Thanksgiving is synonymous with an abundance of delicious food, and while the turkey often steals the show, the side dishes are arguably what guests anticipate most. From traditional favorites to inventive new flavors, this article compiles 50 Thanksgiving side dishes to elevate your holiday feast. Whether you’re looking to stick with the classics or experiment with fresh ideas, there’s something here to satisfy every palate.
Classic Thanksgiving Sides: The Essentials
The core of any Thanksgiving spread includes time-tested recipes that define the holiday experience. These dishes are not merely food; they represent tradition and shared memories.
- Best Stuffing: A rich, savory stuffing based on classic family recipes is a cornerstone of the meal. Its deep flavors and comforting texture make it a must-have.
- Best Mashed Potatoes: Ultra-rich and creamy mashed potatoes, loaded with butter, milk, and sour cream, are a simple yet decadent side.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: This version skips the traditional marshmallows in favor of a flavorful pecan crumble, offering a delicious contrast in textures.
- Green Bean Casserole: A from-scratch casserole with fresh green beans, crispy baked onions, and a creamy homemade mushroom sauce elevates this classic.
- Cranberry Sauce: Fresh cranberry sauce, scented with orange, provides a tart counterpoint to the richer dishes. Making your own is a simple 15-minute upgrade.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A lemon Parmesan dressing transforms crispy roasted Brussels sprouts into a bright and flavorful side.
- Homemade Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy, and flavorful homemade rolls are a crowd-pleaser that might even outshine the turkey.
Vegetable Sides: Beyond the Basics
Expanding beyond the standard fare, these vegetable-centric sides introduce variety and freshness to the Thanksgiving table.
- Green Beans Almondine: Glossy green beans with toasted almonds offer a sophisticated alternative to the casserole.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: A fragrant sage oil infuses roasted root vegetables with earthy flavor, making them a sleeper hit.
- Wild Rice Pilaf: This pilaf, flecked with roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, cranberries, and herbs, adds texture and depth.
- Roasted Acorn Squash: Maple syrup, olive oil, and herbs elevate simple roasted acorn squash to a Thanksgiving-worthy dish.
- Creamed Spinach: A quick and easy stovetop creamed spinach provides a fresh, creamy addition to the spread.
Salads for a Balanced Meal
Salads offer a lighter counterpoint to the heavier dishes, adding freshness and color to the meal.
- Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad: A lemony and bright salad with shaved Brussels sprouts is a family favorite.
- Spinach Salad: Candied pecans, crisp apples, cranberries, and an apple cider vinaigrette make this salad a perfect accompaniment to classic sides.
- Farro Salad: Nutty farro combined with sweet apples, dates, and a tangy dressing offers an unexpected yet delightful flavor profile.
Creative & Modern Sides
These recipes take familiar flavors and present them in innovative ways, adding a touch of excitement to the traditional Thanksgiving spread.
- Homemade Mac and Cheese: This kid-friendly mac and cheese is a new staple for many families.
- Cornbread Stuffing: A flavorful mashup of cornbread and stuffing, infused with fresh herbs and aromatics.
- Butternut Squash Soup: Warming autumn flavors of ginger, rosemary, and sage infuse this creamy soup.
- Scalloped Potatoes: Rich, creamy potatoes au gratin with thyme, onions, and cheddar cheese are always a hit.
The Importance of Variety
A successful Thanksgiving menu isn’t just about the quantity of food; it’s about the balance of flavors and textures. Including a mix of classic dishes, fresh vegetable sides, and unexpected modern twists ensures there’s something for everyone. The goal is to create a meal that is both comforting and exciting, honoring tradition while embracing new possibilities.
Conclusion: With 50 diverse options, crafting the perfect Thanksgiving side dish spread is now within reach. By carefully selecting dishes that complement each other and cater to different preferences, you can create a holiday feast that leaves everyone satisfied and impressed.
