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Home / Collections / Thanksgiving

Easy Holiday Side Dishes

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Author: Imma Published:11/21/2019Updated:5/01/2021
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No turkey feast or Christmas dinner is complete without a wide array of scrumptious easy side dishes. After all, it’s all about the side dishes, as they say. Agreed??? If you do, I’ve taken the liberty here to round up the best holiday side dishes to grace your dinner table. I could actually make a longer list than this, but below are our top favorite side dishes that are on repeat and they always WOW our guests. Let’s dig in!

The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish Roundup
Scalloped Potatoes with a Portion Gone
  • Scalloped Potatoes – Cheesy, creamy, filling and family-approved potato casserole that is a must on every holiday dining table. The potatoes in this side dish are simmered first in a flavorful cream mixture then baked to perfection with cheeses on top. If you want the one with ham, you can check this other version here – Scalloped Potatoes and Ham.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped Potatoes – cheesy, creamy dish made with round slices of potato simmered first in a flavorful cream mixture then baked to perfection with cheeses on top. The perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving spread! Creamy, flavorful and saucy!
Check out this recipe
Scalloped Potatoes
Slices of Baked Acorn Squash
  • Baked Acorn Squash – want a wholesome and easy side dish on your holiday table? This Baked Acorn Squash is a great addition to your menu. A fuss-free healthy side dish that comes in both savory and sweet versions so you can choose one or make both! How does that sound?
Baked Acorn Squash
Baked Acorn Squash – a fuss-free healthy side side dish that can be served on regular or special days. It comes in both savory and sweet versions so you can choose one or make both! Truly one of the easiest and most versatile squash recipes you can prepare for the whole family!
Check out this recipe
Baked Acorn Squash
Corn Pudding in a Casserole Garnished with Parsley
  • Corn Pudding – If you’re looking for an easy to whip up side dish that requires just a handful of pantry staple ingredients, then this Corn Pudding here fits the bill. Creamy, buttery, sweet, custardy dish that is as easy as dump, mix, and bake! A Southern classic that could also be served for breakfast and during snack time! Want a flavorful twist to this? Try this Jalapeños Corn Casserole, too. 
Corn Pudding
Corn Pudding – creamy, buttery, sweet, custardy side dish that is perfect for any special occasions. Only requires few pantry staple ingredients and no need for mixers. It’s as easy as dump, mix, and bake!
Check out this recipe
Corn Pudding
A Bowl of Cranberry Sauce
  • Cranberry Sauce – Oh I just love this sauce! Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without this pretty deep red sauce with a burst of sweet-tart flavor and a touch of orange, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. Got some leftover sauce? You can top it on desserts like pies or cheesecakes or with your breakfast favorites like waffles, pancakes and breakfast oats, too!
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry Sauce – No holiday would be complete without  this pretty deep red sauce with a burst of sweet-tart flavor and a touch of orange, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. Makes a great accompaniment for proteins, desserts and breakfast oats.
Check out this recipe
Easy cranberry sauce recipe
Cornbread Dressing in a Casserole with a Ladle on the Side
  • Cornbread Dressing – Moist, well-seasoned and comforting Southern classic side dish! It’s made from cubed bread and cornbread, butter, sausage, eggs and a handful of other easy-to-find ingredients. And yes, it is also called “stuffing” in some parts of the country. So whether you serve it stuffed inside the turkey or on the side, you won’t regret having this!
Cornbread Dressing
Cornbread Dressing is a Southern classic Thanksgiving dish made from cubed bread and cornbread, butter, sausage, eggs, and a handful of easy-to-find ingredients. Moist, well-seasoned, and truly comforting side dish!
Check out this recipe
Cornbread dressing
Homemade Gravy Being Spooned
  • Homemade Gravy – Your favorite Thanksgiving roast bird won’t be as complete as it should be without this smooth, thick and very flavorful homemade gravy sauce. Although there are various ways to make a homemade gravy, my favorite of them all is the old-fashioned gravy made from turkey pan drippings from freshly roasted turkey, stock and flour. Deep flavorful savory goodness that elevates every dish on the table!
Homemade Gravy
Homemade Gravy – smooth, thick and very flavorful brown gravy made from scratch. This homemade gravy sauce makes your Thanksgiving roast turkey and mashed potatoes extra appetizing. Packed with nothing but savory goodness!
Check out this recipe
a bowl full of gravy
A Plateful of Garlic Mashed Potatoes Garnished with Garlic Cloves and Parsley
  • Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Aaahhh. These oldie mashed potatoes isn’t just perfect for regular days, but also for the holidays. Creamy, fluffy and full of savory delicious roasted garlic flavor. It literally melts in your mouth! A perfect side dish for any protein meal. Do you want an earthy flavor to your mashed potatoes? You’ll enjoy this skin-on Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes!
Roast Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Roast Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, fluffy and Flavor-packed,  super easy to make and full of savory, delicious roasted garlic flavor! A perfect side dish for any protein meal and a must have side dish for the holidays.
Check out this recipe
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Upclose Shot of Pineapple Casserole with a Portion Gine
  • Pineapple Casserole – For some of you, you might’ve not heard of this dish but this Pineapple Casserole is actually a classic sweet and savory Southern dish often served as a dessert, too. Made with pineapple chunks, cheese, sugar, butter and Ritz crackers, this surprisingly odd yet tasty easy casserole side dish will definitely leave a good impression on your family and guests. And it only uses just a handful of pantry staple ingredients!
Pineapple Casserole
Pineapple Casserole – a classic sweet and savory Southern dish made with pineapple chunks, cheese, sugar, butter and Ritz crackers. If you want your palate to be entertained, then this dessert-like casserole is what you need. Great for the holidays or even for regular days!
Check out this recipe
Pineapple Casserole in a pan
Cheesy Potatoes au Gratin Being Spooned
  • Cheesy Potatoes au Gratin – If you love Scalloped Potatoes, then you’ll also love its cousin Potatoes au Gratin. This potato recipe is made with thinly sliced potatoes layered, topped and baked in a rich, silky smooth creamy cheesy white sauce. A perfect side dish to serve during the holidays next to ham, pork tenderloin, or turkey. Definitely one of the best holiday side dishes of all time!
Cheesy Potatoes Au Gratin
Cheesy Potatoes au Gratin – thinly sliced potatoes layered and baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a jolt from nutmeg and thyme. The ultimate potato side dish of all time that goes well with just about anything. Utterly delicious and super comforting!
Check out this recipe
Cheesy Potatoes au Gratin in a scoop
Sweet Potato Casserole with a Plate and Forks in the Background
  • Sweet Potato Casserole – Side dish or dessert? Dessert or side dish? No matter which side you are on, this sweet and creamy sweet potato casserole is a must-eat for the holidays. You can either top it with crunchy buttery pecan brown sugar or toasted gooey mini marshmallows. But if you’re undecided, you may do both! And that creamy smooth texture, sweetness, added with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg is a feast on your palate. It’s indeed a holiday staple!
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole – Southern classic comfort food that is sweet and creamy topped with crunchy buttery pecan, brown sugar, and toasted gooey mini marshmallows. Irresistibly delicious with its heavenly goodness in every bite. A must-have holiday side dish or dessert that will surely bring joy to your loved ones.
Check out this recipe
Sweet Potato Casserole
A Skillet of Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
  • Baked Mac and Cheese – This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe here broke the internet during last year’s Thanksgiving Day. Super creamy, cheesy, soulful mac and cheese with added Creole seasoning for that distinct flavor depth. I’m telling you, adding Creole into this dish certainly makes all the difference! It’s got a note of heat and smokiness into it. Want another version? Try this Lobster Mac and Cheese.
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is super creamy, cheesy, soulful baked mac and cheese filled with great Southern flavors topped with crispy bread crumb. You will never break open a box again!
Check out this recipe
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with evaporated milk
One hour Dinner Rolls in a Baking Dish
  • Easy Dinner Rolls – Rolls shouldn’t be that hard to prepare, especially during the busy holidays. Good news is, you can easily achieve a soft and fluffy dinner roll without impatiently rolling out or kneading the dough like a classic dinner roll. This version of dinner rolls only needs a single quick rise and it still yield soft, fluffy, and tender rolls. Just the way you like it! And they actually taste amazing even the next day!
Easy Dinner Rolls
Easy Dinner Rolls – soft, fluffy, tender – everything you want in a dinner roll is right here. Made in just an hour from start to finish. The fastest and tastiest dinner roll you’ll ever have!
Check out this recipe
One hour Dinner Rolls
Green Bean Casserole with a Serving on the Side
  • Green Bean Casserole – Made from scratch with tender-crisp green beans and fresh mushrooms, this Green Bean Casserole is a foolproof dish that anyone can whip up in no time. The combination of the seasonings in this classic holiday side dish wakes up the recipe and adds a background note of heat. As for the crispy onions toppings, they are the ideal textural greeting for this casserole. Sooo good, you might even forget the rest of the dishes on the dinner table!
Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole is a classic holiday side dish staple. Made from scratch with homemade cream of mushroom soup and tender-crisp green beans topped with more crispy fried onions. Watch it fly off the table!
Check out this recipe
Green Bean Casserole From Scratch
Creamed Corn in a White Bowl
  • Creamed Corn – Even the picky eaters will be over the moon with this recipe. It’s a quick and easy comforting side dish made with fresh corn simmered in a butter, milk, cream mixture and a note of garlicky and warm flavor. Don’t have fresh sweet corns? No problem! You can make this with frozen or canned corn. Undeniably delicious!
Creamed Corn
Creamed Corn – quick and easy comforting side dish made with fresh corn simmered in a  butter, milk, cream mixture and a note of garlicky and warm flavor. Undeniably delicious!
Check out this recipe
Creamed Corn
A Bowl of Creamed Spinach
  • Creamed Spinach – If you haven’t tried this recipe, then this year’s holiday season is the best time of the year to make one. Tender wilted spinach draped in a smooth white sauce infused with garlic, onions, creole seasoning, nutmeg and melted cheeses. At least, we get to have a dose of something leafy and green during the holidays. A great easy holiday side dish for your favorite roasted chicken, steak and turkey! And it only takes 15 minutes of cooking time.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed Spinach Recipe – tender wilted spinach draped in a smooth white sauce infused with sauteed garlic, ginger and melted parmesan cheese. A great easy holiday side dish for your favorite roasted chicken, steaks and turkey!
Check out this recipe
Easy Holiday Side Dishes

If you also want a selection of wonderful meat dishes on your holiday table, you can check my round up of Meat Dinner Recipes HERE.

Did I miss your favorite holiday side dish? Feel free to drop them in the comment section. I would love to read them all. Happy holidays, everyone!

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Comments & Reviews
  1. D. Jordan says

    Posted on 11/25 at 6:41AM

    Hello Imma!
    My daughter and I found your recipes recently and although we have a family recipe for our “Mac”, we just have to give yours a try. I’ll let you know how it turns out!

    Reply
    • imma africanbites says

      Posted on 11/25 at 3:33PM

      Yes, please. I would love to hear out it turned out for you. Enjoy!

      Reply
  2. Mishka says

    Posted on 11/21 at 9:32AM

    You Americans eat crazy stuff, really!!

    Reply
    • Imma says

      Posted on 11/21 at 11:34AM

      We’re crazy and we love it, haha! 🙂

      Reply
      • Lindsey Heymans says

        Posted on 11/21 at 4:39PM

        i dont understand “grits” here in Australia grit is dirt 🙂

      • Imma says

        Posted on 11/21 at 4:41PM

        Haha! I see where that would not sound appetizing. Grits is essentially boiled cornmeal. Sounds odd but it’s a Southern classic here in the US so it’s worth giving a try 🙂

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