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.
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!
- Sweet Potato Casserole – A blend of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and pecans (or marshmallows) for a perfect mix of sweet and savory.
- Classic Green Bean Casserole – Creamy, crunchy, and nostalgic—this dish never disappoints.
- Cornbread Dressing – Southern-style dressing made with crumbled cornbread, celery, onions, and savory herbs.
- Macaroni and Cheese – A comfort food staple with creamy, cheesy goodness baked to golden perfection.
- 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
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.
Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes – Grits and Pinecones
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.
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!
Roasted Root Vegetables (Coconut Milk and Macadamia Nuts) – Viktoria’s Table
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!
Easy Southern Cornbread Pudding – Grits and Pinecones
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.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Ritz Crackers – Grits and Pinecones
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.
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes – Grits and Pinecones
Old-fashioned Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes with crunchy pecans is a dazzling Thanksgiving side dish with rich flavors and textures.
Stuffed Acorn Squash – Linger
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.
The Ultimate Relish Tray Guide – Grits and Pinecones
Check out my ultimate guide for making an old-fashioned, easy Thanksgiving side dish that is beautiful, family-friendly, and flavorful!
Traditional Southern Cornbread Dressing – Grits and Pinecones
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!
Sriracha Sweet Chili Brussels Sprouts – From A Chef’s Kitchen
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!
Southern Potato Salad – Grits and Pinecones
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 Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole – Grits and Pinecones
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.
Easy Cranberry Sauce with Fruit and Nuts – Grits and Pinecones
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.
Sweet and Sour Green Beans – Grits and Pinecones
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.
Southern Sweet Onion Casserole – Grits and Pinecones
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.
Easy Cornbread Dressing with Sausage – Grits and Pinecones
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.
Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole – Grits and Pinecones
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.
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe – Grits and Pinecones
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.
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole – My Kitchen Serenity
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!
Southern Homemade Turkey Neck Gravy – Grits and Pinecones
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.
Green Beans Almondine – Gypsy Plate
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.
Baked Cauliflower with Gruyere Cheese – Grits and Pinecones
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!
Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots – XOXO Bella
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.
Old-Fashioned Creamed Potatoes – Grits and Pinecones
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.
Sausage and Apple Stuffed Honeynut Squash – Garden in the Kitchen
Sweet Honeynut squash stuffed with sausage, apple, dried cranberries, crunchy celery, and aromatic herbs would look amazing on your holiday table!
Grown-Up Green Bean Casserole – Pudge Factor
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!
American Coleslaw – Grits and Pinecones
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.
Make-Ahead Broccoli Rice Casserole- Pudge Factor
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.
Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Almonds – Marisa Moore
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!
Baked Squash with Apples and Cranberries- Nirvana Cakery
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.
Spicy Cauliflower with Figs – Savory Spin
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!
Jellied Cranberry Sauce – Beyond the Chicken Coop
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.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes – She’s Not Cooking
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.
Maple Pecan Carrot Casserole – Smarty Pants Kitchen
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!
Bacon & Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Life Love Liz
This Bacon and Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe is tangy, sweet, salty, and delicious. It’s a perfect Thanksgiving and Christmas side dish!
Easy Scalloped Potatoes – Grits and Pinecones
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.
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans – Grits and Pinecones
Thanksgiving recipes FAQs
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.
Turkey, mashed potatoes, and cornbread dressing! Of course, it can vary by region and family traditions.
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.
Pecan pie, pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, and apple pie are the most popular desserts.
More Thanksgiving menu ideas:
Christmas menu ideas:
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!
Linger
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.