What would the holidays be without all of those side dish recipes we all love? Here are some of our favorite Southern Thanksgiving side dishes - updated for 2023!
Table of Contents
- Keto Creamed Spinach
- Slow Cooker Cornbread Dressing
- Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
- Au Gratin Potatoes
- Mom's Green Bean Casserole
- Baked Mac & Cheese
- Cinnamon Spiced Apple Rings
- Bourbon Sweet Potatoes
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Pineapple Casserole
- Slow Cooker Collard Greens
- Pineapple Sweet Potato Casserole
- Loaded Green Bean Casserole
- 💭 Things to know
- 🫶 Restless Chipotle recommends
- 🥧 Don't forget dessert
- 💬 Comments
There's nothing like a traditional Thanksgiving feast filled with Southern comfort foods. Turkey, is surrounded by the best side dishes from creamy casseroles to fluffy mashed potatoes.
Piles of dinner rolls and buttery squares of homemade cornbread are placed next to every sweet dessert from apple pie and gooey pecan pie to creamy sweet potato or pumpkin pies.
Sometimes there's all of them.
Here are some of my favorite Southern side dish recipes for Thanksgiving. They're bound to be a hit with your family, too.
Keto Creamed Spinach
Recipe: keto creamed spinach I love this easy side dish - whether or not I'm following a low-carb eating plan! It's the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving dinner because it's rich and delicious! PLUS it takes just minutes to make and it's gluten free!
Slow Cooker Cornbread Dressing
Recipe: Slow Cooker Cornbread Dressing
It's just not Thanksgiving without Southern cornbread dressing! I love this easy recipe because it's made in the slow cooker so it doesn't use up premium oven space. It comes out SO light and fluffy, too!
Jiffy Cornbread Casserole
Recipe: Creamy Corn Casserole
Crispy crust and a creamy, gooey interior - this Jiffy cornbread casserole is a southern classic! 5 minutes of prep time - and you can make it ahead. That's what makes it one of the best Thanksgiving recipes ever!
Au Gratin Potatoes
Recipe: Au Gratin Potatoes
Make these easy, cheesy potatoes right on top of the stove then add them to a casserole dish and brown the top at the last minute - or skip that part. A delicious Thanksgiving side dish that everyone loves.
Mom's Green Bean Casserole
Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
I don't think there are many tables without this family favorite on them during the holidays! This easy green bean casserole recipe with crispy friend onions has been popular for decades because it's so darn easy! It's one of those classic dishes that will probably be around forever.
Baked Mac & Cheese
Recipe: Mac & Cheese
It's just not a holiday table without the macaroni and cheese on it! Creamy and full of cheddar cheese - this is everyone's favorite.
Cinnamon Spiced Apple Rings
Recipe: Cinnamon Apple Rings
Sweet and spicy, these cinnamon apple rings are so pretty on the relish tray! They're a great addition to the Thanksgiving menu but you'll want to make them a couple of days ahead of time for the best color.
Bourbon Sweet Potatoes
Recipe: Bourbon Sweet Potato Crunch
Creamy, rich, and sweet! No Southern meal is complete without this traditional sweet potato casserole! This has the addition of bourbon and is then topped with pecan praline. SO unbelievably good you may want to keep it all to yourself.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
These super creamy mashed potatoes can be made ahead of time and frozen.
They're the ultimate comfort food and you can't do Thanksgiving dinner without them.
Pineapple Casserole
Recipe: Pineapple Casserole
This classic Southern side dish is unknown in much of the United States. It's a delicious combination of sweet and savory that deserves its place on the Thanksgiving table.
Slow Cooker Collard Greens
Recipe: Slow Cooker Collard Greens
This is the absolute easiest way to make southern collard greens with ALL the flavor. They don't get slimy or over-cooked. So good.
Pineapple Sweet Potato Casserole
Recipe: Pineapple Sweet Potato Casserole
If you're looking for a sweet potato side dish that's not as sweet as the traditional recipe you'll love this tangy, tropical version!
Loaded Green Bean Casserole
Recipe: Loaded Green Bean Casserole
All of the goodness of classic green bean casserole but, y'all, with so. much. more! Green beans, crispy bacon, & extra creamy, cheesy sauce (with the extra richness of cream cheese) takes this over the top.
💭 Things to know
- Get all hands on deck - everyone can do something when it comes to Thanksgiving side dish prep! The littles can wash vegetables, pull herb leaves off stems, and other small chores that free up the bigs to do the more challenging stuff.
- My mother is probably rolling over in her grave but I like to keep it all easy and that means the fewer dishes to wash the better. Use disposable serving dishes, paper plates, and paper napkins and leave the fancy china in the cupboard - you deserve to enjoy the day, too.
- Don't be afraid to round out your holiday side dish game with prepared items from your favorite deli.
- Have a vegan coming to dinner? Roast some veggies with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Family potluck? Make your recipes in aluminum pans that can be thrown away. No worries about losing your favorite casserole dish.
🫶 Restless Chipotle recommends
If you have big family Thanksgiving dinners that mean transporting casseroles you'll want to invest in a couple of these casserole carriers. They keep food hot and keep the dishes from sliding around or slopping over.
🥧 Don't forget dessert
If you need a dessert to go with dinner I've got you!
Classic pumpkin pie is always a favorite! Spicy, creamy, and make-ahead easy!
Or, if you're looking for something super easy you can't go wrong with this no bake double layer pumpkin pie!
Here are 28 more of the very best Thanksgiving pie recipes for you to choose from. You're bound to find the perfect dessert!
First published November 10, 2020. Last updated October 15, 2023 to add recipes and update information.
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