Holiday side dishes are the part of the meal everyone quietly looks forward to. Sure, the turkey gets all the attention, but it’s the creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy casseroles, buttery rolls, and spoonful of cranberry sauce that people keep going back for.
If you’re anything like me, your plate ends up with a little bit of everything because choosing just a few sides is impossible.
Whether your family insists on classics like Stuffing, Green Bean Casserole, and Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows, or you like adding something new such as Scalloped Pineapple, Broccoli Apple Salad, or Bacon Mac & Cheese, you’ll find plenty of crowd-pleasing recipes here.
From cozy potato dishes and fresh vegetable sides to fluffy homemade breads and holiday salads, these recipes will help turn a good dinner into one everyone remembers.
My Favorites
These are the two holiday sides I look forward to making every year because they never disappoint, and they are always the first to disappear. They’re my ‘famous’ recipes that my family requests year after year.
Scalloped Pineapple
Topped with a crisp, golden crust, my Scalloped Pineapple is a classic holiday recipe that surprises everyone with how delicious it is. It pairs especially well with ham, but I happily serve it with just about any holiday meal.
Bacon Mac And Cheese
No holiday dinner at my house feels complete without Bacon Mac and Cheese. It’s extra creamy, loaded with crispy bacon, and baked until the cheesy topping is perfectly golden.
Potato Side Dishes
Creamy Mashed Potatoes (Classic Version)
Nothing beats a bowl of buttery, fluffy Creamy Mashed Potatoes alongside a holiday meal. This classic recipe is simple to make and has all the flavors you’re craving.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
If you’re looking to make mashed potatoes even more irresistible, these Cheesy Mashed Potatoes are loaded with melty cheese and baked until hot and creamy.
Mashed Potato Casserole
Need to get a head start on dinner? Mashed Potato Casserole is an easy make-ahead recipe that bakes up creamy on the inside with a crispy golden top.
Smashed Red Potatoes
Crispy edges and tender centers make these Smashed Red Potatoes impossible to resist. They’re a great alternative if you want something different from traditional mashed potatoes.
Crispy Fried Potatoes
Golden brown on the outside and soft in the middle, these Crispy Fried Potatoes are a simple side dish that goes with just about everything. For Thanksgiving dinner or breakfast the next morning, these are a restaurant-quality side.
Scalloped Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce make Scalloped Potatoes a timeless holiday favorite. This is my grandma’s recipe, and it can’t be beat.
Bacon Scalloped Potatoes
Everything is better with bacon, and these Bacon Scalloped Potatoes prove it. Smoky bacon takes this creamy potato casserole to the next level.
German Potato Salad
Served warm with a tangy bacon dressing, German Potato Salad brings a delicious twist to the classic side dish.
Sweet Potato Recipes
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Soft, creamy sweet potatoes topped with gooey toasted marshmallows – this is the Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows that you remember. It’s a holiday classic that’s always a hit.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
If you prefer a crunchy topping, Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans combines creamy sweet potatoes with a buttery brown sugar and pecan crumble that’s hard to beat.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
For something a little lighter, these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries come out perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside with very little oil. A quick side if you’re planning a simple dinner for your closest people.
Mac & Cheese and Cheesy Pasta
Million Dollar Mac and Cheese
Rich, creamy, and loaded with plenty of cheese, this Million Dollar Mac and Cheese takes the dish to the next level. Everyone will be grabbing a second scoop.
Crockpot Velveeta Mac and Cheese
Save valuable oven space by letting your slow cooker do the work. Crockpot Velveeta Mac and Cheese turns out extra creamy with almost no hands-on effort.
Shells & Cheese
Made with tender pasta shells and a velvety homemade cheese sauce, Shells & Cheese is an easy side dish that’s got all the nostalgia you hope for on your Thanksgiving table.
Vegetable Side Dishes
Candied Carrots
Sweet, buttery, and perfectly tender, Candied Carrots are an easy side dish that adds a pop of color to any holiday table.
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Made with butter and brown sugar, these Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots have a rich caramelized coating that makes even carrot skeptics come back for more.
Smothered Green Beans
Cooked low and slow with bacon, onions, and plenty of flavor, Smothered Green Beans are a comforting Southern-inspired side dish that I love making for special occasions.
Green Beans & Potatoes
Simple ingredients come together beautifully in this classic Green Beans & Potatoes. Tender potatoes and green beans make this an easy, satisfying side for any family dinner, plus it covers potatoes and veggies in one yummy dish.
