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5 Thanksgiving Side Dishes You Need to Try This Year

Alexa
Thanksgiving Side Dishes spread across formal dining room table.

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, family, and food — and while turkey gets the spotlight, we all know it’s the sides that truly steal the show. Whether you’re hosting a full house or bringing one dish to share, this year’s side lineup deserves a fresh twist.

We’ve rounded up five Thanksgiving side dishes that are simple, crowd-pleasing, and Pinterest-worthy — along with a few favorite Simply Sales finds that make prepping, cooking, and serving even easier.

So grab your apron (and maybe a cozy fall candle), because these are the recipes you’ll be making long after Thanksgiving is over.

1. Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes with Garlic & Chives

No Thanksgiving table is complete without mashed potatoes, but this year, let’s make them next-level creamy.

The secret? Browned butter. It adds a rich, nutty flavor that takes this comfort classic from ordinary to unforgettable.

What You’ll Need:

  • 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, roasted or minced
  • ½ cup warm milk or cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh chives for garnish

How to Make It:

  1. Boil potatoes until fork-tender, then drain.
  2. In a saucepan, brown the butter until it smells nutty and golden.
  3. Mash the potatoes, add butter, garlic, and milk, then season to taste.
  4. Garnish with chives and serve hot.

Our Amazon Picks:

Turkey Talk: “The Creamiest Thanksgiving Potatoes Ever.” You’ll want to make these for every meal beyond Thanksgiving!

2. Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecans

Move over marshmallows — this year, sweet potatoes are getting a grown-up glow-up.

With real maple syrup, crunchy pecans, and a dash of cinnamon, this side dish brings that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cozy.

What You’ll Need:

  • 3 large sweet potatoes, cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • Dash of cinnamon and sea salt

How to Make It:

  1. Toss cubed potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, and salt.
  2. Roast at 400°F for about 30 minutes.
  3. Drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle with pecans, and serve warm.

Our Amazon Picks:

Turkey Talk: This one smells like fall in the oven and looks gorgeous on your table — guaranteed to be a crowd favorite!

3. Cheesy Cornbread Casserole

If you grew up with Jiffy mix in the pantry, this recipe will hit you right in the nostalgia.

It’s part cornbread, part casserole, and all-around cozy. The result? A creamy, golden, slightly sweet side that pairs perfectly with turkey or ham.

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix
  • 1 can creamed corn
  • 1 can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ stick melted butter

How to Make It:

  1. Combine everything in a bowl.
  2. Pour into a greased baking dish.
  3. Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until golden and set.

Our Amazon Picks:

Turkey Talk: It’s easy, gooey, and a great comfort food and fall favorite*.*

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey-Balsamic Glaze

If you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts, this recipe will absolutely change your mind.

Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, while a honey-balsamic drizzle adds that irresistible sticky finish.

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes

How to Make It:

  1. Toss sprouts with oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Roast at 400°F for 25 minutes.
  3. Drizzle with honey and balsamic, toss again, and roast for 5 more minutes.

Our Amazon Picks:

Turkey Talk: These are the perfect side for balancing out all that buttery goodness on your plate — and they look as good as they taste.

5. Baked Mac & Cheese with Buttery Crumb Topping

Because no one ever said Thanksgiving was a time to count calories.

This mac & cheese recipe is ultra-creamy, topped with golden crumbs, and 100% crowd-approved.

What You’ll Need:

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • Salt, pepper, and paprika

How to Make It:

  1. Cook pasta until al dente.
  2. In a saucepan, make a roux by whisking butter and flour together.
  3. Gradually add milk, then cheese, stirring until smooth.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce in a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

Our Amazon Picks:

Turkey Talk: The Creamiest Homemade Mac & Cheese — No Box Needed! Adult and Child friendly and will be a staple at any and all holiday meals!

Make It Pinterest-Perfect

We love seeing what you create in the kitchen — especially when it’s Pinterest-worthy!
If you try one of these Thanksgiving sides, make sure to share your favorite over on Simply Sales with Alyssa & Sarah on Pinterest where we’re always pinning our favorite recipes, Amazon finds, and seasonal hosting inspo.

Don’t forget to save this post for later — because these are the Thanksgiving sides you’ll want to make again and again.

Wrapping Up (Before the Pie Steals the Show)

Whether you’re in charge of mashed potatoes or bringing something new to the family table, these five Thanksgiving side dishes are bound to be a hit.

They’re simple enough for busy weeks, impressive enough for the big day, and timeless enough to become part of your holiday tradition. Pair them with a few Simply Sales kitchen upgrades, and you’ll be serving up gratitude in style.

Here’s to a Thanksgiving full of laughter, second helpings, and buttery bites.

Happy cooking, friends — and don’t forget to save your favorites for next year!

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Alexa

Alexa

Hello, I'm Alexa! I am a Stay-at-home mama to my not so little 5 month old. My husband and I met in 2019 and have been married for 2 years now. I love fall and winter, and being in the woods or near the mountains. My style varies a lot! Normally I am in sundresses or in work bibs.. not too much else. In my pastime I love to read, garden, go hiking, camping and eat! Specifically sushi, tacos or BBQ!
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