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    Home » Holidays » Thanksgiving

    38 Ultimate Southern Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes – 2024

    Modified: Oct 17, 2024 · Published: Oct 18, 2023 by Sharon Rigsby · 1 Comment

    A collage of 4 Thanksgiving side dishes including mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and green bean casserole.

    Move over, turkey – the real showstoppers at any Southern Thanksgiving table are the side dishes! Whether cornbread stuffing or sweet potato perfection, these 38 Southern Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes for 2024 will steal the spotlight. Trust me, you’ll want to try them all!

    Are you searching for the tastiest, traditional, crowd-pleasing side dishes to wow your guests this Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving? Or are you looking for easy, make-ahead Thanksgiving side dish options to feed a crowd without all the stress? I’ve got you covered.

    A collage of 4 Thanksgiving side dishes including mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and green bean casserole.

    If you’re like me and love simple Southern comfort food with a modern twist, you’ll find everything from gluten-free, keto, paleo, vegetarian, and vegan options right here. No matter what your guests need, there’s something on this list to make everyone happy!

    Top 5 Must-Try Southern Thanksgiving Side Dishes

    Looking for the ultimate side dishes that will impress your guests? These five Southern classics are sure to be the stars of your holiday spread!

    1. Sweet Potato Casserole – A blend of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and pecans (or marshmallows) for a perfect mix of sweet and savory.
    2. Classic Green Bean Casserole – Creamy, crunchy, and nostalgic—this dish never disappoints.
    3. Cornbread Dressing – Southern-style dressing made with crumbled cornbread, celery, onions, and savory herbs.
    4. Macaroni and Cheese – A comfort food staple with creamy, cheesy goodness baked to golden perfection.
    5. Candied Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes baked with a buttery, caramel-like glaze, often topped with marshmallows.

    Choose from reimagined Thanksgiving classics plus traditional and non-traditional choices and new twists on old favorites. This collection also features recipes that can be made on the grill or smoker, in an Instant Pot, Crock Pot, or slow cooker.

    This post isn’t about getting rid of sacred or family-traditional side dishes. It’s about giving you options for adding a “soon to be a favorite” to your menu. So, how about it? Which one(s) will you choose?


    Southern Green Bean Casserole without Mushroom Soup – Grits and Pinecones

    Baked green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions and shredded parmesan cheese.

    Elevate your holiday spread with a fresh take on the beloved Southern Green Bean Casserole! Ditch the classic recipe, which uses canned cream of mushroom soup, and savor the taste of homemade goodness with this easy-to-make side dish. It’s ideal for Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, special occasions, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner.

    Green Bean Casserole

    Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes – Grits and Pinecones

    A white serving bowl full of mashed potatoes topped with a pat of butter.

    Because you can make them ahead, this mashed potato recipe makes the perfect make-ahead Thanksgiving side dish, or whenever you want a truly delicious and indulgent side dish, you can just reheat and serve.

    Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes

    Baked Pineapple Cheese Casserole – Grits and Pinecones

    A quintessential holiday side dish in the South, this easy pineapple casserole epitomizes a quick and easy dump-and-bake recipe. It will be one of your most popular Thanksgiving side dishes!

    Pineapple Cheese Casserole

    Roasted Root Vegetables (Coconut Milk and Macadamia Nuts) – Viktoria’s Table

    A baking dish full of roasted root vegetables including carrots.

    Roasted root vegetables – cooked in coconut milk and topped with salty, crunchy macadamia nuts, are so sweet, creamy, and delicious that you will get addicted! You may even skip the Thanksgiving pie!

    Roasted Root Vegetables

    Easy Southern Cornbread Pudding – Grits and Pinecones

    Cornbread pudding in a baking dish with a serving on a smaller plate.

    Southern Cornbread Pudding is a beloved traditional Thanksgiving side dish in the South! You would be hard-pressed to find a Thanksgiving dinner table without some version of this decadent and creamy corn pudding front and center.

    Southern Cornbread Pudding

    Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Ritz Crackers – Grits and Pinecones

    A spoonful of Broccoli Cheese Casserole topped with crushed Ritz crackers and cheese.

    I always serve this easy, make-ahead Broccoli Cheese Casserole as one of my Thanksgiving side dishes. It features crisp fresh broccoli florets smothered in a smooth and creamy cheese sauce, and it’s made with simple ingredients such as tangy sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, and sharp cheddar cheese.

    Broccoli Cheese Casserole

    Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes – Grits and Pinecones

    Candied sweet potatoes in a round white baking dish.

    Old-fashioned Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes with crunchy pecans is a dazzling Thanksgiving side dish with rich flavors and textures.

    Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

    Stuffed Acorn Squash – Linger

    Acorn squash halves stuffed with fruit and nuts.

    Welcome a festive harvest dish for your Holiday table this year: Stuffed Acorn Squash. This seasonal masterpiece pairs the earthy sweetness of roasted acorn squash with a delightful medley of sautéed apples, dried fruits, glazed pecans, and pumpkin seeds.

    Stuffed Acorn Squash

    The Ultimate Relish Tray Guide – Grits and Pinecones

    Several cut glass relish tray dishes full of pickles, vegetables and olives.

    Check out my ultimate guide for making an old-fashioned, easy Thanksgiving side dish that is beautiful, family-friendly, and flavorful!

    Relish Tray

    Traditional Southern Cornbread Dressing – Grits and Pinecones

    A white serving bowl full of cornbread dressing with a cornucopia in the background.

    There are many things to love about my Thanksgiving side dish, classic, Traditional Southern Cornbread Dressing, and I can’t imagine Thanksgiving without it.

    In addition to its divine taste, this southern-style, old-fashioned Thanksgiving side dish recipe can be made ahead and freezes beautifully. I have already made mine, and it’s in the freezer for the big day!

    Southern Cornbread Dressing

    Sriracha Sweet Chili Brussels Sprouts – From A Chef’s Kitchen

    A blue serving dish with roasted Brussels sprouts.

    Add some spark to your table with these flavor-packed Brussels sprouts! Sriracha Sweet Chili Brussels Sprouts are a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet and a whole lot wonderful!

    Sriracha Sweet Chili Brussels Sprouts

    Southern Potato Salad – Grits and Pinecones

    Potato salad in a white dish topped with paprika.

    A classic Southern Potato Salad, just like Grandma used to make, this easy, old-fashioned side dish is a creamy, tangy, delicious side dish and the perfect make-ahead Thanksgiving side dish.

    Southern Potato Salad

    Southern Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole – Grits and Pinecones

    Sweet potato casserole in a white baking dish with a serving spoon.

    This classic Southern Thanksgiving side dish, Southern Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole, is made with baked sweet potatoes and topped with pecans and brown sugar. Its delightful combination of flavors is sure to draw rave reviews from everyone.

    Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole

    Easy Cranberry Sauce with Fruit and Nuts – Grits and Pinecones

    A cut glass bowl full of cranberry sauce.

    This is an elegant version of the Thanksgiving and Christmas classic cranberry sauce we all know and love, dressed up for the holidays. With only fifteen minutes and a handful of ingredients, you can transform a bag of cranberries into a unique and easy Thanksgiving side dish.

    Cranberry Sauce

    Sweet and Sour Green Beans – Grits and Pinecones

    A white bowl with sweet and sour green beans.

    A popular Thanksgiving side dish in the South, Sweet and Sour Green Beans, combines canned green beans with smokey, crumbled bacon, crunchy water chestnuts, sweet onions, and a tantalizing sweet and sour sauce made with granulated sugar and vinegar.

    Sweet and Sour Green Beans

    Southern Sweet Onion Casserole – Grits and Pinecones

    Onion casserole in a white baking dish garnished with thyme leaves.

    Easy Southern Sweet Onion Casserole features caramelized Vidalia onions paired with sour cream and two types of cheese. Topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs, this decadent, creamy onion casserole melts in your mouth and is a must-have savory Thanksgiving side dish.

    Onion Casserole

    Easy Cornbread Dressing with Sausage – Grits and Pinecones

    Cornbread Dressing with Sausage and Pecans in a white baking dish.

    One bite of my flavorful, make-ahead dressing, and you will be in Thanksgiving side dish food heaven. This easy recipe epitomizes everything good about the holidays; the aroma wafting through your house while it bakes in the oven is intoxicating.

    Cornbread Dressing with Sausage

    Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole – Grits and Pinecones

    A sweet potato casserole topped with pecans in a rectangular glass baking dish.

    Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is the stuff legends are made of. It’s indescribably delicious and decadent beyond measure. It will have your family or guests clamoring for more. And it’s the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.

    Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

    Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe – Grits and Pinecones

    A spoonful of Southern Mac and Cheese over the casserole.

    Southern Mac and Cheese is synonymous with entertaining in the South and is the ultimate comfort food. You would be hard-pressed to find any holiday or celebration involving food without a homemade, baked, mac n cheese casserole full of creamy melted cheese front and center on the table.

    Southern Mac and Cheese

    Cheesy Cabbage Casserole – My Kitchen Serenity

    A cabbage casserole in a white baking dish.

