20 Thanksgiving Sides that Don’t Use the Oven
Save oven space for the turkey with these easy no-bake Thanksgiving side dishes that don’t require you to use your oven.
Looking for Thanksgiving side dishes you can make without an oven?
From stove top classics to slow cooker and Instant Pot favorites and even no-bake options, these time-saving sides for Thanksgiving let you serve a full spread without ever competing for oven space.
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Thanksgiving is a time of abundance, when family and friends gather around the table for a meal that usually has more dishes than any other meal of the year.
While the turkey takes center stage in the oven, the side dishes are just as eagerly anticipated as the main event.
In fact, many people will admit they’re more excited for the stuffing, potatoes and casseroles than the turkey itself (myself included!).
But with so many dishes to prepare, juggling oven space quickly becomes a challenge.
That’s why I love leaning on other tools in my kitchen to get the job done.
The Instant Pot makes mashed potatoes in a fraction of the time. A slow cooker keeps green beans or sweet potatoes warm until serving. The air fryer turns out crispy Brussels sprouts or carrots in minutes.
And of course, there are plenty of no-bake Thanksgiving sides that can be prepped ahead and chilled until dinner.
Relying on these methods means I can keep the oven focused on the turkey while still bringing a table full of delicious sides that no one wants to skip.
Everything still tastes just as good, and the best part is it all gets to the table on time—before anyone gets hangry!
So if you’re looking for easy Thanksgiving side dishes that save time and free up oven space, these recipes are the perfect solution, giving you all the variety you need to make the holiday meal complete.
No-Bake Thanksgiving Sides and More
This collection of Thanksgiving side dishes you can make without an oven will help you round out your holiday table with ease.
These time-saving sides for Thanksgiving use simple techniques and smart shortcuts so you can focus on enjoying the day.
You’ll still enjoy all the flavors and traditions you love—just with a little less stress.
Thanksgiving Sides that Don't Use the Oven
These easy no-bake Thanksgiving side dishes are a great way to keep things simple in the kitchen this holiday season. Whether it's a no-cook recipe, or a dish that makes use of your Instant Pot, slow cooker, or stove top, you won't have to use your oven for these delicious sides.
This pistachio pineapple delight—better known as classic Watergate salad—is a sweet, fluffy throwback dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this pistachio fluff is quick to make and perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any gathering.
This Instant Pot stuffing takes a simple boxed mix and transforms it into a flavorful, comforting side dish that’s easy to make and perfect for your holiday feast.
Instant Pot cheesy potatoes, also known as funeral potatoes, are a creamy, cheesy casserole that’s easy to make and always a crowd favorite at holidays or gatherings.
Instant Pot cranberry sauce is a quick, fuss-free way to enjoy this classic holiday side, while keeping your stovetop free for everything else.
These Southern-style green beans are made in the Instant Pot until tender and full of flavor, giving you that slow-simmered taste in a fraction of the time.
These easy Instant Pot mashed potatoes come out creamy, fluffy, and delicious—an effortless side dish for holidays or any family dinner.
These Instant Pot potatoes and carrots cook up tender, flavorful, and ready in minutes, making them a simple side dish everyone will enjoy.
This Instant Pot acorn squash is a cozy, no-fuss side dish, sweetened with butter, brown sugar, and warm spices for classic holiday flavor.
These cinnamon apples are made in the Instant Pot for a quick, homestyle dish that’s just right as a sweet holiday side dish.
Scalloped pineapple stuffing is a sweet twist on the classic holiday side, pairing perfectly with ham or turkey. It can also double as dessert with a little whipped cream on top, and it’s easy to make in the oven or Instant Pot.
Cook boxed wild rice in the Instant Pot for a quick, hands-off side dish that’s ready in a fraction of the usual time.
Green bean casserole is a holiday must-have, and making it in the slow cooker saves oven space while still delivering the classic flavor everyone loves.
This slow cooker creamed corn, made with fresh corn, cream cheese, butter, and garlic, is a rich and flavorful side dish perfect for holidays or special gatherings.
This butternut squash soup is creamy, cozy, and nourishing, made with simple wholesome ingredients. Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, it’s an easy fall favorite that’s always a hit at the table.
Instant Pot creamy bacon Brussels sprouts are rich, savory, and perfectly tender—so tasty they might even win over someone who swears they don’t like Brussels sprouts!
Crispy Brussels sprouts are a favorite side dish for the holidays, and making them in the air fryer is a great way to free up your oven space.
This Thanksgiving salad is packed with brussels sprouts, kale, apples, pears, cranberries, and pecans, all tossed in a sweet maple dressing for a fresh and festive side.
These marinated mozzarella balls are a quick and festive appetizer, ready in under 10 minutes. Made with simple ingredients, they’re delicious on charcuterie boards, salads, antipasto platters, or alongside toasted bread.
This hummus without garlic is bright, zesty, and ready in just 5 minutes—naturally vegan and gluten-free, it makes a perfect Thanksgiving grazing appetizer.
Candied sweet potatoes are one of my favorite sides--it's like having dessert for dinner! This stovetop recipe is as easy as it is delicious.
I know a lot of people think of potato salad as a summer side dish, but it's one that I enjoy year-round! The cool and creamy texture is a nice contrast to all things warm and sweet.
If your crew loves macaroni and cheese, this Instant Pot version is easy to whip up! You can leave out the ham if you want, since there's bound to be plenty of turkey on the table!
Macaroni salad is another side dish that makes regular appearances at other times of the year, but I think it's a great option for Thanksgiving, too. Best of all, it can be made ahead of time, using your Instant Pot or a stove top.
Easy air fryer beets are a simple, tasty, and healthy side dish you’ll love. Roasting beets in the air fryer is quick, delicious, and the best way to bring out their natural flavor.
Time-saving Sides for Thanksgiving
These easy Thanksgiving side dishes are a total win! They’re great for freeing up oven space, saving you time, and still delivering the flavors everyone craves.
With no-bake Thanksgiving sides and stove top favorites on the menu, your holiday meal will be stress-free and delicious.
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