Thanksgiving is all about the feast, and while the turkey may be the star, it’s the side dishes that complete the meal. This collection of 17 delectable sides will leave your guests asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
From classic casseroles to fresh twists on old favorites, these sides add flavor, color, and a touch of creativity to your Thanksgiving table.
1. Garlic Smashed Potatoes
Garlic smashed potatoes deliver an irresistible contrast of crispy edges and tender, fluffy centers, making each bite a delight. Topped with a zesty garlic vinaigrette infused with fresh herbs and spices, they bring a burst of flavor that elevates this simple dish.
Each bite is packed with savory goodness, making them perfect for dipping or savoring on their own. It’s a side dish that’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a deliciously garlicky twist on traditional mashed potatoes.
2. Kale and Roasted Beet Salad
The ultimate blend of flavors and textures comes together in a vibrant kale salad, where tenderized kale is tossed in a sweet-tangy maple balsamic vinaigrette, complemented by the earthy sweetness of roasted red beets.
Maple-toasted walnuts provide a delightful crunch, and creamy goat cheese balances it all with a tangy richness. This salad is as stunning as it is nutritious—a perfect side for Thanksgiving.
3. Classic Green Bean Casserole, Reinvented
Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving staple, but this version takes it up a notch with crispy onions, creamy sauce, and fresh green beans. The tender beans are coated in a savory, mushroom-rich sauce and topped with crunchy fried onions for the perfect contrast.
It’s a nostalgic dish that everyone will recognize, yet elevated with fresher ingredients and more flavor.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole
Enjoy the best of both worlds with a sweet potato casserole that features a creamy, spiced sweet potato base topped with a crunchy pecan and oat layer.
Each bite is perfectly balanced between creamy and crisp, with the natural sweetness of the potatoes shining through. It’s the ideal cozy side that feels like dessert, but still pairs perfectly with all your Thanksgiving dishes.
5. Autumn Harvest Pasta Salad
Seasonal pasta salad bursts with flavors from roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, crunchy pecans, and tangy dried cranberries. Roasted vegetables add a rich depth, complemented by the cranberries’ hint of sweetness, creating a well-balanced and satisfying dish.
It’s a colorful and festive dish that provides a refreshing contrast to heavier sides, bringing a taste of fall’s best flavors to your table.
6. Raspberry Cream Cheese Jello Salad
A delightful mix of creamy, fruity, and sweet, raspberry cream cheese jello salad works perfectly as a side or light dessert. Incredibly easy to whip up, it adds a nostalgic charm to the Thanksgiving spread.
The creamy layers and raspberry flavor create a refreshing break from the savory dishes, making it a crowd-pleasing addition for both kids and adults.
7. Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Slow cooker mashed potatoes embrace simplicity and convenience, making them perfect for busy meal prep. Just set everything up and let the slow cooker work its magic, freeing you to focus on other dishes.
They come out creamy and fluffy, with a rich, buttery flavor that makes them the perfect match for gravy or other Thanksgiving fixings. Easy and stress-free, they’re a lifesaver for busy holiday cooking.
8. Mexican Flatbread with Thanksgiving Flair
A flavorful fusion side, Mexican-inspired flatbread brings a lively bit of spice to the Thanksgiving table. Topped with black beans, corn, avocado, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of cheese, it’s as colorful as it is delicious and adds a unique twist to the traditional holiday spread.
Each slice brings a mix of textures and flavors that pair surprisingly well with traditional dishes, offering a unique twist for adventurous eaters.
9. Harissa-Spiced Quinoa Tabbouleh
Harissa quinoa tabbouleh makes for a fresh and zesty side dish, offering a nutritious twist on traditional tabbouleh. Quinoa creates a protein-packed base, while chopped herbs, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a hint of spicy harissa add vibrant flavors.
Refreshing and with a touch of heat, it’s an ideal dish for adding global flair to holiday meals. Perfect for those seeking a light, flavorful addition to the table.
10. Gluten-Free Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins
Jalapeño cornbread muffins make a gluten-free treat that adds a bit of heat to the Thanksgiving spread. Baked with gluten-free flour and studded with sweet corn kernels, each muffin is topped with a slice of jalapeño for an extra spicy kick.
Add some cheddar cheese to the batter for a richer taste—these muffins are soft, fluffy, and perfect for sopping up gravy.
11. Festive Fruit and Cheese Turkey Platter
A delightful platter featuring red and green grapes, blueberries, raspberries, and sharp cheddar cheese comes together in a playful turkey shape. Perfect for festive gatherings, each element adds a burst of color and flavor, creating a fun, edible centerpiece.
The colorful fruits and bold cheese flavors offer a refreshing, lighter option between all the heavier dishes. It’s a fun, creative addition to your spread, perfect for snacking before the main meal.
12. Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
Loaded with fall flavors, roasted butternut squash salad features candied nuts, pomegranate seeds, and creamy goat cheese, making it a festive and delicious addition to any autumn meal.
The roasted squash provides a sweet, caramelized base, while the pomegranate seeds add a juicy, tart pop. This vibrant, flavorful salad is a stunning, nutritious addition to the Thanksgiving table.
13. Za’atar Roasted Carrots with Labneh and Pistachio
Za’atar-roasted carrots are layered on a bed of creamy labneh, then finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of pistachios.
The dish combines warm spices, creamy labneh, and crunchy nuts for a balance of flavors and textures. Each bite brings a mix of savory, sweet, and herbaceous notes, making it a standout addition to any Thanksgiving menu.
14. Maple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce
Infused with a touch of bourbon and sweetened with maple syrup, cranberry sauce takes on a warm, rich flavor that’s perfect for the holiday table. This unique twist adds depth to the classic sauce, making it a memorable complement to your festive meal.
The tart cranberries are balanced by the sweetness of the maple, with the bourbon adding a subtle depth. It’s an elevated twist on a Thanksgiving classic, bringing a little warmth and flair to the table.
15. Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Onions
Made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes and rich caramelized onions, scalloped potatoes bake to a golden, bubbly perfection. This comforting dish brings warmth and flavor to any holiday meal, adding a touch of elegance to the table.
The caramelized onions add a depth of flavor that takes this dish to the next level, and the creamy sauce makes each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s a comforting side that’s sure to be a favorite for any potato lover.
16. Tikka Masala Queso Mac and Cheese
Tikka masala queso mac and cheese offers a fusion of creamy, cheesy goodness with the warmth of Indian spices. The tikka masala sauce introduces a flavorful twist, making for a unique and delicious take on classic mac and cheese.
Each bite is rich, cheesy, and a little spicy, offering a fun and flavorful addition to the traditional Thanksgiving sides.
17. Achari Brussels Sprouts and Potato Kathi Roll
Indian-inspired and full of flavor, spicy achari Brussels sprouts and potatoes come together in a soft, savory wrap. Presented in a convenient kathi roll format, this side dish is easy to serve and brings a vibrant contrast to traditional Thanksgiving flavors.
This unique dish adds a delicious and unexpected option to your holiday spread, perfect for guests looking to try something new.
These 17 side dishes are guaranteed to make your Thanksgiving meal unforgettable, each bringing something special to the table. From comforting classics to creative twists, these sides offer something for everyone—so dig in and enjoy a feast to remember!
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