Thanksgiving offers endless options for a memorable meal. From savory stuffing to sweet potato desserts, the selection below highlights delicious Thanksgiving dishes that all begin with the letter “S.”
Thanksgiving is special because of family, friends, and the food. The simple, flavorful recipes listed here all start with “S” and are crowd-pleasers for any holiday table.
Other helpful information: We recommend reading about how early you can make Thanksgiving sides. You might also find our Thanksgiving non-perishable foods list useful when planning shelf-stable components for your menu.
If you’re wondering how to reheat Thanksgiving sides, we have a dedicated guide with the best methods to keep your dishes tasting fresh.
1. Stuffing with Apples and Sausage
This gluten-free stuffing with apples and sausage is both flavorful and easy to make. The apples add sweetness and texture while the sausage brings savory depth—resulting in a golden, satisfying side that complements any Thanksgiving main.
2. Sweet Potato Casserole
This gluten-free sweet potato casserole features a sugared pecan topping that’s addictively crunchy. Simple to prepare and wonderfully filling, it’s likely to become a Thanksgiving favorite.
3. Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
This slow cooker ham and bean soup is hearty and comforting, perfect for using leftover ham. It cooks low and slow for deep flavor and makes a warming addition to holiday menus.
4. Smoking Mocktails
For a festive non-alcoholic option, try our smoking mocktails. They create an impressive, seasonal presentation and are perfect for guests of all ages.
5. Spicy Rolled Tacos
These spicy rolled tacos are quick, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. They’re an excellent use of leftover turkey and make a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main.
6. Small Charcuterie Board
A small charcuterie board makes a big impression. Individual boards are charming at each place setting and pair beautifully with any Thanksgiving main.
7. Sour Cream Chip Dip
Our sour cream chip dip is creamy, easy, and versatile. It pairs well with chips, vegetables, or as an alternative to more complex Thanksgiving appetizers.
8. Sourdough Crescent Rolls
These gluten-free sourdough crescent rolls are flaky, fluffy, and mild in flavor. They’re a delightful bread option for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside the main course.
9. Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Acorn Squash
This sweet-and-spiced acorn squash is tender and perfectly seasoned with brown sugar and cinnamon. Cooking it in a slow cooker yields reliably soft, flavorful results.
10. Sweet Potato Casserole for Two
Hosting a smaller Thanksgiving? This sweet potato casserole for two is topped with mini marshmallows and chopped pecans—an easy, nostalgic option when you want classic holiday flavors without a big batch.
11. Stuffed Butternut Squash
For a hearty vegetarian main, try vegan stuffed butternut squash filled with cranberry rice, pecans, and chickpeas. It’s filling, festive, and works well as the centerpiece for a plant-based Thanksgiving.
12. Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
These sour cream sugar cookies are great for keeping kids involved while you bake. With cream cheese frosting and festive cutters, they’re a fun holiday activity and dessert.
13. Sourdough Stuffing
This sourdough stuffing uses sage and thyme for a classic herb-forward profile. It’s straightforward to prepare and pairs nicely with any Thanksgiving main dish.
14. Sweet Potato Pocket Pies
Sweet potato pocket pies are a perfect handheld dessert. Filled with seasoned sweet potato and wrapped in flaky dough, they’re lightly sprinkled with turbinado sugar for added crunch.
15. Shepherd’s Pie
Use holiday leftovers in a comforting Thanksgiving turkey shepherd’s pie. It layers mashed potatoes over a savory filling to create an easy, satisfying one-dish meal.
16. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
A beloved classic, sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with toasted marshmallows for a nostalgic and irresistible side.
17. Strawberry Apple Crisp
A delightful dessert, this strawberry apple crisp blends apples and strawberries under a brown sugar-oat topping with pecans and walnuts—serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
18. Smoked Turkey
If you want bold flavor and moist meat, try an easy smoked turkey. Smoking adds a smoky depth that many prefer over traditional roasting.
19. Slow Cooker Cranberry Turkey Meatballs
These cranberry turkey meatballs are a great holiday appetizer—sweet, tangy, and easy to keep warm in a slow cooker for parties or family gatherings.
20. Smoked Spatchcock Turkey
Spatchcocking a turkey and smoking it yields quicker, evenly cooked results. The smoked spatchcock turkey delivers crisp skin and juicy meat with plenty of smoky flavor.
21. Sour Cream Apple Pie
This sour cream apple pie layers tart apples in a simple custard and finishes with a brown sugar streusel. It’s a refreshing alternative to classic pumpkin pie.
22. Southern Collard Greens
Silky, smoky Southern collard greens pair wonderfully with cornbread and add a healthy, flavorful green to the Thanksgiving spread.
23. Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallows
For a quicker dessert, try an easy sweet potato pie with marshmallow whipped cream that uses pureed sweet potatoes—no peeling or pre-cooking required.
24. Stuffed Acorn Squash
This gluten-free, vegan stuffed acorn squash is filled with pumpkin seeds, spinach, and a tart cherry quinoa pilaf—an excellent option that satisfies both plant-based and omnivore guests.
25. Sweet and Spicy Hasselback Butternut Squash
The hasselback technique turns butternut squash into an attractive, easy-to-serve side. This recipe highlights the squash’s natural sweetness with a hint of heat—add sage for a true fall flavor.
Additional Recipes
- Spiked Pineapple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
- Sweet Potato Mousse
- Sweet Potato Cheesecake with Chocolate Mousse
- Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Apples
- Sweet Potato Drop Biscuits (Air Fryer)
- Cranberry Salsa
- Sweet Potato Wedges
- Salad with Butternut Squash
- Corn Succotash
- Brined and Smoked Turkey
- Honey-nut Squash
- Mashed Chipotle Sweet Potatoes
- Wild Rice Stuffing Casserole
- Sweet Mashed Potato
- Sweet Potato Pie
- Sweet Potato Soup
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce
- Fall Sangria
If you enjoy this roundup, check out our other collections like 30+ blueberry Thanksgiving desserts and our Thanksgiving mocktails. We also have a roundup of the best sides for a honey baked ham.