The Ultimate Thanksgiving Sides Roundup

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The Ultimate Thanksgiving Sides Roundup

November 20, 2019
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The Ultimate Thanksgiving Sides Roundup

Thanksgiving is a time to gather, give thanks, and indulge in a bountiful feast. Elevate your holiday spread with these delicious side dishes that celebrate the best of autumn’s harvest. From veggie-forward delights to wild rice wonders and sweet potato sensations, there’s something for everyone. Here are some must-try Thanksgiving sides to make the most anticipated meal of the year unforgettable.

Veggie Side Dishes

Best Ever Green Bean Casserole

Crunchy, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this green bean casserole will be the star of your veggie sides. The perfect balance of fresh green beans, crispy onions, and a rich sauce makes it a classic choice for your holiday table.

Roasted Grapes

Sweet and savory, these roasted grapes are a surprising twist on a traditional side dish. Their caramelized flavor pairs beautifully with cheese and meats, adding a sophisticated touch to your feast.

Close up of roasted grape crostini.
Roasted Carrots on top of whipped feta cheese and carrot top green harissa.

Roasted Carrots

Elevate simple carrots to new heights with this roasted recipe. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by roasting, making them a delicious and colorful addition to your Thanksgiving spread.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Scallions and Figs

Perfectly caramelized and tender, these roasted sweet potatoes are a crowd-pleaser. Their natural sweetness and rich flavor make them a versatile side dish that compliments any Thanksgiving main course.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Scallions, Fresno Chili and Figs - close up image on plat
bowl full of Honey Roasted Beets

Honey Roasted Beets

These honey-roasted beets are a vibrant and healthy addition to your holiday table. Their earthy sweetness and beautiful color make them as visually appealing as they are delicious.

Mushroom & Kale Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe

This roasted acorn squash is a delightful way to celebrate the season. Its sweet and nutty flavor, combined with a touch of butter and herbs, makes it an irresistible side.

Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe
two bowls of simple stew and a pumpkin tureen

Autumn Stew in Pumpkin Tureen

Serve up some autumn magic with this hearty stew, presented in a pumpkin tureen. It’s a festive and flavorful way to incorporate seasonal produce into your Thanksgiving menu.

A Napa Cabbage Recipe That Will Melt in Your Mouth

This Napa cabbage recipe is so tender it practically melts in your mouth. With a perfect balance of flavors, it’s a side dish that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Melting Napa Cabbage recipe topped with cilantro leaves, pistachio crumble, and arugula flowers
Roasted brussels sprouts on a white platter

Crispy Brussels Sprouts

These crispy Brussels sprouts from Salt & Wind are a game-changer. Their crunchy texture and savory flavor make them a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving sides.

Acorn Squash with Wheatberry, Apple, and Walnut Stuffing

Combine the best of fall flavors with this stuffed acorn squash from Salt & Wind. The hearty wheatberry, apple, and walnut filling makes it a satisfying and festive side dish.

farro stuffed acorn squash
Mexican street corn carrots from Hola Jalapeno

Roasted Mexican Street Carrots

Bring a touch of spice to your table with these roasted Mexican street carrots from Hola Jalapeno. Their bold flavors and vibrant presentation will add a delicious twist to your holiday meal.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts

For a lighter side, try this shaved Brussels sprouts salad from The Delicious Life. It’s crisp, refreshing, and the perfect counterpoint to heavier Thanksgiving dishes.

shaved brussels sprouts salad on a white platter
pomegranate salsa in a clear glass bowl

Pomegranate Salsa

Who needs cranberry sauce when you have this pomegranate salsa from The Delicious Life? It is a refreshing and colorful addition to your Thanksgiving spread. The bright flavors and vibrant colors will enliven any plate.

Roasted Carrot and Cashew Soup with Feta

Warm up with this comforting carrot and cashew soup from Beyond Sweet & Savory. The addition of feta adds a creamy, tangy element that makes this soup irresistible.

woman holding a bowl of soup over a linen covered table

Thanksgiving Sides with Rice + Wild Rice

A serving dish with leafy greens and Fruit and Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad

Wild Rice Salad 

Wild rice brings a nutty, earthy flavor to your Thanksgiving table. This versatile side dish is a perfect complement to turkey and other traditional dishes.

Easy Rice Pilaf Recipe

This wild rice pilaf is a delicious and nutritious addition to your holiday meal. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout side dish.

rice pilaf in a black bowl
Final plating of Collard Green and Wild Rice Soup with Mushrooms.

Wild Rice Soup with Mushrooms

Warm and hearty, this wild rice soup with mushrooms is perfect for a cozy Thanksgiving. It’s a comforting and flavorful option that everyone will love.

Green Salad with Wild Rice

Simple and classic, this Kale, Chile Cashew, and Wild Rice Salad from Kate’s Best Recipes is a must-have for your Thanksgiving feast. Its rich, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with any main course.

kale and wild rice salad

Thanksgiving Sides with Sweet Potatoes

Two bowls of gnocchi with grated cheese.

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Indulge in the pillowy perfection of sweet potato gnocchi. These delightful dumplings are a unique and delicious addition to your holiday table.

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

These twice-baked sweet potatoes are creamy, savory, and simply irresistible. The perfect side dish to elevate your Thanksgiving meal.

cropped-Twice-Baked-Sweet-Potatoes-06.jpg
Hasselback sweet potatoes

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

Give your sweet potatoes a gourmet makeover with this Hasselback recipe. The thin, crispy slices are a visual and culinary delight.

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Add a touch of charm to your dinner table with these sweet potato pancakes (AKA latkes). They’re a deliciously unique side dish that everyone will enjoy.

