Let's be honest, turkey is just alright. Thanksgiving is all about the sides. The side dishes bring the comfort and nostalgia to the table. Whether you're looking for a new way to make your favorite side dish or looking for a new recipe to start your family tradition, here are the best Thanksgiving sides for a crowd.
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The best Thanksgiving sides for a crowd
There is a little something for everyone in this list! Whether you're looking for a veggie option, a new macaroni and cheese recipe to try, or a fool-proof mashed potato recipe, you'll definitely be able to find something to bring to your Thanksgiving celebrations.
The Best Thanksgiving Sides
These are the most classic and best Thanksgiving dinner sides to bring to your celebrations!
Stuffing is one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving dinner. My mom makes it every year just like this and this is my favorite boxed stuffing recipe! It's so easy to doctor up boxed stuffing, and here's how.
This arugula goat cheese beet salad is so simple, yet so delicious. It's easy for a quick salad recipe or it makes for a perfect side salad.
Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts in the air fryer is the best way to cook Brussels sprouts. It's sweet, yet spicy, and such a great fall side dish recipe. Air Fryer brussels sprouts give you the perfect sprouts every time, they turn out crispy and way better than roasted brussels sprouts.
Who doesn't love a homemade cranberry sauce? It's so easy to make, you'll never buy canned again!
I absolutely love cornbread casserole! It's one of my favorite comfort foods.
Air fryer acorn squash will quickly be your favorite way of cooking winter squash if you haven't tried it. I use a little bit of honey, chipotle powder, garlic, and salt for this lovely, spicy and savory flavor combination.
A homemade mac and cheese on Thanksgiving is a must! You'll love the combination of gruyere and white cheddar for this super-easy-to-make homemade mac.
Now, I love green bean casserole, but oh my god, these crack green beans are DELISH. They're sweet, savory, crunchy from the fresh green beans... a must try.
Mashed potatoes are a must! Add some flavor to your potatoes by whipping them with some garlic for some added zest.
One thing about me is that I love green bean casserole with canned green beans. There's nothing like it!
If you are looking for an easy yet flavorful appetizer recipe, you have to make these Boursin stuffed mushrooms. They're the perfect appetizer and everyone always loves them.
Every year for Thanksgiving, I make this sweet potato au gratin recipe! It's such a delicious combination of cheese, sweet potato slices, onions, fresh herbs, and garlic. Here's exactly how I make it!
Is it the holiday season without cocktail meatballs? If you're looking for an easy appetizer recipe that's sure to be a crowd favorite, you have to make these 3 ingredient cranberry meatballs!
How to keep side dishes warm on Thanksgiving?
There are a few ways you can keep side dishes warm on Thanksgiving!
Oven. If the turkey is out of the oven, you can always set your oven to a low temperature of 250F - 275F and keep your sides in there to keep warm. Just be sure that your dishes are covered! You don't want them to dry out.
Insulated Cooler. This might be the easiest option, especially given oven space is so sacred on Thanksgiving. These are so affordable on Amazon and will make your life so much easier!
Can I make Thanksgiving sides ahead of time?
Yes! Most sides can be made 1-2 days ahead of time. Just remember when you are reheating the sides, to add some sort of moisture back in so it doesn't dry out! I always recommend using chicken stock or milk.
Want some fun Thanksgiving cocktails to go with these sides?
Who doesn't love a fun drink with Thanksgiving dinner? This pomegranate gin fizz is just four ingredients and comes together so easily. This cranberry orange whiskey sour is also absolutely delish and refreshing. Last, but not least, if you're a Negroni fan, try adding this cranberry twist to the classic cocktail this holiday season.
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