14 Side Dishes That'll Make Your Friends Say "Thank you Chef"

While turkey is arguably the center of attention at dinner, Thanksgiving side dishes are just as important. Here’s 14 dishes to wow your guests!

Send pics if you make any of these dishes! Always love to see everyone’s creations :)

Happy early Thanksgiving to my American friends!

1. Arugula + Apple Salad

We look to Thanksgiving sides for a bit of balance. This salad offers crisp crunch, palate-cleansing brightness, and a sweet-and-peppery harmony that can keep you going for another round at the buffet.

Arugula & Apple Salad by Table 28 (Link)

Shaved Reggiano, hazelnuts, and roasted shallot sherry balsamic vinaigrette.
30m • 4 servings

2. Cranberry Relish

This no-fuss sauce looks like a bowl of rubies on your Thanksgiving table — and it’ll be even better on that leftover turkey sandwich the day after!

Cranberry Relish by California Dreaming (Link)

A tangy accompaniment.
15m • 8 servings

3. Seared Mushrooms + Cherry Balsamic Glaze

Crispy, golden, and buttery mushrooms with a pop of flavour from the cherry glaze. This is a perfect savory Thanksgiving dinner side dish.

Driftwood Mushrooms by Petit & Keet (Link)

Seared Driftwood Farms Lion's Mane Mushrooms, Celery Root Purée, Roasted Vegetables, Cherry Balsamic Glaze.
1h • 2 servings

4. Sweet Potato Casserole

A rich and creamy take on a classic Thanksgiving side.

Sweet Potato Casserole by Sovereign Remedies (Link)

Rich and creamy sweet potato casserole.
50m • 8 servings

5. Kale Salad + Crispy Prosciutto

The ideal Thanksgiving salad is sturdy enough to dress ahead of time — you have enough to handle at the last minute!

Kale Salad by The Hidden House (Link)

Crispy Prosciutto, Red Cabbage, Sunflower, Goat Cheese, Orange Segment, Orange Vinaigrette.
30m • 4 servings

6. Spicy Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Brussels, but 🌶️spicy🌶️

Brussels Sprouts by Italian Kitchen (Link)

Parmigiano, capers, lemon, and chilies.
20m • 4 servings

7. Mac ‘n Cheese

Some folks would rather mac and cheese never see a crunchy topping. This creamy, punchy mac doesn’t need one anyway.

Mac And Cheese by Q39 South (Link)

Creamy and cheesy, a classic side dish.
30m • 4 servings

8. Green Beans + Toasted Almonds

Green Beans by Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market (Link)

Brown butter and toasted almonds.
20m • 4 servings

9. Rice Noodle Salad

Yum Kanom Jeen (Rice Noodle Salad) by PAI (Link)

Rice vermicelli noodles, tofu, yard long beans, dried chilli, green onion, sawtooth coriander, micro-coriander, lime juice, mushroom, garlic oil, crispy shallots, crispy thai garlic.
30m • 2 servings

10. Collard Greens

Collard Greens by Golden rule cafe (Link)

Slow-cooked greens with a hint of seasoning.
1h • 6 servings

11. Easy Roasted Carrots + Candied Walnuts

Roasted Carrots by Vida (Link)

Honey, capriole goat cheese, salsa macha, and candied walnuts.
45m • 4 servings

12. Cornbread

Cornbread by SavannahBlue (Link)

Freshly baked cornbread served with honey butter.
40m • 8 servings

13. Sage + Onion Stuffing

Sage And Onion Stuffing by Ramsay's Kitchen (Link)

Traditional stuffing made with sage and onion.
45m • 6 servings

14. Rösti

Rösti Potatoes by KŌST (Link)

Golden-brown shredded potatoes, seasoned and pan-fried to perfection, garnished with fresh parsley for a simple yet satisfying side dish.
30m • 4 servings