31 Classic Thanksgiving Sides Just Like Grandma Made
It’s that time of year—when the kitchen smells like cinnamon, bacon, and something bubbling in the slow cooker. Whether you’re team classic mashed potatoes or love a bold twist like smoky Cajun corn, these Thanksgiving side dishes are what the holiday’s really about. Think: make-ahead cranberry chutney, cheesy hash browns, and sweet potato casseroles with gooey marshmallow tops. Trust me—these are the ones that had folks coming back for seconds (and thirds). Ready to fill your plate?
Creamy Mashed Potatoes

These crockpot mashed potatoes are buttery, smooth, and easy to make ahead—perfect for holidays or cozy family meals without the stovetop hassle.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Southern Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon

Tender green beans slow-cooked with bacon and spices for a classic Southern side dish that’s full of flavor and low effort.
Get the Recipe: Southern Crock Pot Green Beans with Bacon
Extra Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

This rich, cheesy mac and cheese cooks in the slow cooker for an easy, crowd-pleasing side—no baking required!
Get the Recipe: Extra Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts (5-Minute Prep)

Caramelized Brussels sprouts roasted with maple syrup for a sweet and savory side that’s perfect for holidays or weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts (5-Minute Prep)
Smoky Cajun Fried Corn (6 Ingredients)

Turn frozen corn into a bold, buttery side with smoky paprika and Cajun spice—quick, easy, and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Cajun Fried Corn (6 Ingredients)
Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes (No Butter)

These dairy-free mashed potatoes are creamy, fluffy, and seasoned with olive oil and herbs for a light, plant-based twist.
Get the Recipe: Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes (No Butter)
Sweet Potato Cornbread with Southern Charm

This moist sweet potato cornbread has a touch of cinnamon and veggie goodness—perfect with soup, chili, or holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread with Southern Charm
Creamy Baked Corn Casserole

With sweet corn and a golden cheesy top, this easy corn casserole is a 15-minute-prep side dish that shines at potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Corn Casserole
Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans

These classic baked beans simmer in a crock pot with molasses, bacon, and BBQ sauce for a rich, hearty side dish.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans
Cream Cheese Deviled Eggs

A creamy twist on the classic, these deviled eggs are made with cream cheese and perfect for potlucks or holiday platters.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Deviled Eggs
Make-Ahead Cranberry Chutney

Sweet, spiced cranberry chutney with apples and ginger—an easy, festive alternative to traditional sauce for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Cranberry Chutney
Creamy Pumpkin Soup

This comforting pumpkin soup blends sweet puree with savory broth and warm spices for a balanced, cozy bowl.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes

A vibrant side dish of caramelized Brussels sprouts and tender sweet potatoes—easy to prep and great for any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
Vegan Southern Collard Greens

These plant-based collards are slow-cooked with maple syrup, vinegar, and spices for a sweet, smoky, meat-free side.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Southern Collard Greens
Cheesy Slow Cooker Hash Brown Potatoes

Just 10 minutes of prep! These creamy hash browns are slow-cooked to cheesy perfection—ideal for breakfast or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Slow Cooker Hash Brown Potatoes
Classic Amish Potato Salad

This creamy Amish-style potato salad is sweet, tangy, and full of nostalgic flavor—great for potlucks and picnics.
Get the Recipe: Classic Amish Potato Salad
Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

This hands-off cranberry sauce simmers in the slow cooker while you prep the rest of your meal—sweet, tart, and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce
Bourbon Bacon Baked Beans (Slow Cooker)

These smoky-sweet baked beans are slow-cooked with bacon, brown sugar, and a splash of bourbon for a bold side dish.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Bacon Baked Beans (Slow Cooker)
Buttermilk Yeast Dinner Rolls

These soft, fluffy rolls are made with buttermilk for a touch of tang—perfect for serving warm with butter at any meal.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Yeast Dinner Rolls
Cornbread Pudding Casserole

This creamy cornbread casserole blends sweet corn and soft bread for a comforting, Southern-style holiday side.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Pudding Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Meringue

A festive favorite—smooth sweet potatoes topped with gooey marshmallow meringue for the ultimate holiday side.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Meringue
Two-Ingredient Southern Biscuits

These fluffy Southern biscuits are made with just self-rising flour and cream—foolproof, fast, and ready for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Two-Ingredient Southern Biscuits
Gruyère Scalloped Potatoes

Tender sliced potatoes baked in a rich cream sauce with Gruyère cheese—perfect for holidays or cozy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Gruyère Scalloped Potatoes
Broccoli and Rice Casserole (No Canned Soup)

A from-scratch version of a classic—this broccoli rice casserole is cheesy, hearty, and made without condensed soup.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli and Rice Casserole (No Canned Soup)
Cranberry Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole

A unique twist on stuffing with sweet potatoes, cranberries, and almonds—flavorful, festive, and gluten-free.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
Classic Ambrosia Salad

This nostalgic fruit salad combines pineapple, oranges, and coconut for a refreshing side perfect for holidays or picnics.
Get the Recipe: Classic Ambrosia Salad
Lawry’s Creamed Spinach with Bacon

Creamy spinach with crispy bacon and seasoned salt, ready in 20 minutes—steakhouse flavor at home.
Get the Recipe: Lawry’s Creamed Spinach with Bacon
Harvest Cranberry Salad with Cider Vinaigrette

This seasonal salad combines greens, goat cheese, pecans, and cranberries with a bright apple cider vinaigrette.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Cranberry Salad with Cider Vinaigrette
Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Roasted to perfection in the air fryer, these tender squash halves are a simple, healthy fall side dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Creamy Asparagus Casserole

Fresh asparagus in a creamy sauce, topped with breadcrumbs and baked until golden—an elegant and easy side.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Asparagus Casserole
Classic Southern Skillet Cornbread

This cast-iron Southern cornbread is golden and crisp-edged with a crumbly, rich texture—just like Grandma used to make.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Skillet Cornbread
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