Wondering what to serve as a side dish you your Thanksgiving dinner? Do not worry, these 17 side dishes are sure to make you holiday unforgettable.
Thanksgiving is a time for friends and family to gather. Sitting at the dinner table sharing food and stories is what this holiday is all about.
Choosing the ride side dish is as important as selecting the right turkey. Our side dishes are sure to help create a memorable meal your whole family will enjoy.
Contents
17 Thanksgiving Side Dishes
1. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Baked macaroni and cheese is a staple side dish for any Thanksgiving dinner. The crisp coating and cheesy center make this a must have side.
If you are pressed for time and do not want to make the macaroni and cheese from scratch. Use macaroni and cheese in a box, add an egg and bake for thirty minutes.
4 Ways to Cook Mac and Cheese (menwithkids.com)
2. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a tasty way to add some vegetables to your meal. The rich creamy sauce pairs well with the dryness of the turkey.
There are many ways to give you casserole an authentic taste. Instead of using a can of French onions, try baking a batch of onions and tossing them on top.
Green Bean Casserole Recipe – Love and Lemons
3. Candy Yams
Candy yams are a classic addition to your holiday meal. The tender yams, melt in your mouth and is great when you want something sweet.
I like to take my candy yams to the next level by adding in a little pineapple and topping them with marshmallows.
Classic Candied Yams (Easy Recipe) | Somewhat Simple
4. Honey Baked Ham
Ham for Thanksgiving is an American classic. Juicy and flavorful, ham makes a delicious side to go along with the turkey.
I like to serve turkey ham instead of pork ham. The flavor is not as sweet, but the texture is still the same. Basting you turkey ham with a honey glaze will make up for los taste.
Honey Baked Ham (The Real Thing!) Recipe – Food.com
5. Collard Greens
Collard greens are a highlight for Thanksgiving dinner. The flavorful greens have a strong earthy taste and mixes well with any meat.
Collard greens can taste a bit bitter. To reduce the tart taste of the greens, I like to add in a few tablespoons of white vinegar while cooking.
6. Sweet Potato Pie
Desserts are a big part of a successful Thanksgiving dinner. Sweet potato pie makes the perfect way to sweeten up your holiday.
The key to any delicious pie is the crust. I like to make my own crust rather than buy one. Pie crust from scratch tend to taste better.
Semi-Homemade Sweet Potato Pie Recipe – Skinnytaste
7. Spicy Corn
If you are looking to spice up your Thanksgiving dinner, serve up a pan of spicy corn. This savory corn adds an extra kick of flavor to your meal.
Spicy corn is east to make and only requires a few ingredients. Any corn can be used be used but canned sweet corn is the best.
Best Spicy Corn Recipe – How to Make Seasoned Canned Corn (food52.com)
8. Mashed Potatoes and gravy
Rich and creamy, mashed potatoes and gravy are a must have side dish for your holiday dinner. The gravy can be used to add some moisture to your turkey.
Mashed potatoes can be loaded with a slew of ingredients. Try adding some bacon, garlic powder and butter for a boost of flavor.
World’s Best Mashed Potatoes • The Diary of a Real Housewife
9. Cheesy Peas
Peas can be a little boring to serve as a side dish, but cheesy peas take this veggie to a whole new level. The yummy cheese will keep you coming back for seconds.
I like to use Velveeta cheese instead of cheddar for this recipe because it melts better and gives better coverage over the peas.
Easy Cheesy Peas Recipe | My Montana Kitchen
10. Cheesecake
Holiday meals are not the same without a large slice of cheesecake. The rich texture and super sweet taste make this a tasty choice for a side.
When making cheesecake be sure to use a spring form pan. The sides can be removed making it a breeze to remove the cake.
New York-Style Cheesecake – Once Upon a Chef
11. Potato Salad
A potato salad is not just for summertime barbecue’s, they make a great addition to your holiday dinner as well.
Not all potato salads are the same. Because of this I like to make my potato salad from scratch versus buying one from the store.
Ultimate Potato Salad Recipe (great for BBQ’s) – The Chunky Chef
12. Stuffing
Rather you like you are stuffing inside the turkey, or on the side, this breadcrumb-based side dish is a must have on the list.
I have tried stuffing many ways, but my favorite way to eat this dish is with shrimp mixed in. Make sure to devein your shrimp before using it.
Best Stuffing Recipe – Our Favorite Buttery Herb Stuffing (howsweeteats.com)
13. Tossed Salad
Salads are a great way to start off any meal. The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing are a compliment to the savory turkey.
I like to be creative when I make my salads. To spice it up, try adding a little spinach and kale. This adds flavor without fat.
The Best Basic Tossed Salad | The Kitchen Magpie
14. Apple Pie
Apple pie is a great go -to side deash because of the sweet apples and the flaky crust. The creaminess of the pie offsets the dry turkey.
What type of apples you use does make a difference in the amount of sugar needed. Use more sugar for a tart apple such as Granny Smith or less for Golden Delicious.
Apple Pie Recipe with the Best Filling (VIDEO) – NatashasKitchen.com
15. Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is a traditional side dish to serve at thanksgiving time. The semi-sweet vegetable goes well next to turkey.
I like to cut my squash in halve. After I clean out the seeds, I pour a sauce mixture of brown sugar, butter and water over them and bake.
Roasted Acorn Squash – Acorn Squash Recipes – Fifteen Spatulas
16. Dinner Roles
Dinner rolls makes a tasty choice to serve as a side dish because of its fluffy texture and rich taste. Topped with butter, this side is a winner.
You can use any dinner role you wish, even biscuits, however, I like to use crescent roles, because it is more flaky than regular rolls.
Dinner roll recipes | King Arthur Baking
17. Cranberry Sauce
If you are craving something a little tart and sweet, serve up a dish of cranberry sauce. The jello-like consistency of the sauce makes to an ideal pair to serve with turkey.
I like to serve cranberry sauce from a can. This is a great way to go if you are pressed for time. Also, the log shape of the canned sauce makes it easy to slice and serve.
The Easiest Cranberry Sauce Recipe | The Recipe Critic
Wrap Up
Thanksgiving is something that millions of people look forward to every year. The right side dish can take your holiday meal to the next level.
If you enjoyed these 17 awesome side dishes and would like to add a suggestion or tip, leave a comment below.
17 Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Ingredients
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Green Bean Casserole
- Candy Yams
- Honey Baked Ham
- Collard Greens
- Sweet Potato Pie
- Spicy Corn
- Mashed Potatoes and gravy
- Cheesy Peas
- Cheesecake
- Potato Salad
- Stuffing
- Tossed Salad
- Apple Pie
- Acorn Squash
- Dinner Roles
- Cranberry Sauce
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe from the list above.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prepare and enjoy in 30 minutes or less!