Green Bean Casserole
No holiday spread feels complete without Green Bean Casserole. My version is creamy and flavorful, topped with crispy fried onions, and always one of the sides everyone gets excited to see on the table.
Creamed Spinach
Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, Creamed Spinach is an easy way to add a classic steakhouse favorite to your holiday menu.
Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of broccoli, and a sprinkle of Parmesan makes Parmesan Roasted Broccoli even more delicious.
Roasted Vegetables
When you can’t decide on just one veggie, Roasted Vegetables are the perfect solution. They’re colorful, flavorful, and easy to customize with your favorites.
Corn Side Dishes
Southern Corn Casserole
Creamy, buttery, and packed with sweet corn, my take on a Southern Corn Casserole has earned a spot on my holiday table more than once. It’s reliable and comes together quickly, so it’s convenient during holiday cooking.
Jiffy Corn Casserole
Using a box of Jiffy cornbread mix keeps Jiffy Corn Casserole quick and easy without sacrificing that soft, fluffy texture everyone loves.
Corn Pudding
If you’ve never tried Corn Pudding, you’re in for a treat. It’s softer and creamier than corn casserole, with a silky texture that practically melts in your mouth and pairs beautifully with turkey or ham.
Cornbread
There’s something special about serving warm, homemade Cornbread straight from the oven. It has crisp golden edges, a tender crumb, and tastes just as good with a drizzle of honey as it does alongside your holiday dinner.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
If you live where the holiday weather is nice enough to cook outside, you’ll love adding Grilled Corn on the Cob to your menu. The grill gives each ear lightly charred kernels and a smoky flavor that’s hard to beat with a little butter and salt.
Stuffing & Dressing
Whether you pile it beside the turkey or sneak a forkful straight from the baking dish, Stuffing is one of those holiday sides I could never skip. My version is made with savory herbs, buttery bread, and plenty of nostalgic flavor.
Cornbread Dressing
Made with homemade cornbread, Cornbread Dressing has a soft, hearty texture and just the right balance of herbs and seasoning. It’s a Southern classic that will become a staple in your family’s holiday traditions.
Vegetable Casseroles
Broccoli Rice Casserole
Tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a creamy cheese sauce make Broccoli Rice Casserole a comforting side that’s always a hit at holiday dinners and potlucks.
Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
If you’re looking for a heartier side, Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole combines smoked sausage, tender potatoes, and green beans in one satisfying dish that’s almost filling enough to be the main course.
Salads & Cold Side Dishes
Macaroni Salad (The Only One You’ll Ever Need)
Every holiday table needs something cool and creamy, and Macaroni Salad is always a crowd favorite. It’s loaded with crisp vegetables and tossed in a flavorful homemade dressing.
Pea Salad
Sweet peas, crispy bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing come together in Pea Salad for an easy make-ahead side that’s always one of the first bowls to empty.
Broccoli Apple Salad
The combination of crisp broccoli, sweet apples, crunchy nuts, and a creamy dressing makes Broccoli Apple Salad a fresh addition to a table full of rich holiday dishes.
Apple Slaw
Looking for something bright and crunchy? Apple Slaw combines crisp apples and cabbage in a light, refreshing side that pairs especially well with ham or turkey.
Cranberry Jello Salad
For many families, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without Cranberry Jello Salad. This retro favorite is fruity, festive, and perfect for making ahead.
Bread & Rolls
Dinner Rolls
Fresh from the oven, these soft and fluffy Dinner Rolls are perfect for soaking up gravy or swiping through the last bit of mashed potatoes on your plate.
Bacon Cheddar Biscuits
Loaded with sharp cheddar and crispy bacon, Bacon Cheddar Biscuits are rich, savory, and impossible to eat just one.
Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
Everyone will be reaching for another piece of Pull-Apart Garlic Bread, with its buttery garlic coating and soft, fluffy layers. It’s a side dish that’s tailor-made for sharing.
Baked Beans
Apple Pie Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky, and full of unexpected flavor, Apple Pie Baked Beans get a delicious twist from apples and warm spices. They pair especially well with ham and are always a conversation starter.
Cranberry Favorites
Cranberry Sauce
Skip the canned version and make your own Cranberry Sauce from scratch. It’s sweet, tart, and comes together with just a handful of ingredients for a classic holiday side that tastes so much fresher.
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