Come the time for Thanksgiving, families and friends gather together to share a delicious meal. Elevating the feast with mouthwatering side dishes can make all the difference in creating an unforgettable experience.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the best Thanksgiving side dish recipes that will leave your guests craving for more.
Mixed Vegetable Casserole
Vibrant and mouth-watering, the Mixed Vegetable Casserole is a straightforward yet satisfying side dish that caters to even the most discerning palates. A medley of frozen mixed vegetables, coupled with a blend of cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, celery, and onion, makes this casserole a showstopper at family gatherings and special occasions like Thanksgiving.
The crunch provided by the crushed Ritz crackers or Cheez-its on top adds an extra layer of flavor, elevating this dish to a new level of deliciousness. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a treasured family favorite.
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Keen on trying new Thanksgiving side dishes? You might want to consider making Cheesy Potato Casserole, a mouth-watering delight made with the perfect blend of ingredients. Frozen hash brown potatoes, sautéed onions, creamy sour cream, savory cream of chicken soup, melted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese all come together in harmony to create an indulgent experience that will leave your guests wanting more. The best part?
It can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to easily bake it when ready to serve. With its perfectly balanced flavor and rich texture, Cheesy Potato Casserole is sure to become a crowd-pleaser that has everyone coming back for seconds.
Corn Casserole
Vacation tables are often filled with familiar dishes that evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia, none more so than the beloved Corn Casserole. A staple at Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, this classic side dish seamlessly blends the rich flavors of corn bread and creamy corn, creating a truly mouth-watering experience for the senses.
Easy Sweet Potato Casserole
Embracing the traditional flavors of the season, Easy Sweet Potato Casserole has become an iconic Thanksgiving side dish. Elevating its classic appeal is the praline pecan topping, which adds a delightful textural contrast that’s simply irresistible. The smooth and creamy texture, achieved through this recipe, ensures that the casserole won’t be watery or soggy, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Additionally, the fact that it can be prepared ahead of time makes it an ideal choice for busy holiday preparations. As a result, this beloved casserole is sure to be a family favorite at any Thanksgiving gathering.
Make Ahead Turkey Gravy
Often, the key to a stress-free Thanksgiving dinner is finding ways to prepare ahead of time. One such solution is making Make Ahead Turkey Gravy, a convenient and easy-to-make side dish that can be prepared weeks in advance. The process involves roasting turkey wings to achieve a rich, dark brown color and flavor, which serves as the base for the gravy. This method allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a deep, savory taste.
With this recipe, you can have your turkey gravy ready ahead of schedule, freeing up time to focus on other tasks, such as preparing side dishes or setting the table. Additionally, the recipe can be customized by using different turkey parts or adding shredded meat, making it a versatile option for a Thanksgiving staple.
Sausage Stuffing
Diving into the world of creative twists on traditional recipes, Sausage Stuffing stands out as a mouthwatering alternative to classic Thanksgiving stuffing. By incorporating flavorful pork sausage, onions, mushrooms, and celery, this dish brings a rich and savory element to the holiday table. What’s more, the recipe provides opportunities for customization, such as adding diced apples or dried cranberries, allowing individuals to tailor the flavor to their personal taste preferences.
Furthermore, Sausage Stuffing can be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent addition to any Thanksgiving spread.
Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
Just a few ingredients and some basic roasting skills are all you need to create Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots, an impressive side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. This recipe is as straightforward as it gets, requiring just four simple components: carrots, garlic, butter, and seasoning. What sets these roasted carrots apart from their plain counterparts is the rich, savory flavor of the garlic butter sauce that infuses them with a deliciously aromatic taste experience.
As an added bonus, you can even use frozen carrots to make this dish, making it a convenient option for busy holiday cooks. The harmonious blend of buttery and garlicky flavors perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the carrots, making Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots a surefire crowd-pleaser at any special occasion.
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Dressing
Brimming with flavor and simplicity, Grandma’s Thanksgiving Dressing is a show-stopping side dish that perfectly complements turkey and gravy. Made with torn Italian bread, rich butter, crunchy celery, sautéed onions, and a savory turkey stock, this dressing is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. It can be made ahead of time, allowing for stress-free hosting on the big day, and reheated to perfection just before serving.
