12 Thanksgiving recipes side dishes easy

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be complicated.

These 12 easy Thanksgiving side dishes are delicious, fast to prepare, and guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

From roasted veggies to creamy mashed potatoes, these recipes will make your holiday meal both simple and satisfying.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic — a timeless, easy favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup milk

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until soft, about 20 minutes.

2. Drain and mash with butter, garlic, and milk.

3. Season with salt and serve warm.

2. Roasted Green Beans

Crispy, tender green beans roasted to perfection with olive oil and salt — simple and elegant.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss beans with oil, salt, and pepper.

2. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.

3. Serve hot.

3. Honey Butter Corn

Sweet corn tossed in melted honey butter — a 10-minute side that everyone loves.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups corn kernels

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp honey

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter and honey in a pan.

2. Add corn and stir for 5 minutes.

3. Season with salt and serve.

4. Maple Roasted Carrots

Tender carrots glazed with maple syrup and olive oil — naturally sweet and colorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss carrots with oil, syrup, and seasoning.

2. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.

3. Serve warm.

5. Creamed Spinach

A creamy, garlicky spinach dish that’s easy, rich, and ready in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh spinach

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup milk or cream

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic in butter.

2. Add spinach until wilted.

3. Pour in milk, stir for 2 minutes, and serve.

6. Cranberry Orange Relish

A zesty cranberry relish that’s fresh, fruity, and takes only 5 minutes to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cranberries

• 1 orange, peeled and chopped

• 2 tbsp honey

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor.

2. Chill before serving.

7. Oven-Roasted Mixed Vegetables

A colorful mix of seasonal vegetables roasted in olive oil — perfect for any Thanksgiving plate.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups assorted veggies (carrots, peppers, zucchini, potatoes)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss veggies with oil and seasoning.

2. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes.

3. Serve hot.

8. Easy Stuffing with Bread Cubes

Classic, quick stuffing made with toasted bread, onion, and herbs — no fuss required.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed bread

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 cup broth

• ½ tsp thyme

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion in butter.

2. Add bread cubes, broth, and thyme.

3. Stir, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

9. Garlic Roasted Broccoli

Crunchy, flavorful broccoli roasted with garlic — a fast and healthy side.

Ingredients:

• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss broccoli with oil and garlic.

2. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.

3. Serve immediately.

10. Sweet Potato Wedges

Baked sweet potato wedges seasoned with olive oil and herbs — easy and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Toss wedges with oil, paprika, and salt.

2. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes.

3. Serve warm.

11. Cornbread Muffins

Fluffy, golden cornbread muffins that come together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal

• 1 cup flour

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 cup milk

• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

1. Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine.

2. Pour into muffin tins and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

12. Easy Gravy

Smooth, savory gravy that takes only a few ingredients and 10 minutes to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• 1 cup broth

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan.

2. Whisk in flour to form a roux.

3. Add broth gradually and stir until thickened.

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These 12 easy Thanksgiving side dishes prove that delicious doesn’t have to be difficult.

Each recipe takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor — letting you enjoy more time with family and less time in the kitchen.