14 Must-Try Classic and Creative Thanksgiving Side Dishes

While everyone loves Thanksgiving turkey, the Thanksgiving sides make the meal. I've gathered 14 tried-and-true Thanksgiving side dish recipes that blend traditional favorites with new twists, like bacon-studded stuffing and smoky mac and cheese. Each recipe has earned its place at our family table, and I know they'll become staples at yours, too.

Classic Campbell's Green Bean Casserole

A bubbling dish of green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

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Some classics don't need updating, and this is one of them. Campbell's green bean casserole has been gracing Thanksgiving tables for generations, and for good reason. Those crispy fried onions on top? Pure magic. Trust me, you'll want to make extra - it's always the first side dish to disappear.

Get the Recipe: Classic Campbell's Green Bean Casserole

Homemade Stuffing with Bacon

The homemade stuffing in a baking dish, garnished with green onion. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Forget the boxed stuff - this homemade stuffing with bacon will revolutionize your Thanksgiving table. Crispy bacon takes this stuffing from good to absolutely irresistible. Make plenty because everyone will want seconds of this savory sensation.

Get the Recipe: Homemade Stuffing with Bacon

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

A sweet potato casserole topped with a golden brown pecan crumble. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Can't decide between sweet and savory? This sweet potato casserole gives you both with its decadent pecan crumble topping. The contrast between the creamy sweet potatoes and the crunchy, buttery pecan topping is heaven on a plate.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

Make Ahead Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes

The make ahead baked potato casserole on a white countertop. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

These aren't your average mashed potatoes - they're a make-ahead miracle that'll save your sanity on Thanksgiving Day. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, you can prep them the day before and pop them in the oven when ready.

Get the Recipe: Make Ahead Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

A classic sweet potato casserole topped with golden brown marshmallows. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Some might call it dessert, but we call it tradition! This classic sweet potato casserole with its golden-brown marshmallow topping brings out the kid in everyone. It's sweet, it's creamy, and it's perfect for your holiday table.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Smoked Mac and Cheese

Smoked mac n cheese in cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon scooping some up. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

This isn't your ordinary mac and cheese - it's a smoky, cheesy masterpiece that'll have everyone reaching for seconds. It has layers of flavor you can't get from the oven. Plus, that crispy, golden-brown top? It's the stuff dreams are made of.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese

Whole30 Cranberry Sauce

Looking for a healthier take on cranberry sauce? This Whole30 version will give you the tangy-sweet flavor you love without any of the guilt. It's fresh, bright, and might just convert the canned cranberry sauce devotees at your table.

Get the Recipe: Whole30 Cranberry Sauce

Smoked Cheesy Potatoes

A dish of golden, smoky cheesy potatoes fresh off the pellet grill. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Regular cheesy potatoes are great, but smoked cheesy potatoes? They're on another level entirely. The smoke adds an incredible flavor, transforming this comfort food classic into something extraordinary.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Cheesy Potatoes

Fresh Carrot Salad

A bowl of Raw Shredded Carrot Salad with Lemon, a light, vegan, and gluten-free side dish, perfect for a quick and healthy addition to any meal. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

Need something fresh and crisp to balance all those rich sides? This carrot salad is your answer. It's light and bright and adds perfect color to your Thanksgiving spread. Plus, it can be made ahead - a bonus on the big day!

Get the Recipe: Fresh Carrot Salad

Oven Roasted Crispy Potatoes

Golden brown, perfectly crispy roasted potatoes with herbs. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

These aren't just any roasted potatoes - they're crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and absolutely perfect for soaking up gravy. The secret? A super hot oven and a few simple tricks will give you the crispiest potatoes ever.

Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Crispy Potatoes

Creamy Miracle Whip Coleslaw

A bowl of creamy coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots, served in a white dish on a rustic wooden table. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

This isn't your average coleslaw - the Miracle Whip adds a tangy zip that makes it special. It's creamy, crunchy, and the perfect side dish to cut through all those rich Thanksgiving flavors.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Miracle Whip Coleslaw

Broccoli Salad

A serving bowl of broccoli crunch salad, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese and sunflower seeds. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

This broccoli salad is the perfect mix of healthy and indulgent. Crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, sharp cheese, and a creamy dressing come together to create a salad that even veggie-skeptics will love.

Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad

Old Fashioned Fluffy Air Buns

A stack of fluffy air buns on a counter, ready to serve. — Image Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

These aren't just dinner rolls - they're little clouds of bread heaven! Light, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up gravy, these old-fashioned air buns might just become your new family tradition. Make extra - they're amazing for leftover turkey sandwiches!

Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Fluffy Air Buns

Creamy Cucumber Salad

Every holiday table needs that one fresh, crisp side dish that keeps you coming back for more. This creamy cucumber salad, with its garden-fresh crunch and creamy dressing, is exactly that.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Cucumber Salad