17 Thanksgiving Sides So Good, The Turkey Becomes Optional

Let’s be honest. The real stars of Thanksgiving aren’t the turkey, they’re the sides that everyone keeps going back for. From creamy, cheesy classics to quick veggie dishes that taste like comfort on a plate, these recipes are easy to pull off, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to make your holiday meal unforgettable.

Cranberry Chicken Salad

Cranberry chicken salad brings a fresh, tangy balance to the holiday table full of heavy dishes. The mix of tender chicken, crisp celery, and sweet cranberries adds just the right pop of flavor that keeps people coming back for more. It’s an easy, no-fuss option that fits perfectly next to all the rich sides without being overlooked.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Chicken Salad

Chili’s Baked Potato Soup

Chili’s baked potato soup is the cozy, crowd-pleasing bowl that could easily outshine the turkey. Loaded with chunks of tender potato, melted cheddar, and crisp bacon bits, it brings that creamy, comforting goodness everyone wants seconds of. Each spoonful feels like pure comfort, especially when the holiday chaos calls for something warm and easy.
Get the Recipe: Chili’s Baked Potato Soup

Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli casserole is the dish that makes everyone forget they’re eating vegetables. The cheesy, creamy sauce and crunchy cracker topping transform simple broccoli into something rich and irresistible. It’s the kind of classic side that steals attention from the main course without even trying.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Cornbread

Cornbread brings that warm, nostalgic flavor that no Thanksgiving table feels complete without. Moist, golden, and slightly sweet, it pairs perfectly with every other dish on the spread. One bite of that buttery crumb and you’ll see why sometimes the sides are the true stars of the feast.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread

Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Bacon wrapped Brussels sprouts turn an everyday veggie into something party-worthy. Each bite combines smoky bacon and tender sprouts with a maple glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s one of those easy yet fancy sides that makes the whole meal feel special.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Make-ahead mashed potatoes are the ultimate Thanksgiving lifesaver and taste so good, the bird might not even get noticed. Creamy, fluffy, and buttery, they can be prepped days before and still taste like you just whipped them up. With one bite, you’ll understand why it’s everyone’s go-to side for stress-free, delicious holidays.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Tomato Soup

Roasted tomato soup brings that deep, rich flavor that only comes from slow-roasting fresh tomatoes with garlic and herbs. The result is a bowl of pure comfort that pairs perfectly with everything from bread to stuffing. It’s so flavorful and cozy, it might just outshine the main course.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

Parmesan roasted green beans add a crispy, cheesy twist that makes the veggie side of the table way more exciting. Each bite is garlicky, golden, and full of flavor, offering the perfect break from all the heavy dishes. They’re quick, low-effort, and almost too easy to eat by the handful.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

Slow-cooker butternut squash soup is the velvety, cozy side that can easily steal the spotlight from the turkey. Sweet, creamy, and packed with warm fall spices, it’s like comfort in a bowl without any of the work. Let the slow cooker handle the heavy lifting while you focus on everything else, this soup will have guests going back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

Parmesan Potatoes

Parmesan potatoes are the crispy, cheesy bites that make you wonder why you ever needed a main dish. The buttery potatoes with their golden crust and creamy center hit every comfort food craving perfectly. They’re the kind of side that disappears fast and gets requested every single year.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes

Potato Skins

Potato skins are the kind of side that makes people hover around the table for “just one more.” Crispy shells loaded with cheese, bacon, and green onions bring that game-day energy to your holiday spread. They’re fun, filling, and practically guaranteed to disappear faster than anything else on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Roasted Eggplant

Roasted eggplant makes a surprisingly elegant addition to a Thanksgiving spread that’s heavy on rich flavors. Each slice is tender, caramelized, and perfect alongside creamy sauces or fresh herbs. It’s one of those sides that feels special but comes together so effortlessly, you’ll wonder why you didn’t add it sooner.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Eggplant

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar

Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar are the comeback kid of Thanksgiving sides. Crispy on the edges and caramelized with tangy-sweet glaze, they turn even the skeptics into fans. It’s a simple yet bold side that adds balance to the plate and depth to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar

Carrot Ginger Soup

Carrot ginger soup brings a burst of brightness and warmth to your Thanksgiving table. The silky texture, gentle spice, and touch of natural sweetness balance out all the heavier sides beautifully. It’s an easy, wholesome dish that adds both color and comfort to your feast without stealing your time.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Ginger Soup

Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

Bacon and cheddar biscuits are the ultimate comfort side that turns any Thanksgiving table into a feast. Fluffy, cheesy, and loaded with smoky bacon, they’re impossible to resist fresh from the oven. Each bite brings a warm, savory touch that could easily make the turkey an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey glazed carrots bring a touch of sweetness and shine that brightens up the Thanksgiving spread. Tender and buttery with a caramelized glaze, they look and taste far fancier than the few minutes they take to make. It’s a simple, vibrant side that deserves its own spotlight next to the turkey.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots

Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Mashed cauliflower potatoes are the secret side that tastes indulgent but keeps things light. Creamy, smooth, and buttery, they give traditional mashed potatoes a serious run for their money. Whether you’re cutting carbs or just want something fresh and modern, they fit right in with all the classics.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes