Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes are the key to a perfect holiday feast. Cook up the turkey and make sure you add these easy Thanksgiving recipes to the table!
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Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Thanksgiving is almost here! As soon as November starts, my brain switches to Thanksgiving mode (let’s be honest, as a food blogger it starts long before November!). All I think about is all the good food I’m going to cook and EAT. Of course you’re going to make the turkey, but we all know the true star of the day is the Thanksgiving side dishes!
From the classic Thanksgiving recipes to the more creative and fun sides dishes, I’ve put together a list of EASY Thanksgiving sides that will complete the feast. The last thing we need is complicated dishes to add chaos to the day, so stick to easy Thanksgiving dishes that won’t cause any stress!
Make sure you add these easy Thanksgiving side dishes to the table this year! From the classic to the creative, these sides are a must for the holiday!
Find ALL the recipes you need with my Easy Holiday Recipes E-Book. Over 130 recipes from appetizers to side dishes to desserts and more!
Essential Kitchen Tools for Thanksgiving
Make sure your kitchen is ready for the big feast by getting all the right tools and equipment you’ll need.
Before you start your cooking, make sure you stock up on all the necessary ingredients to make your Thanksgiving recipes. This is not a full list, but these are some of the things most of you will be using on the big day.
Before we get to the easy Thanksgiving side dishes, I want to share my favorite way to make Thanksgiving turkey. It’s often the hardest and most stressful part of the holiday feast, and I hate that. I want it to be simple! So I love using this easy turkey breast recipe made in an Instant Pot. That’s right, Instant Pot Turkey! So easy, and it gives you time to focus on those sides.
What are the most common side dishes for Thanksgiving?
There are a few classic Thanksgiving side dishes that most people expect to see on the table. Of course you don’t have to stick to the traditional recipes, but adding a few classics to the menu will keep everyone happy!
What Thanksgiving side dishes can you make ahead of time?
I LOVE make ahead recipes for Thanksgiving! With all of the Thanksgiving recipes on the menu, the kitchen is absolute chaos before the feast. Anything you can make ahead of time will make the whole holiday cooking process much smoother.
When it comes to Thanksgiving side dishes, more is better! We’ve got tons and tons of people to feed here, and the last thing anyone wants is to run out of food. There’s no math or science involved in this answer, but I’m just gonna make a suggestion.
Five side dishes is a good minimum on Thanksgiving, but I wouldn’t be opposed to having up to 10 options. The larger your guest list is, the more side dishes. I mean, we’re all expecting to live off of leftovers for a week after, right? No skimping!
What are some easy Thanksgiving side ideas with cheese?
Give me ALL the cheese. If you want cheesy side dishes for Thanksgiving, then I’ve definitely got you covered. I think you can add cheese to anything, but these are my favorites.
What are some easy Thanksgiving sides for vegetarians?
If you’re a vegetarian, Thanksgiving is a great opportunity for you to fill up on delicious side dishes! There are so many on the table, you definitely won’t go hungry. A lot of the recipes on this list are vegetarian-friendly, but here are some favorites.
If you want to keep things on the healthier side this holiday season, you still have plenty of amazing options. You might have to skip the cheese-filled dishes, but there are so many veggie-heavy recipes to make! You can even add in some salads and simple roasted vegetables.
You’ve got the turkey, you’ve got the sides dishes, and you’ve prepared the desserts for later. But Thanksgiving needs bread too! Try some of these Thanksgiving bread recipes:
No holiday is complete without dessert! There are so many amazing desserts to choose from, like cookies, pies, cakes, and more. But Thanksgiving is ALL about the pie. Here are my favorite easy Thanksgiving pie recipes:
Okay, now let’s talk about those leftovers…after the big day, you probably have a refrigerator FULL of Thanksgiving leftovers. With all those side dishes, it’s really no surprise. But I like to think of it as meal prepping…no cooking for a week, just open the fridge and grab some more turkey and potatoes!
While it’s easy to just reheat a plate full of a few dishes, if you do want to get creative, you can combine everything to make a whole new recipe. MY favorite thing to make is this Thanksgiving Leftovers Quesadilla. It’s made with turkey, sage, and cranberry sauce. YUM. Another fun recipe is this Turkey Wild Rice Soup. Check here to get some more Thanksgiving leftovers ideas.
Now that you’ve got your menu set and all your easy Thanksgiving side dishes in hand, it’s time to get excited for the big feast. I know I’m counting down the days until I can eat alllllll of the delicious and easy Thanksgiving recipes and I’m so excited. Happy Holiday!!!
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Becky woke up on her 30th birthday and realized she didn't know how to cook, ANYTHING! She started The Cookie Rookie as a way to document her journey to learn how to cook, one recipe at a time! The Cookie Rookie is a place to find easy recipes that anyone can make, and everyone will love!
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Katerina @ Diethood
Oh man… everything looks so dang good! Is it Thanksgiving, yet??
AND that Apple Cider Mimosa is happening for damn sure!
Becky Hardin
I wish we could drink some together!
Jessica @ Sprinkle Some Sugar
This whole round up is insanely beautiful and everything looks amazing! I need one of those apple cider moscow mules STAT!!!
Becky Hardin
Thank you Jessica, means a lot coming from you!
Maris Callahan
I would like every single one of these cocktails!
Becky Hardin
You must think like me :) Thanks Maris!
eat good 4 life
Holy wow, all these recipes are making me super hungry. I wish I could have some of these on my thanksgiving table. What a great collection.
Becky Hardin
Thank you so much Miryam!
Nutmeg Nanny
Soooooo I wish I could have one of every single dish! Especially the cocktails :)
Becky Hardin
I like the way you think :)
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist
Pretty sure I just gained all my extra Thanksgiving weight reading/looking/ogling this post.
Becky Hardin
HA! Yeah I need to make some healthier options :)
Cathy Trochelman
These all look FABULOUS! The Pumpkin Pie Chimichangas?? Yowza!
Becky Hardin
Thank you so much Cathy!
Stephanie
What a great round up! Can’t wait to eat, haha!
Becky Hardin
Thanks so much Stephanie!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
All of these dishes will create one gorgeous and delicious holiday dinner! Love love love!
Becky Hardin
Thanks so much Anna!
Lori @ RecipeGirl
Simple is great for Thanksgiving. Great post, and very helpful!
Becky Hardin
Thanks Lori!