21 Thanksgiving Sides That Don’t Need the Oven

Most of us only have one regular-sized oven in the kitchen, which turns Thanksgiving into a full-blown logistics course. When a side can be made on the stove or in another appliance, it instantly takes some pressure off. You don’t have to map out every minute or play the “what fits where” game while everything heats at once. These no-oven sides keep the day moving and leave space for the dishes that really need that oven time. They also make it easier to cook with other people in the kitchen without stepping on each other’s toes.

Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat Cheese

These green beans cook on the stovetop and finish with cranberries, bacon and goat cheese for a mix of sweet, salty and creamy notes. They bring a festive touch to Thanksgiving without adding oven time.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat Cheese

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Butternut squash softens and caramelizes in the air fryer while the butter and seasoning settle into the crosshatch cuts. It is hands-off, deeply flavorful and easy to serve with any Thanksgiving main.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Cajun Deviled Eggs

These deviled eggs get a little lift from Cajun seasoning, hot sauce and chopped pickled jalapeño, giving you a quick side that builds flavor fast without touching the oven. They come together in minutes, sit perfectly on a crowded table and bring a punchy edge that cuts through heavier holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Deviled Eggs

Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

This crockpot version keeps the classic flavor you expect while freeing the oven for the main event. Canned green beans and a creamy seasoned sauce cook low and steady until everything softens and melds together, making this an easy set-and-relax Thanksgiving side.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Green Bean Casserole

Creamed Cabbage

Creamed cabbage cooks gently on the stovetop and turns simple ingredients into a rich, comforting dish that works well with turkey, ham or anything else you are serving. It brings that familiar holiday flavor without fighting for oven rack space.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Cabbage

Rotkohl German Braised Red Cabbage

This braised red cabbage simmers with apples, onions and a little vinegar for a sweet and tangy side that works beautifully with Thanksgiving meats. It cooks entirely on the stovetop and adds color, depth and a little brightness to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Rotkohl German Braised Red Cabbage

Turkey Veggie Tray

A fun vegetable tray shaped like a turkey gives you something fresh and crisp to balance the holiday table. It is easy to prep ahead, needs no heat and lets everyone grab a few greens between all the rich sides.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Veggie Tray

Simple Coleslaw

This coleslaw comes together with shredded cabbage, carrots and a lighter dressing that keeps things bright on a heavier meal day. It stays crunchy for hours and fits perfectly when you want a no-oven side that feels fresh and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Simple Coleslaw

Cranberry Compote

This cranberry compote simmers on the stovetop with oranges, ginger and rosemary until it thickens and turns glossy. It brings a bold pop of fruit to the table and works well for anyone who wants true holiday flavor without baking a full sauce in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Compote

Mashed Red Potatoes

These Instant Pot mashed red potatoes cook in under thirty minutes and come out creamy and hearty. They use the pressure cooker instead of the oven, which keeps everything moving smoothly when the kitchen is busy.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Red Potatoes

Cranberry Salad with Jello

This sweet and tangy cranberry salad sets up in the fridge with raspberry gelatin, fruit and crunch. It is simple to prepare, chills while you handle the rest of the meal and brings a nostalgic holiday touch.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Salad with Jello

Creamy Parsnip Puree

This stovetop parsnip puree blends into a smooth and comforting mash that feels right at home during a Thanksgiving meal. It cooks quickly and adds a slightly earthy flavor that works well when you want something different from potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Parsnip Puree

Stuffed Onions

These grilled stuffed onions hold a savory mix of caramelized onion, cheese and herbs tucked into tender onion shells. They cook entirely outside the oven and pair easily with grilled or roasted mains while keeping prep manageable.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Onions

Mushroom Gravy

This mushroom gravy simmers until silky and rich, perfect for topping potatoes and vegetables when you need a dairy-free option. It cooks on the stovetop and adds depth to the plate without pulling attention from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy

Collard Greens

These collard greens simmer low and slow with seasoning until they soften and take in all the flavor. They bring a hearty, fall-ready side to the table and stay completely off the oven schedule.
Get the Recipe: Collard Greens

Quinoa Risotto with Butternut Squash and Greens

This quinoa risotto cooks on the stovetop in about thirty minutes and needs far less hands-on stirring than traditional risotto. The squash and greens make it a solid holiday side that brings color and comfort without using the oven.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Risotto with Butternut Squash and Greens

Cheesy Crockpot Cauliflower Casserole

This cauliflower casserole turns cheesy and tender right in the crockpot, freeing counter space and keeping things easy. It works well beside turkey or ham and gives you a creamy, vegetable-forward side with zero oven time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Crockpot Cauliflower Casserole

Three Bean Salad

This chilled bean salad keeps things simple with a tangy vinaigrette and a mix of green beans, kidney beans and garbanzo beans. It sits well in the fridge, travels easily and breaks up all the heavy dishes on the table.
Get the Recipe: Three Bean Salad

Classic Creamy Pea Salad

Frozen peas, bacon and cheddar come together in a creamy dressing that feels nostalgic and reliable. It chills until you are ready to serve, making it a convenient no-oven side for a crowded holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Creamy Pea Salad

Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

These Hasselback potatoes crisp up in the air fryer while staying soft inside with garlic, butter and herbs. They save you from tying up the oven and still give you a holiday-ready potato dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Broccoletti

Broccoletti cooks fast on the stovetop with garlic until it becomes tender and flavorful. It is a clean and simple side that brings balance to the table without adding any extra oven stress.
Get the Recipe: Broccoletti