The edges and top of the dressing develop a beautifully browned crust when baked, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor. Overall, Grandma’s Thanksgiving Dressing is a must-have addition to any Thanksgiving menu, guaranteed to become a family favorite for years to come.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Kick-starting your Thanksgiving celebrations, the Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows is a timeless side dish that masterfully blends rich mashed sweet potatoes with a luscious marshmallow topping. The addition of brown sugar and autumnal spices creates an exquisite balance of sweetness and warmth, making it a staple at any family gathering.
Sweet Corn Casserole
Underlying the warmth of the holiday season, Sweet Corn Casserole stands as a quintessential Thanksgiving side dish that effortlessly combines creamy corn with a homemade twist. Its simplicity in preparation makes it an instant hit among family members and guests alike.
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Joining traditional Thanksgiving recipes like turkey and stuffing, the Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots dish offers a delightful twist on classic side dishes. By combining brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a simple glaze, this recipe creates a rich and aromatic flavor profile that perfectly complements the tender sweetness of the carrots. The use of Libby’s Sliced Carrots makes preparation even quicker, eliminating the need for peeling, cutting, and boiling.
To add some extra flair to your dish, consider experimenting with different variations such as adding marshmallows or keeping it savory with garlic powder and dried parsley. This recipe is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your holiday meal without sacrificing flavor or convenience.
Cornbread Stuffing
Taking center stage at many Thanksgiving gatherings is Cornbread Stuffing, a harmonious blend of crumbled cornbread with savory sausage, onions, and celery. The symphony of flavors perfectly complements the dish’s comforting essence, making it both flavorful and warm. It’s a breeze to prepare, allowing cooks to save time on busy holiday cooking days, while still impressing their guests with a delicious twist.
This recipe is sure to become a staple for anyone seeking to elevate their Thanksgiving spread.
Roasted Root Vegetables with Balsamic Glaze
Generally, roasted root vegetables are a staple in many fall and winter cuisines, and the combination of sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, acorn squash, and red onion with a tangy balsamic glaze takes it to the next level. This particular recipe is not only delicious but also healthy, making it an ideal side dish for Thanksgiving.
The ingredients are carefully selected to cater to various dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free requirements, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this tasty medley of fall vegetables.
Maple Walnut Twice Baked Sweet Potato Skins
Transforming your Thanksgiving side dish game with Maple Walnut Twice Baked Sweet Potato Skins is easier than you think. The combination of rich maple syrup, brown sugar, and melted butter creates a luscious topping, while the addition of crunchy walnuts adds texture to this sweet treat.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Taking center stage at many Thanksgiving tables, Broccoli Cheese Casserole has become a beloved tradition. This indulgent side dish masterfully blends tender broccoli florets with a rich, velvety cheese sauce, finishing with a delightful crunch from the golden-brown Ritz cracker crust on top. Its universal appeal is a testament to its ability to convert even the most discerning veggie skeptics into devoted fans.
The recipe itself is remarkably straightforward and flexible, allowing home cooks to get creative by incorporating extra ingredients like cooked rice, roasted cauliflower, sautéed mushrooms, or tender chicken pieces. Whether you’re catering for a large family gathering or looking to add some warmth and comfort to your holiday meals, Broccoli Cheese Casserole is an excellent choice.
Homemade Stuffing
People often look forward to the classic holiday side dish known as Homemade Stuffing, which has been passed down through generations. This traditional recipe boasts a simple combination of ingredients and a distinct poultry seasoning flavor, making it versatile enough to be stuffed inside either a turkey or chicken, or baked separately in a large pan. The preparation time for this dish is relatively quick at 20 minutes, while the cooking time is around 45 minutes.
As a result, you can expect a mouth-watering stuffing that will undoubtedly be a showstopper on your Thanksgiving table.
