These old-fashioned Thanksgiving sides are the comforting classics that make a holiday table feel like home, from soft dinner rolls and homemade stuffing to creamy mashed potatoes and retro favorites like orange fluff salad.
Beloved Thanksgiving Side Dishes from the Bildirimlerim Recipe Box
When I was growing up, Thanksgiving meant big family dinners. We pulled out every leaf of the table, our farmhouse was full of laughter, and kids ran everywhere. The meal often started with a tasty roasted turkey. Our own Thanksgivings have usually been quieter, just our family of 5, and quieter still now that we’re cooking for two. So some years we keep it simple with a simple turkey dinner that uses every shortcut I can think of.
Over the years I’ve written a number of favorite recipes that go well as sides for Thanksgiving (and Christmas) dinner. They’re listed below, or you can get them all in one handy printable form in my new holiday dinner guide!
Want these recipes in ad-free printable form?
You asked, so here it is!!
My Holiday Dinner Guide printable ebook has 29 holiday recipes. Print them all or cook straight from your device. Along with the recipes, you’ll find plenty of holiday dinner tips and tricks, plus kitchen blunders to make you smile!
Check it out & grab your copy here — and let’s have fun making holiday dinner together!
The Centerpiece
Bacon-Roasted Turkey
Every side needs a main to go with it! My slow roasted turkey with bacon stays moist and full of flavor, and it nearly bastes itself. It’s my favorite way to roast a holiday bird, and it comes with a roasting time chart and step-by-step carving tips.
Stuffing and Potato Sides
Classic Homestyle Stuffing
My mom walked me through this stuffing over the phone when I was a newlywed. It’s simple: bread cubes, butter, onion, celery, and sage, seasoned “until it tastes right,” just as she taught me. It tastes like every holiday dinner I remember.
Classic Egg Potato Salad
I’ll admit potato salad isn’t something we serve often at Thanksgiving, but plenty of readers tell me they do. If you want a classic potato salad like Grandma used to make, this is the one!
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffing Bites
Got leftover stuffing, or want a fun spin on the classic? Shape it into balls and wrap each one in bacon! They make a tasty side or appetizer, and they vanish quickly.
Mashed Potatoes with Cottage Cheese
These aren’t my mama’s mashed potatoes, but they’re creamy, fluffy, and whipped smooth, with a hidden protein boost from cottage cheese. Nobody will guess the secret ingredient! You can make them up to two days ahead, too.
Scalloped Potatoes with Cheese and Mushroom Soup
This shortcut take on a classic tastes like it simmered all day. Tender potato layers bake up creamy and cheesy with the help of a can of cream of mushroom soup. It’s pure old-fashioned comfort food.
Oven-Roasted Sweet Potato
If your family is crazy about sweet potatoes, try my quick, easy method for roasting a big one until it’s tender and naturally sweet. Serve it plain with butter, salt, and pepper.
Salads
Cranberry Broccoli Salad
This classic broccoli salad with bacon and cranberries is a wonderful partner for Thanksgiving dinner. You can toss it together the day before to save time on the big day!
Creamy Orange Fluff Salad
Every turkey dinner of my childhood had some kind of jello salad. This classic orange fluff, made with Cool Whip, is wonderfully refreshing!
Retro Peach Pretzel Salad
This pretty retro jello salad is the sunny cousin of strawberry pretzel salad! It has a pretzel crust, a fluffy cream cheese layer, sliced peaches, and a glossy jello topping, and it’s a holiday table favorite.
Vegetables
Sweet and Tangy Harvard Beets
These beets are sweet, tangy, and a gorgeous ruby red, a true old-fashioned classic. They bring a lovely splash of color to the holiday table.
Make-Ahead Cheesy Carrot Casserole
This easy, cheesy baked carrot casserole is packed with shredded carrots and can be assembled the day before baking. Getting the prep out of the way ahead of time is a real help!
Breads and Rolls
Light and Fluffy Baking Powder Biscuits
Pick up simple tips and tricks for easy biscuits with my mom’s baking powder biscuit recipe.
Classic Oven-Baked Cornbread
Made from simple ingredients, this classic oven-baked cornbread is moist, full of flavor, and beautifully golden. Serve it beside your Thanksgiving turkey for a cozy, homestyle side everyone will enjoy.
Soft Bread Machine Dinner Rolls
These soft, fluffy crescent rolls practically melt in your mouth, and your bread machine does most of the work! Serve them warm with butter. They’re also perfect for soaking up a little turkey gravy.
Sauces and Gravy
Homemade Turkey Pan Gravy
No holiday dinner is complete without homemade gravy! Here’s how I make smooth, flavorful gravy from the turkey drippings, the same way my mom did
Cranberry Sauce with Mandarin Oranges
Homemade cranberry sauce is far easier than you’d expect! Mandarin oranges add a sweet, bright twist, and you can make it several days ahead.
Save Room for Dessert!
Of course, there’s always room for pie! Here are some of our family’s favorite holiday desserts:
- Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Pie
- Pecan Pie Bars Made with Cake Mix
- Simple Homemade Cherry Pie
- Pumpkin Roll Cake with a Cream Cheese Filling
- Apple Crisp Made with Apple Pie Filling
Which Thanksgiving Sides Can Be Made Ahead?
After more than 30 years of holiday dinners, I’ve learned that the secret to enjoying the day is doing as much as you can ahead of time! These sides are perfect for prepping early:
- 2 to 3 days ahead: Cranberry sauce
- 1 to 2 days ahead: Cottage cheese mashed potatoes, carrot casserole, and broccoli salad
- The day before: Orange fluff salad and bread machine dinner rolls
- Earlier in the day: Mix your stuffing and refrigerate it until it’s time to bake
On the big day, all that’s left is roasting the turkey, making the gravy, and warming everything up. You might even have time to sit down with a cup of coffee!
How Many Side Dishes Do You Need for Thanksgiving?
It’s easy to get carried away (trust me, I’ve done it!). Here’s my rule of thumb:
- For two to four people: 3 or 4 side dishes. Pick a potato, a vegetable, a bread, and your stuffing. Many of these recipes can be halved, too.
- For a crowd of 10 or more: 6 to 8 side dishes. Aim for a mix, such as two starches, two vegetables, a salad, and rolls.
And if guests ask, “What can I bring?” say yes! Hand them a salad or dessert recipe from this list and enjoy the extra hands.
Recipes for Leftover Turkey
Don’t let a single bite go to waste! Here are some of my favorite ways to use up leftover turkey:
Which side dishes are your Thanksgiving favorites?
I’d love to hear which old-fashioned sides are a must at your Thanksgiving table! Leave a comment below and tell me your family’s favorites. I might just add them to my list!