Latke-Inspired Sweet Potato Pancakes with apple butter, pistachio, and pomegranate.
Sweet Potato Crisps_Teri Turner

Sweet Potato Crisps

These sweet potato crisps are a crunchy, addictive side that will disappear in no time. Perfect for snacking or as a complement to your main dishes.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

A classic for a reason, this sweet potato casserole with pecans is the epitome of comfort food. The crunchy pecan topping adds the perfect contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes.

Close up of Brown Butter Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans & Rosemary.
french style mashed potato puree

French Mashed Potatoes

These French mashed potatoes from Salt & Wind are rich, creamy, and oh-so-decadent. They’re a luxurious addition to your Thanksgiving table.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these smashed potatoes from The Delicious Life are a textural delight. Serve them with yogurt and caviar for a touch of elegance.

crispy smashed potatoes topped with caviar on a white platter
roasted sweet potatoes with feta and pomegranate seeds

Roasted Butternut Squash with Whipped Feta and Pomegranate Salsa

This roasted butternut squash dish from The Delicious Life is topped with creamy whipped feta and tangy pomegranate salsa. It’s a vibrant and flavorful side that will impress your guests.

Trio of Whipped Sweet Potatoes

These trio of whipped sweet potatoes from The Delicious Life are ultra-smooth and creamy. Their rich texture and flavor make them a standout side dish.

whipped potato trio in a white casserole dish
sweet potatoes with a gingersnap crumble

Butter Pecan Sweet Potatoes

Indulge in the buttery, nutty goodness of these butter pecan sweet potatoes from G Free Foodie. They’re a decadent and delicious way to celebrate the holiday.

Veggie Forward Stuffing Recipes

fennel and red onion stuffing from a girl defloured

Gluten-Free Stuffing with Fennel and Onions

This gluten-free stuffing from A Girl Defloured is packed with flavor and texture, making it a perfect choice for those who love a hearty stuffing. It’s so delicious, you won’t even miss the gluten.

Portuguese Sausage Brioche Stuffing

This unique stuffing from Salt & Wind combines savory Portuguese sausage, sweet brioche, and a mix of celery and apples for a mouthwatering side dish.

linguica stuffing recipe

Thanksgiving Salads

winter fruit salad with kiwis, mandarin oranges, citrus, pomegranate, and prunes

Winter Fruit Salad

Celebrate the flavors of the season with this winter fruit salad. It’s a refreshing and colorful addition to your Thanksgiving table.

Salad with Citrus

Bright and tangy, this citrus salad is a perfect palate cleanser. The fresh flavors and vibrant colors will enliven any holiday meal.

A Simple Holiday Salad with Citrus and Toasted Walnut Vinaigrette
fig and grape salad

Fresh Fig and Grape Salad

This fresh fig and grape salad is a sweet and savory treat. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout side dish.

California Winter Salad with Tangerine Dressing

This winter salad, featuring a zesty tangerine dressing, is a refreshing and festive addition to your Thanksgiving feast.

adding pomegranate arils to winter salad
The finished warm salad with dressing ready to serve.

Warm Salad with Grapes + Pancetta

This warm salad brings together seasonal vegetables and a delicious dressing for a cozy side dish that compliments any main course.

California Sunshine Salad

Bring a bit of California sunshine to your table with this bright and cheerful salad. It’s a healthy and flavorful addition to your holiday meal.

carrot raisin salad recipe
Kale Tangerine and Pistachio Salad

Tangerine Pistachio Kale Salad

This kale salad, topped with tangerines and pistachios, is a nutrient-packed side that’s both delicious and beautiful.

Delicious Celery Salad

Crunchy and refreshing, this celery salad is a perfect light side dish. The simple yet vibrant flavors make it a great complement to heavier Thanksgiving dishes.

Celery slaw celery salad recipe
7 layer salad in a trifle bowl with person holding slald tongs

California 7-Layer Salad

This California 7-layer salad is a showstopper. With layers of fresh veggies, cheese, and a tangy dressing, it’s a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Broccoli Salad

This broccoli salad is a crunchy, flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving meal. The combination of fresh broccoli, nuts, and a creamy dressing is simply irresistible.

Two bowls of broccoli salad, one vegetarian and one with chicken and bacon.
bacon pecan salad in a white bowl

Bacon Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad

This Brussels sprout salad with bacon and pecans is a savory and satisfying side dish. The smoky bacon and crunchy pecans add a delicious twist to the classic Brussels sprout salad.

An Easy and Impressive Salad for Thanksgiving

This salad from A Girl Defloured is easy to make and impressive to serve. With a mix of fresh greens, fruits, and a delicious dressing, it’s a perfect addition to your holiday menu.

Squash salad
fall harvest salad

Fall Harvest Salad

Celebrate the flavors of fall with this harvest salad from The Delicious Life. Apples, walnuts, and a mix of fresh greens come together for a side dish that’s both tasty and nutritious.

Hearty Thanksgiving Sides (That Could Double as Mains) for Your Vegetarian Friends

Lion's Mane mushroom steak ready to serve

Hearty Mushroom Steak

This mushroom steak is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian option. Its rich umami flavor makes it a satisfying main or side dish for your Thanksgiving table.

Quinoa Salad with Roasted Mushrooms

This quinoa salad from The Delicious Life is packed with roasted mushrooms, making it a protein-rich and delicious side dish. The nutty quinoa and savory mushrooms create a perfect balance of flavors.

quinoa mushroom salad on a large platter
Plated stuffed shells with butternut squash

Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells

These butternut squash stuffed shells from Big Delicious Life are a comforting and delicious vegetarian option. The creamy squash filling and tender pasta shells make for a delightful side or main dish.

Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate dinner, these Thanksgiving sides will bring a touch of California’s bounty to your table. Happy feasting!

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