The Absolute Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Mar. 15, 2025

Snoop Dogg’s Cognac Mashed Potatoes.Photo:Fred Hardy II

Fred Hardy II

Thanksgivingmight also be known as Turkey Day, but many can agree that the side dishes are the real stars of the holiday.From different takes on sweet potatoes to tangy fruit sauces, check out the bestThanksgiving side dishes— along with their recipes — that are guaranteed to please hungry dinner guests.

Thanksgivingmight also be known as Turkey Day, but many can agree that the side dishes are the real stars of the holiday.

From different takes on sweet potatoes to tangy fruit sauces, check out the bestThanksgiving side dishes— along with their recipes — that are guaranteed to please hungry dinner guests.

01of 23Brioche Stuffing with Leeks, Apples and PearsMartha Stewart’s Brioche Stuffing.Fred Hardy"This [is] definitely a must for the Thanksgiving table,“Martha Stewartsays about her fruit-studded, crowd-pleasing spin on the classic stuffing, which is included inMartha: The Cookbook. The celebrity chef’s version is packed with leeks, apples and pears, and has notes of sage and a base of buttery brioche bread.Get the recipeHERE.

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Brioche Stuffing with Leeks, Apples and Pears

Martha Stewart’s Brioche Stuffing.Fred Hardy

Fred Hardy

“This [is] definitely a must for the Thanksgiving table,“Martha Stewartsays about her fruit-studded, crowd-pleasing spin on the classic stuffing, which is included inMartha: The Cookbook. The celebrity chef’s version is packed with leeks, apples and pears, and has notes of sage and a base of buttery brioche bread.

Get the recipeHERE.

02of 23Marshmallow-Topped Sweet Potato CasseroleAl Roker’s Sweet Potato Casserole.Fred Hardy"Sweet potato poon is one of those things … I don’t know if my mom got it from somebody, I don’t even know where the name came from,“Al Rokersays about his mother’s recipe included in his new cookbookAl Roker’s Recipes to Live By. “It could be a side dish, or it could be a dessert. It’s almost like a sweet potato pie without the crust,” says theTodayanchor.Get the recipeHERE.

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Marshmallow-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

Al Roker’s Sweet Potato Casserole.Fred Hardy

“Sweet potato poon is one of those things … I don’t know if my mom got it from somebody, I don’t even know where the name came from,“Al Rokersays about his mother’s recipe included in his new cookbookAl Roker’s Recipes to Live By. “It could be a side dish, or it could be a dessert. It’s almost like a sweet potato pie without the crust,” says theTodayanchor.

03of 23Bacon and Thyme Brussels SproutsTom Colicchio’s Brussels Sprouts.Fred HardyTom Colicchioshares one of the most enduring dishes from his New York City restaurantCraft— and it’s guaranteed to be a Thanksgiving hit. “The richness of the bacon [and] the delicate herbaceousness make it addictive,” theTop Chefjudge says about the recipe, which is included in his cookbook-memoirWhy I Cook.“Year in and year out, it’s one of the most popular dishes on the menu, but you can easily make it at home.“Get the recipeHERE.

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Bacon and Thyme Brussels Sprouts

Tom Colicchio’s Brussels Sprouts.Fred Hardy

Tom Colicchioshares one of the most enduring dishes from his New York City restaurantCraft— and it’s guaranteed to be a Thanksgiving hit. “The richness of the bacon [and] the delicate herbaceousness make it addictive,” theTop Chefjudge says about the recipe, which is included in his cookbook-memoirWhy I Cook.“Year in and year out, it’s one of the most popular dishes on the menu, but you can easily make it at home.”

04of 23Rosemary-Parmesan Brioche RollsSheena Otto’s Rosemary-Parmesan Brioche Rolls.Fred Hardy II"In my family, Thanksgiving is not the time to turn out new dishes, so I created these rolls to elevate the superstars of your meal,” said head baker atIl Bucorestaurant in New York City,Sheena Otto. “The soft, buttery rolls will match anything on the table while the rosemary and parmesan variation adds a savory and herbal taste.“Get the recipeHERE.

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Rosemary-Parmesan Brioche Rolls

Sheena Otto’s Rosemary-Parmesan Brioche Rolls.Fred Hardy II

“In my family, Thanksgiving is not the time to turn out new dishes, so I created these rolls to elevate the superstars of your meal,” said head baker atIl Bucorestaurant in New York City,Sheena Otto. “The soft, buttery rolls will match anything on the table while the rosemary and parmesan variation adds a savory and herbal taste.”

