10 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizers and Sides
Thanksgiving. That glorious day when stretchy pants are considered formal wear and pumpkin everything reigns supreme.
But let’s be real—between the turkey, pie, and awkward family conversations, you need easy, delicious appetizers and sides that won’t make you cry over a cutting board.
Lucky for you, I’ve rounded up 10 recipes that are not only crowd-pleasers but mostly stress-free.
Bonus: you can make some ahead of time, which is basically a Thanksgiving miracle.
1. Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
Why It’s Awesome
Soft, buttery, garlicky, and oozing with cheese—what’s not to love? Honestly, this bread disappears faster than the cranberry sauce at my table.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of crusty bread (French or sourdough works)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the bread into cubes but leave the bottom intact.
- Mix butter and garlic; drizzle over bread.
- Stuff shredded cheese into the cracks.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love It
Cheesy pull-apart bread is perfect for noshing while waiting for the turkey. Plus, it’s messy in the best way.
2. Classic Deviled Eggs
Why It’s Awesome
They’re retro, they’re creamy, and honestly, who doesn’t like a little yolk-based decadence?
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Paprika, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil eggs for 10 minutes, then cool in ice water.
- Peel and halve eggs; remove yolks.
- Mash yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pipe mixture back into egg whites.
- Sprinkle with paprika before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
Classic deviled eggs are perfect finger food. I swear, these vanish faster than you can say “pass the cranberry sauce.”
3. Maple-Glazed Roasted Carrots
Why It’s Awesome
Sweet, caramelized carrots with a hint of maple syrup = Thanksgiving in a bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb baby carrots
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss carrots in olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Garnish with thyme and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love It
Sweet and savory, these carrots convert even carrot skeptics. Bonus: minimal cleanup.
4. Cranberry Brie Bites
Why It’s Awesome
Flaky pastry, melty brie, and tangy cranberry—tiny bites of heaven.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 6 oz Brie cheese, cubed
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce
- 1 egg, beaten
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut puff pastry into squares; place in mini muffin tin.
- Add Brie cube and a teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
- Brush edges with beaten egg.
- Bake 15–18 minutes until golden.
Why You’ll Love It
These are fancy-looking but ridiculously easy. Perfect for impressing that one picky aunt.
5. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Why It’s Awesome
Sweet potatoes + crunchy pecans + brown sugar = pure Thanksgiving magic.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Transfer to baking dish and sprinkle with pecans.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until topping is golden.
Why You’ll Love It
Sweet, nutty, and comforting, this casserole is a must-have on any Thanksgiving table.
6. Green Bean Almandine
Why It’s Awesome
A classic veggie side that looks fancy but is stupidly easy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon zest (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Blanch green beans for 3–4 minutes; drain.
- Melt butter in a skillet; toast almonds.
- Add green beans, season with salt and pepper.
- Toss and sprinkle with lemon zest if desired.
Why You’ll Love It
Crunchy, buttery, and bright—green beans finally get their moment to shine.
7. Baked Mac & Cheese Cups
Why It’s Awesome
Mac and cheese, but finger-food style. Yes, please.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup milk
- 1 egg
- ½ cup bread crumbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix macaroni, cheese, milk, and egg.
- Spoon mixture into greased muffin tin.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs on top.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until golden.
Why You’ll Love It
Portion-controlled and cheesy—these disappear faster than regular mac & cheese.
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Why It’s Awesome
Caramelized, tangy, slightly crispy—finally, a Brussels sprout recipe that people ask for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast 20–25 minutes until crispy on edges.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
Sweet, tangy, crispy—Brussels sprouts that even kids might eat.
9. Corn Pudding
Why It’s Awesome
Sweet, creamy, and basically like eating a corn custard—a Thanksgiving classic.
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blend corn, milk, sugar, eggs, and butter.
- Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until set.
Why You’ll Love It
Creamy, subtly sweet, and easy—corn pudding will win over even skeptical eaters.
10. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Why It’s Awesome
Hot, creamy, cheesy, garlicky… you know what I’m talking about.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked spinach, chopped
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Transfer to a small baking dish.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It
Dip perfection! Serve with crackers or bread and watch it vanish.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it: 10 easy Thanksgiving appetizers and sides that will impress your guests without turning you into a kitchen zombie.
From cheesy breads to creamy dips and sweet, comforting casseroles, these recipes are all about flavor, ease, and good vibes.
Pro tip: make the dips and casseroles ahead of time to enjoy your own Thanksgiving dinner stress-free.
Your guests will think you spent hours slaving over the stove… while you were actually sipping coffee and nibbling on leftovers.
