Holidays & Entertaining Holidays Thanksgiving 14 Easy Thanksgiving Sides You Can Make in Less Than an Hour Save time in the kitchen with these simple sides. By Phoebe Fry Published on November 9, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Christopher Testani As far as we’re concerned, the most exciting part of the Thanksgiving menu is the array of sides. From creamy mashed potatoes to sweet-tangy cranberry sauce, there are so many beloved classics, and there’s always room for newcomers too. Go easy on yourself by choosing easy recipes; that way, you’ll be able to make a bunch of sides with minimal fuss. Keep reading for 14 tried-and-true recipes for Thanksgiving side dishes that’ll come together in less than an hour. 01 of 14 Herb-Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Marcus Nilsson get the recipe If you’re not wed to mashed potatoes, may we suggest roasted potatoes? These herby, garlicky fingerlings roast in about 30 minutes and taste amazing with everything. 02 of 14 Citrus Spice Cranberry Sauce Christopher Testani get the recipe Homemade cranberry sauce is delicious, but we think that canned cranberry sauce jazzed up with citrus and spices is just as great. In this recipe, cloves, star anise, cinnamon, and orange elevate the cranberries for a warmly spiced, autumnal condiment. 03 of 14 Make-Ahead Holiday Salad Greg DuPree get the recipe With a base of Brussels sprouts and kale, this salad gets better with time as the greens absorb the honey-mustard vinaigrette, so it’s a great side to prepare in advance. Just hold off on adding the toasted hazelnuts and croutons until right before serving so they don’t get soggy. 10 Fresh Thanksgiving Salads You Can Make Ahead 04 of 14 Creamy One-Pot Mashed Potatoes Greg DuPree get the recipe If you’re in need of a reliable mashed potato recipe, look no further than this creamy number, which calls for the trinity of half-and-half, butter, and sour cream. The best part is that it only takes 20 minutes of hands-on time, and only dirties a few dishes. 05 of 14 Brussels Sprouts Salad Heami Lee get the recipe This beautiful, autumnal salad is full of color and texture, thanks to radicchio, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. It’s an unexpected addition to your Thanksgiving table, and adds a welcome hit of brightness. To make this salad ahead, keep the Brussels sprouts mixture and dressing in separate airtight containers and combine 30 minutes before serving for best results. 06 of 14 Creamed Spinach Casserole Christopher Testani get the recipe We’re big fans of a supermarket shortcut, and this spinach casserole recipe takes advantage of store-bought herb-and-garlic goat cheese like Boursin. Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers on top for a crunchy, golden topping. 07 of 14 Brown Sugar-Glazed Baby Turnips Danny Kim get the recipe Best in the fall and winter, baby turnips are delightful with a buttery brown sugar glaze, and can be cooked in a single skillet on the stovetop. For a charming, rustic look, keep a sprig of the turnip tops intact. 08 of 14 Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Pancetta Anna Williams get the recipe Brussels sprouts and pancetta are a match made in heaven, and this recipe yields extra crispy, caramelized sprouts. Easy to prepare ahead of time and reheat, it’s a great option for the holidays. Before serving, sprinkle with lemon zest to contrast with the dish’s earthy, savory flavors. 8 Healthy Roasted Vegetable Recipes That Practically Cook Themselves 09 of 14 Green Beans With Bacon Vinaigrette Gentl & Hyers get the recipe Green beans are a Thanksgiving go-to, and this rendition with whole-grain mustard, bacon, and shallots is extra punchy and crave-worthy. This low-maintenance recipe can be made at the last minute, and doesn’t take up any coveted oven space. 10 of 14 Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf With Cranberries Gentl + Hyers get the recipe Incorporate cranberries into your Thanksgiving menu in a new way with this earthy, satisfying rice pilaf, which includes dried cranberries, a whole variety of mushrooms, parsley, and tarragon. When it isn’t a holiday, this pilaf is also wonderful as a weeknight vegetarian main. 11 of 14 Beet-Radicchio Salad Christopher Testani get the recipe This vibrant, seasonal salad with beets, radicchio, and oranges will brighten up your plate and excite your palate. To save yourself some time, feel free to buy packaged, pre-cooked beets instead of cooking your own. 12 of 14 Cheddar Mashed Potatoes Christopher Testani get the recipe For this recipe, buy prepared mashed potatoes and dress them up with the cheese of your choice (we like sharp white cheddar), sour cream, and whole-grain mustard. You’ll be left with a luxurious-tasting, cheesy mash, and your guests will never know that you took a shortcut. 13 of 14 Bourbon-Cranberry Compote Gentl & Hyers get the recipe This cranberry compote couldn’t be simpler to make, but tastes elegant and adult thanks to a hearty splash of bourbon. Don’t sleep on the leftovers, which we recommend spreading on turkey sandwiches or even serving alongside some vanilla ice cream. 20 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers That Are Bound to Impress Your Guests 14 of 14 Molasses and Chile Roasted Sweet Potatoes Caitlin Bensel get the recipe Jalapeño and stone-ground mustard balance the potatoes’ sweetness in this sheet pan recipe. Roasted in a hot oven, the sweet potato wedges will cook in about 20 minutes. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit