🍽️ Top 5 Thanksgiving Side Dishes (With Full Recipes!)

Your Family Will Actually Ask For Again

Thanksgiving is the perfect blend of comfort food, tradition, and those dishes we look forward to all year long. These top 5 sides are classics with a cozy homestead twist — simple ingredients, warm flavors, and totally crowd-pleasing. Enjoy the full printable recipes below!

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🥔 1. Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

·         3 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

·         6 tbsp butter

·         4 cloves r0asted garlic (or 2 raw cloves, mashed)

·         ¾–1 cup warm heavy cream or whole milk

·         1 tsp salt

·         ½ tsp black pepper

·         Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1.      Boil potatoes until fork-tender, 12–15 minutes.

2.      Drain and return to the pot.

3.      Mash with butter and garlic.

4.      Slowly add warm cream until smooth and fluffy.

5.      Season with salt, pepper, and parsley.

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🍞 2. Southern Skillet Cornbread Dressing

Ingredients

Skillet Cornbread:

·         1 cup cornmeal

·         1 cup flour

·         1 cup buttermilk

·         1 egg

·         4 tbsp melted butter

·         1 tbsp sugar

·         1 tsp baking soda

·         ½ tsp salt

Dressing Mix:

·         1 baked cornbread (above) crumbled

·         1 small loaf of day-old bread, cubed

·         1 onion, diced

·         3 celery stalks, diced

·         2–3 cups chicken broth

·         1 tbsp poultry seasoning

·         1 tsp salt

·         ½ tsp pepper

·         2 eggs, beaten

·         4 tbsp butter

Instructions

1.      Make the cornbread: Mix dry, mix wet, pour into hot greased skillet, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.

2.      Sauté onion & celery in butter until softened.

3.      In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, bread cubes, vegetables, broth, eggs, and seasonings.

4.      Pour into a greased 9×13 dish or skillet.

5.      Bake at 375°F for 35–45 minutes until golden on top.

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🥗 Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• ½ cup milk

• 1 cup crispy fried onions

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp pepper

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes; drain and set aside.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, and pepper.

4. Add the blanched green beans to the soup mixture and stir until well combined.

5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with half of the crispy fried onions.

6. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions on top.

9. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the onions are golden brown.

10. Serve warm and enjoy!

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🍠 4. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Base:

·         4 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 4–5 potatoes)

·         ½ cup sugar or maple syrup

·         2 eggs

·         ½ cup milk

·         4 tbsp butter, melted

·         1 tsp vanilla

·         ½ tsp cinnamon

·         Pinch of salt

Pecan Topping:

·         1 cup chopped pecans

·         ½ cup brown sugar

·         ⅓ cup flour

·         4 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

1.      Preheat oven to 350°F.

2.      Mix sweet potato base ingredients together until smooth.

3.      Pour into a greased 9×9 or 9×13 dish.

4.      In a separate bowl, mix topping ingredients until crumbly.

5.      Sprinkle topping generously over sweet potato base.

6.      Bake 30–35 minutes until topping is crisp and golden.

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🍊 5. Cranberry Orange Relish

Ingredients

·         12 oz fresh cranberries

·         1 whole orange (peel on, seeds removed, chopped)

·         ½–1 cup sugar (adjust sweetness)

·         ½ tsp vanilla (optional)

Instructions

1.      Add cranberries, orange, and sugar to a food processor.

2.      Pulse until finely chopped but not puréed.

3.      Add vanilla if desired.

4.      Chill at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors blend.

In summary, Thanksgiving side dishes are the heart and soul of a warm, inviting holiday feast. The comforting embrace of creamy mashed potatoes and the vibrant flavors of roasted vegetables not only complement the main dish but also bring family and friends together around the table. As you prepare for your Thanksgiving gathering, consider weaving in a delightful mix of cherished classics and some fresh, inventive recipes that will surely delight your guests. Embrace the spirit of gratitude and togetherness by crafting side dishes that reflect love and creativity, ensuring that every bite contributes to the joy of the celebration.