49 Last-Minute Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Will Steal the Show!
Thanksgiving is all about bringing loved ones together to share a meal and create lasting memories, but prepping for the big day can feel overwhelming—especially when time is running short. Whether you’re hosting a full feast or bringing a dish to share, these last-minute Thanksgiving side dishes are here to save the day. Packed with flavor and easy to make, these recipes ensure your table is complete with minimal stress, so you can focus on enjoying the holiday.
Loaded Scalloped Potatoes
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Rich layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with crispy bacon make this dish irresistible. It’s a hearty, indulgent side that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
Get The Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Scalloped Potatoes
Bacon, Sage, and Onion Stuffing
This stuffing combines the smoky flavor of bacon with aromatic sage and sweet caramelized onions. It’s a modern twist on a classic dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get The Recipe: Bacon, Sage and Onion Stuffing
Creamed Cabbage
Tender cabbage is simmered in a creamy sauce until perfectly soft and flavorful. It’s a simple yet comforting addition to your holiday table.
Get The Recipe: Creamed Cabbage Recipe
Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing
This traditional dressing features classic flavors of herbs and spices, baked to golden perfection. It’s the perfect pairing for turkey and gravy.
Get The Recipe: Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing Recipe
Braised Red Cabbage
Sweet and tangy braised red cabbage is slow-cooked with apples and spices for a vibrant and flavorful side. It’s a must-try for a touch of German tradition.
Get The Recipe: Rotkohl German Braised Red Cabbage Recipe
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole combines tender cauliflower florets with a creamy cheese sauce and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while keeping it delicious.
Get The Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Mustard Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy mashed potatoes get a kick of flavor from a dollop of tangy mustard. This twist on a classic side dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get The Recipe: Mustard Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potato Casserole
A smooth sweet potato base topped with buttery streusel and marshmallows creates the perfect mix of savory and sweet. This nostalgic dish is always a holiday hit.
Get The Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Crisp-tender green beans are tossed with garlic and Parmesan for a simple yet flavorful side. It’s an easy way to add freshness to your Thanksgiving spread.
Get The Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Golden and crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside—these roasted potatoes are seasoned to perfection. They’re an easy yet satisfying addition to your meal.
Get The Recipe: Roasted Potatoes
Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
Adding sour cream gives these mashed potatoes a creamy texture and a subtle tang. They’re the perfect canvas for gravy.
Get The Recipe: Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
Brussel Sprouts Gratin
Brussels sprouts are baked in a cheesy, creamy sauce and topped with breadcrumbs for a decadent side. Even sprout skeptics will be won over.
Get The Recipe: Brussel Sprouts Gratin
Stovetop Bacon Mac and Cheese
This stovetop mac and cheese is loaded with smoky bacon and rich, gooey cheese. It’s indulgence in every bite and a sure crowd-pleaser.
Get The Recipe: Stovetop Bacon Mac and Cheese
Classic Brioche Stuffing Recipe
Soft brioche bread absorbs savory herbs and stock to create a rich and buttery stuffing. It’s an elevated take on a holiday classic.
Get The Recipe: Brioche Stuffing Recipe
Sweet Potato Casserole with Walnuts
This casserole is topped with a crunchy walnut streusel for added texture and depth of flavor. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory.
Get The Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Walnuts
Easy Sweet Potato Cornbread
Sweet potato puree adds moisture and sweetness to this tender cornbread. It’s a delightful twist on a Southern favorite.
Get The Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread
Smoked Cranberry Sauce
Fresh cranberries are given a subtle smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey. It’s a unique and bold take on a holiday staple.
Get The Recipe: Smoked Cranberry Sauce
Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
Carrots and parsnips are roasted to caramelized perfection with a touch of honey. The result is a sweet and earthy side that shines on the table.
Get The Recipe: Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
Cranberry Orange Sauce with Grand Marnier
Classic cranberry sauce is elevated with the bright citrus notes of orange and a splash of Grand Marnier. It’s a sophisticated addition to your feast.
Get The Recipe: Cranberry Orange Sauce with Grand Marnier
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Silky-smooth sweet potatoes are mashed with butter and seasoning for a comforting and simple side. It’s a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get The Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese (Crispy Topping!)
This baked mac and cheese has a golden, crispy topping and a velvety, cheesy center. It’s the ultimate comfort food for your Thanksgiving spread.
Get The Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts are drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. They’re a flavorful and healthy option for your holiday table.
Get The Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes
These potatoes are caramelized on the outside and buttery soft inside. They’re a luxurious side that pairs perfectly with turkey or ham.
Get The Recipe: Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes
Mixed Vegetable Casserole
A medley of vegetables is baked in a creamy sauce with a crunchy topping. It’s a versatile and satisfying addition to your meal.
Get The Recipe: Mixed Vegetable Casserole
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
These sweet potatoes are scooped, mashed, and baked again with a rich, spiced filling. They’re a show-stopping side that’s easy to make ahead.
