Special Occasion Side Dishes

Published 11/24/2025

Every meal feels a little more special with the right side dishes. From comforting casseroles to standout veggie plates, this collection is full of recipes designed to impress and bring people together. Whether it’s a family dinner, dinner party, holiday feast, or any occasion worth celebrating, these sides add the perfect finishing touch.

Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
4.6 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 87 reviews.
Try a side dish in the slow cooker! Get your sweet potato fix without the oven, which leaves it free for the main course.
Cheesy Potato Casserole
4.5 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 297 reviews.
Cheese and potatoes are an all-time top combo. This casserole works great as a side dish for dinner, breakfast, or brunch!
Cumin-Citrus Roasted Carrots
4.4 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 9 reviews.
Give your carrots a little extra pep with this unique, crowd-pleasing side dish.
Oven-Roasted Potatoes
4.7 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 43 reviews.
These potatoes go with just about anything. Use this easy recipe when you’re in a side dish pinch!
Slow-Cooker Stuffing
4.3 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 47 reviews.
Save the oven space and make your stuffing in the slow cooker! This easy recipe saves stress on Thanksgiving.
Sweet Potato Casserole
5.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 5 reviews.
Bring the flavors of fall into your Thanksgiving sweet potatoes! This twist is a crowd-favorite dish.
Magic Marshmallow Crescent Puffs
4.4 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 222 reviews.
This recipe is a Mama Kelce-inspired dish that she serves on Thanksgiving! Eat like the Kelce clan with this easy side.
Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
5.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 3 reviews.
Add a little creaminess to your green beans this Thanksgiving, because extra cheese is never a bad idea.
No-Boil Baked Mac and Cheese
2.4 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 5 reviews.
Baked mac & cheese is a classic for many Thanksgiving tables. This version omits the need to pre-boil the pasta, which saves time and stress!
Roasted Butternut Squash with Bacon and Sage
0.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 0 reviews.
Sage is a traditional Turkey Day flavor, and this recipe brings it into a brand new side dish. With added bacon flavor, this dish is a home run for the big day.
5-Ingredient Roasted Broccoli
5.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 3 reviews.
This simple recipe makes your veggie side dish a little extra delicious!
Cheddar Cheese Pull Apart
4.3 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 87 reviews.
Rolls are traditional at Thanksgiving, but this recipe takes them to the next level. After all, who doesn’t love cheese?
Marshmallow-Topped Sweet Potatoes
4.3 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 61 reviews.
Sweet potatoes without marshmallows? We wouldn’t dare (and you shouldn’t, either).
Slow-Cooker Cheesy Potatoes and Ham
4.3 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 83 reviews.
Cheesy, creamy, and a little salty, this side dish is a great addition to any Thanksgiving meal. Switch up your potatoes with this twist on traditional mashed potatoes.
Cheddar Bay Biscuits
4.4 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 22 reviews.
Are plain rolls feeling a little boring? These biscuits are the cheesy, flaky solution!
Air Fryer Rosemary Potatoes
4.5 out of 5 stars, average rating value out of 11 reviews.
Most Thanksgiving recipes already call for rosemary. Use the extras to make these savory, potatoes in the air fryer!