Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean racing the clock — these make-ahead sides keep your kitchen calm and your serving table full. From freezer-friendly casseroles and slow cooker favorites to reheatable vegetables and mix-the-night-before salads, these dishes help you stay organized, relaxed, and fully present with your guests.
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes (Baked & Fluffy)
Extra-creamy mashed potatoes prepared in advance, then baked for buttery, crisp edges — the perfect stress-free holiday side.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes (Baked & Fluffy)
Classic Green Bean Casserole (From Scratch)
Fresh green beans and mushrooms baked in creamy sauce and topped with crispy fried onions — a must-have holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Classic Green Bean Casserole (From Scratch)
Herbed Sausage Stuffing (Homemade)
Savory sausage, fresh herbs, and tender bread baked into the ultimate holiday stuffing — comforting, aromatic, and unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Herbed Sausage Stuffing (Homemade)
Brown Butter Roasted Spaghetti Squash
Roasted spaghetti squash finished with nutty brown butter, sage, and hazelnuts, making it a cozy, autumn-inspired side dish.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Roasted Spaghetti Squash
Cheesecake Factory Mashed Potatoes (Copycat)
Creamy, buttery, restaurant-style mashed potatoes made easily at home — rich, smooth, and perfect with any entrée.
Get the Recipe: Cheesecake Factory Mashed Potatoes (Copycat)
Stovetop Candied Yams (Holiday Classic)
Tender yams simmered in buttery brown-sugar syrup with warm spices — sweet, nostalgic, and perfect for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Candied Yams (Holiday Classic)
Outback Steakhouse Baked Sweet Potato (Copycat)
Fluffy baked sweet potato topped with cinnamon, brown sugar, and honey butter — just like Outback’s famous side.
Get the Recipe: Outback Steakhouse Baked Sweet Potato (Copycat)
Frog Eye Dessert Salad
Creamy, fruity, nostalgic dessert salad made with pasta, pineapple, oranges, and marshmallows — potluck perfection.
Get the Recipe: Frog Eye Dessert Salad
Southern Boiled Cabbage with Bacon
Tender cabbage simmered with smoky bacon for a simple, budget-friendly Southern side dish that goes with everything.
Get the Recipe: Southern Boiled Cabbage with Bacon
Southern Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
A rich and ultra-cheesy, restaurant-style baked mac and cheese inspired by Poole’s Diner — true comfort in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Southern Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Classic Corn Au Gratin Casserole
Creamy sweet corn baked in a cheesy white sauce and topped with crispy cracker crumbs — simple and satisfying comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Classic Corn Au Gratin Casserole
KFC-Style Green Beans
Tender green beans seasoned and sautéed with onions for homestyle flavor — a quick copycat crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: KFC-Style Green Beans
Rudy’s Creamed Corn (Copycat)
Rich, silky, slow-simmered creamed corn that tastes just like Rudy’s BBQ — perfect for cookouts and weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Rudy’s Creamed Corn (Copycat)
Old-Fashioned Carrot Pudding
A sweet, moist pudding that tastes like carrot cake — a surprising, festive side dish even picky eaters enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Carrot Pudding
Sautéed Asparagus & Mushrooms
Tender asparagus and mushrooms sautéed in butter and garlic — simple, elegant, and delicious with steak or pasta.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Asparagus & Mushrooms
Lawry’s Creamed Spinach with Bacon
Creamy, savory spinach cooked with bacon, onions, and Lawry’s seasoning — classic steakhouse flavor in 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Lawry’s Creamed Spinach with Bacon
Stouffer’s Macaroni and Cheese (Copycat)
A rich, creamy, baked mac and cheese made with cheddar and colby — ultra-smooth and nostalgic like the frozen favorite.
Get the Recipe: Stouffer’s Macaroni and Cheese (Copycat)
Old-Fashioned Country Mashed Potatoes
Buttery, creamy mashed potatoes made with evaporated milk for a classic, homestyle flavor — perfect for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Country Mashed Potatoes
Old-Fashioned Parsley Butter Potatoes
Tender potatoes tossed with butter and fresh parsley — a simple, timeless side that pairs with everything.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Parsley Butter Potatoes
Buttered Peas and Carrots (Family-Friendly)
A quick, comforting veggie side that cooks in 30 minutes — mild, buttery, and kid-approved.
Get the Recipe: Buttered Peas and Carrots (Family-Friendly)
15-Minute Garlic Butter Green Beans
Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with garlic and butter — fast, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: 15-Minute Garlic Butter Green Beans
Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole (Copycat)
Creamy sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows and crunchy oatmeal crumble — the beloved holiday side made at home.
Get the Recipe: Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole (Copycat)
Texas Roadhouse Rolls
These homemade yeast rolls are the perfect dinner rolls and taste just as if you were sitting in the Texas Roadhouse restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Rolls
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