13 Creative Side Dishes for a Festive Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table with family and friends, and side dishes play a big part in making the meal memorable. This list of creative side dishes will add variety to your holiday spread, offering something for everyone. From savory to sweet, these recipes are designed to complement your main course while bringing extra flavor to the table. Whether you’re looking to keep things classic or try something new, these dishes will help make your Thanksgiving one to remember.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts bring together a perfect balance of tangy and savory. With a cook time of about 30 minutes, the caramelized balsamic glaze enhances the earthy flavor of the Brussels sprouts. The crisp-tender texture and slight sweetness will convert even the pickiest eaters. These sprouts are a great way to add some green to your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Basic Polenta
Basic polenta is a simple yet hearty side dish that pairs well with many Thanksgiving mains. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s made from cornmeal, creating a creamy and smooth texture with a mild, corn flavor. Whether served soft or allowed to firm up, it adds a comforting, neutral base for sauces or gravies. A versatile addition to your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Basic Polenta
Brioche Rolls
These brioche rolls are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, making them a perfect side for any festive feast. Ready in about 3 hours, they’re fluffy and tender thanks to rich ingredients like eggs and butter. The golden-brown exterior gives way to a light, pillowy inside that melts in your mouth. Ideal for sopping up gravies and sauces on Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Brioche Rolls
Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Brown butter garlic mashed potatoes offer a rich, savory twist on a classic side. In under an hour, the nutty brown butter and roasted garlic blend into creamy potatoes, creating a smooth and flavorful dish. The velvety texture and bold flavors make this a standout companion for turkey. It’s a crowd-pleaser at any Thanksgiving feast.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Cranberry apple stuffing brings together the sweet and tart flavors of fresh cranberries and apples with classic stuffing ingredients. This dish takes about an hour and a half, with chunks of bread soaking up the juices from the fruit. The soft texture and burst of flavor from the fruit make it a fresh twist on traditional stuffing. It’s a vibrant side that complements any Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Easy Oven Asparagus
Easy oven asparagus is a simple and quick side dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes. The tender spears are roasted until just crisp-tender, allowing the natural flavors to shine through. A sprinkle of salt and pepper is all it needs to enhance the freshness. This dish adds a light, healthy option to your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus
Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts
Garam masala Brussels sprouts offer a bold and spiced twist on a classic vegetable. In under 30 minutes, these Brussels sprouts are roasted with garam masala, bringing a warm, slightly smoky flavor to the dish. The crispy outer leaves and tender inside provide a great texture contrast. It’s an unexpected and flavorful side for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Garlicky green beans with fried onions are a savory side dish that takes about 30 minutes to make. The green beans are tender with a slight crunch, while the fried onions add a crispy topping. Garlic gives the beans a rich, robust flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the onions. It’s a great way to add some greens to your festive spread.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Honey Garlic Carrots
Honey garlic carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that takes about 25 minutes to prepare. The tender carrots are coated in a honey garlic glaze, giving them a caramelized exterior with a hint of sweetness. The flavors balance beautifully with the natural earthiness of the carrots. A colorful addition to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots
Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Loaded cauliflower mash is a lighter alternative to traditional mashed potatoes but still rich and flavorful. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s packed with cauliflower, cheese, and bacon for a creamy, savory dish. The smooth texture is balanced by the crisp bacon and sharp cheddar. A great low-carb side for your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Oven roasted root vegetables are a hearty and colorful side that’s ready in about 45 minutes. The mix of carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes is roasted until tender and caramelized, bringing out their natural sweetness. The vegetables have a slightly crisp exterior with a soft, flavorful inside. It’s a simple yet delicious side for any Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Roasted Brussels sprouts with almonds and feta bring a crunchy, nutty, and tangy side to your holiday table. In about 35 minutes, the Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection, while the almonds add a satisfying crunch and the feta provides a creamy, salty finish. The flavors work together beautifully. A delicious way to upgrade a classic vegetable dish for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a timeless side dish that’s smooth, rich, and incredibly satisfying. Taking about 45 minutes to prepare, these potatoes are whipped with butter and cream until they’re light and fluffy. The result is a velvety texture with a buttery taste. Perfect for complementing turkey and gravy on Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes
