49 Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Try Out Early and Avoid Last-Minute Stress

It may feel a little early to think about Thanksgiving, but getting ahead with a bit of planning never hurts, especially when it comes to those crowd-favorite side dishes. We know how important it is to have easy, reliable recipes that can help you stay stress-free on the big day.

That’s why we’ve put together our collection of delicious, simple sides that will keep things running smoothly in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting family or bringing a dish to share, we’ve got you covered with ideas that are sure to please without the fuss.

Roasted Potatoes – Super Easy, Ultra Crispy, Extra Tender

The Best Roasted Potato recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

These Crispy Roasted Potatoes are easy to make and perfect for nearly any meal. Their crispy exterior and tender inside, combined with flavorful seasonings, make them a versatile side that everyone will love.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Sweet Potato Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: 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: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Velveeta and Ritz Crackers

Our Broccoli Casserole with Velveeta and Ritz Crackers is the perfect dish when you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and easy to make. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday side, this casserole delivers on flavor and simplicity.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Velveeta and Ritz Crackers

Bacon Rolls

Bacon Stuffing Rolls recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: 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

Easy Extra Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green Bean Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: 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

Air Fryer Stuffing

Air Fryer recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: 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

Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

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

Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Ultra Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Gouda Mac and Cheese recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: 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: Mac and Cheese

Green Beans with Bacon and Onion

Green Beans and Bacon recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Perfectly blanched fresh green potatoes are cooked to perfection in a simple bacon and onion sauce. This recipe is based on German Speckbohnen (fresh beans, onions and bacon).

Get the Recipe: Sautéed Green Beans With Bacon And Onion

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

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

Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

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

Oatmeal Dinner Rolls

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!

Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Dinner Rolls

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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

Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

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

Roasted Frozen Broccoli

Try our easy recipe for delicious Oven-Roasted Frozen Broccoli – crispy, flavorful, and perfect as a side dish or snack!

Get the Recipe: Roasted Frozen Broccoli

Crack Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole with cranberries and almonds. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Celebrate your dinner with a hearty blend of green beans, bacon, and cranberries, a dish that’s both simple and memorable.

Get the Recipe: Crack Green Bean Casserole

Old-Fashioned Pea Salad

A fork full of peas and carrots in a white bowl. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This classic, creamy pea salad is a perfect side dish for the week or an ideal party buffet table.

Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Pea Salad

Cheddar Biscuits

Quick and easy Cheddar Biscuits, perfect for family gathering. Ready in just 35 minutes, these cheesy, savory treats are a crowd-pleaser.

Get the Recipe: Cheddar Biscuits

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes (Viral TikTok Recipe)

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: 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 (Viral TikTok Recipe)

Honey and Brown Sugar Glazed Candied Carrots

Glazed Carrots recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: 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 Carrots And Parsnips

A close up of carrots and parsley on a plate. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Roasted Carrots and Parsnips shine in a sweet bourbon glaze – a comforting side dish that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots And Parsnips

Cheesy Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Air Fryer Garlic Bread recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: 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.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Corn Casserole

Cornbread Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: 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

Roasted Broccoli

Try our easy recipe for delicious Oven-Roasted Frozen Broccoli – crispy, flavorful, and perfect as a side dish or snack!

Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a quick and easy side dish with a smooth, creamy texture and rich flavors that complement any meal.

Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Waldorf Salad

A salad with apples, grapes and walnuts. — Photo Credit: 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

Roasted Broccoli And Cauliflower

A bowl of roasted cauliflower with lemon wedges. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Roasted Broccoli Cauliflower is a simple, healthy side dish that is made with just a few ingredients but packs quite a punch!

Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli And Cauliflower

Skillet Cornbread

This Skillet Cornbread recipe is easy to make and perfect for any meal. Enjoy the crispy crust and a tender, delicious crumb that everyone will love.

Get the Recipe: Skillet Cornbread

Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

You can make this Thanksgiving charcuterie board in just half an hour. It’s a wonderful holiday appetizer and just look how cute it is!

Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

Roasted Beet Salad

This colorful roasted beet salad recipe is ideal if you want to serve a light lunch or a light appetizer before your main meal.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad

Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans And Cranberries

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, pecans, and cranberries make a delicious side dish for turkey, chicken, or just about any kind of meat you are serving.

You only need six different ingredients to make it, and the roasted Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients as well as rich flavor. Change your plain roasted halved Brussels sprouts for this sweet, savory, and crunchy dish.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans And Cranberries

Brie Cranberry Bites

The creaminess of brie cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet flavor of cranberry sauce in these brie cranberry bites in puff pastry. These delightful little bites are perfect for any season or occasion and each one boasts plenty of wonderful flavor. So, if you like the gooey creaminess of brie cheese along with sweet bottled or homemade cranberry sauce, you’re going to want to make these.

Get the Recipe: Brie Cranberry Bites

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Butternut Squash Mac 'n Cheese recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This may be the best Mac and Cheese recipe. The butternut squash makes the already creamy Mac and Cheese even creamier.

Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Sweet Potatoes With Candied Maple Pecans

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and it’s time to think about a holiday sweet potato recipe. If you’re looking for a slightly different sweet potato dish for your holiday menu, I bet you’ll love this sweet potatoes with candied maple pecans recipe.

Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes With Candied Maple Pecans

Showstopper Roasted Squash

This Showstopper Roasted Squash recipe brings all the joy of fall to your table. Buttery sweet mash served in its shell to wow your guests.

Get the Recipe: Showstopper Roasted Squash

Mushroom Pie

A pie with a slice taken out of it. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Nothing beats a slice of freshly-baked Mushroom Pie to ward off the cold and the blues! Make a whole pie in less than one hour.

Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pie

Honey Butter Skillet Corn

This Honey Butter Skillet Corn recipe is an easy one-skillet side dish, simply made with corn that’s been smothered in a creamy, sweet, and salty sauce.

Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball

This Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball recipe is made with a simple seasoned mixture of creamy ranch and cheese plus plenty of bacon with a crunchy coating of bacon crumbles, chives, and nuts.

Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball

Goat Cheese Dip With Bacon And Pecans

This rich and creamy Goat Cheese Dip is baked to cheesy perfection! The topping is savory bacon, sweet and chewy dates, pecans, and honey. It’s a flavor bomb!

Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Dip With Bacon And Pecans

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

This recipe for Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is comfort food at it’s finest. A hearty dish any day of the week.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Sausage Stuffing

Whip up the ultimate sausage stuffing with our easy recipe – rich, savory, and filled with herbaceous flavors! Perfect for any festive table.

Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffing

Creamy Carrots

Creamy Carrots are a vibrant and bright holiday side dish recipe! Your kids will love these carrots with just sugar, salt, mayo, and cream.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Carrots

Cheesy Potato Casserole With Hash Browns

Cheesy Potato Casserole is a classic, comforting side dish that your family will love. It will be sure to please everyone’s taste buds with its creamy texture and cheesy goodness. This dish is also super easy to prepare thanks to the frozen hashbrowns potatoes and only 10-minutes prep time.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Potato Casserole With Hash Browns

Simple Roasted Acorn Squash With Tahini Sauce

This Roasted Acorn Squash with Tahini Sauce is a perfect plant based side dish. Avocado Skillet is a plant based food blog.

Get the Recipe: Simple Roasted Acorn Squash With Tahini Sauce

Oven Roasted Green Beans And Potatoes

Oven roasted potatoes and green beans include crispy golden brown potatoes mixed with tender green beans for a flavorful side dish.

Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Green Beans And Potatoes

Maple Butter Vegetables with Pears

Delight your Thanksgiving guests with this delicious mix of maple butter glazed roasted carrots, Brussel sprouts, red onion, Delicata squash and juicy pears

Get the Recipe: Maple Butter Vegetables with Pears