If you want a classic Thanksgiving dinner or want to get wild and experiment with new dishes, then I have got you covered. All the typical Thanksgiving sides, plus a few not-so-typical mouthwatering dishes to delight the family, are on my list.
![Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/35-Easy-Thanksgiving-Side-Dishes.png)
The holidays are upon us. Hence, if you’re like me, you’re already worrying about what to fix and how. Turkey as the main dish is a given. Therefore, the only thing you have to decide is if you want to bake, smoke, or spatchcock it. After that, the hard part is deciding what to serve with that juicy bird.
Whether it’s stuffing, sauce, gravy, or good ol’ mac and cheese, you’ll find all your favorite recipes all together. My go-to recipes are also quick and easy, so breathe easy and concentrate on what you’re thankful for.
Incredible Bread Recipes
1. Baked Mac & Cheese
![Southern Baked Mac and Cheese](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_9302.jpg)
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Imma; mac and cheese isn’t bread. However, macaroni is a wheat product the same as bread. So I classified this creamy, delicious, and super-easy dish as bread. But it didn’t fit in any of the other categories, so here it is. 😅
![Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with evaporated milk](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_9302-120x120.jpg)
2. Texas Roadhouse Rolls
![Texas Roadhouse Rolls](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_7703.jpg)
The rolls are the biggest reason I get my hubby to take me to Texas Roadhouse. Yes, I love the steak, but oh, these soft butter rolls slathered in cinnamon honey butter are where it’s at. And now I can make them at home.
![Bread rolls with cinnamon butter](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_7760-120x120.jpg)
3. Garlic Knots Bread
![Garlic Knots](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_1991.jpg)
The garlic bread that comes with the pizza is as good as it gets. But why wait until you can go out to eat? These delicious knots of soft buttery bread with herbs and garlic are a great snack on their own or the perfect Thanksgiving side to any meal.
![35 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_1973-150x150.jpg)
4. Easy Dinner Rolls
![One hour Dinner Rolls](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_2795-2.jpg)
These melt-in-your-mouth dinner rolls are ready in an hour, even counting the time to rise. For that reason, these rich and buttery rolls are the perfect addition to any holiday dinner.
![One hour Dinner Rolls](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_2829-2-150x150.jpg)
5. Homemade Crescent Rolls
![Homemade Crescent Rolls](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_4019.jpg)
Ridiculously delicious bites of buttery goodness in super easy and flaky crescent rolls go with so well with turkey or ham. You can have these babies ready to rise in 20 minutes. After they rise, it’s only 15 minutes in the oven, then you have steaming hot bundles of goodness.
![Homemade Crescent Rolls fresh from the oven](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_4019-150x150.jpg)
6. Spoon Bread
![Spoon Bread](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_9978.jpg)
It’s not quite cornbread, but it’s not quite a pudding. Spoon bread is mouthwatering perfection that enjoys the moist creaminess of pudding and substance of cornbread. Add my personal touch of spice, and you have the perfect Thanksgiving side dish.
![Serving up freshly baked Spoonbread](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_9996-150x150.jpg)
7. Skillet Cornbread
![Skillet cornbread](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Skillet-Cornbread.jpg)
You don’t want to miss out on this super moist cornbread with all the trademark Southern comfort food qualities. If you make it the day before, you can use it to make the incredible cornbread dressing.
8. Cornbread Muffins
![Cornbread Muffins](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/cornbreadmade-046-3.jpg)
Cornbread is made to make kids happy. This wonderful recipe has bits of corn that make it even more delicious. And it’s sweetened with honey, so no guilt in serving it to your loved ones. It makes a great breakfast, by the way. A great time-saver, if you ask me.
![35 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/cornbreadmade-065-3-100x100.jpg)
Potato & Sweet Potato Sides
9. Sweet Potato Casserole
![Sweet Potato Casserole](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/IMG_2069-798x1024.jpg)
The first time I tried this dish, I fell in love. Mashed sweet potatoes with cream, then topped with pecans (praline style), and melted marshmallows are absolutely drool-worthy.
![Sweet Potato Casserole](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/IMG_2069-150x150.jpg)
10. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
![Garlic Mashed Potatoes](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_9767.jpg)
I love mashed potatoes. However, these tasty potatoes are kicked up a couple of notches with garlic and sour cream. This exquisite recipe is the perfect Thanksgiving side, right next to the juicy turkey and topped with homemade gravy.
![Garlic Mashed Potatoes](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_9767-120x120.jpg)
11. Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes
![Mashed Red Potatoes](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_3509.jpg)
The only thing that could possibly make garlic mashed potatoes better is to use tender red potatoes with delicate skins. They only need a good washing, then cooked whole. After that, you can mash them whole, skin and all. Yum!
![Mashed Red Potatoes](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_3509-150x150.jpg)
12. Duchess Potatoes
![Duchess Potatoes](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_df20.jpg)
Mashed potatoes made elegant! Smooth and silky, then piped in a beautiful design and baked to toasty perfection. Hence, it’s my preferred way to serve mashed potatoes on special occasions.
![Duchess Potatoes](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_dec6-150x150.jpg)
13. Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin
![Cheesy Potatoes au Gratin](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_8498.jpg)
Cheesy, creamy, and incredibly mouthwatering, this potato dish is the perfect Thanksgiving side. The French version of scalloped potatoes is oh so yummy! And, of course, I had to add my touch.😉
![Cheesy Potatoes au Gratin in a scoop](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_8498-1-150x150.jpg)
14. Hasselback Potatoes
![Hasselback Potatoes in a Skillet](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_5528-2.jpg)
These buttery, crispy potatoes look like they take forever to make. However, they are super simple and always make an impression when I serve them with a holiday dinner.
![Hasselback Potatoes](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_5536-1-150x150.jpg)
15. Candied Yams
![Spoonful of Candied Yams](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2.jpg)
I’m not sure if this is a Thanksgiving side dish or a dessert. The flavorful sweet glaze ramped up with maple syrup and cinnamon, allspice, and ginger makes this dish oh so good!
![Spoonful of Candied Yams](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2-150x150.jpg)
Gravies, Sauces & Dressings
16. Giblet Gravy
![Giblet Gravy](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_0070-2.jpg)
What are potatoes or rice without gravy? The giblets that usually come with the turkey give the gravy a fantastic flavor and a great way not to waste food. I don’t know about you, but the giblets are my favorite part of the turkey.
![Giblet Gravy fresh from the stove](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_0070-2-150x150.jpg)
17. Homemade Gravy
![a bowl full of gravy](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_9519.jpg)
The intense flavor from turkey drippings combined with thickeners makes an incredibly mouthwatering gravy drizzled over your potatoes. Follow my instructions for a delicious and smooth (lump-free) holiday gravy.
![a bowl full of gravy](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_9519-150x150.jpg)
Can’t get enough of gravy? Check out my epic Easy Gravy Recipe Collection HERE.
18. Cranberry Sauce
![Cranberry Sauce with orange strips](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_0297.jpg)
Tart cranberries and a slight orange twist sweetened with a bit of sugar and spice are all you need for your Thanksgiving cranberry sauce. This sauce is so good I don’t usually wait for Thanksgiving. As soon as fresh cranberries are in season, I stock up my freezer with them.
![Easy cranberry sauce recipe with orange juice for the perfect holiday side dish](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_0309-e1626618162840-150x150.jpg)
19. Cornbread Dressing
![Cornbread dressing](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_9501.jpg)
If you’re not into serving bread with the meal, then this is an ideal Thanksgiving side. The awesomeness of cornbread turned into a well-seasoned and flavorful dressing that will compliment any turkey.
![Cornbread dressing fresh from the oven with homemade cranberry sauce](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_9501-150x150.jpg)
Healthy Vegetable Sides
20. Green Bean Casserole
![Green Bean Casserole From Scratch](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_0132.jpg)
What is a Thanksgiving dinner without green bean casserole? Creamy mushrooms and crispy onion topping baked with fresh green beans take me down, Memory Lane. And you can enjoy it guilt-free because it’s healthy, too.
![Green Bean Casserole From Scratch](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_0132-120x120.jpg)
21. Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
![Sauteed Brussel Sprouts](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/IMG_4661.jpg)
Cute miniature cabbages sauteed in butter or olive oil, then spice up with my Creole seasoning is one of my favorite and healthy Thanksgiving side dishes.
![Sauteed brussel sprouts on a white dish](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/IMG_4661-150x150.jpg)
22. Collard Greens
![Southern-Style Collard Greens](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/IMG_0119.jpg)
Bacon and creole seasoning make the awesome soul food incredibly delicious. And it’s so quick and easy to throw together that you’ll have more time to spend with the family.
