Last Updated on October 28, 2025 by Soul Food Cooking
The Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Side Dishes: 20 Must-Have Crowd-Pleasers for Your Holiday Table
As the holiday season quickly approaches, I enjoy preparing for all the festivities to come. I am always committed to making Thanksgiving dinner special every year by creating a great atmosphere and delicious food. Spending time with loved ones and enjoying a great meal is the ultimate goal, so planning my menu early is a must.
Thanksgiving would not be Thanksgiving for me and my family without the wide variety of soul food and Southern sides. My buffet style is what I have been doing for nearly two decades and the options are endless. Today I will share with you 20 side dishes, some that are traditional soul food and some that are classic holiday staples. Every dish here has been tested and loved by thousands of Soul Food Cooking viewers. If you haven’t tried soul food then you will be pleasantly surprised. Soul food is made with love and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving up mac and cheese, cornbread dressing, or collard greens, soul food side dishes are a great compliment to any Thanksgiving table.
Why You’ll Love These Soul Food Thanksgiving Sides
- Authentic Soul Food and Southern flavors passed down through generations
- Traditional Soul Food and Classic Holiday Recipes
- A wide range of choices means there is something for everyone
The Ultimate Soul Food Thanksgiving Side Dishes
1. Baked Mac & Cheese
Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe – From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking
My Southern baked mac and cheese recipe is not just a soul food side dish, it is a family tradition that has been passed down for generations. As the creator of Soul Food Cooking, I have perfected this soulful comfort food into a holiday classic that is a staple on
2. Cornbread Dressing -Thanksgiving Side Dish
How to Make The Best Cornbread Dressing – From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking
Southern cornbread dressing is a Thanksgiving staple for many families. It’s a delicious, savory side dish that’s pairs well with homemade cranberry sauce and is perfect for soaking up all the juices from your turkey. Cornbread dressing is a soul food staple for Thanksgiving and my recipe is quick and
3. Candied Yams
The Best Candied Yams Recipe- From The Queen of Soul Food Cooking
Southern Candied yams are a beloved holiday tradition in my home, but honestly, we love and enjoy this homemade classic dish all year long! The natural sweetness of the yams, mixed with just the right blend of spices and baked to perfection, is what makes my recipe so delicious. If
4. Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
How to Make The Best Southern Collard Greens
A good Southern Soul Food Collard Greens Recipe is something every family should have. Why? Because when cooked the right way, collard greens are deliciously satisfying and will keep you coming back for more. My Soul Food Collard Greens are loaded with flavor from the smoky meat, the rich broth
5. Green Beans and Potatoes
Southern Green Beans and Potatoes Recipe
Green beans and potatoes are two of the most popular vegetables in the world. They are both versatile and delicious, and they can be cooked in a variety of ways. But what makes these two vegetables such a classic combination? There are a few reasons why these two go so
6. Fried Cabbage
Classic Fried Cabbage Recipe
Fried Cabbage is so easy to make and it is one of my favorite soul food side dishes. I love it because it has so much flavor. The combination of the natural flavor of the cabbage with the smoky bacon and the spicy kick of the andouille sausage is simply
7. Seafood Mac and Cheese
Seafood Mac and Cheese Recipe
What’s better than Mac and Cheese? Seafood Mac and Cheese. This Seafood Mac and Cheese recipe is everything you could ask for in a comfort food dish. It is a decadent and delicious dish that is sure to impress your guests. The combination of pasta, melted cheese, lobster, crab meat
8. Roasted Potatoes
Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes
Tasty Oven-roasted potatoes are a side that is easy to make and loved by all. Seasoned to perfection with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. This simple recipe combines russet potatoes with a blend of flavorful spices and herbs, resulting in a side dish that complements any meal. In this
9. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Marmalade
Easy Cranberry Sauce Made with Orange Marmalade
Cranberry sauce is truly a Thanksgiving classic—and for good reason! It is the perfect condiment. Its a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors complements everything on your holiday plate, from the juicy turkey and ham to the baked mac and cheese and cornbread dressing. It’s the ultimate side dish
10. Honey Glazed Ham
