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29 Cozy Thanksgiving Sides You've been Waiting For All Year

Thanksgiving sides that make the meal! From creamy potatoes to fresh cranberry sauce, find the simple, crowd-pleasing recipes everyone will reach for

Updated
6 min read

Thanksgiving sides are where the magic happens — creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, they often outshine even the turkey! From Buttery Mashed Potatoes to fresh Green Bean Casseroles and fluffy Dinner Rolls, these comforting dishes bring everyone back for seconds (or maybe thirds).

But save a little room, because dessert is a treat worth waiting for, whether it’s a classic Pumpkin Pie, a rich slice of Pecan Pie, or a warm Apple Cake. For those who love a no-bake option, there’s Pumpkin Delight, Peanut Butter Bars and Peanut Butter Lasagna, or keep it easy with a cozy Crockpot Apple Dump Cake or a sweet Black Forest Dump Cake.

Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe by Cheerful Cook.

Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes are packed with flavor and ready in less than 30 minutes. Simply the perfect side dish.

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Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped Potato recipe by Cheerful Cook.

Scalloped Potatoes are an easy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any gathering. Whether you're serving them at a holiday meal or a cozy family dinner, this dish delivers creamy, cheesy layers that everyone will love.

Get the Recipe: The Best Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.

This Sweet Potato Casserole is sure to become your new go-to Thanksgiving recipe! It’s simple, easy, and so delicious. A flavorful sweet potato base is layered with crunchy, candied pecans and topped with toasted marshmallows.

Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Roasted Potatoes

Roasted Potatoes recipe by Cheerful Cook.

These Rosemary Roasted Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal. With their crispy edges, tender centers, and earthy rosemary flavor, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you can whip them up anytime!

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Get the Recipe: Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.

This is going to be your new favorite Green Bean Casserole! Tender green beans are paired with a creamy, garlic cheese sauce and then topped with cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions. This is the ultimate cheesy side dish that you can serve at holiday or weeknight dinners.

Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Buttery Cornbread

Buttery Cornbread recipe by Cheerful Cook.

This cornbread recipe is easy to make and full of rich, comforting flavor. With its tender crumb and golden crust, it’s a side you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Get the Recipe: Buttery Cornbread

Green Beans with Bacon and Onion

Green Beans with Bacon and Onions recipe by Cheerful Cook.

Perfectly blanched fresh green potatoes are cooked to perfection in a simple bacon and onion sauce.

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Get the Recipe: Sautéed Green Beans With Bacon And Onion

Bacon Stuffing Rolls

Bacon Stuffing Rolls recipe by Cheerful Cook.

Bacon Rolls are made from just two ingredients: strips of bacon wrapped around bread stuffing. The best flavor-packed Thanksgiving side dish.

Get the Recipe: Bacon Rolls

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Smoked Gouda and Mac and Cheese recipe by Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our gourmet twist on Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese. Creamy, smoky, and utterly satisfying. Perfect for a cozy evening.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Pineapple Casserole

Pineapple Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.

This Pineapple Casserole is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Juicy pineapple chunks and honey are mixed with cheese and topped with a salty, crunchy cracker topping

Get the Recipe: Pineapple Casserole

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice Baked Potato Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.

Savor the comfort of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness in our delectable Twice Baked Potato Casserole.

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Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Honey and Brown Sugar Glazed Candied Carrots

Candied Carrots recipe by Cheerful Cook.

Candied Carrots are tender, sweet, and versatile. Perfect for a holiday dinner or enjoy them on a weeknight when time is tight.

Get the Recipe: Honey & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

Roasted Potatoes and Carrots recipe by Cheerful Cook.

Enjoy our easy recipe for Roasted Potatoes and Carrots, seasoned perfectly for a sweet and spicy side dish delight.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

Cheddar Corn Casserole

Cheddar Corn Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.

Savor the classic comfort of Corn Casserole, enhanced with a unique blend of flavors and a creamy texture that everyone will love.

Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

15Crack Green Bean Casserole

Crack Green Bean Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.

Celebrate fall with a hearty blend of green beans, bacon, and cranberries, a dish that's both simple and memorable.

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Get the Recipe: Crack Green Bean Casserole

Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Honey Roasted Brussels Sprout recipe by Cheerful Cook.

This Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe is a crowd-pleaser, delivering crispy, caramelized goodness with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these sprouts add a flavorful, nutritious side to any meal.

Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Stuffing

Air Fryer Stuffing recipe by Cheerful Cook.

Try our delicious air fryer stuffing recipe for a tasty twist on a classic favorite. Get the perfect blend of flavors in every bite.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffing

Oatmeal Dinner Rolls

Oatmeal Dinner Rolls recipe by Cheerful Cook.

Make these irresistible Oatmeal Dinner Rolls at home! Fluffy and slightly sweet, these yeast bread rolls are great for any occasion. Discover how simple homemade rolls can be!

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Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Dinner Rolls

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Candied Carrots recipe by Cheerful Cook.

Candied sweet potatoes are an excellent side dish to any meal and are best known as a delicious holiday dish.

Get the Recipe: Candied Sweet Potatoes

Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes recipe by Cheerful Cook.

Unlock the secret to making the creamiest Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes. Our recipe is perfect for casual weeknight dinners and Christmas or Thanksgiving Dinner.

Get the Recipe: Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes recipe by Cheerful Cook.

This delicious and cheesy mashed potatoes recipe is the perfect side dish to make for any dinner or festive occasion.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

3 Ingredient Bread

3-Ingredient Bread recipe by Cheerful Cook.

Learn the secret to making heavenly homemade bread. This recipe is quick and easy (and very affordable), perfect for novice bakers.

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Get the Recipe: Easy 3-Ingredient Bread

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe by Cheerful Cook.

This creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe is easy to make, perfectly textured, and brimming with sweet and nutty flavors!

Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes recipe by Cheerful Cook.

Discover the ultimate crispy Parmesan Crusted Potatoes with this easy and delicious recipe! Perfect for any occasion, these crusted potatoes make a fantastic side dish. Try this russet potato recipe for a delightful twist on your usual vegetable recipes. It's one of the tastiest potato recipes you'll ever make.

Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Air Fryer Garlic Bread recipe by Cheerful Cook.

This Air Fryer Garlic Bread is a quick and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of homemade garlic bread with a crispy and golden exterior. We use slices of French baguette, generously slather them with perfectly seasoned homemade garlic butter, and finish it off with cheese.

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Get the Recipe: Cheesy Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

Rosemary Roasted Potatoes recipe by Cheerful Cook.

These Rosemary Roasted Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal. With their crispy edges, tender centers, and earthy rosemary flavor, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you can whip them up anytime!

Get the Recipe: Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

Pea Salad

Pea Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.

This classic, creamy pea salad is both a perfect side dish during the week or a perfect party buffet table.

Get the Recipe: Pea Salad

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.

Waldorf Salad is a classic! Crisp apples, sweet grapes, and crunchy celery served in a creamy dressing and topped with candied walnuts.

Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Shrimp Salad

Shrimp Salad recipe by Cheerful Cook.

Shrimp Salad is delightfully light and refreshing. It's made with perfectly cooked shrimp, onion, celery, cucumber, dill, and mayonnaise.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Shrimp Salad

Maike Corbett is an American food blogger known for her website, Cheerful Cook, where she brings a unique blend of American and German culinary traditions to life through comforting and easy recipes.

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