    This easy cheesy cabbage casserole with Ritz Crackers is an excellent vegetable side dish. Chopped cabbage is baked in a simple, creamy cheese sauce and topped with crushed Ritz crackers and cheddar cheese. Perfect for a large crowd. Ideal for a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal!

    Cabbage Casserole

    Southern Homemade Turkey Neck Gravy – Grits and Pinecones

    Turkey neck gravy in a white gravy boat with gravy falling from a gravy ladle.

    It’s all about the gravy on Thanksgiving, and this easy and delicious Southern Homemade Turkey Gravy recipe is foolproof. This make-ahead gravy recipe is also a perfect base for giblet gravy, and you can substitute chicken stock for turkey stock to make chicken gravy.

    Turkey Neck Gravy

    Green Beans Almondine – Gypsy Plate

    Green beans almondine on a white plate topped with sliced almonds.

    This dish not only makes your humble green beans fancy, but it’s absolutely delicious and elegant in its simplicity. Vibrant French-style green beans tossed with brown butter, toasty almonds, shallots, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon to brighten it.

    Green Beans Almondine

    Baked Cauliflower with Gruyere Cheese – Grits and Pinecones

    Baked Cauliflower Cheese casserole in a white baking dish.

    Baked Cauliflower with Gruyere Cheese is a rich, creamy, company-worthy vegetable side dish perfect for Sunday dinner or a holiday meal. This cheesy baked cauliflower casserole is a low-carb wonder, and it’s ideal for treating your family or guests to something special!

    Cauliflower with Gruyere Cheese

    Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots – XOXO Bella

    Roasted carrots in a bowl.

    Sheet pan parmesan roasted carrots with garlic makes, a delicious side dish for all kinds of entrees. The natural sweetness of carrots is showcased by the creamy, salty parmesan cheese and buttery, as well as hints of garlic, rosemary and fresh parsley.

    Roasted Carrots

    Old-Fashioned Creamed Potatoes – Grits and Pinecones

    Creamed potatoes in a white serving dish topped with paprika and garnished with parsley.

    This quick and easy recipe for Old Fashioned Creamed Potatoes features cubed potatoes cooked to perfection, blanketed in a silky bechamel sauce made with heavy cream, and brightened with a touch of lemon juice and nutmeg. It makes an impressive side dish that is perfect for serving at holiday meals.

    Creamed Potatoes

    Sausage and Apple Stuffed Honeynut Squash – Garden in the Kitchen

    Honey nut squash stuffed with sausage and apple.

    Sweet Honeynut squash stuffed with sausage, apple, dried cranberries, crunchy celery, and aromatic herbs would look amazing on your holiday table!

    Stuffed Squash

    Grown-Up Green Bean Casserole – Pudge Factor

    A white casserole dish with a green bean casserole topped with fried onions.

    Are you tired of the mandatory cream of mushroom soup, Green Bean Casserole? If so, you should try this Grown-up Green Bean Casserole. It’s easy to make and delicious!

    Green Bean Casserole

    American Coleslaw – Grits and Pinecones

    A large glass bowl full of coleslaw with a pitcher of coleslaw dressing next to it.

    One taste of my creamy Old-Fashioned American Coleslaw will remind you of holiday dinners, country picnics, potlucks, dinner on the grounds, and Sunday dinner at Grandma’s house. It also makes a perfect dish to take to a Thanksgiving poltuck.

    American Coleslaw

    Make-Ahead Broccoli Rice Casserole- Pudge Factor

    Broccoli Rice Casserole in a white casserole dish.

    Wondering what amazing side dish you can make for your holiday feast that takes little time to put together and can be made ahead of time? This creamy and cheesy Make-Ahead Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect solution! It is sure to become your most requested casserole.

    Broccoli Rice Casserole

    Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Almonds – Marisa Moore

    A gratin dish full of cooked green beans and almonds.

    Swap this healthy green bean recipe for a traditional green bean casserole on your Thanksgiving table this year. It’s brimming with healthy fats, fiber, and flavor!

    Green Beans

    Baked Squash with Apples and Cranberries- Nirvana Cakery

    Baked squash stuffed with cranberries and apples.

    I’ve used blue Hokkaido squash for this recipe, but any squash would easily work. I’ve seen this recipe being often used with Acorn squash cut in half. You could also use two smaller ones instead of one; remember that it does need to sit nicely on the tray to keep the apple and cranberry mix in.

    Baked Squash

    Spicy Cauliflower with Figs – Savory Spin

    Spicy cauliflower with figs garnished with parsley in a bowl.