Traditional Herb Stuffing
When it comes to Thanksgiving side dishes, few options are as flavorful and easy-to-make as Traditional Herb Stuffing. This classic recipe gets a delicious twist from the addition of fresh herbs, elevating it above the standard stuffing fare. The combination of sautéed onions, celery, and a harmonious blend of parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme creates a rich and aromatic flavor profile that is sure to impress.
Cornbread Dressing
Generally speaking, the Cornbread Dressing recipe is a Thanksgiving side dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. Loaded with buttery, rich flavors, this delicious dressing includes fresh herbs, sautéed onions, crunchy celery, and an optional savory sausage twist. The result is a moist, light, and fluffy interior perfectly balanced by a golden, crunchy top that adds texture and visual appeal to any holiday table.
This dish pairs exquisitely with classic pairings like mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, and cranberry sauce, making it a show-stopping addition to your Thanksgiving feast. With its ease of preparation and impressive presentation, this flavorful Cornbread Dressing recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Sausage Kielbasa Green Beans
Making the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving can be a daunting task, but Sausage Kielbasa Green Beans is a game-changer. This mouthwatering recipe combines sliced kielbasa sausage, green beans, red onion, butter, and pepper to create a flavorful and satisfying addition to your holiday menu that’s sure to impress.
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing
Keen to impress your family and friends with a traditional Thanksgiving side dish? Look no further than Grandma’s classic stuffing recipe! This tried-and-true favorite has been perfected over the years to strike just the right balance between chewy and moist, sweet and savory flavors. Made from scratch using homemade breadcrumbs, butter, onions, celery, and a special blend of herbs and spices, this stuffing is sure to become a staple at your holiday table.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or looking for some simple shortcuts, this recipe offers the perfect solution. It can be prepared entirely from scratch or with some convenient tweaks to suit your taste preferences. Plus, it delivers both crunchy and soft textures in one delicious dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Elevate your Thanksgiving table with Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping, a beloved southern classic that expertly balances rich, buttery sweet potatoes with the delightful crunch and flavor of a brown sugar pecan streusel topping. This versatile dish can easily transition from a traditional side to a dessert, making it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions.
Stuffing
For a truly exceptional Thanksgiving experience, it’s worth creating your own homemade stuffing from scratch. This recipe combines the best of textures and flavors, featuring hearty bread as its base, which pairs perfectly with fresh herbs and an assortment of sautéed vegetables. The addition of nicely seasoned chicken broth elevates the dish to new heights, imbuing it with a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with store-bought options.
Fortunately, this recipe can be prepared in advance, allowing you to dry the bread cubes ahead of time and save yourself some last-minute stress. When preparing the stuffing, be mindful of the amount of broth you add, as too little can result in dryness, while too much will leave it soggy. If fresh herbs are not available, don’t worry – dried herbs can still bring plenty of flavor to the dish.
Additionally, if store-bought bread cubes are your preference, they can be easily substituted for convenience. Overall, this homemade stuffing recipe is sure to become a staple at your Thanksgiving gatherings, offering a delicious and satisfying side dish that’s sure to impress.
Green Chile Rice
When it comes to side dishes for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Green Chile Rice is a standout option. Its unique blend of green chiles, cheddar cheese, and sour cream creates a richly flavored and creamy casserole that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
While it’s perfect for the holiday season, this dish is also versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round – simply customize it with your favorite types of chiles or add some protein like chicken or cream of chicken soup to take it to the next level.
Slow Cooker Homemade Stuffing
Slow Cooker Homemade Stuffing provides an excellent solution for those seeking a convenient and delectable side dish for their Thanksgiving celebration. This recipe offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional method of cooking stuffing inside the turkey, enabling you to serve more people without the hassle of having to adjust the turkey’s internal temperature for each additional guest.
The homemade bread cubes bring a delightful texture to the dish, while the sautéed celery and onions create a rich and savory flavor profile. Moreover, the option to incorporate stock allows individuals to tailor their stuffing according to their personal taste preferences. This slow cooker approach to preparing stuffing not only saves time but also ensures that each serving is hot, fresh, and bursting with flavor, making it an excellent addition to any Thanksgiving gathering.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
