Turkey may take the spotlight, but let’s be real—the sides are the soul of Thanksgiving. From creamy mashed potatoes and sweet candied yams to cornbread dressing and buttery collard greens, these classic dishes are the ones folks pile high every single year. Whether you’re sticking to tradition or sneaking in a smoky twist, these comforting holiday sides deliver the nostalgic flavors everyone craves. No reinventing the wheel here—just timeless, table-clearing favorites you’ll want on repeat.

Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes (No Butter Needed!)

Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes (No Butter Needed!). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These olive oil mashed potatoes are smooth, fluffy, and packed with flavor—thanks to Tuscan herbs and a dairy-free twist that’s so good, no one will miss the butter.
Get the Recipe: Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes (No Butter Needed!)

Instant Pot Broccoli – Perfectly Tender Every Time

Instant Pot Broccoli – Perfectly Tender Every Time. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Instant Pot broccoli recipe delivers crisp-tender, vibrant florets with a pop of lemon flavor in just 10 minutes—no mushy broccoli here, just a bright, easy side dish.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli – Perfectly Tender Every Time

Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Mashed potatoes just feel like home—especially when they’re buttery, creamy, and made in the slow cooker. These Crockpot Mashed Potatoes are perfect for holidays or Sunday dinners, giving you comfort without the stovetop babysitting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Sweet Potatoes – Crispy & Easy

Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Sweet Potatoes – Crispy & Easy. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes are a quick and flavorful side with crispy edges, warm spices, and a balance of savory and sweet—ideal for weeknights or holiday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Sweet Potatoes – Crispy & Easy

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes (Stovetop Recipe)

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes (Stovetop Recipe). Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Southern candied sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized in a buttery brown sugar glaze—sweet, rich, and full of nostalgic holiday flavor.
Get the Recipe: Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes (Stovetop Recipe)

Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping

Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

This classic sweet potato casserole is smooth, creamy, and topped with melty marshmallows—sweet, cozy, and perfect for any festive table.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping

Classic Old-Fashioned Mashed Potatoes

Classic Old-Fashioned Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

These old-fashioned mashed potatoes are rich and creamy with butter and evaporated milk—simple, classic, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Classic Old-Fashioned Mashed Potatoes

Sweet and Spiced Candied Yams (Stovetop Style)

Sweet and Spiced Candied Yams (Stovetop Style). Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

Candied yams are soft, spiced, and coated in a buttery brown sugar glaze—a beloved Southern side that brings warmth and tradition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spiced Candied Yams (Stovetop Style)

Cracker Barrel-Style Mashed Potatoes

Cracker Barrel-Style Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Get fluffy, flavorful mashed potatoes just like Cracker Barrel’s with this easy recipe that brings the homestyle goodness right to your table.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel-Style Mashed Potatoes

Smoky Mashed Potatoes – A Comfort Food Twist

Smoky Mashed Potatoes – A Comfort Food Twist. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These smoky mashed potatoes add a bold twist to the classic—creamy, comforting, and infused with smoky flavor that takes them to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Mashed Potatoes – A Comfort Food Twist

Traeger Smoked Smashed Potatoes with Crispy Edges

Traeger Smoked Smashed Potatoes with Crispy Edges. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Traeger smoked smashed potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and loaded with smoky flavor—an irresistible side straight off the grill.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Smashed Potatoes with Crispy Edges

Herb-Infused Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

Herb-Infused Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Yukon Gold mashed potatoes have never been creamier—this recipe features subtle hints of thyme and bay, making them the perfect elevated comfort side.
Get the Recipe: Herb-Infused Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes

Easy Southern Candied Yams

Easy Southern Candied Yams. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

Candied yams, also known as sweet potatoes, are simmered in a cinnamon-spiced brown sugar and butter glaze that’s rich, sweet, and full of cozy flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Southern Candied Yams

Foolproof Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, Buttery, and Simple

Foolproof Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, Buttery, and Simple. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

These classic mashed potatoes are creamy, buttery, and ready in just 30 minutes—a simple, satisfying side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Foolproof Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, Buttery, and Simple

Saltgrass Steakhouse Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Copycat)

Saltgrass Steakhouse Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Copycat). Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Bring home the flavor of Saltgrass Steakhouse with this roasted garlic mashed potato recipe—rich, creamy, and full of bold garlic goodness.
Get the Recipe: Saltgrass Steakhouse Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Copycat)

Ponderosa Loaded Mashed Potatoes – Copycat Recipe

Ponderosa Loaded Mashed Potatoes – Copycat Recipe. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Make Ponderosa’s loaded mashed potatoes in just 30 minutes with this easy copycat recipe—it’s creamy, cheesy, and totally nostalgic.
Get the Recipe: Ponderosa Loaded Mashed Potatoes – Copycat Recipe

Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Ham Hock

Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Ham Hock. Photo credit: Stetted.

These slow-cooked Southern collard greens are made with a ham hock for deep, smoky flavor—easy, hearty, and full of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Ham Hock

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes with Parmesan & Herbs

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes with Parmesan & Herbs. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

These air fryer sweet potato cubes are crispy on the outside, creamy inside, and tossed in olive oil and spices—an easy, healthy side or snack with big flavor and zero guilt.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes with Parmesan & Herbs

Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Spiced Flavor

Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Spiced Flavor. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

Mashed sweet potatoes get a sweet and spiced upgrade with maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, and butter—creamy, cozy, and perfect for holiday feasts.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Spiced Flavor

Savory Jiffy Cornbread Dressing for the Holidays

Savory Jiffy Cornbread Dressing for the Holidays. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Jiffy cornbread dressing is a savory Southern classic, packed with crumbled cornbread, herbs, and sausage—hearty, comforting, and perfect for any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Savory Jiffy Cornbread Dressing for the Holidays

Southern-Style Braised Collard Greens

Southern-Style Braised Collard Greens. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This braised collard greens recipe puts a flavorful spin on the Southern staple, blending savory seasoning with tender greens for a versatile side that complements any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Braised Collard Greens

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