Thanksgiving, a time of gratitude and celebration, wouldn’t be complete without a sumptuous spread of side dishes. In this handpicked selection, we present the “25 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes” to add flavor and flair to your holiday feast.
From timeless classics to modern twists, these Thanksgiving side dishes promise to make your Thanksgiving table a true culinary masterpiece. Join us on this delectable journey and discover the perfect Thanksgiving side dishes that will elevate your Thanksgiving celebration to new heights.
1. Classic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the epitome of creamy comfort, a blank canvas that welcomes gravy with open arms. Whipped to perfection with butter and cream, they are a Thanksgiving must-have, offering a smooth and velvety texture that complements the richness of turkey.
Whether laced with roasted garlic, or chives or simply served plain, these mashed potatoes evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth, making them the ultimate comfort food at your festive table.
2. Roasted Garlic and Herb Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but when they’re roasted with garlic and fragrant herbs, they transform into a delightful side dish. The roasting process caramelizes the outer leaves, creating a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with their tender centers.
The garlic and herbs infuse these little green gems with robust flavors that make them a favorite among both Brussels sprout enthusiasts and skeptics alike.
3. Homemade Cranberry Sauce
A Thanksgiving table is incomplete without a bowl of homemade cranberry sauce. This vibrant condiment balances the rich, savory flavors of the holiday meal with its tantalizing tartness and subtle sweetness.
Enhanced with a touch of orange zest, this cranberry sauce adds a zingy, citrusy note that elevates your turkey and dressing to a whole new level of deliciousness.
4. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a time-honored tradition that combines tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions. This beloved side dish brings a comforting familiarity to the Thanksgiving table, with its savory and creamy goodness. Each bite is a perfect marriage of textures and flavors, and the crispy onion topping adds a satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist.
5. Sweet Potato Casserole
The sweet potato casserole is a sweet symphony of flavors and textures. Mashed sweet potatoes, enriched with brown sugar and butter, create a luscious base. The crowning glory?
A layer of gooey, toasted marshmallows adds a delightful contrast of textures and a perfect touch of sweetness. It’s like dessert and a side dish in one, making it a perennial favorite among those with a sweet tooth.
6. Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Sausage and herb stuffing is a savory delight that takes center stage at Thanksgiving. This aromatic blend of herbs, sauteed vegetables, and flavorful sausage creates a medley of taste and textures.
Whether you stuff it inside your turkey or bake it separately, it’s the epitome of Thanksgiving comfort food, offering a harmonious blend of flavors that beautifully complements the turkey’s succulence.
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7. Cornbread
Cornbread embodies the essence of Southern charm and hospitality. Its moist and crumbly texture, combined with a hint of sweetness, makes it an ideal accompaniment for soaking up gravy.
The slight sweetness perfectly contrasts with the savory notes of the Thanksgiving meal. Whether baked in a skillet or as muffins, cornbread is a crowd-pleaser that adds a rustic and comforting touch to your holiday spread.
8. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach transforms humble greens into a creamy delight. Spinach, bathed in a luscious, cheesy sauce, becomes the star of the show. Its creamy consistency and rich flavor make it an irresistible side dish. Plus, it’s a clever way to sneak in some leafy greens amidst all the holiday indulgence.
9. Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots offer a delightful balance of sweetness and earthiness. Roasted to perfection, the carrots caramelize, intensifying their natural sugars. A drizzle of honey provides a glossy sheen and a touch of sweetness that elevates the humble carrot into a sophisticated side dish that adds both color and flavor to your Thanksgiving spread.
10. Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower
Garlic Parmesan mashed cauliflower is a brilliant low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. It achieves a similar creamy texture with a savory punch.
Roasted garlic and Parmesan cheese provide a robust flavor that masks any cauliflower taste, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a healthier, yet still indulgent, Thanksgiving side.
11. Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is the epitome of warm and comforting. This silky, velvety concoction combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with a touch of nutmeg and warm spices.
It serves as a welcoming start to your Thanksgiving meal, enveloping your taste buds in the essence of autumn with every spoonful.
12. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon-wrapped asparagus combines two culinary favorites into one irresistible dish. Asparagus spears, tender and flavorful on their own are enveloped in crispy, salty bacon, creating a delectable contrast of textures and flavors.
A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of seasonings enhance the savory experience, making this side dish a standout.
13. Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese take on a gourmet twist for Thanksgiving. Creamy, cheesy, and infused with truffle oil, this dish elevates the classic comfort food to new heights. The richness of the cheese and the earthy aroma of truffle oil create a harmonious blend that’s as comforting as it is sophisticated.
14. Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted root vegetables exude rustic charm and earthy flavors. A medley of colorful veggies—carrots, parsnips, and potatoes—are roasted to caramelized perfection, highlighting their natural sweetness. Herbs and olive oil add depth and aroma to this simple yet immensely satisfying side dish.
15. Creamy Corn Casserole
Creamy corn casserole embodies sweet elegance. Sweet corn kernels meld with cream and cheese, creating a comforting and slightly sweet dish. It’s like a corn pudding, and its rich, velvety texture provides a delightful contrast to the turkey’s savory notes.
16. Herb-Infused Gravy
Herb-infused gravy is the liquid gold of Thanksgiving. Made from pan drippings, it captures the essence of the roast turkey and amplifies it with aromatic herbs. Pour this silky elixir over your turkey and sides to tie the entire feast together with a burst of savory flavor.
17. Candied Pecan and Cranberry Salad
Candied pecan and cranberry salad offers a delightful combination of crunchy sweetness and tartness. Toasted pecans and tart cranberries come together with a delightful dressing, creating a salad that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
18. Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin soup is autumn comfort in a bowl. Velvety and soothing, it captures the warmth of the season with its rich pumpkin flavor and a hint of nutmeg. A perfect appetizer to set the tone for your Thanksgiving feast.
19. Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Gravy
Caramelized onion and mushroom gravy is an umami-packed indulgence. The sweetness of caramelized onions pairs beautifully with the earthy richness of mushrooms. This savory sauce elevates your Thanksgiving dishes with layers of flavor.
20. Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts offer a tangy twist to this often misunderstood vegetable. Roasting caramelizes the sprouts, while balsamic glaze adds a delightful touch of acidity and sweetness. This side dish is a flavorful revelation that may convert even the staunchest Brussels sprout skeptics.
21. Honey Butter Roasted Acorn Squash
Honey butter-roasted acorn squash is a true fall delight. The acorn squash, roasted to tender perfection, becomes a canvas for a luscious honey butter glaze. It’s a side dish that captures the essence of the season with every bite.
22. Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
Garlic herb roasted potatoes are the epitome of crispy comfort. The potatoes, coated in garlic and fragrant herbs, roast to crispy perfection on the outside while remaining tender inside. It’s a simple yet irresistible side that pairs wonderfully with turkey.
23. Wild Rice Pilaf with Dried Cranberries
Wild rice pilaf with dried cranberries offers a nutty sweetness to balance the Thanksgiving meal. The hearty, nutty flavor of wild rice pairs beautifully with the sweet tartness of dried cranberries, creating a side dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
24. Baked Brie with Cranberry and Pecans
Baked Brie with cranberry and pecans is a gooey indulgence. The melted Brie cheese, topped with cranberries and crunchy pecans, is a warm and inviting appetizer that sets the tone for a festive feast.
25. Creamy Pumpkin Risotto
Creamy pumpkin risotto combines the hearty flavors of pumpkin with the elegance of risotto. Creamy and comforting, it’s infused with the essence of autumn spices, creating a side dish that’s as luxurious as it is delicious.
Conclusion
As we finish talking about these 25 Thanksgiving side dishes, we have found lots of yummy flavors. Each dish, like mashed potatoes or sweet carrots, is like a piece of a tasty story.
This Thanksgiving, let these dishes be your friends as you enjoy the holiday. They’re not just foods; they’re the heart of your Thanksgiving meal, bringing everyone closer. So, here’s to a Thanksgiving full of love, laughter, and the joy of sharing these tasty dishes with your favorite people.
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