Thanksgiving sides don’t have to be a marathon effort. When time’s tight, these quick recipes get the job done without sacrificing flavor. From dressed-up green beans to mashed purple sweet potatoes that look like you planned them all month, these dishes come together fast and deliver.
Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon & Goat Cheese
Green beans topped with cranberries, bacon, and goat cheese bring bold flavor to your table. This dish is easy to prep and perfect for mixing things up at Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon & Goat Cheese
Air Fryer Red Potatoes
These crispy red potatoes are done in 30 minutes with the air fryer. They’re easy to season however you like, making them a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or any time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Red Potatoes
Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes
Mashed purple sweet potatoes with savory herb butter are easy to make, packed with flavor, and look amazing on the table. They’re a simple side dish that’s as nutritious as it is eye-catching.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes
Hibachi Vegetables Recipe
This quick recipe brings hibachi-style veggies to your table in under 30 minutes. Loaded with zucchini, broccoli, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, it’s simple to whip up on a griddle or stovetop, making it a great last-minute side.
Get the Recipe: Hibachi Vegetables Recipe
Easy Canned Corn
This is how you take canned corn from boring to great. With just a little effort, you can create a side dish that tastes fresh and ready to steal the spotlight on your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Canned Corn
Canned Green Beans
Canned green beans don’t have to be bland. This recipe gets them ready in minutes, giving you a side dish that’s quick, easy, and perfect for when fresh isn’t an option.
Get the Recipe: Canned Green Beans
Carrots with Parmesan and Dill
Caramelized carrots with Parmesan and dill make a bold and flavorful side that’s easy to throw together. Perfect for a holiday spread when time is short but flavor still matters.
Get the Recipe: Carrots with Parmesan and Dill
Bulgur Risotto with Chanterelle Mushrooms
This quick bulgur risotto brings fall vibes to your table with chanterelle mushrooms and peas. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make when you need a side dish that feels just right for the season.
Get the Recipe: Bulgur Risotto with Chanterelle Mushrooms
Southwest Creamed Corn
Corn, jalapenos, and pepper jack cheese come together in this quick creamed corn recipe. It’s packed with flavor and is ready to impress your guests in no time.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Creamed Corn
Bourbon Cinnamon Applesauce
A simple recipe that brings together the sweetness of apples and a kick of bourbon. This is a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to make and perfect for adding something extra to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Cinnamon Applesauce
Maple Cranberry Sauce
Swap out the usual cranberry sauce for this maple-sweetened version. It’s quick, easy, and a perfect way to add a little seasonal flavor to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Maple Cranberry Sauce
Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
These Brussels sprouts are sweet, salty, and roasted to crispy perfection. Easy to make and ready in minutes, they’re a side that deserves a spot on your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Green beans tossed with garlic and Parmesan come together in no time. This quick recipe is a great way to add something simple but flavorful to your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Stuffing Muffins
Turn stuffing into individual portions with these easy muffins. They’re perfect for serving, can be made ahead, and make Thanksgiving dinner feel a little more organized.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing Muffins
Stuffing with Sausage and Apples
Sausage, apples, and bread come together in this stuffing recipe that’s big on flavor and a great addition to your table. It’s hearty, flavorful, and always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing with Sausage and Apples
Thanksgiving Fruit Salad
This fruit salad adds a fresh, colorful touch to your spread. Topped with a honey-orange dressing, it’s quick to make and perfect for balancing out heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Fruit Salad
Oyster Mushrooms with Rosemary
Pan-seared oyster mushrooms with rosemary are buttery, crispy, and packed with flavor. They’re a great option when you need something quick that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Oyster Mushrooms with Rosemary
Roasted Cauliflower Florets
Oven-roasted cauliflower with just the right seasoning makes an easy side that pairs with almost anything. It’s ready fast, so it’s great for those last-minute Thanksgiving needs.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Florets
Herb and Vegetable Stuffing
Fresh herbs and vegetables take center stage in this stuffing recipe. It’s easy to make, has a crispy top, and always fits right in with holiday favorites.
Get the Recipe: Herb and Vegetable Stuffing
Roasted Acorn Squash
Roasted acorn squash with cheesy Parmesan seasoning is a simple, flavorful addition to your table. This side dish comes together quickly and looks great, too.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Acorn Squash
Garlic Green Beans
These garlic green beans are quick to make and packed with flavor. Whether you want them crisp-tender or fully cooked, they’re a great option for a last-minute holiday side dish.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Green Beans
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
