors. Your guests will appreciate the comfort and familiarity packed in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Corn Fritters

For times when a little crunch and sweetness are missing, Corn Fritters fill that space with every golden, fried bite. They combine kernels with a light batter, offering both flavor and texture in a way that wakes up the palate. These fritters are great for passing around, making the meal more interactive and memorable. Their versatile flavor means you can pair them with nearly any main or side as needed.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Earthy flavors are properly represented by Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes, which bridge gaps between bold and subtle dishes. The combination of fragrant rosemary and mellow garlic infuses the potatoes with a gentle richness. This is a dish that slides easily onto any table, perfectly matching both traditional and modern menus. Guests enjoy having this familiar comfort food alongside more adventurous sides.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

A salty-sweet punch is often missing from many meals, which is why Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon fits right in. Crisp bacon and slightly tart apples mingle with tangy cabbage, creating a bite that perks up everything else on your plate. This dish brings a bright note and a hint of smokiness, preventing heavier dishes from overpowering the lineup. It’s a beloved way to fill out the spread with something a bit unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Mediterranean Rice

Grains have their place at every gathering, and Mediterranean Rice ensures there are no empty spots. Light seasonings and colorful vegetables make a dish that connects richer, heavier foods with ease. Every scoop provides a gentle contrast, making sure the meal feels balanced and complete. This easy-to-serve side invites guests to explore new tastes without stepping too far away from tradition.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice

Easy German Potato Salad

Tangy and warm, Easy German Potato Salad covers a comfort gap that cold salads leave behind. It combines tender potatoes with bacon and a mustard-based dressing for punchy, memorable bites. This salad usually becomes a talking point, often ending up as a favorite new tradition. It stands out for its ability to make familiar foods feel special and connected.
Get the Recipe: Easy German Potato Salad

Smoked Cauliflower

If your table could benefit from something both hearty and plant-based, Smoked Cauliflower fits the role easily. The delicate smokiness gives this vegetable a distinct character that keeps things interesting. Texture-wise, it presents a good alternative to potatoes or bread, fitting smoothly alongside a variety of dishes. This side helps keep the meal rounded out and colorful for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower

Ukrainian Potatoes

Family gatherings often need a connection to tradition, and Ukrainian Potatoes provide that with every forkful. Their soft texture and mild flavor create a foundation that allows bolder dishes to shine. Finished with just a hint of herbs, these potatoes fill any blank space left by other sides. You’ll find that they happily accompany both simple and complex entrées.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Brighter flavors can seem scarce at the table, which makes Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill a welcome addition. Lemon and dill lighten up the vegetable, giving a cool, fresh boost that pairs well with rich mains. This dish helps keep the meal feeling balanced, cutting through heavier items. It also appeals to guests looking for something light without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

When you need something that takes care of itself but is always welcome, Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans are the answer. These beans cook gently with seasonings and bacon, resulting in tenderness and flavor throughout. Guests often come back for seconds, filling their plates with this humble but flavorful classic. A spread can feel incomplete without a reliable, homey dish like this.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Bacon Fried Corn

When traditional sides need a boost, Bacon Fried Corn steps up with just the right level of saltiness and crispness. Corn and bacon interact wonderfully, creating a sweet and smoky combination everyone craves. By putting this on your plate, you fill more than just physical space; you also bring everyone to the table with anticipation. It brings together the best parts of comfort food and simple ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

Vegetable dishes don’t need to be dull, as Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli proves every time. This dish layers creamy rice with tender broccoli for bite after bite of simple goodness. Its subtle flavors make it an excellent companion to almost any main, easily filling in when you need something comforting. It’s a favorite for anyone wanting more vegetables without sacrificing heartiness.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

Polenta with Mascarpone

When you want to fill those last open spaces on the table, Polenta with Mascarpone offers down-to-earth comfort. Creamy mascarpone enriches the cornmeal, making each bite smooth without heaviness. It pairs perfectly with saucy dishes, soaking up extra flavor while anchoring the plate. This is a side that draws together all sorts of dishes with gentle ease.
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone

Smoked Spaghetti Squash

For lighter side options that don’t compromise on flavor, Smoked Spaghetti Squash does a great job filling any gaps. The smoky touch boosts the naturally sweet, stringy flesh, adding interest to each forkful. Its unique texture makes it perfect for catching stray drips of sauce or standing on its own. You’ll find this option keeps the meal varied in both taste and appearance.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Spaghetti Squash

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Bright flavors from Greek Lemon Potatoes find their place among heavier sides and mains, ensuring nothing feels one-note. A combination of lemon and herbs cuts through richer dishes while providing just the right amount of contrast. Potatoes have never felt so refreshing, helping balance any spread. This dish stands out for its universal appeal and dependable finish.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes

Mexican Black Beans

For tables with lots of hearty mains, Mexican Black Beans fill in with just enough protein and flavor to anchor them. Classic seasonings create beans that are simple but never forgettable, fitting in wherever something grounding is needed. These beans work alongside just about everything, adding substance and keeping things fulfilling. They help make sure everyone leaves the table feeling well-fed and content.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans

Smoked Tomatoes

Complex flavors sometimes go missing in crowded spreads, but Smoked Tomatoes fill that gap effortlessly. Smoking intensifies the natural sweetness and acidity with a deepened, complex profile. These tomatoes fit perfectly next to main meats, sharp cheeses, or softer sides, giving your table extra dimension. You’ll find guests reaching for them as both a supporting act and a highlight piece.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomatoes

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Energy and vibrance enter the meal when Grilled Elote Corn Ribs make their appearance, filling any gap for something hands-on and fun. Classic elote flavors such as cheese, lime, and spice coat every piece, inspiring everyone to dig in. This side always adds a unique twist to the traditional lineup, making food seem more interactive and lively. Plates look brighter and spirits reach new heights with these included.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!)

Filling and rustic, Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!) fills space on your plate and offers dependable flavor. Tender potatoes and soft cabbage balance each other well, anchoring meals rich in proteins and sauces. This simple combination is hearty yet not too heavy, meeting the needs of those looking for something a bit lighter. It takes its place as a familiar favorite without outshining other classics.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!)

Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Warmth and ease come together in Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin, helping to bridge gaps between courses or heavy sides. Silky smooth and gentle in flavor, it’s a great way to begin a meal or offer a lighter option in the mix. The soup serves as a palate refresher, giving balance to a feast of varied dishes. Guests welcome a bowl, knowing it offers just enough comfort without being overpowering.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

Tables often lack a side that combines tang, richness, and just a bit of crunch, which is where Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon come in. Sour cream lightens the smooth potatoes while bacon pieces add texture and a tangy note. By serving this, you fill a gap left by plain sides, making the meal feel far more complete. This combination pleases just about any guest and ensures plates return empty.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

Shirazi Salad

A refreshing change appears with Shirazi Salad, a side that brings brightness and crunch to soften richer dishes. Fresh cucumber, tomato, and onions blend with herbs and lemon for a bite that wakes up every part of the meal. It’s a gap-filler for anyone who needs a break between heavier or creamier courses. Adding this salad makes the spread more balanced without ever feeling fussy.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad