Recipe Memory

Thanksgiving may be known as the holiday of turkey, but if we’re honest, the side dishes often steal the show. Stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce—the supporting cast is what makes the meal feel abundant, comforting, and unmistakably tied to tradition. And here’s the beautiful thing: no two families make their sides the same way.

We’ve seen how side dishes carry more memory than the turkey itself. They’re the recipes passed down, adapted, and fiercely debated. Was the stuffing made with cornbread or sourdough? Were the sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows or left simple? Thanksgiving side dishes are as unique as the families who serve them.

Here are the 15 most loved Thanksgiving side dishes, along with the unique twists families give them year after year.

1. Stuffing (or Dressing)

The most iconic side dish, stuffing goes by many names and variations. Some families swear by cornbread, others by crusty sourdough, and still others add sausage, oysters, or apples. It’s more than bread—it’s memory baked into every bite, often made from recipes that haven’t changed in decades.

2. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a non-negotiable on most Thanksgiving tables. Some keep them rustic with skins on, while others whip them into silky perfection. A few families add cream cheese or roasted garlic for extra richness. However they’re made, they’re always the first to disappear under ladles of gravy.

3. Sweet Potato Casserole

Is it a side dish or dessert? Depends on who you ask. Many families top sweet potato casserole with mini marshmallows, while others prefer a crunchy pecan streusel. Some keep it simple with just butter and cinnamon. However you serve it, sweet potatoes bring warmth and nostalgia to the table.

4. Green Bean Casserole

Created in the 1950s, this dish quickly became a Thanksgiving staple. Canned cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions are the classic combo, but families tweak it by making the sauce from scratch, adding cheese, or swapping in fresh green beans. It’s comfort food at its finest.

5. Cranberry Sauce

Few dishes spark more debate than cranberry sauce. Some families love the tart, jewel-toned homemade version simmered with orange zest, while others insist Thanksgiving isn’t complete without the jiggly canned variety sliced into rounds. Both are valid, and both tell a story about family tradition.

6. Gravy

Gravy may be simple, but it’s essential. Made from turkey drippings and thickened with flour, it ties the whole plate together. Some cooks add wine or herbs, while others keep it straightforward. The arguments usually come not from how to make it, but from who gets to be in charge of it.

7. Dinner Rolls

Soft, fluffy rolls are the unsung heroes of Thanksgiving. Some families bake from scratch, filling kitchens with the smell of yeast and butter, while others rely on store-bought crescent rolls or biscuits. Either way, rolls are perfect for sopping up gravy or making late-night leftover sandwiches.

8. Macaroni and Cheese

Though not universal, macaroni and cheese has become a beloved Thanksgiving side in many households, especially in the South. Families argue over baked versus stovetop, breadcrumbs versus extra cheese, and whether it should be creamy, gooey, or both. It’s indulgent, filling, and unforgettable.

9. Roasted Vegetables

Carrots, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, and squash—roasted vegetables add color and balance to the feast. Some families drizzle them with maple syrup, others roast them with garlic and herbs. For health-conscious tables, they provide a lighter counterpoint to all the heavier dishes.

10. Cornbread (or Corn Pudding)

Cornbread holds a special place in Southern and Midwestern traditions, often served in cast iron skillets. Some families add jalapeños or cheese, while others keep it sweet. Corn pudding—a custardy, spoonable dish—is another variation that’s earned its place on many Thanksgiving menus.

11. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Once overlooked, Brussels sprouts have had a revival in recent years. Roasted until caramelized, sometimes tossed with bacon, balsamic glaze, or pomegranate seeds, they’ve become a modern Thanksgiving classic. Families love them for their balance of richness and freshness.

12. Glazed Carrots

Simple yet elegant, glazed carrots are a side dish that often feels like an heirloom recipe. Some families use honey, others brown sugar or maple syrup. A sprinkle of herbs like thyme or dill makes them special. It’s the kind of dish that quietly anchors the table without fanfare.

13. Deviled Eggs

While often associated with picnics, deviled eggs have found a home at Thanksgiving in many regions. Families flavor them with mustard, relish, paprika, or even bacon. They disappear quickly and always spark conversation about whose recipe is best.

14. Salad (Yes, Really)

Amidst the richness, some families insist on a crisp green salad to balance the meal. It might be as simple as lettuce and vinaigrette or as elaborate as a fall salad with apples, nuts, and blue cheese. While it may not get the same fanfare as stuffing, it’s often remembered for its refreshing contrast.

15. Jell-O Salad

Love it or laugh at it, Jell-O salad is undeniably part of many Thanksgiving traditions. Sometimes filled with fruit, marshmallows, or even shredded carrots, it reflects the mid-century era when convenience foods were all the rage. For some families, it’s not Thanksgiving without it.

Why Side Dishes Matter More Than the Turkey

Turkey may be the centerpiece, but side dishes are where family identity shines. They’re the recipes that get debated, adapted, and passed down. They carry culture, geography, and personal memory—reflecting who we are and where we came from. That’s why no two Thanksgiving tables look the same, even if the menu sounds familiar.

Preserving Side Dish Traditions

These dishes deserve to be remembered, not just in taste but in story. With Recipe Memory, families can digitize their recipes, upload photos of holiday tables, and even record the voices of loved ones telling the stories behind their sides. Imagine a digital family cookbook where Aunt Linda’s marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes sit next to Grandpa’s oyster stuffing—both preserved forever.

Key Takeaway

The most loved Thanksgiving side dishes aren’t just food—they’re traditions. From stuffing and mashed potatoes to Jell-O salad and macaroni and cheese, they reflect family quirks, regional heritage, and cherished memories. Preserving these recipes ensures they’re more than just a once-a-year indulgence—they become heirlooms that future generations can recreate and enjoy. Because when the turkey is long gone, it’s the sides we still talk about.