Thanksgiving cooking gets crowded when every side needs the oven at once. These 21 recipes spread the work across the air fryer, smoker, grill, slow cooker, and stovetop, with roasted vegetables, potatoes, rice, casseroles, and fresh salad in the mix. Brown butter, lemon, maple, bacon, and smoky flavors bring variety without making one dish carry the whole menu. Pick familiar favorites and a couple of new options for a holiday spread that suits your table.
Air Fryer Corn on The Cob
A crisp edge and juicy kernels give Air Fryer Corn on The Cob a place beside the richer dishes on a Thanksgiving plate. The air fryer brings out roasted flavor without taking up oven space, while butter keeps the corn simple and familiar. Serve the cobs whole or cut them into smaller portions for a buffet. This is a useful choice when the stovetop and oven are already busy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on The Cob
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Nutty brown butter and toasted almonds give Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds a savory finish that stands out among classic holiday sides. The sprouts bring a hearty vegetable base, and the almonds add a crisp contrast to their tender centers. Set out a platter alongside turkey or other roasted mains. Its straightforward ingredients make it an easy way to add a green vegetable with a little extra character.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Smoked Mac & Cheese
A smoky aroma and crisp bacon crumb topping make Smoked Mac & Cheese a hearty side for a Thanksgiving spread. Creamy cheese coats the pasta, while the bacon and crumbs add salty crunch to each serving. Since it cooks in a smoker, it can make use of outdoor cooking space while the kitchen handles other dishes. Serve it warm in a baking dish for guests who want a filling side.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon
Bright lemon and crunchy almonds bring contrast to Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon. Roasting gives the beans a tender texture with browned edges, and the citrus keeps the side tasting fresh beside richer holiday foods. Spoon them into a long serving dish so the green color and sliced almonds show. This is a simple option for adding a vegetable that has both crisp and soft textures.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon
Greek Lemon Potatoes
Golden edges and garlic-lemon flavor make Greek Lemon Potatoes a substantial choice for the Thanksgiving table. The potatoes roast in broth, which helps them take on the lemon and garlic as they cook. Their savory, tangy taste pairs well with turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables. Serve them straight from a platter, where the tender pieces can soak up the remaining pan juices.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes
Honey Roasted Baby Carrots
Glossy and caramelized, Honey Roasted Baby Carrots bring a sweet vegetable side to the holiday menu. Honey, butter, and garlic coat the carrots as they roast, leaving them tender with browned spots. Arrange them in a shallow serving bowl to keep the glaze close to each piece. They pair well with savory mains and offer a familiar side that takes little effort to serve.
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Baby Carrots
Baked Spanish Rice
A cheesy top and savory rice base make Baked Spanish Rice a filling addition to a table crowded with vegetables and casseroles. The rice cooks in a skillet before finishing in the oven, and melted cheese adds a rich finish. Let it bake while you tend to other meal preparations, then bring the dish to the table hot. It works well for guests who want a substantial side with their turkey.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Smoked Tomatoes
Deep, concentrated flavor and a hint of smoke set Smoked Tomatoes apart from the usual holiday vegetables. Slow smoking softens the tomatoes and gives them a savory taste that works with roasted meats, grains, or a cheese board. Offer them in a small serving bowl as a vivid accent among the heavier dishes. They can also be spooned over bread or folded into another side for added flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomatoes
Polenta with Mascarpone
Soft and creamy, Polenta with Mascarpone offers a mild, rich base for the bold flavors on a Thanksgiving plate. Mascarpone makes the polenta especially smooth, and its gentle corn flavor pairs naturally with roasted meats, vegetables, or gravy. Serve it warm in a bowl or shallow dish so guests can scoop a portion beside their main. It brings a different texture to a menu full of crisp toppings and roasted edges.
