If you had to pick your favorite Thanksgiving food, would you choose turkey, dessert, or side dishes? In my opinion, sides are the ultimate winner.

I could fill a whole plate with Thanksgiving sides and be happy! However, dessert is a close second. I always have room for pie.

In this post, I’m sharing 20 easy Thanksgiving side dishes that can be made ahead. Time is of the essence when you’re planning and preparing a Thanksgiving meal. I hope this recipe roundup helps you plan your menu (and impresses your guests, too!).

Related: 15 Pumpkin Desserts to Bake this Fall

This roundup of Thanksgiving side dishes includes savory casseroles, salads (including the best Jello salad recipe) and unique dishes like stuffing meatballs.

Green Bean Macaroni Casserole

I can’t think of a better addition to green been casserole than macaroni and cheese. You have to give this crowd-pleasing recipe a try. It’s the best of both worlds!

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes … made easy. Throw everything in the crockpot on Thanksgiving morning, and you’ll have delicious mashed potatoes in no time.

Stuffing Meatballs 

If you love stuffing but want to make it a little different this year, you are going to love stuffing meatballs. They’re juicy, delicious, and can be made the night before.

Creamy Kale, Brussels and Cranberry Salad

My favorite salad! Crunchy kale, Brussels sprouts, sliced almonds, and a bright burst of flavor from fresh cranberries.

Easy Corn Casserole

This savory corn casserole is a comforting side dish that’s perfect for any holiday feast. And, it’s super easy to make—just put everything in the dish and bake!

Honey Butter

Honey butter takes me back to my childhood. I love the idea of creating a honey butter board to snack on with things like rolls, croissants, and crackers!

Jello Salad

This is Emma’s great aunt’s Jello salad recipe—it’s so nostalgic and delicious. It has a pretzel crust, cream cheese center, and a strawberry-cranberry Jello top.

Garlic and Miso Green Beans

Green beans are a classic Thanksgiving side, but this recipe takes it up a notch with the addition of garlic, soy sauce, and miso paste.

Bacon and Bourbon Stuffing

This bacon and bourbon stuffing has been a popular recipe on our blog for years. Bacon, bourbon, bread … what’s not to love?

Easy Jalapeño Popper Dip

My all-time favorite hot dip for any gathering is this jalapeño popper dip. Everybody loves it and it’s incredibly easy to make.

Easy Broccoli Salad

This broccoli salad has only three ingredients, plus a creamy dressing. But don’t let that fool you—it’s full of flavor and can be customized with all kinds of add-in ingredients.

All the Herbs Popovers

Did someone say popovers? If bread-making seems intimidating, this is the recipe for you. These popovers don’t require any yeast or rising time, and your guests will love them!

Creamy Garlic Mac & Cheese

This creamy garlic macaroni and cheese can be made a in a crockpot. That’s right—delicious, homemade mac and cheese without all the work. It also makes great leftovers (if your guests don’t eat all of it).

Parmesan Baked Brussels Sprouts

What’s a Thanksgiving side dish roundup without Brussels sprouts? I love this recipe because the sprouts are extra crispy, and the addition of parmesan and lemon juice is so good.

Duchess Sweet Potato Casserole

This duchess sweet potato casserole is equally pretty and mouthwatering. It’s rich, creamy and a little savory with the addition of bacon. 

Cauliflower Au Gratin 

If you love Potatoes Au Gratin, you have to try this version made with cauliflower. The basic premise is vegetables dressed up in butter, milk, and most importantly … cheese.

Easy Gluten-Free Bread

If you or your guests are gluten-sensitive, this easy gluten-free bread will satisfy any bread cravings you have.

Creamy Kale Harvest Salad

There are plenty of fall-time flavors in this kale salad, like pecans, apples, and dried cranberries. And the homemade avocado dressing is incredible!

Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Here’s one more macaroni and cheese recipe option that’s hard to resist. Baked macaroni and cheese. It’s a classic, delicious recipe topped with homemade breadcrumbs. Yum!

Lentil Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce

If you’re hosting a vegan Thanksgiving or prefer a meatless option, you won’t be disappointed with these lentil meatballs topped with homemade cranberry sauce.