Thanksgiving offers a chance to reunite with family and friends and savor delicious foods. Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a table overflowing with tasty side dishes. While the turkey often steals the show, these classic accompaniments are just as essential to a memorable holiday feast. From hearty vegetables to easy-to-make-ahead treats, our curated list of top 10 Thanksgiving side dishes offers something for everyone.
Campbell’s 2023 report, “States of the Sides,” reveals that about 65-67% of Americans overwhelmingly favor Thanksgiving side dishes over turkey. A surprising twist in the stuffing vs. mashed potatoes debate has crowned a new champion as the nation’s favorite side dish. Discover which side reigns supreme in your state. Whether you’re a traditionalist or looking to try something new, these recipes will help you create a truly unforgettable Thanksgiving meal.
10 Delicious Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Thanksgiving side dishes often outshine the main course in quantity and flavor. Many of these beloved dishes are enjoyed exclusively on this holiday, making them even more special. However, side dish preferences vary greatly, with regional and household differences contributing to a hierarchy of favorites. These Thanksgiving side dishes will surely be a crowd-pleaser at your table.
1. Classic Stuffing
No Thanksgiving table is complete without stuffing. This savory dish, made from bread cubes, herbs, and spices, often features onions, celery, and a rich broth. While some variations include sausage or cranberries, the classic recipe remains enduring. Leftover stuffing makes for a delicious and easy meal the next day.
Cooking Tips For Beginners:
● For a richer flavor, use sourdough bread instead of white bread.
● Add other ingredients as per your choice, such as mushrooms, sausage, or cranberries.
● Vegetable broth can be used in case you don’t have chicken broth.
● Work smart, by preparing the stuffing and refrigerating it overnight. Bake the stuffing on Thanksgiving day.
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a must. Silky, buttery, and smooth, they pair perfectly with gravy. To elevate this classic, add roasted garlic or a dash of sour cream for extra creaminess. Mashed potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving side dish. Begin by boiling peeled potatoes until they become tender. Drain and mash them, then add warm cream and melted butter for a creamy texture.
Cooking Tips For Beginners:
● For flavor enhancement, add Parmesan cheese.
● The key to perfect mashed potatoes is ensuring the cream and butter are thoroughly warmed, which helps achieve a silky smooth consistency.
3. Green Bean Casserole
A staple at many Thanksgiving feasts, Green Bean Casserole is a delicious combination of fresh green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy onions. It’s comforting, creamy, and crunchy, providing the perfect balance of textures. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk together the primary ingredients of Green Bean Casserole- green beans, onions, butter, black pepper, mushroom soup, milk and minced garlic in a glass bowl, and blend thoroughly. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake until the mixture is frothy. Serve once the casserole cools. If desired, top with chopped parsley or mini marshmallows.
Cooking Tips For Beginners:
● Use homemade cream of mushroom soup for a savory taste.
● To reduce sodium intake, consider using a low-sodium mushroom soup and reduce the amount of butter.
● Consider mushrooms, onions, or garlic for added flavor.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a flavorful Thanksgiving side dish topped with marshmallows or a crumbly pecan topping. The buttery mashed sweet potatoes contrast beautifully with the lovely, golden crust. For a beginner-friendly approach, mash canned sweet potatoes with brown sugar, eggs, and a pinch of cinnamon. Top with a mixture of butter, chopped pecans and flour. Bake until the crust becomes golden. Pre-baking the pecans before adding them to the casserole enhances their nuttiness and adds a richer flavor.
Cooking Tips For Beginners:
● For a sweeter casserole, increase the amount of sugar.
● Opt for a healthier version by reducing the quantity of sugar and butter and adding more sweet potatoes.
● Top with chopped pecans, raisins, or marshmallows.
5. Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce provides a tart sweetness that balances the flavor of the other dishes. Homemade cranberry sauce is incredibly simple and elevates any Thanksgiving plate. Heat cranberries with orange juice, orange rind until the berries pop and the sauce thickens.
Cooking Tips For Beginners:
● Worried about a runny sauce? Allow it to cool completely before serving, as cranberry sauce transforms into a gooey liquid on cooling.
● Add extra sugar to sweeten the sauce.
