Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, expressing gratitude, and, of course, indulging in delicious food.
While the turkey often takes center stage, it is the side dishes that can truly make the meal memorable and I love making statements with my side options.
If you’re looking for easy and delightful side dishes to complement your Thanksgiving feast, here are 25 options that will please any palate.
1. Classic Mashed Potatoes
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without creamy mashed potatoes. Peel and boil Yukon Gold potatoes until tender.
Mash them with plenty of butter, heavy cream, and a touch of salt and pepper until smooth and fluffy.
For extra flavor, add roasted garlic or a bit of sour cream. Serve piping hot with a pat of butter melting on top.
2. Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in a 400°F oven for about 25-30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until they are crispy and caramelized.
Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole
A crowd favorite, this dish combines mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla extract.
Top with a mixture of chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter for a crunchy, caramelized topping.
Bake until bubbly and golden brown for a comforting, sweet side dish that pairs perfectly with savory turkey.
4. Green Bean Almondine
Sauté fresh green beans in a pan with a bit of butter and olive oil until tender-crisp.
Add sliced almonds and cook until they are golden brown and fragrant. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
This dish is simple yet elegant, adding a touch of freshness to your Thanksgiving table.
5. Cornbread Stuffing
This Southern classic combines crumbled cornbread with sautéed onions, celery, and garlic.
Add chicken or vegetable broth, fresh herbs like sage and thyme, and a beaten egg to bind everything together. Bake until the top is golden and crispy.
The sweet and savory flavors of the cornbread stuffing will complement the richness of your turkey perfectly.
6. Cranberry Sauce
Homemade cranberry sauce is incredibly easy and far superior to the canned version.
In a saucepan, simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar and orange juice until the berries burst and the sauce thickens.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of port wine for extra depth. Let it cool to room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Glazed Carrots
Peel and slice carrots into evenly sized pieces. Cook them in a pan with butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until tender and caramelized.
Add a touch of ground ginger or cinnamon for a warm, spicy note. These sweet and savory carrots are a perfect side dish that adds a pop of color to your Thanksgiving spread.
8. Creamed Spinach
Rich and decadent, creamed spinach is a perfect side dish. Sauté fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach) with butter and garlic until wilted.
Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce is thick and creamy.
Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Serve hot for a luxurious accompaniment to your meal.
9. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Cut baby potatoes into halves or quarters and toss them with olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and a mix of dried herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in a 425°F oven until golden brown and crispy, about 30-35 minutes.
These potatoes are packed with flavor and have a satisfying crunch.
10. Macaroni and Cheese
A gooey, cheesy macaroni and cheese is always a hit. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions.
In a separate pot, make a roux with butter and flour, then slowly whisk in milk to create a béchamel sauce.
Stir in a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Combine with the cooked pasta and bake until bubbly and golden brown on top.
11. Butternut Squash Soup
This velvety soup is made with roasted butternut squash, onions, and a hint of nutmeg. Roast cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender.
In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, then add the roasted squash and vegetable broth.
Puree the mixture until smooth and stir in a touch of cream. Serve warm with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or a dollop of sour cream.
12. Honey Glazed Ham
Although traditionally a main course, a honey-glazed ham can also serve as a side, especially if you have a large crowd.
Score the surface of a spiral-cut ham and brush with a glaze made from honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and cloves.
Bake according to package directions, basting occasionally with the glaze. The sweet and savory flavors of the ham complement turkey beautifully and provide an additional protein option for your guests.
13. Roasted Root Vegetables
Combine a mix of carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and red onions with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for about 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and caramelized.
The natural sweetness of the root vegetables is enhanced by roasting, making this a delicious and healthy side dish.
14. Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
This vibrant salad pairs roasted beets with creamy goat cheese, arugula, and a balsamic vinaigrette. Roast beets until tender, then peel and slice them.
Arrange on a bed of arugula and top with crumbled goat cheese and toasted walnuts.
Drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette made from balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey. This salad is both visually stunning and delicious.
15. Corn Pudding
This sweet and savory dish is a Southern staple, made with corn, eggs, milk, and a touch of sugar.
Mix together creamed corn, whole kernel corn, beaten eggs, milk, melted butter, sugar, and a bit of flour or cornmeal for thickening.
Pour into a baking dish and bake until set and golden brown on top. Corn pudding is a comforting and flavorful side that pairs well with turkey and other Thanksgiving side dishes.
16. Sautéed Mushrooms
Sauté mushrooms in butter and garlic until golden brown and fragrant.
Add a splash of white wine or sherry and cook until the liquid is reduced. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.
These mushrooms are a savory and earthy side dish that adds depth of flavor to your Thanksgiving side dishes spread.
17. Deviled Eggs
These classic appetizers are made by mixing egg yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and a sprinkle of paprika. Hard-boil eggs, then halve them and remove the yolks.
Mash the yolks with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, a splash of vinegar, and seasonings to taste. Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg whites and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or a slice of olive.
Deviled eggs are a perfect make-ahead appetizer that guests can enjoy while mingling.
18. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
This creamy dip is perfect for an appetizer.
Combine chopped spinach (thawed and drained if using frozen) and chopped artichoke hearts with cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and a blend of cheeses like Parmesan and mozzarella. Add garlic, salt, and pepper for seasoning.
Bake until hot and bubbly, then serve with crusty bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
19. Roasted Asparagus
Toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast in a 400°F oven until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice. Roasted asparagus is a simple yet elegant side dish that adds a touch of green to your Thanksgiving table.
20. Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Create a simple yet elegant cheese board with a variety of cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and fruits. Include a mix of soft and hard cheeses, such as brie, cheddar, and blue cheese.
Add an assortment of cured meats like salami and prosciutto, along with crackers, baguette slices, nuts, olives, and fresh or dried fruits.
This board makes for an impressive appetizer and allows guests to snack while they wait for the main meal.
21. Parker House Rolls
Soft, buttery rolls are a must-have for Thanksgiving side dishes. You can make them from scratch or use pre-made dough for convenience.
Shape the dough into rolls, brush with melted butter, and bake until golden brown and fluffy. Serve warm with additional butter for spreading.
These rolls are perfect for sopping up gravy and other delicious sauces.
22. Waldorf Salad
This refreshing salad combines apples, celery, walnuts, and grapes in a creamy dressing. Chop crisp apples and celery, halve red grapes, and mix with toasted walnuts.
Toss with a dressing made from mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a touch of sugar. Serve chilled.
The crunch and sweetness of the Waldorf salad provide a nice contrast to the heavier Thanksgiving side dishes.
23. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
These sweet and savory bites are always a hit.
Stuff dates with goat cheese or almonds, wrap each one in a half-slice of bacon, and secure with a toothpick.
Bake at 400°F until the bacon is crispy, about 15-20 minutes.
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