Honey Glazed Ham Recipe – From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and delicious food. And what better way to celebrate than with a honey glazed ham on your holiday dinner table? Ham is a classic Thanksgiving dish for good reason. It’s flavorful, juicy, and versatile. It’s also very easy to cook. Holiday ham
11. Mixed Greens ( Collards, Kale, Mustard and Turnip)
How to make Mixed Greens – Easy Mixed Greens Recipe
How to make Mixed Greens – Easy Mixed Greens RecipeThis is an easy recipe for mixed greens. Made with turnip, mustard and collards these greens make a great …
12. Classic Southern Deviled Eggs
Best Deviled Eggs Recipe – How to Make Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a true Soul Food and Southern staple dish. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for almost any occasion. From a Sunday dinner, holiday dinner or backyard gathering, deviled eggs adds to any meal and is enjoyed by all. Their delicious creamy filling, bold flavors and the dusting
13. Gumbo
Authentic New Orleans Gumbo – From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking
This is a delicious recipe for seafood gumbo. Making gumbo is a holiday tradition in my family, but it can be enjoyed all year round. Whether it’s seafood gumbo over white rice, chicken and sausage gumbo or any variety of gumbo, it is a welcomed hearty meal that we love
14. Dirty Rice
Dirty Rice Recipe – How to Make Dirty Rice
Are you looking for the best dirty rice recipe? Dirty rice is a traditional Louisiana Creole dish made with white rice, pork, beef or chicken, green bell pepper, celery, and onion, and seasoned to perfection. The name “dirty rice” comes from the fact that the rice is cooked in the
15. Creamy Mac and Cheese
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is comfort food at its best. It is the best of both worlds with traditional baked mac and cheese flavor yet a creamy filling that complements each other well. I have been making this dish for years and it is always the first to
16. Deviled Eggs with Candied Bacon
Deviled Eggs with Candied Bacon
Deviled eggs are a true Soul Food and Southern staple appetizer/side dish. Everyone love these bite sized treats. In today’s recipe I decided to elevate the taste of this classic recipe by adding a little sweetness and texture. Follow along with me as I show you how adding candied bacon
17. Southern Potato Salad
Best Potato Salad Recipe – From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking
If you are looking for the best Potato Salad Recipe then you are in the right place. A summer gathering wouldn’t be a summer gathering without my potato salad. Potato salad is a classic dish that holds a special place not just with me but with many. Who made the
18. Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
Easy Sautéed Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Brussels sprouts deserve way more love. They are delicious and nutritious. If you’ve ever been on the fence about Brussels sprouts, get ready to be surprised by how tasty these little green gems can be. Not only do Brussels sprouts have a unique and satisfying flavor, but they’re also packed
19. Skillet Cornbread
Southern Cornbread Recipe – From The Queen of Soul Food Cooking
Nothing taste better than hot cornbread fresh out of the oven. I’m not taking about the kind that comes from a box, although that can be tasty. I’m talking about the kind made from scratch. My favorite cornbread recipe is my Southern cornbread recipe made in a skillet. It is
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20. Southern Fried Chicken
5 Secrets to Perfect Fried Chicken – From the Queen of Soul Food Cooking
Fried chicken is a classic dish that goes great with almost anything. There is nothing better than a crispy, juicy piece of fried chicken. Whether you are making a Sunday dinner with chicken, mac and cheese and collard greens or a brunch with chicken and waffles you want the to
Holiday Tips
- Don’t be afraid to make any of these recipes your own. If you don’t want to use smoked turkey you can substitute for ham hocks, bacon or chose a vegan option.
- Use fresh and quality ingredients. For the best outcome fresh ingredients is alway my choice especially when serving others and for special occasions.
- Don’t rush. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to prepare your feast. I usually began prepping a few days before and cooking the night before. If you need help ask. One of the joys of the holidays is families working together to create beautiful memories and delicious food.
More Holiday Recipes to Try
Thanksgiving is a holiday I really look forward to. It’s the time of year where I get to sit and partake in great conversations and most importantly….delicious food. Deciding what to put on your Thanksgiving table, aside from your turkey, can be a little challenging. After all, the turkey is the center of attention but what make for a great holiday dinner are all the wonderful side dishes that accompany that delicious turkey. I hope you find a side dish or two to enjoy this holiday season.
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