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone
Sweet Potato Casserole
A cinnamon pecan topping gives Sweet Potato Casserole a sweet, nutty finish without relying on marshmallows. The fluffy sweet potato layer contrasts with the crunchy topping, making each scoop a mix of soft and crisp textures. Set it beside savory mains for a familiar holiday pairing. The casserole format also makes it easy to portion for a larger dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Charred corn, creamy sauce, and cotija cheese give Grilled Elote Corn Ribs a lively twist for Thanksgiving. The corn is cut into rib-like pieces and grilled, with smoky kernels balanced by a spicy sauce and salty cheese. Arrange them on a platter for an easy-to-grab side that differs from standard corn on the cob. They add a bright, savory option to a menu filled with baked dishes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Tangy cabbage, sweet apple, and smoky bacon create a savory-sweet profile in Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. Baking lets the flavors mingle while the sauerkraut softens, giving this side a hearty quality that suits a fall meal. Spoon it into a bowl beside roasted turkey, pork, or sausages. Its tart notes can balance richer casseroles and creamy sides on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
A silky sauce and tender greens make Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone a rich vegetable side for a special meal. Mascarpone adds creaminess to the spinach, giving it a smooth texture that pairs well with roasted meat and potatoes. Serve it warm in a small casserole dish so guests can take a scoop alongside other sides. It adds a deep green color to a table of golden and brown dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
Spaetzle
Tender little dumplings give Spaetzle a comforting, substantial place among Thanksgiving sides. The simple dough cooks in water, and the finished spaetzle can be browned with butter or paired with bacon, onion, or gravy. Offer it in a warm serving bowl beside roasted meats, where it can catch pan juices. Its soft, chewy texture brings a welcome change from the usual potato and bread dishes.
Get the Recipe: Spaetzle
Carrots au Gratin
A creamy sauce and spicy, cheesy crumb topping turn Carrots au Gratin into a standout vegetable casserole. The tender carrots sit beneath a horseradish crumb layer, adding a little heat and crunch to each bite. Bake it in a serving dish and bring it to the table while the topping is still crisp. It suits a holiday spread where familiar vegetables can use a savory change of pace.
Get the Recipe: Carrots au Gratin
Smoked Spaghetti Squash
Light strands and a subtle smoky taste give Smoked Spaghetti Squash a distinctive role beside heavier holiday dishes. The squash softens as it smokes, then garlic butter, parsley, and red pepper flakes add savory flavor. Serve it in a shallow bowl so guests can lift out the strands easily. This side gives Thanksgiving plates a lighter texture while still bringing a warm, cooked vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Spaghetti Squash
Shirazi Salad
Crisp cucumber, tomato, and fresh herbs make Shirazi Salad a refreshing contrast to a rich Thanksgiving menu. The finely chopped vegetables bring a bright, cool texture to plates filled with casseroles and roasted foods. Serve it chilled in a bowl, allowing guests to add a fresh spoonful beside their mains. It offers a lighter option for a spread that needs some crunch and acidity.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Slow cooking gives Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans time to take on the savory flavors of bacon, pork hock, and sausage. The beans become tender and hearty, making this dish more substantial than a quick vegetable side. Prepare it in the slow cooker while oven space is reserved for holiday staples, then bring it to the table in its crock. It pairs naturally with turkey, ham, and other Southern-style sides.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Mediterranean Rice
Lemony herbs and garlic give Mediterranean Rice a fragrant, savory character for a Thanksgiving table. The one-pot rice features thyme, parsley, lemon juice, and zest, adding a fresh note beside rich gravies and casseroles. Spoon it into a broad serving bowl and garnish with herbs if desired. This side offers a flavorful alternative to plain rice and fits alongside roasted vegetables or meat.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice
Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Syrup
Tender squash and roasted maple flavor make Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Syrup a natural fit for a fall holiday meal. Baking brings out the squash’s sweetness, while maple syrup adds a glossy finish without masking its earthy flavor. Arrange the wedges on a platter beside turkey or other roasted dishes. The recipe can also be prepared ahead, which helps when several sides need oven time.
Get the Recipe: Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Syrup
Baked Bean Casserole
Crispy bacon and sautéed peppers bring a smoky, sweet-savory twist to Baked Bean Casserole. The beans bake into a hearty side with a hint of heat, offering a change from the usual vegetable and potato dishes. Serve it warm in the casserole dish alongside roasted meats or other classic sides. Its thick texture makes it easy to scoop and adds a filling option to a holiday buffet.
Get the Recipe: Baked Bean Casserole