10 Thanksgiving Mains and Sides That Are Classic, Delicious, and Totally Worth the Hype

Ah, Thanksgiving — the one day a year when calories don’t count (or at least, that’s what I keep telling myself). Whether you’re hosting the big feast or bringing a dish to share, there’s something magical about the smell of roasting turkey, buttery potatoes, and sweet cinnamon wafting through the house.

But let’s be honest — planning a Thanksgiving menu can feel like juggling gravy boats on roller skates. So, to make your life easier, I’ve rounded up 10 Thanksgiving mains and sides that are classic, delicious, and totally worth the hype. From golden turkey to creamy mac and cheese, these dishes are guaranteed to make your holiday table shine.

1. Classic Herb-Roasted Turkey with Garlic Butter

Let’s start with the big one — the Thanksgiving turkey. No shortcuts, no gimmicks — just a juicy, golden bird that makes everyone ooh and aah when you bring it to the table.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp thyme, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 onion, quartered

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Pat your turkey dry (yes, really dry — crisp skin needs no moisture).
3. Mix butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Loosen the turkey skin gently and rub the butter mix underneath and all over.
5. Stuff the cavity with lemon and onion, tie the legs, and tuck the wings.
6. Roast 3–3½ hours, basting every 45 minutes.
7. Let it rest before carving — patience = juicy turkey!

Pro tip: For crispy skin, crank the oven up to 400°F for the last 15 minutes.

2. Honey Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Dijon

Because sometimes, turkey just needs a sidekick — and that sidekick is this perfectly glazed ham. Sweet, salty, and sticky in all the right ways.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked spiral ham (8–10 lbs)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Whisk together sugar, honey, mustard, and vinegar.
3. Brush glaze over ham and bake for 1½ hours, basting every 20 minutes.
4. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Pro tip: Pour extra glaze on top when serving. Trust me, it’s liquid gold.

3. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

If there’s one side dish that steals the show every year, it’s mashed potatoes. The creamier, the better — and yes, butter is non-negotiable.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup butter
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes and garlic until tender (about 15 minutes).
2. Drain, mash, and add butter and warm cream.
3. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Pro tip: Warm your cream before adding — cold cream = lumpy mash. Nobody wants that.

4. Southern Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage

This one’s for those who believe stuffing deserves main-dish status (me, every year).

Ingredients:

• 1 lb breakfast sausage
• 4 cups crumbled cornbread
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tsp sage
• 1 tsp thyme

Instructions:

1. Cook sausage until browned. Remove and sauté onion and celery in the same pan.
2. Combine cornbread, sausage, and seasonings in a bowl.
3. Stir in broth until moist but not soggy.
4. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, uncovered.

Pro tip: Add chopped apples or cranberries for a sweet twist.

5. Savory Turkey Gravy (Made from Pan Drippings)

No Thanksgiving table is complete without gravy that could win awards. This one’s rich, velvety, and ridiculously easy.

Ingredients:

• Pan drippings from your turkey
• 3 tbsp flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Pour drippings into a saucepan and skim excess fat.
2. Whisk in flour to form a roux.
3. Gradually add broth while whisking until smooth.
4. Simmer until thickened.

Pro tip: If you accidentally make it too thick, just add a splash of broth — gravy miracles happen.

6. Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions

The comfort dish that screams “it’s Thanksgiving!” — crunchy, creamy, and nostalgic in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups green beans (blanched)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup crispy fried onions
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix green beans, soup, milk, and half the onions.
3. Bake for 25 minutes.
4. Sprinkle remaining onions and bake 5 more minutes.

Pro tip: Want to elevate it? Add sautéed mushrooms and shredded cheddar.

7. Brown Sugar Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecans

Sweet, caramelized perfection — basically dessert pretending to be a side dish.

Ingredients:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Toss potatoes with butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Roast at 400°F for 30 minutes, stirring halfway.
3. Sprinkle pecans on top for the last 10 minutes.

Pro tip: Add mini marshmallows if you’re feeling extra festive.

8. Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

Forget the can — this fresh cranberry sauce will make you wonder why you ever settled for jelly slices.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions:

1. Simmer everything in a saucepan for 10–15 minutes.
2. Stir occasionally until thick and glossy.
3. Cool before serving.

Pro tip: Make it a day ahead — it gets thicker and more flavorful overnight.

9. Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese

Because even at Thanksgiving, cheese is life. Rich, gooey, and dangerously addictive.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 1 cup mozzarella
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta; drain.
2. Make a roux with butter and flour, whisk in milk, and stir until thick.
3. Add cheese and seasonings.
4. Combine with pasta and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.

Pro tip: Add breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish.

10. Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls

Soft, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth good — these rolls steal the spotlight every single time.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 2¼ tsp yeast
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 cup warm milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Mix yeast, warm milk, and sugar; let it foam (about 5 minutes).
2. Add egg, butter, salt, and flour. Knead until smooth.
3. Let rise 1 hour, shape into rolls, and rise again for 30 minutes.
4. Bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes. Brush with garlic butter.

Pro tip: Brush again after baking — yes, more butter. You’ll thank me later.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it — 10 Thanksgiving mains and sides that guarantee smiles, full bellies, and maybe a nap or two afterward. From crispy turkey skin to sweet roasted potatoes, each dish brings its own charm to the table.

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food (okay, maybe mostly about the food) — it’s about the laughter, stories, and those “remember when?” moments shared over a plate of stuffing.

So roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let’s make this Thanksgiving one for the books — and maybe your stretchy pants too. 😉