![a bowl of southern collard greens served with cornbread with red pepper flakes in the background](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_2598-150x150.jpg)
23. Waldorf Salad
![Waldorf Salad](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_1454.jpg)
Fruit and nuts together in a healthy salad dressed in yogurt and mayo are so delicious. The apples and grapes give sweetness, the celery gives the perfect crunch, and the dressing takes it over the top.
![Waldorf Salad](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_1373-150x150.jpg)
24. Corn Pudding
![Corn Pudding](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_6504-1.jpg)
This buttery, creamy, custardy side dish is so easy, and no mixer is required. Just dump all the ingredients together and bake. Then sour cream and jalapeños add the perfect tartness and spice for a memorable Thanksgiving side.
![Corn Pudding](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IMG_6504-1-120x120.jpg)
25. Jalapeño Corn Casserole
![Jalapeños Corn Casserole](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_4179.jpg)
Jalapeños, onions, and bell peppers spice up this casserole so well. Add cheese and sour cream to the mix, and you have a match made in heaven.
![35 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/IMG_4146-3-120x120.jpg)
26. Creamed Spinach
![Creamed spinach](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/IMG_5499.jpg)
How do I get my son to eat his spinach? I add milk and cheese, then lots of delicious seasonings. It doesn’t hurt to tell him it will make him as strong as Popeye.
![35 Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/IMG_5494-150x150.jpg)
27. Carrot Souffle
![Carrot Souffle](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_0798-738x1024.jpg)
A great alternative to sweet potatoes, this healthy veggie side is so good it could double as dessert. Just a tad of sugar and spice makes it incredible.
![Carrot Souffle](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/IMG_0798-150x150.jpg)
28. Parmesan Baked Asparagus
![Parmesan Crusted Baked Asparagus](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_8941.jpg)
If your first experience with asparagus was mushy and overcooked, take heart. However, this recipe will change your mind about this great vegetable. Butter, herbed breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese over asparagus that has been perfectly oven-roasted to crunchy tender is what it’s all about.
![Parmesan Crusted Baked Asparagus](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_8971-150x150.jpg)
29. Scalloped Corn
![Scalloped Corn](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_e71a-703x1024.jpg)
Creamy corn baked with cheese and buttery crackers has me drooling just thinking about it. And it goes so well with turkey or ham, or pork chops, or steak–you get the idea.
![Scalloped Corn fresh from the oven ready to please](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_e6f1-150x150.jpg)
30. Creamed Corn
![Creamed Corn](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_4438-741x1024.jpg)
This recipe is great for when you don’t want to heat up the oven. Fresh corn ramped up with cream, butter, and spices make this recipe a must-have for any day of the week, but especially on special occasions.
![Creamed Corn easy recipe](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/IMG_4433-150x150.jpg)
31. Roasted Acorn Squash
![Baked Acorn Squash](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_6618-745x1024.jpg)
You can choose between the savory or sweet version, depending on y0ur mood. Butter makes it awesome, and you can use butternut squash instead of acorn if you so desire.
![Baked Acorn Squash](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_6618-150x150.jpg)
32. Green Beans and Bacon
![Green Beans with Bacon](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/IMG_8036.jpg)
This vegetable side has to be one of the easiest out there. Add a little bacon and garlic and you have a side dish worthy of praise.
![Green Beans with Bacon in a red skillet being served with tongs](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/IMG_8036-120x120.jpg)
33. Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
![Balsamic Brussels Sprouts](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/IMG_4739-1-716x1024.jpg)
Olive oil, creole seasoning, and balsamic vinegar dress the adorable sprouts in style. Additionally, that they’re super easy is a definite perk.
![Balsamic Brussels Sprouts](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/IMG_4739-1-120x120.jpg)
34. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
![Shaved Brussel Sprouts Salad](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_7082.jpg)
This salad is light and refreshing, and while it’s perfect for a nice sunny day, it’s also excellent with your Thanksgiving turkey. Sweet and smokey with dates, crisp apples, and smoked Gouda cheese, it offers a unique holiday flair.
![Shaved Brussel Sprouts Salad](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_7100-150x150.jpg)
35. Pineapple Casserole
![Pineapple Casserole](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_5239-687x1024.jpg)
This classic sweet and savory Southern dish is made with pineapple chunks, cheese, sugar, butter, and Ritz crackers. Hence, this dessert-like casserole is great for the holidays!
![Pineapple Casserole in a pan](https://www.africanbites.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_5194-1-150x150.jpg)
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