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15 Classic and Unusual Sides For Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and while the turkey might be the star of the show, it’s the sides that make the meal shine. Whether you’re a traditionalist or looking to shake things up this year, we’ve got you covered with 15 classic and unusual sides for Thanksgiving.

A collage of various Thanksgiving dishes, including casseroles, cranberry sauce, stuffed potatoes, rolls, sandwiches, and green beans.

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From comforting classics like stuffing and cranberry sauce to unexpected twists like shepherd’s pie stuffed potatoes, these sides will take your Thanksgiving spread to the next level. Get ready to impress your guests and satisfy every palate with these delicious additions to your holiday table.

A collage of dishes including chicken with rice and broccoli, a bowl of dip, cornbread, a colorful salad, and stuffed mushrooms.

Reasons You’ll Love These Thanksgiving Sides

  • They offer a mix of traditional favorites and unique new options
  • Many can be prepared ahead of time, reducing holiday stress
  • There’s something for everyone, from veggie lovers to comfort food enthusiasts
  • These sides pair perfectly with turkey but are delicious enough to stand on their own

Planning A Thanksgiving Menu

Aim for a balance of flavors, textures, and temperatures when planning your Thanksgiving menu. Include a mix of rich and light dishes, crispy and creamy textures, and both hot and cold sides. This variety will keep your meal interesting and satisfying for all your guests.

Classic Thanksgiving Sides

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without the tried-and-true classics. These dishes have earned their place on the holiday table for a good reason – they’re comforting, delicious, and bring back memories of Thanksgiving’s past. Here are some beloved classics with a twist to grace your table this year.

Wooden cutting board with three Turkey Cranberry Sliders on it.
Image Credit: Kim Schob.
  • Muffin Tin Turkey & Stuffing Cups With Gravy! (Leftover Stuffing!): These clever muffin tin turkey and stuffing cups offer a fun, individual serving of classic Thanksgiving flavors, perfect for using up leftovers or as a creative way to serve the main event.
  • Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders: These easy turkey cranberry sliders combine the best of Thanksgiving flavors in a handheld package, ideal for casual gatherings or as a tasty way to use up leftover turkey.
  • Easy Hamburger Steak with Creamy Mushroom Gravy: This easy hamburger steak with creamy mushroom gravy offers a comforting, homestyle alternative to traditional turkey, perfect for those looking to switch up their main dish or for smaller Thanksgiving gatherings.
Slices of sweet cornbread with small slices of butter on top.
Image Credit: Kim Schob.
  • Homemade Spiced Pear Sauce With Cranberry: This homemade spiced pear sauce with cranberry puts a sophisticated twist on traditional cranberry sauce, combining pears’ sweetness with cranberries’ tartness for a complex and delicious accompaniment.
  • Homemade Sweet Cornbread Recipe with Honey Drizzle: This homemade sweet cornbread with honey drizzle brings a touch of Southern comfort to your Thanksgiving table, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture to complement savory dishes.
  • Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: This slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe provides a hassle-free, comforting dish that can easily be adapted for turkey, freeing up valuable oven space and time on Thanksgiving day.

Warm Recipes

As the weather turns chilly, warm sides become even more appealing. These comforting dishes will add a cozy touch to your Thanksgiving spread, filling your home with irresistible aromas and warming your guests from the inside out.

Egg and ham in a casserole with a bowl of eggs on the side.
Image Credit: Kim Schob.
  • Air Fryer Shepherd’s Pie Stuffed Baked Potato: This innovative air fryer shepherd’s pie stuffed baked potato combines two comfort food favorites into one delicious dish, offering a unique and satisfying addition to your Thanksgiving menu.
  • Easy DIY Homemade Baked Pizza Rolls (3 Ingredients!): These easy DIY homemade baked pizza rolls bring a fun, casual element to your Thanksgiving spread, perfect for appeasing picky eaters or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
  • Farmers Market Ham & Egg Breakfast Casserole (No Bread!): This farmers market ham & egg breakfast casserole is a great option for Thanksgiving brunch or as a hearty side dish, packed with vegetables and protein to balance out the richer holiday fare.
  • Baked Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe: This baked pumpkin French toast casserole brings the flavors of fall to your Thanksgiving table in a delightful breakfast-for-dinner twist, doubling as a dessert option for those who prefer something less sweet.
  • Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Roasted Garlic Dip: This garlic parmesan shrimp roasted garlic dip offers a luxurious and flavorful start to your Thanksgiving meal, perfect for keeping guests satisfied while the turkey finishes cooking.

Cold Sides For Thanksgiving

While warm dishes often take center stage at Thanksgiving, cold sides provide a refreshing contrast and can be prepared beforehand, making your holiday cooking more manageable. These chilled dishes offer a palette-cleansing break from richer foods and add a crisp, fresh element to your meal.

Mexican Street Corn Salad garnished with red onion and cilantro.
Image Credit: Kim Schob.
  • Quick and Easy Instant Pot Egg Salad: This protein-packed, creamy side dish can be prepared well in advance and is perfect for balancing out heavier Thanksgiving fare.
  • Loaded Instant Pot Potato Salad: This loaded Instant Pot potato salad brings a crowd-pleasing favorite to your Thanksgiving table, packed with flavor and easily made ahead to save time on the big day.
  • Elote Corn Salad with Cotija Cheese: This elote corn salad with Cotija cheese adds a Mexican-inspired twist to your Thanksgiving spread, offering a burst of flavor and texture that complements traditional dishes beautifully.
  • Easy Black Bean and Corn Mexican Salad Recipe: This easy black bean and corn Mexican salad brings a pop of color and a fresh, zesty flavor to your Thanksgiving table, providing a lighter option among the typically rich holiday dishes.

Storing

To keep your Thanksgiving sides fresh and delicious:

  • Freeze suitable leftovers (like casseroles) for 2-3 months.
  • Prepare cold salads 1-2 days in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
  • Store dishes with crispy elements separately and add just before serving.
  • Reheat casseroles and baked dishes in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
  • Store leftover sides in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Serving Suggestions

Create a well-rounded Thanksgiving meal by pairing these sides with other delicious dishes:

FAQs

Can I make these sides ahead of time?

Many of these sides can be prepared in advance. Casseroles and baked dishes can often be assembled the day before and baked on Thanksgiving. Cold salads can be made 1-2 days ahead. Always check individual recipes for specific make-ahead instructions.

How do I keep my sides warm while the turkey is cooking?

Use a slow cooker for dishes like mashed potatoes or stuffing. For other sides, cover with foil and keep in a warm oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve. You can also use insulated food containers or warming trays.

How many sides should I prepare for Thanksgiving?

A good rule of thumb is to prepare 3-4 sides for a small gathering (4-8 people) and 5-6 sides for larger groups. Consider having a mix of vegetables, starches, and hot and cold dishes.

What if I have vegetarian or vegan guests?

Many sides can be easily adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, swap dairy for plant-based alternatives, and offer a few naturally vegan dishes, like roasted vegetables or grain salads.

How do I scale these recipes for a larger crowd?

Most recipes can be doubled or tripled for larger groups. Pay attention to cooking times and dish sizes when scaling up – you may need to increase cooking time or use multiple baking dishes for larger quantities.

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