    Cardamom pods, whole cloves, onions, ginger, and garlic go into making this Spicy Cauliflower with Figs, an invitingly aromatic dish to add to your Thanksgiving/Holiday table!

    Spicy Cauliflower

    Jellied Cranberry Sauce – Beyond the Chicken Coop

    A white plate with jellied cranberry sauce cut into slices.

    Tart and delicious and shaped just like the jellied cranberry sauce you’d get from a can, but made with only two ingredients! A must-have to serve alongside your turkey for holiday dinners! Make this cranberry sauce ahead of time for less stress when preparing for your holiday meal.

    Cranberry Sauce

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes – She’s Not Cooking

    Roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes on a platter.

    This Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes dish? It’s the kind of side that’s great for any occasion, from your laid-back weeknight dinners to those fancy holiday spreads where you want to impress your guests.

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts

    Maple Pecan Carrot Casserole – Smarty Pants Kitchen

    A blue casserole dish with a carrot souffle topped with pecans.

    You’ll absolutely love this Maple Pecan Carrot Casserole! Fresh carrots are pureed in a sweet mixture of warm spices, sugar, and maple syrup, then topped with a crunchy pecan topping! This is a perfect Thanksgiving or Easter side dish, and it’s a great “orange” alternative to sweet potatoes!

    Carrot Casserole

    Bacon & Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Life Love Liz

    Brussels sprouts in a large bronze metal serving dish.

    This Bacon and Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe is tangy, sweet, salty, and delicious. It’s a perfect Thanksgiving and Christmas side dish!

    Brussels Sprouts

    Easy Scalloped Potatoes – Grits and Pinecones

    A pan of scalloped potatoes with a large spoonful of cheese in front.

    Southern Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are melt-in-your-mouth tender potatoes baked in an ultra-decadent and cheesy bechamel sauce.  These easy-to-make creamy scalloped potatoes make an incredible side dish for holidays and special occasions; even your pickiest eaters will love them.

    Southern Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

    Garlic Parmesan Green Beans – Grits and Pinecones

    A plate of garlic parmesan green beans that have been blistered topped with parmesan cheese.
    Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

    Thanksgiving recipes FAQs

    What are the top 10 side dishes for Thanksgiving?

    These will vary depending on what part of the country you live in, but Classic Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potato Casserole, Cornbread Stuffing, Macaroni and Cheese, Candied Sweet Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Relish Tray, Pineapple Cheese Casserole, Cornbread Pudding, and Deviled Eggs reign supreme and are traditional Thanksgiving side dishes.

    What are three of the most popular dishes served for Thanksgiving?

    Turkey, mashed potatoes, and cornbread dressing! Of course, it can vary by region and family traditions.

    What kind of side dishes are best to take to a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving potluck?

    When attending a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving potluck, you want a dish that travels well and can be eaten at room temperature. Southern Potato Salad is my “go-to” potluck side dish.

    What are the most popular Thanksgiving desserts?

    Pecan pie, pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, and apple pie are the most popular desserts.


    More Thanksgiving menu ideas:

    • Thanksgiving dessert collage including pumpkin flan and eggnog cake.
      50 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Desserts – 2024
    • A collage of four turkey recipes, including smoked, roulade, and spatchcocked.
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      27 Thanksgiving Dressing and Stuffing Recipes for 2024
    • A collage of sweet potato recipes including a pie, soup, and two casseroles.
      14 Sweet and Savory Sweet Potato Recipes

    Christmas menu ideas:

    • Five Christmas desserts including a cranberry cheesecake, gingerbread cookies and a gingerbread cake.
      40 Best Christmas Dessert Recipes 2024
    • A collage of six Christmas breakfast dishes including eggs benedict casserole and ambrosia.
      35 Make-Ahead Christmas Breakfasts 2024
    • Beef tenderloin, green beans and cranberry cake.
      30+ Easy And Elegant Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas and Recipes
    • A collage of six different christmas appetizers including cranberry brie bites.
      48 Make-Ahead Christmas Appetizers 2024

    And, if you are searching for the perfect hostess gift or gift for the foodies in your life, please take a look at my collection of Homemade Edible Christmas Gifts.

    ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐⭐If you make any of these Thanksgiving side dishes, please leave a comment and give the recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

    Thank you for visiting Grits and Pinecones, I hope you come back soon!

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    1. Linger

      November 03, 2019 at 5:41 pm

      Oh My Goodness!! This is a fantastic repertoire of recipes. Where do you start? They all look so good! Thanks for posting just in time for Thanksgiving.

      Reply

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    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, content creator, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and I like nothing better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

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