The Essential Thanksgiving Side Dishes for Every Holiday Table

The turkey may be the centerpiece, but side dishes are the heart of the Thanksgiving table. According to Campbell’s 2026 State of the Sides Report, 80% of Americans enjoy cooking the sides more than the turkey, and 86% plan to serve at least four. Those dishes carry tradition, bring everyone together and give the cook plenty to manage.

Campbell’s makes it easier to serve the sides people look forward to most. Campbell’s Iconic Green Bean Casserole brings a beloved tradition to the table. Creamy Double Cheddar Mac & Cheese delivers rich, cheesy comfort for a crowd. No-Boil Cheddar Mac & Cheese saves a step and an extra pot. Each recipe has a distinct role, but all three help you spend less time managing the meal and more time enjoying it.

Campbell’s Iconic Green Bean Casserole: The Tradition Everyone Remembers

For iconic Green Bean Casserole, there’s only Campbell’s. Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole was created in the Campbell’s Test Kitchen more than 70 years ago. Today, it remains America’s most nostalgic Thanksgiving side. Sixty-seven percent of Americans say the dish reminds them of Thanksgivings past, and 87% choose Campbell’s Soup for the best Green Bean Casserole.

The five-ingredient recipe combines Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, milk, soy sauce, green beans and French fried onions. The soup gives the casserole its creamy, savory flavor, while the onions add the signature crunch. With 10 minutes of prep and a 30-minute bake, it serves six without adding complicated preparation to the holiday schedule. Fresh, frozen or canned green beans all work in the recipe. If using fresh green beans, blanch them for 2 to 4 minutes before adding them to the casserole.

Campbell’s Creamy Double Cheddar Mac & Cheese: The Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

For creamy, cheesy Mac & Cheese, there’s only Campbell’s. Mac & cheese is the great unifier of the holiday table. Fifty-seven percent of Americans say it is the dish everyone can agree on, making Campbell’s Creamy Double Cheddar Mac & Cheese a natural choice for gatherings.

Campbell’s Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup combines with shredded white Cheddar and cavatappi pasta for rich, cheesy flavor and a creamy texture. A topping of panko, butter and Cheddar bakes to a golden finish, giving the dish an oven-baked taste without the homemade effort of starting with a roux. This seven-ingredient recipe requires just five minutes of prep and is done in 30 minutes. It serves eight, so it is ready to take its place alongside the other Thanksgiving favorites and satisfy a full table.

Campbell’s No-Boil Cheddar Mac & Cheese: An Easy One-Pan Holiday Side

When prep time and stovetop space are limited, Campbell’s No-Boil Cheddar Mac & Cheese keeps creamy, cheesy comfort on the menu while eliminating a step.

Uncooked elbow macaroni goes directly into the baking dish with Campbell’s Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup, milk, shredded Cheddar and black pepper. There is no separate pot of water to boil or pasta to drain. A buttery panko topping adds a crisp finish to the creamy baked macaroni.

With five minutes of hands-on prep, this recipe is a practical choice for cooks who want a homemade family favorite with one less pot competing for space in the kitchen.

Make More Room for the Holiday Moments

A memorable Thanksgiving table does not require the cook to miss the celebration. Start with Campbell’s Iconic Green Bean Casserole for the tradition everyone remembers, add Creamy Double Cheddar Mac & Cheese for the crowd, or choose No-Boil Cheddar Mac & Cheese when simplicity matters most.

Pick the sides that fit your table, then let Campbell’s handle some of the effort so you can enjoy what happens between the bites.