05of 23Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized PancettaMarcela Valladolid’s Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Pancetta.Fred Hardy II"This subtly smoky, slightly spicy dish goes really well with turkey,” saidMarcela Valladolid, the author of the 2023Familiacookbook. “It has the traditional flavors of roasted Brussels sprouts, but the candied pancetta and chile take it to the next level.“Get the recipeHERE.

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Pancetta

Marcela Valladolid’s Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Pancetta.Fred Hardy II

“This subtly smoky, slightly spicy dish goes really well with turkey,” saidMarcela Valladolid, the author of the 2023Familiacookbook. “It has the traditional flavors of roasted Brussels sprouts, but the candied pancetta and chile take it to the next level.”

06of 23Cognac Mashed PotatoesSnoop Dogg’s Cognac Mashed Potatoes.Fred Hardy II"These ain’t your mama’s mashed potatoes, y’all!” saidSnoop Dogg, whofeatures this recipe in his 2023 cookbookGoon with the Spoon. Adding the spirit mentioned in his “Hennesey N Buddah” hit is the rapper and actor’s “favorite way to eat this Thanksgiving staple.““I know what you’re thinking: ‘Isn’t cognac more for a concert with the Dogg rather than Thanksgiving?’ " the rapper and actor joked. “My answer to that: ‘Why not both?’ “Get the recipeHERE.

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Cognac Mashed Potatoes

Snoop Dogg’s Cognac Mashed Potatoes.Fred Hardy II

“These ain’t your mama’s mashed potatoes, y’all!” saidSnoop Dogg, whofeatures this recipe in his 2023 cookbookGoon with the Spoon. Adding the spirit mentioned in his “Hennesey N Buddah” hit is the rapper and actor’s “favorite way to eat this Thanksgiving staple.”

“I know what you’re thinking: ‘Isn’t cognac more for a concert with the Dogg rather than Thanksgiving?’ " the rapper and actor joked. “My answer to that: ‘Why not both?’ "

07of 23Persimmon, Radicchio and Pomegranate SaladVictor Protasio"The vibrant colors and delicious flavor make this a showstopper for Thanksgiving!” saidAyesha Nurdjaja, the executive chef ofShukaandShuketterestaurants in N.Y.C. “I also need a salad with texture and a balance of sweet and savory to be interesting. This salad has all of that.“Get the recipeHERE.

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Persimmon, Radicchio and Pomegranate Salad

Victor Protasio

“The vibrant colors and delicious flavor make this a showstopper for Thanksgiving!” saidAyesha Nurdjaja, the executive chef ofShukaandShuketterestaurants in N.Y.C. “I also need a salad with texture and a balance of sweet and savory to be interesting. This salad has all of that.”

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Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Date-Lime Butter

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Brussels Sprouts and Brie Gratin

10of 23Delicata Squash GratinCaitlin BenselThis vegan gratin is a lighter alternative to its cheesy-potato counterpart but still packs a ton of festive flavors.“It’s delicious and cozy for the holidays, with woodsy sage, warm nutmeg, flavorful squash and delicate onion-cashew cream,” said talk show host andRebel HomemakerauthorDrew Barrymore.Get the recipeHERE.

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Delicata Squash Gratin

Caitlin Bensel

This vegan gratin is a lighter alternative to its cheesy-potato counterpart but still packs a ton of festive flavors.

“It’s delicious and cozy for the holidays, with woodsy sage, warm nutmeg, flavorful squash and delicate onion-cashew cream,” said talk show host andRebel HomemakerauthorDrew Barrymore.

11of 23Wilted Kale with Bacon and ApplesCaitlin Bensel"You can make this recipe ahead and serve it at room temperature, which works for me because I love Thanksgiving sides, and they all can’t come out of the oven piping hot at the 11th hour!” saidChrissy Teigenof this dish from her cookbook,Cravings: All Together.Get the recipeHERE.

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Wilted Kale with Bacon and Apples

“You can make this recipe ahead and serve it at room temperature, which works for me because I love Thanksgiving sides, and they all can’t come out of the oven piping hot at the 11th hour!” saidChrissy Teigenof this dish from her cookbook,Cravings: All Together.

