10 Delicious Thanksgiving Side Dish Ideas

As the aroma of roasting turkey wafts through the air, the anticipation builds for the main event: the Thanksgiving feast. While the star of the show is undoubtedly the bird, the real magic happens on the periphery, where a medley of delectable sides await to elevate the meal to new heights. From classic comfort foods to innovative twists, the possibilities are endless, and the pressure is on to impress your guests with a spread that’s both satisfying and show-stopping.

In this article, we’ll explore the most mouthwatering Thanksgiving side dishes that are sure to become new family favorites, and provide the inspiration you need to take your holiday meal to the next level.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are the creamy, comforting side dish that elevates any Thanksgiving feast. Infused with roasted garlic and buttery goodness, they offer a delicious twist on traditional mashed potatoes. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also simple to prepare, making it the perfect addition to your holiday table.

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1. Start by peeling and chopping about 2 pounds of russet potatoes into evenly sized pieces. 2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. 3. While the potatoes are cooking, roast 4-6 cloves of garlic by wrapping them in foil with a drizzle of olive oil and baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. 4. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. 5. Squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skins into the potatoes. 6. Add 1/2 cup of warm milk and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. 7. Mash the mixture until smooth and creamy, and season with salt and pepper to taste. 8. Serve warm, garnished with chopped chives or parsley if desired.

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Cranberry Orange Sauce is a vibrant and tangy addition to your Thanksgiving feast. This delightful condiment combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges, creating a refreshing contrast to savory dishes. It not only enhances the flavors on your plate but also brings a pop of color to your holiday table.

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1. Rinse and drain 12 ounces of fresh cranberries and set aside. 2. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water, and the zest and juice of one orange. 3. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. 4. Add the cranberries to the pot and return to a boil. 5. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. 6. Remove from heat and let cool before transferring to a serving dish. 7. Chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Maple Glazed Carrots

Maple Glazed Carrots are a delightful and easy side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to your Thanksgiving table. The natural flavors of the carrots are enhanced by a rich maple syrup glaze, making them a perfect complement to savory dishes. This colorful and tasty side not only looks beautiful but also brings a delicious balance to your holiday feast.

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1. Start by peeling and slicing 1 pound of carrots into uniform pieces for even cooking. 2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. 3. Add the carrots to the skillet, followed by 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 1/4 cup of water, and a pinch of salt. 4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. 5. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender, stirring occasionally. 6. Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the glaze. 7. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and serve warm.

Classic Green Bean Casserole

Classic Green Bean Casserole is a beloved Thanksgiving side dish that embodies the spirit of comfort food. This creamy and savory casserole features tender green beans mixed with a rich mushroom sauce, all topped with crispy fried onions for an added crunch. It’s the perfect dish to bring family together around the holiday table, offering both flavor and nostalgia.

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. In a large bowl, combine two cans of drained green beans, one can of cream of mushroom soup, and half a cup of milk. 3. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. 4. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and spread evenly. 5. Top with a generous layer of crispy fried onions. 6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and the onions are golden brown. 7. Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a delightful addition to any Thanksgiving table, offering a crispy texture and rich, nutty flavor. When seasoned properly and roasted to perfection, these little cabbages caramelize beautifully, creating a delicious contrast to the traditional sides. Their versatility allows them to be enhanced with ingredients like balsamic vinegar or crispy bacon, making them a crowd-pleaser for everyone at the feast.

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1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). 2. Rinse and trim the Brussels sprouts, removing any yellow or damaged outer leaves and cutting them in half. 3. In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. 4. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even roasting. 5. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. 6. For extra flavor, consider adding a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or topping with cooked bacon bits before serving.

Cornbread Stuffing

Cornbread stuffing is a delicious and comforting side dish perfect for Thanksgiving feasts. With its slightly sweet crumbled cornbread base, it absorbs flavors from aromatic herbs, savory broth, and diced vegetables. This hearty stuffing offers a delightful twist on traditional bread stuffing, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your holiday table.

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. In a large bowl, crumble 4 cups of cornbread into small pieces. 3. In a skillet, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat, then add 1 chopped onion and 2 chopped celery stalks, cooking until softened. 4. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried sage, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. 5. Pour the butter and vegetable mixture over the cornbread, then add 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and mix well. 6. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy. 7. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful flavors.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic Thanksgiving dish that combines the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes with a buttery, crunchy topping. This comforting side is often enhanced with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, making it a perfect complement to savory holiday meals. Baking it until golden brown ensures a delightful contrast between the creamy filling and crisp topping.

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. In a large pot, boil peeled and chopped sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash the potatoes in a bowl. 3. Stir in brown sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and spices until smooth. 4. Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a greased baking dish. 5. In a separate bowl, mix together chopped pecans, flour, melted butter, and brown sugar for the topping. 6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture. 7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. 8. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffed Acorn Squash is a delightful and visually stunning side dish that embodies the flavors of fall. The tender, roasted squash is filled with a savory mixture of quinoa, cranberries, nuts, and spices, making it both nutritious and delicious. This festive dish not only adds color to your Thanksgiving table but also provides a wonderful balance to heavier meal components.

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1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds. 2. Brush the inside with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender. 3. Meanwhile, cook quinoa according to package instructions. 4. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté diced onion and garlic until fragrant. Add cooked quinoa, chopped cranberries, toasted nuts, and spices, mixing well. 5. Once the squash halves are done, turn them cut side up and fill each half with the quinoa mixture. 6. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through and lightly golden. Serve warm.

Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin soup is a creamy, warming dish perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. Its rich, velvety texture combined with the earthy flavor of pumpkin makes it a standout side that complements a festive meal. Garnished with a sprinkle of nutmeg or fresh herbs, it adds both color and flavor to your holiday table.

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1. Start by peeling and chopping 2 pounds of fresh pumpkin into cubes. 2. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves; sauté until soft. 3. Add the pumpkin cubes, 4 cups of vegetable broth, and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. 4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender. 5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, adding more broth for desired consistency. 6. Stir in 1 cup of coconut milk or cream for added richness and simmer for another 5 minutes. 7. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.

Herbed Dinner Rolls

Herbed Dinner Rolls are a delightful addition to any Thanksgiving feast, offering a warm and comforting touch to the meal. Infused with a medley of fresh herbs, these rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. Their golden-brown crust and aromatic scent will make them a favorite at your dinner table, perfect for soaking up gravy or paired with butter.

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1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 packet of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. 3. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of warm water and 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then slowly add it to the flour mixture. 4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. 5. Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or parsley) and knead until well incorporated. 6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size. 7. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces, shape them into rolls, and place on a greased baking sheet. 8. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes. 9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. 10. Brush with melted butter before serving and enjoy!