The turkey gets the spotlight, but the side dishes are what people go back for. These five Thanksgiving side dish casseroles are cozy, budget-friendly, and easy to scale for a crowd. Most can be prepped a day ahead, which frees up your oven (and your sanity) on the big day.
Here’s what’s on the menu:
- Cheesy funeral potatoes
- Air fryer mashed potatoes
- Sweet potato casserole with pecan topping
- Creamy scalloped potatoes
- Southern-style green beans and potatoes
1. Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
If there’s one Thanksgiving potato casserole that disappears first, it’s funeral potatoes. Shredded hash browns bake in a rich, cheesy sour cream sauce under a golden, buttery cornflake crust. The quirky name comes from their long history at church potlucks and family gatherings, but they’ve earned a permanent spot at the holiday table.
They’re also one of the easiest make-ahead Thanksgiving sides: assemble the casserole the day before, then add the crunchy topping right before it goes in the oven.
Get the full funeral potatoes recipe →
2. Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes
Skip the big pot of boiling water. Roasting whole potatoes in the air fryer concentrates their flavor, so your mash turns out extra fluffy and never watery. Bonus: it keeps your stovetop free for gravy.
Whip them with butter, warm milk, and a scoop of sour cream, or spread them into a baking dish with shredded cheddar for a mashed potato casserole. They reheat beautifully, so you can make them up to two days ahead.
Get the full air fryer mashed potatoes recipe →
3. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
No Thanksgiving table is complete without sweet potato casserole. This version pairs a silky, lightly spiced filling with a crunchy brown sugar pecan streusel that balances all the savory dishes on your plate.
Team marshmallow? Pile them on for the last few minutes of baking, or do half and half to keep everyone happy. The filling can be made a day early, so all you do on Thanksgiving is top and bake.
Get the full sweet potato casserole recipe →
4. Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
Thin layers of Yukon Gold potatoes baked in a garlicky, herb-flecked cream sauce make scalloped potatoes the elegant, from-scratch side on this list. They look impressive coming out of the oven, yet the method is simple: slice, layer, pour, and bake.
Wondering how they differ from au gratin? Scalloped potatoes let the cream sauce shine, while au gratin leans heavily on cheese. A little Gruyère on top is optional, but highly recommended.
Get the full scalloped potatoes recipe →
5. Southern-Style Green Beans and Potatoes
This two-in-one side puts a vegetable and a potato on the table in a single dish. Fresh green beans and baby red potatoes simmer with smoky bacon, onion, and garlic, then finish in the oven for a savory, down-home casserole.
It’s a welcome change from the usual green bean casserole, and it’s easy to make meatless with vegetable broth and a pinch of smoked paprika.
Get the full green beans and potatoes recipe →
Make-Ahead Game Plan
| Casserole | Make ahead | Oven temp | Bake time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funeral potatoes | Assemble 1 day ahead; add topping before baking | 350°F | 45–50 min |
| Air fryer mashed potatoes | Up to 2 days ahead | 350°F (reheat) | 20–25 min |
| Sweet potato casserole | Filling 1 day ahead | 350°F | 30–35 min |
| Scalloped potatoes | Bake 1 day ahead, reheat | 350°F (reheat) | 25–30 min |
| Green beans and potatoes | Simmer 1 day ahead | 375°F | 25–30 min |
Because most of these bake at 350°F, you can rotate two dishes through the oven while the turkey rests. Add 10–15 minutes to any casserole that goes in cold from the fridge.
Thanksgiving Side Dish Casserole FAQ
How many side dishes do I need for Thanksgiving? Plan on 3–5 sides for 8–12 guests. Aim for about 1/2 cup of each side per person.
Can I freeze these casseroles? Funeral potatoes and sweet potato casserole (without topping) freeze well for up to 3 months. Cream-based scalloped potatoes can turn grainy, so they’re best made fresh or a day ahead.
What’s the difference between scalloped and au gratin potatoes? Scalloped potatoes bake in a cream sauce, while au gratin potatoes are loaded with cheese and often breadcrumbs.
Can I make mashed potatoes without boiling? Yes. The air fryer method bakes whole potatoes until tender, giving you fluffier, more flavorful mash with less mess.
Your Thanksgiving Table, Sorted
From cheesy funeral potatoes to a sweet, pecan-topped casserole, these five Thanksgiving side dish casseroles cover every craving. Pick two or three, or make them all for a true potato lover’s feast. Find more holiday sides and easy family recipes at Fork Top Soon, and tell us in the comments which side your family can’t live without!
