We know that there will be multiple dishes to juggle on Thanksgiving Day and there will never be enough space in the oven. We’ve put together a collection of our favourites Thanksgiving side dishes to prep. Whether you’re hosting or have been asked to bring a dish for dinner, they’ll be there to help on the big day.
Every Thanksgiving I remember Meghan Trainor’s song “All About That Bass.” Because when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, for me it’s the sides.
Don’t get me wrong, me Love Turkey. I eat it all year round. Turkey and cheddar with lots of mayonnaise is my favorite sandwich. But come on! How many times a year do you eat green bean or sweet potato casseroles, creamy gratins and mashed potatoes so rich it makes your cardiologist swoon?
And let’s talk about the filling, uh, dressing. An obscure government agency should make it its own food group. Or at least create a food pyramid that rests on those mighty, herb-scented shoulders.
Then there are the days after Turkey Day – they are so wonderful that who can think of Black Friday? When I’m not making a turkey cranberry sauce sandwich or filling muffins, I put the leftovers in a casserole dish, top it with homemade pie crust and bake a pot pie for the day after Thanksgiving.
Huzzah, huzzah, side dishes! Long may you rule and terrorize doctors everywhere.
Mashed potatoes to prepare
This easy mashed potato is exactly as described. Simple, easy and incredibly calming.
Recipe
These make ahead mashed potatoes are a foolproof recipe. Super easy! Do it again.
Amber
Roasted carrots with allspice
Allspice Roasted Carrots are a simple, unexpected and, we claim, essential winter side dish. Put them on your table and we suspect everyone who tries them will agree… and ask for the recipe.
Recipe
These roasted carrots were excellent! I made them for an early Christmas dinner along with the slow roasted pork shoulder with stuffed squash and they were a total hit! Super easy to make ahead and loved the preserved lemon surprise at the end. Yummy!
amy
Classic green bean casserole
This classic green bean casserole, made with green beans, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, is a Thanksgiving tradition. Just say no to the can opener.
Recipe
Sweet and tangy cranberry relish
This sweet and tangy cranberry relish is a modern twist on the traditional cranberry sauce. Seasoned with jalapeño and enhanced with lime juice, it’s an instant holiday favorite.
Recipe
Fennel potato gratin
Composed of layers of thinly sliced fennel and potatoes and a thick, creamy white cheddar sauce, this Fennel and Potato Gratin is one of the most flavorful side dishes we’ve ever eaten.
Recipe
creamed spinach
This Creamed Spinach is a simple take on the classic, made with fresh spinach and mascarpone, parmesan and cream sauce. Here’s how to do it.
Recipe
Exceptionally delicious! I will definitely be making this creamed spinach recipe again soon. Texture and taste were perfect.
Elizabeth
Broccoli Blue Cheese Gratin
Broccoli and Blue Cheese Gratin is an easy, comforting casserole that makes the perfect Thanksgiving side dish.
Recipe
Spicy artichoke dip
For me, artichoke hearts are an indispensable ingredient in the pantry. This recipe is one of my favorite recipes – delicious, quick and easy to make, inspired by my mom. I always serve it at Christmas time with Roasted Rosemary Focaccia. It’s rich, soothing, and everyone always wants the recipe.
Recipe
Grated Brussels sprouts salad
This shaved Brussels sprouts salad is easy to make. Thinly sliced sprouts, pecorino cheese and toasted pine nuts are tossed with a simple lemon and olive oil dressing. Hello, insert and conversation starter.
Recipe
Classic sweet potato casserole
This classic sweet potato casserole recipe is made with halved marshmallows, spices, and sugar. Just like grandma.
Recipe
The sweet potato casserole turned out great, everyone liked it.
tammy
wild mushroom filling
Earthy flavors combine with slightly sweet brioche bread in this gorgeous brioche and wild mushroom filling.
Recipe
FAQs
The best types of side dishes to make ahead of time are ones that are served at room temperature, like cranberry sauce, or side dishes that reheat well, like mashed potatoes or gravy. For other types of side dishes, like creamy gratins or roasted Brussels sprouts, prep as much as you can and then shove in the oven at the last minute.
Most side dishes can be stored in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Some side dishes, especially gravy and cranberry sauce, freeze well and can be stored in the freezer in airtight containers for up to 6 months.
Now that you have your sides prepped, you can move on to the most important part – the dessert! We have an incredible selection of Thanksgiving desserts, many of which you can also make ahead and keep in your fridge or freezer.