20+ Best Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
Discover an array of the best Thanksgiving side dishes! From creamy mashed potatoes to roasted Brussels sprouts, elevate your feast with these tantalizing recipes.
Every family has their own traditional Thanksgiving side dishes, the ones have to be on the dinner table every single year. These traditional recipes may have been passed down for generations.
Others may be relatively new additions. If you are looking for some new recipe ideas to include with your meal, I have compiled a list of the best Thanksgiving side dishes for you to try.
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These delicious recipes all pair beautifully with a roast turkey. If you want more than just the basic mashed potatoes, green beans, and sweet potato casserole this year, these tasty recipes are the answer.
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20+ Side Dishes for Thanksgiving!
Appetizers:
This is the best Cranberry Salsa Recipe – delicious, fresh ingredients combine to make the perfect holiday appetizer! You can also serve it in place of a more traditional cranberry sauce.
Thanksgiving Turkey Charcuterie Board – I love charcuterie boards, and this Thanksgiving-themed board is no exception. Not only is it fun and delicious, it is also so easy to make!
Turkey Cheese Ball Recipe – This turkey cheese ball recipe is absolutely darling and makes the perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving dinner!
Potatoes:
Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes – These mashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food. Perfectly seasoned with savory ingredients like fresh herbs and garlic, this side dish is sure to steal the show at your next holiday meal.
Red Potato Parmesan – Enjoy the crispy goodness of this baked red potato parmesan recipe! This potato recipe is always a crowd-pleaser and makes the perfect side dish for any occasion.
Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes – Indulge in the creamy goodness of these twice baked mashed potatoes, a heavenly side dish that is perfect for any occasion. You will want to savor every bite!
Vegetables:
The Best Classic Yams – Simply delicious, quick, and easy to make, this is a classic recipe that is sure to earn a permanent spot on your Thanksgiving menu.
Oven Roasted Carrots – This recipe is one of those easy side dishes that keeps you coming back again and again. It combines simple ingredients in a delicious way to create a dish worthy of any special occasion.
Skillet Bacon and Broccoli – This skillet bacon and broccoli recipe combines fresh broccoli and crispy bacon in a delicious dish that is a must make! It is a great recipe that is simple enough to be part of your weekly rotation, yet fits perfectly into a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
Stuffing:
Keto Stove Top Stuffing – This is by far the best keto stove top stuffing recipe I have ever tasted! It makes the most delicious side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas. It is packed with all the traditional flavors of regular stuffing, but without the usual carb-heavy white bread.
Thanksgiving Sausage Stuffing – This Thanksgiving sausage stuffing recipe is packed with flavor and will have your taste buds singing. Impress your guests this holiday season with this mouth watering dish.
Indulge in effortless comfort with this easy crockpot stuffing recipe – a savory slow cooker dressing that simplifies holiday prep without compromising flavor. Perfectly seasoned and ready with minimal effort!
Savor the perfect blend of tart cranberries and sweet apples with the best Apple Cranberry Stuffing Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on a classic and bursting with flavor!
Gravy & Sauce:
The Best Turkey Gravy – Looking for the ultimate turkey gravy recipe? Look no further! This savory, delicious gravy will elevate your Thanksgiving feast to new heights.
Turkey Injection Recipe – This turkey injection recipe is the perfect way to season your Thanksgiving turkey so that it stays tender and juicy. Make the most delicious turkey breast with this easy recipe this year!
Herb and Butter Rub – This recipe is perfect for turkey. It helps to create the most tender turkey breast and crispy skin! Be sure to add this butter and herb mixture to your holiday menu planning.
Thanksgiving Dinner Tips:
- Give your frozen turkey time to defrost before cooking it. The safest and best way to do that is in the refrigerator. A good rule of thumb is to allow a day for every 4-5 pounds. The next best option is to thaw it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound with this method.
- Having a good instant read thermometer is a must for home chefs. Always check the internal temperature in the thickest part of your meat to ensure it is fully cooked and meets food safety standards.
- Save yourself some of the stress of last minute meal prep. An easy way to do this is to make some of your sides, like mashed potatoes, ahead of time and reheat them for your Thanksgiving meal. Use a slow cooker to leave more room in the oven.
- Make sure that any leftovers are stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
I would love to hear about your tried-and-true recipes and favorite side dishes for the holidays!
Looking for more Thanksgiving recipes to wow your family and friends with? Check out this list of smoked recipes that will take your holiday main dish game to a new level. And this Thanksgiving leftovers post will give you plenty of ideas for after the main event.
The Best Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
