25 easy thanksgiving sides that never fail

Thanksgiving feels brighter with sides that always deliver. Each of these 25 adds comfort, flavor, and color to every spread with little effort. No complicated prep, just simple favorites that works anytime. These easy Thanksgiving sides will always keep everyone reaching for more!

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

There’s always room for one more scoop of something creamy and rich. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes bring familiar comfort with a little extra punch. They pair well with everything from turkey to stuffing. No side feels more reliable or more welcome.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Beatrice's Icelandic Pickled Beets

Beets with pomegranate seeds on a plate. — Beatrice's Icelandic Pickled Beets. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

These bring bold flavor and a bit of history to the holiday table. Beatrice's Icelandic Pickled Beets are tart, earthy, and simple to serve cold or room temp. They’re great for cutting through the richness of Thanksgiving mains. A small scoop adds a lot.
Get the Recipe: Beatrice's Icelandic Pickled Beets

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A little spice makes things interesting when the table leans heavy and rich. Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad breaks through the usual with creamy texture and a light kick. It’s the kind of side that catches everyone by surprise.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Big gatherings need sides that please everyone without extra work. Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole brings all the favorites together in one dish that holds its own. It’s hearty, easy, and always cleaned out by the end.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Honey-Dijon Roasted Golden Beets

These bring a bold mix of sweet and sharp that cuts through heavier dishes. Honey-Dijon Roasted Golden Beets offer something a little unexpected but still simple enough to prep without fuss. They hold up well at room temp too. A solid side that stands out without stealing the show.
Get the Recipe: Honey-Dijon Roasted Golden Beets

Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

An overhead image of Vegan Caesar Salad with Shaved Brussels Sprouts in wooden bowl. — Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This twist on a Caesar keeps things crisp and refreshing between bites of heavier mains. Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad swaps lettuce for shaved sprouts without losing any flavor. It’s got crunch, salt, and bite in all the right ways. Great when you want something green but still hearty.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Layers of flavor and texture make any side worth coming back for. That’s exactly what happens with Loaded Smashed Potatoes, packed with all the best parts of a classic comfort dish. They feel right at home on any Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Smashed Potatoes

Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

Crispy Baked Zucchini served on a white plate. — Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Light crunch meets simple seasoning for a side that feels easy yet special. Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven gives a break from the heavier dishes without losing flavor. It’s one of those plates that everyone ends up talking about.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

Creamy Beet Risotto With Goat Cheese

A black bowl filled with beetroot risotto, topped with pine nuts, goat cheese, and a small sprig of thyme, placed on a light-colored surface. — Creamy Beet Risotto With Goat Cheese. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Smooth and rich, this side brings something new to the usual mix. Creamy Beet Risotto With Goat Cheese adds color and depth with every scoop. It’s filling, flavorful, and easy to plate. Makes a strong case for being more than just a side.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beet Risotto With Goat Cheese

Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Sweet and heat play together in a way that works surprisingly well. Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts offer crisp edges and bold flavor with minimal effort. They hold their place on the table next to the classics. Every bite brings something new.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Close up of beet salad on a white platter with two forks on the right side. — Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This combo never fails to land well at a gathering. Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese brings creamy, tangy, and earthy together without overcomplicating anything. It’s bright, balanced, and easy to prep ahead. Guests usually ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Smashed Greek yogurt potatoes in a white bowl. — Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Comfort on the plate doesn’t have to be complicated. Smooth, rich flavor runs through every spoonful of Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes. They never fail to disappear before the meal’s over.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries

Sharp, sweet, and smoky all show up in one pan. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries bring bold flavor without being fussy. They check both sweet and savory boxes in one bite. The textures make it easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries

Everything-Seasoned Sautéed Beet Greens

A smart way to use more of the vegetable without extra fuss. Everything-Seasoned Sautéed Beet Greens add flavor and color without weighing down the plate. They’re quick to warm up and easy to pair with other dishes. No one misses the salad when these are on the table.
Get the Recipe: Everything-Seasoned Sautéed Beet Greens

Beetroot Daikon Radish Pickled

A bowl filled with cubed beetroot pickled daikon radishes. — Beetroot Daikon Radish Pickled. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Tangy and vibrant, this one adds color and crunch to any plate. Beetroot Daikon Radish Pickled works as a crisp contrast to all the creamy, baked sides. It’s a good way to break up the richness without skipping flavor. Serve it chilled or at room temp.
Get the Recipe: Beetroot Daikon Radish Pickled

Garlic and Herb Stuffing

The mix of herbs and soft texture makes every bite feel complete. Garlic and Herb Stuffing adds that familiar aroma that feels like Thanksgiving. It ties the whole meal together without trying too hard.
Get the Recipe: Garlic and Herb Stuffing

Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

Baked Riced Cauliflower in a bowl with a spoon. — Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

A quick and clean option for anyone who likes something lighter on the table. Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower keeps flavor without the extra weight. It rounds out the lineup in an easy, dependable way.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

Crispy Hot Sauce Smashed Potato Bites

There’s always something special about a side that brings a little heat to the table. A kick of spice makes Crispy Hot Sauce Smashed Potato Bites stand out from the rest. They’re crunchy, bold, and perfect for anyone who likes a little edge with comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Hot Sauce Smashed Potato Bites

Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Brussels Sprouts

Bright pops and salty bits keep this one interesting from start to finish. Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Brussels Sprouts check all the boxes for texture and flavor. It fits well next to both classic and modern dishes. Always a conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Brussels Sprouts

Homemade Gefilte Fish Recipe With Beet Chrein

Gefilte fish on plate with beet horseradish. — Homemade Gefilte Fish Recipe With Beet Chrein. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This traditional favorite brings something totally different to the table. Homemade Gefilte Fish Recipe With Beet Chrein stands out for its texture and bold, punchy topping. It’s a good option for those who like something less expected. The sharpness of the beet balances it out.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Gefilte Fish Recipe With Beet Chrein

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Simple, reliable, and always welcome, nothing feels more like a true side dish. Garlic Mashed Potatoes hit that balance of creamy and rich that ties every plate together. They never disappoint no matter what they’re paired with.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Homemade Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing in a glass bowl with sticks of veggies. — Homemade Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

A cool, creamy drizzle can change how everything tastes. Homemade Ranch Dressing brings a fresh note that works with veggies, potatoes, or even leftover turkey. It’s the kind of staple that quietly steals the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ranch Dressing

Fried Cheese Balls

Bite-sized and full of flavor, these are made for sharing. Fried Cheese Balls bring a warm, golden crunch that always earns a spot at the table. No one ever stops at just one.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cheese Balls

Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw with Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette

This fresh, tangy slaw balances out a table full of rich sides. Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw with Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette keeps things light without feeling out of place. It’s easy to serve and holds up without wilting. People go back for it more often than you’d expect.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw with Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Rutabaga Fries

A fun twist that fits right in with the rest of the spread. Rutabaga Fries bring a subtle sweetness and crispy finish that pairs well with almost everything. They’re proof that simple sides can still surprise.
Get the Recipe: Rutabaga Fries