For Southern Living readers, it’s just not Thanksgiving without these classic side dishes on the menu. Though the turkey is technically the main dish for the holiday dinner, most of our readers look forward to the sides even more. Of all of the side dish recipes that could be served for Thanksgiving dinner (we have 70+!), our readers think these twelve are the best ones to serve at Thanksgiving. And they look forward to the day they get to enjoy them all year long.
Brittany Conerly, Food Stylist: Karen Rankin, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
We think the Thanksgiving meal is just not complete without this classic side dish on the menu, and our readers agree! And it must be made with cornbread.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Sweet Potato Casserole is definitely in the running for theThanksgiving side dish Southern Living readers love the most. One reader shared, it’s “proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy!”
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Some serve deviled eggs as an appetizer, but our readers agree that it’s a side dish that can’t be missed on Thanksgiving.
Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Torie Cox; Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen
Whether you prefer the canned stuff or want your cranberry sauce to be homemade, one thing our readers agree on is that it should be on the table. Many even serve both!
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
While traditional gravy may be acceptable other days of the year, for our readers, Giblet Gravy is a must-have on Thanksgiving Day. The dressing just isn’t complete without it.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
There’s not a holiday in the South where corn doesn’t make an appearance in some form, and the casserole version is how our readers prefer it on Thanksgiving Day.
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
While pre-made mashed potatoes or those from a box may suffice other times of the year, our readers agree that they must have homemade mashed potatoes topped with turkey gravy on Thanksgiving.
Rob Culpepper; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Assistant Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This reader-favorite Thanksgiving side requires just 5 ingredients, proving that a recipe doesn’t have to be complicated to please your Thanksgiving guests.
Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman
Like mashed potatoes, taking shortcuts with mac and cheese may be acceptable other times of the year but our readers prefer the made-from-scratch baked version for the holiday meal.
Greg Dupree; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Readers who said broccoli casserole is one of their favorite sides said they specifically like it when it’s made with both rice and cheese.
Fred Hardy II; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Props Stylist: Christina Brockman
Greens belong on the menu too, but only when they’re well prepared, according to our readers. Mama always made them, so now I make them, was the sentiment shared by one reader.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Though this seasonal side dish is simple, it’s still one our readers look forward to adding to their plates on Thanksgiving.