Get The Recipe: Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are coated in a glossy orange glaze, enhancing their natural sweetness. They’re a vibrant and flavorful choice for your feast.
Get The Recipe: Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Sourdough Dinner Rolls with Rosemary
These rolls are soft, fluffy, and flavored with fragrant rosemary. Perfect for sopping up gravy or spreading with butter.
Get The Recipe: Sourdough Dinner Rolls with Rosemary
Vegan Stuffing Recipe
This plant-based stuffing doesn’t skimp on flavor, with plenty of herbs, vegetables, and savory broth. It’s a delicious option for everyone at the table.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Stuffing Recipe
Crispy Roasted Smashed Potatoes with Parmesan and Lemon
Smashed potatoes are roasted until crispy and topped with Parmesan and a hint of lemon. They’re a crispy, flavorful side that’s always a hit.
Get The Recipe: Crispy Roasted Smashed Potatoes
Easy Canned Green Bean Recipe
Transform canned green beans with garlic, herbs, and seasoning for a quick and tasty side. It’s an easy upgrade to a pantry staple.
Get The Recipe: Easy Canned Green Bean Recipe
Stuffing Balls
Savory and perfectly portioned, these stuffing balls are crispy on the outside and soft inside. They’re an easy and fun twist on traditional stuffing.
Get The Recipe: Stuffing Balls
Sourdough Stuffing with Fennel
The subtle anise flavor of fennel pairs beautifully with tangy sourdough in this unique stuffing. It’s a sophisticated choice for your table.
Get The Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing with Fennel
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts are elevated with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, adding a touch of sweetness to their savory, caramelized flavor. This simple yet elegant dish is sure to be a favorite on your holiday table.
Get The Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Roasted acorn squash halves are filled with a savory stuffing mixture for a beautiful and hearty dish. They’re as festive as they are delicious.
Get The Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash
Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe (No Mushroom Soup)
This version skips the canned soup for a fresh, homemade sauce and crispy onions. It’s an updated take on a beloved classic.
Get The Recipe: Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Garlic Green Beans
Simple and flavorful, these green beans are sautéed with garlic for a quick and fresh side. They’re an easy addition to any meal.
Get The Recipe: Garlic Green Beans
Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes with Salsa Verde
Golden fingerling potatoes are smashed, roasted, and served with a zesty salsa verde. It’s a vibrant and bold option for your table.
Get The Recipe: Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes with Salsa Verde
Cranberry Pecan Thanksgiving Rice
Nutty rice is mixed with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans for a unique and flavorful side dish. It’s a great alternative to stuffing.
Get The Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Thanksgiving Rice
Quick + Easy Make Ahead Cranberry Orange Relish
This bright and refreshing cranberry relish combines fresh oranges and cranberries. It’s a no-cook option you can prepare ahead of time.
Get The Recipe: Cranberry Orange Relish
Butternut Squash, Apple, and Fennel Tian
Layers of butternut squash, apple, and fennel are baked to tender perfection. It’s a gorgeous and delicious side dish for the holiday table.
Get The Recipe: Butternut Squash, Apple, and Fennel Tian
Colored Cauliflower Recipe
Roasted colorful cauliflower adds a pop of brightness and a hint of sweetness to your plate. It’s a simple way to make your table more festive.
Get The Recipe: Colored Cauliflower Recipe
Gluten Free Corn Casserole
This creamy and savory corn casserole is perfect for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor. It’s rich, satisfying, and easy to make.
Get The Recipe: Gluten Free Corn Casserole
Baked Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are baked with a buttery, golden crust for an added layer of flavor and texture. It’s a classic side with a little extra flair.
Get The Recipe: Baked Mashed Potatoes
Easy Overnight Sourdough Dinner Rolls
These sourdough rolls are prepared the night before, making them an easy and stress-free option. They’re soft, fluffy, and full of flavor.
Get The Recipe: Easy Overnight Sourdough Dinner Rolls
Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Herbs and garlic elevate this classic dish into a show-stopping side. It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for Thanksgiving.
Get The Recipe: Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole
This sweet potato casserole sticks to the basics with marshmallows and a buttery crumble topping. It’s a nostalgic favorite for a reason.
Get The Recipe: Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole
Skillet Green Bean Casserole
This skillet version of the classic green bean casserole is fresh and packed with flavor. The homemade sauce and crispy onions take it to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Green Bean Casserole
Skillet Sausage Stuffing
Hearty sausage adds richness to this skillet stuffing, making it a filling and flavorful option. It’s a warm and comforting addition to your holiday meal.
Get The Recipe: Skillet Sausage Stuffing
Hawaiian Dinner Rolls
Soft and slightly sweet, these Hawaiian rolls are perfect for pairing with savory dishes or enjoying on their own. They’re always a hit at the table.
Get The Recipe: Hawaiian Dinner Rolls