12of 23Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and ThymeCaitlin BenselDavid ChangandPriya Krishna, co-authors of theCooking at Homecookbook, shared a mashed potato recipe made entirely in the microwave that helps to free up room on your stove.Get the recipeHERE.

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Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Thyme

David ChangandPriya Krishna, co-authors of theCooking at Homecookbook, shared a mashed potato recipe made entirely in the microwave that helps to free up room on your stove.

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Cornbread and Brioche Stuffing with Mushrooms

14of 23Garlic Mashed Sweet Potatoes with BaconVictor ProtasioPut down that bag of marshmallows —Tia Mowry’s fall twist on the traditional mash has toasted pecans, chopped bacon and a brown butter drizzle.Get the recipeHERE.

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Garlic Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Bacon

Put down that bag of marshmallows —Tia Mowry’s fall twist on the traditional mash has toasted pecans, chopped bacon and a brown butter drizzle.

15of 23Creamed Spinach with TaleggioVictor ProtasioIf you plan to serve at least one green food at Thanksgiving, let it be this dish fromRachael Ray’s cookbook,Rachael Ray 50. Ray adds Taleggio, Parmigiano-Reggiano and nutmeg to her creamed spinach — and it is divine.Get the recipeHERE.

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Creamed Spinach with Taleggio

If you plan to serve at least one green food at Thanksgiving, let it be this dish fromRachael Ray’s cookbook,Rachael Ray 50. Ray adds Taleggio, Parmigiano-Reggiano and nutmeg to her creamed spinach — and it is divine.

16of 23Sausage and Fig StuffingVictor Protasio"The dried figs play beautifully with the saltiness of the sausage while the sage flavor brings everything together,” saidCurtis Stone, chef and host ofField Trip with Curtis Stoneon PBS.Get the recipeHERE.

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Sausage and Fig Stuffing

“The dried figs play beautifully with the saltiness of the sausage while the sage flavor brings everything together,” saidCurtis Stone, chef and host ofField Trip with Curtis Stoneon PBS.

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Cranberry and Grapefruit Sauce

18of 23Green Bean Salad with Pickled OnionsVictor ProtasioCarla Hallshared a refreshingly light twist on the veggie.“There’s no need to smother fresh beans with tons of gravy,” said the chef and author ofCarla Hall’s Soul Food.Get the recipeHERE.

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Green Bean Salad with Pickled Onions

Carla Hallshared a refreshingly light twist on the veggie.

“There’s no need to smother fresh beans with tons of gravy,” said the chef and author ofCarla Hall’s Soul Food.

19of 23Roasted Delicata Squash with Apples and KaleVictor Protasio"This has all the best flavors of fall in one recipe,” said Mike Price, the chef ofMarket Tablein N.Y.C.Get the recipeHERE.

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Roasted Delicata Squash with Apples and Kale

“This has all the best flavors of fall in one recipe,” said Mike Price, the chef ofMarket Tablein N.Y.C.

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Everything Bagel Stuffing

21of 23Mashed Potatoes with Country Ham and CheddarVictor Protasio"The ham adds the perfect amount of salty, savory flavor,” saidNathan Duensing, the executive chef ofMarsh Housein Nashville, Tenn.Get the recipeHERE.

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Mashed Potatoes with Country Ham and Cheddar

“The ham adds the perfect amount of salty, savory flavor,” saidNathan Duensing, the executive chef ofMarsh Housein Nashville, Tenn.

22of 23Cauliflower-Challah StuffingGreg DuPree"Roast the cauliflower and make the spice mix ahead of time,” said chefTimon Ballooof his comforting dressing. “That makes it easier on Thanksgiving Day to just assemble the stuffing.“Get the recipeHERE.

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Cauliflower-Challah Stuffing

Greg DuPree

“Roast the cauliflower and make the spice mix ahead of time,” said chefTimon Ballooof his comforting dressing. “That makes it easier on Thanksgiving Day to just assemble the stuffing.”

23of 23Orange Cranberry SauceHector Manuel SanchezYou’ll never go back to the canned kind after a taste ofPaul Wahlberg’s tangy twist on relish. The sauce gets its unique flavor from chopped oranges, apples and a pinch of red pepper.Get the recipeHERE.

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Orange Cranberry Sauce

Hector Manuel Sanchez

You’ll never go back to the canned kind after a taste ofPaul Wahlberg’s tangy twist on relish. The sauce gets its unique flavor from chopped oranges, apples and a pinch of red pepper.

source: people.com