● To make the sauce more tangy, add more orange juice or zest.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
As a light and green addition, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze and bacon add a smoky and tangy flavor profile. Roasting enhances their flavor, making them a family favorite and a crispy, caramelized delight. Flicking halved sprouts with salt, pepper and olive oil, roasting at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. Add a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar or crispy bacon bits just before serving for a flavor boost. Ensuring the sprouts are spread evenly on the baking sheet in a single layer will result in evenly cooked and well-caramelized vegetables.
Cooking Tips For Beginners:
● Remove the ends from the Brussels sprouts and cut them equally.
● Toss the Brussels sprouts with your favorite seasonings.
● Bake the sprouts at a high temperature until crispy.
● Enjoy immediately, optionally topped with lemon, Parmesan, or balsamic glaze.
7. Cornbread
Cornbread is a Southern favorite, offering a soft, gritty texture. Serve it warm with butter, or spice it up by adding jalapeños and cheese for a kick. To get nice, crispy cornbread, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Combine all the dry ingredients together: cornmeal, baking powder, all-purpose flour and sugar and salt. Mix the wet ingredients- fermented milk also known as cultured buttermilk, melted butter, and egg in a separate bowl. Mix both the dry and wet ingredients by stirring gently. Pour this mixture into a greased pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cornbread cool in the pan before serving. Serve with butter, honey, or chili.
Cooking Tips For Beginners:
● Upgrade your cornbread using stone-ground cornmeal, a variety known for its superior flavor and texture.
● Add brown sugar to balance flavor and keep the cornbread tender.
● Adding butter and oil generously enhances the flavor and keeps it tender. Use salted butter or add extra salt if using unsalted.
8. Mac and Cheese
People of all ages equally enjoy creamy mac and cheese. This gooey cheese and pasta dish will surely be a hit, and you can easily make it ahead of time for minimal Thanksgiving day stress. Cook macaroni until done, ensuring that the macaroni doesn’t become mushy. To make a cheese sauce, melt butter, whisk in flour, and gradually add milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Boil under low flame until thickened. Put off the flame, add cheddar and Parmesan, and stir until it becomes smooth. Combine with cooked macaroni. Pour into a greased dish and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Serve hot.
Cooking Tips For Beginners:
● Use high-quality cheese. Opt for sharp cheddar and Parmesan for better flavor and texture.
● Avoid overcooking the macaroni.
● Don’t overmix, and gently toss the pasta and cheese sauce.
● Bake until golden brown to get the crispy top and creamy interior.
● Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to boost flavor.
● Top your mac and cheese with breadcrumbs, panko, and bacon bits.
9. Roasted Root Vegetables
For a healthy, hearty side, roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets are the way to go. Seasoned with herbs and olive oil, they bring vibrant color and robust flavors.
Cooking Tips For Beginners:
● For a healthy, colorful and flavorful side for Thanksgiving, choose a variety of rooted veggies like carrots, parsnips, potatoes, beets, and sweet potatoes.
● Scrub, peel (optional), cut into uniform pieces.
● Toss with oil and seasonings (olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, rosemary).
● Roast at high temperature (400°F or 200°C).
● Toss occasionally, for even cooking.
● Serve immediately to enjoy while hot and crispy.
10. Gravy
Though considered a condiment, gravy can also be a side dish. Drizzle it over turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing for a savory, rich boost. Whether you make it from pan drippings or prepare a vegetarian version, gravy is a must, as it has a rich, delicious flavor that complements the other Thanksgiving dishes. It is a flavorful binder that unites the various dishes, particularly the turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing.
Cooking Tips For Beginners:
● Use pan drippings for the best flavor.
● Caramelize the pan with liquid (wine or broth) to release browned bits of turkey, which are flavorful.
● The thickening agent (roux) can be made by blending equal quantities of fat and flour.
● Gradually whisk in stock, broth, or wine in the roux to avoid lumps.
● Garnish with herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving sides are often the show’s stars, adding variety and depth to the feast. These side dishes delight the palate and come together effortlessly, making them ideal for both seasoned cooks and beginners hosting their first Thanksgiving. These easy-to-follow tips will guide you in preparing a delightful and unforgettable feast that will leave everyone thankful.
