My Favorite (Easy) Thanksgiving Sides

by Allison Campbell · Last updated Nov 24, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

If making elaborate Thanksgiving sides is the last thing you want to do as you plan a gathering with family or friends, this guide has your back. These festive sides are not just simple with minimal ingredients, they're absolutely delicious.

Fresh cranberry sauce in a glass serving bowl.

From cozy vegetable dishes to lighter, fresher options, each of these recipes is designed to pair beautifully with the classics already on your table. All of these sides come together quickly, use easy to find ingredients, and still taste like you spent all afternoon making them.

No fuss and no complicated steps here. Just simple, crowd-pleasing dishes that help you enjoy the holiday as much as everyone else at the table.

1

Parmesan crusted Brussels sprouts in a tan ceramic bowl.

Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts

These crispy Parmesan Brussels sprouts with a touch of garlic, olive oil and sea salt make the perfect anytime side dish or holiday side.

2

Roasted Brussels sprouts in a tan ceramic serving bowl.

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts

This oven roasted Brussels sprouts recipe couldn't be any easier! The perfect side for a festive or anytime meal; just trim, roast and enjoy.

3

Oven roasted asparagus with maple miso glaze on a white plate.

Maple Miso Roasted Asparagus (Easy Sweet & Savory Side)

This oven roasted asparagus side pops with a delicious glaze of white miso, tamari and maple syrup; perfect alongside fish, steak or chicken.

4

Miso mashed sweet potatoes garnished with fresh thyme.

Miso Mashed Sweet Potatoes

These savory mashed sweet potatoes with miso make the perfect holiday or anytime side dish. Featuring a touch of garlic and fresh thyme.

5

Roasted fennel in a white serving bowl.

Oven Roasted Fennel

Learn all about fennel and the easiest way to cook this delicious vegetable in the oven with just a touch of sea salt and olive oil.

6

Homemade mashed potatoes garnished with fresh chives in a glass bowl.

Best Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Learn how to make mashed potatoes from scratch with this easy, foolproof recipe. Perfect for entertaining or as an everyday simple side dish.

7

Homemade cranberry sauce in a glass serving dish.

Classic Cranberry Sauce

This incredibly easy cranberry sauce features fresh orange and brown sugar, and takes almost no effort to make. Perfect for the holidays!

8

Garlic mashed cauliflower garnished with fresh parsley.

Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

This recipe for cauliflower mashed potatoes is so good, you might not know it's not potatoes! Featuring sour cream and butter sautéed garlic.

9

Roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon in a ceramic bowl.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

This roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon recipe with balsamic vinegar is super delicious and incredibly easy to make as a festive side dish.

10

Roasted fingerling potatoes in a tan serving bowl.

Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

These fingerling potatoes roasted with a touch of butter, sea salt and pepper are super easy to make yet festive enough for special occasions.

Hope this list gives you some Thanksgiving side inspo and ideas. You can also peruse these easy fall recipes for even more suggestions, or check out these easy dessert recipes as well.

Enjoy!

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