101 Best Thanksgiving Sides for Your Table in 2024
We all know about the traditional Turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, but what do you do when you’ve run out of ideas for Thanksgiving sides? No matter what type of Thanksgiving event you’ve been invited to, there is a perfect side dish recipe just waiting to be uncovered. We’ve gathered 101 of the best Thanksgiving sides for you to explore and be inspired by.
You might know about the traditional first Thanksgiving feast celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621 but that might not have been the first official Thanksgiving in the New World. In 1578 there was a service held in Newfoundland and it is possible that Spanish settlers also celebrated Thanksgiving feasts in Florida before that time.
According to the Smithsonian, in addition to these settlers’ celebrations, there is evidence that native peoples “sought to ensure a good harvest with dances and rituals such as the Green Corn Dance of the Cherokees.”
As you can see, Thanksgiving has a long history in American culture. While some families choose to celebrate at one of the restaurants open on Thanksgiving, it's traditionally celebrated with a family gathering at home and a large meal. There are many ways to make this holiday your own, like serving totally unique Thanksgiving sides. Let’s dig into the 101 best options for your Thanksgiving table this year.
Jump to Section
- Traditional Thanksgiving Sides
- Easiest Thanksgiving Sides
- Best New Thanksgiving Sides
- Cold Thanksgiving Sides
- Best Thanksgiving Sides for a Crowd
- Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides
- Healthy Thanksgiving Sides
Traditional Thanksgiving Sides
1. Stuffing
Any list of Thanksgiving food ideas will often include Cornbread stuffing. This side dish, sometimes referred to as dressing, is a traditional Thanksgiving side that helps complete your turkey dinner.
Made with cornbread, chopped celery, chicken broth and sage, find a traditional recipe online or look through old family recipes for a sentimental take on this side dish.
2. Mashed Potatoes
Another one of the top 10 Thanksgiving sides is mashed potatoes. We’ll discuss several ways to spice up your potato dishes in this guide, but you can’t go wrong with a smooth, classic mashed potato complete with butter, salt and pepper.
3. Green Bean Casserole
No matter what your feelings about casseroles might be throughout the year, at Thanksgiving a good green bean casserole is a must. Follow a classic Campbell’s recipe with fresh green beans, cream of mushroom soup and crispy onion straws as a delicious and savory topping. This dish is perfect to add to your vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes list if you're looking for healthier food options.
4. Classic Macaroni and Cheese
A traditional macaroni and cheese can make a great addition to your Thanksgiving menu. In fact, for anyone wondering “What are the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes?” Mac and cheese might just top the list.
Customize with whatever types of cheeses and noodles you prefer for a creamy side dish that will be sure to fill you up.
5. Turkey Gravy
Use the drippings from cooking your turkey to create a traditional gravy. Simply add flour, garlic and seasonings to thicken the gravy and use it to add flavor and texture to your turkey, dressing and more.
6. Dinner Rolls
Having bread with your meal is a classic side option, and there are plenty of options. The most traditional is probably a classic yeasted roll. Whether you make your own from scratch or purchase frozen rolls, what’s better than a soft, warm dinner roll to soak up all the extra gravy on your plate?
7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes make for another nutritious and potato-based side dish. Roasted sweet potatoes are also an easy Thanksgiving side. All you need to do is season the cubed or sliced sweet potatoes and roast until crispy on the edges.
8. Salad
For one of the most traditional Thanksgiving sides, throw together an easy Thanksgiving salad using fresh greens and vegetables. There are plenty of ways to make your salad seem more seasonal, but you can’t go wrong with a simple mix or even a store-bought salad to save time.
9. Cranberry Sauce
Are you looking to add something traditional and sweet to your Thanksgiving table? Don’t forget the cranberry sauce. You can use pre-made options, or create your own using a basic combination of brown and white sugar, cranberries, water and orange juice. Be sure your homemade cranberry sauce has plenty of time to chill in the refrigerator before you serve it.
10. Brussels Sprouts
If you are looking for Martha Stewart Thanksgiving side dishes that will be a hit at your family gathering, try a crispy Brussels sprouts recipe. Roast them in olive oil and top with garlic, salt, pepper and a little bit of parmesan cheese for an easy, traditional side dish.
11. Cornbread
Perhaps you’d rather add another type of bread to the mix on Thanksgiving day than traditional dinner rolls. Instead, opt for a quick cornbread made in a round pan. Slice it up and serve with gravy or simply with butter for a warm addition to your Thanksgiving table.
12. Roasted Carrots
Carrots are an easy side dish that add flavor and nutrition to a meal. Keep things simple by roasting carrots with some salt, pepper and garlic, or spice it up by adding a glaze to your carrots to make them a bit sweeter.
13. Collard Greens
Collard greens are a traditional Thanksgiving side dish that you will see on many different tables. Keep it simple by cooking with bacon for a great flavor, or substitute the bacon for a turkey leg for a truly seasonal take on this traditional dish.
14. Squash Casserole
Squash casserole is a southern staple on Thanksgiving. The cooked squash in the middle is buttery and moist, while the Ritz cracker topping browns up beautifully in the oven and adds a salty kick to the casserole.
15. Creamed Corn
Corn is one of the best Thanksgiving side dishes because there are so many different ways it can be served. If you are hosting a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, you can’t go wrong with creamed corn served warm. It will add a delicious texture to your turkey and other side items.
Easiest Thanksgiving Sides
16. Corn Casserole
Sometimes it can be difficult to think of simple potluck ideas to take to a Thanksgiving gathering. Corn casserole is an easy-to-make recipe that can be a staple in your Friendsgiving arsenal.
You can make it with a boxed cornbread mix and canned corn to really cut down on prep time. It also keeps well if you need to make it a day or two before the celebration.
17. Cinnamon Apples
You don’t have to save all the sweets for dessert with this alternative Thanksgiving meal! With this easy Thanksgiving side, you can enjoy a bit of cinnamony-deliciousness with your entree.
Make it on the stovetop and your whole house will smell great as guests arrive. This dish can also be used as a sweet Thanksgiving breakfast idea to start the day off right. You can also use any leftovers as filling for another fall favorite, apple pie.
18. Stuffed Mushroom Casserole
Casseroles make for some of the best easy Thanksgiving sides, but they don’t have to be boring or bland. This year, try making a stuffed mushroom casserole with button mushrooms, cheese, parsley and a crispy topping of panko breadcrumbs for a new take on stuffed mushrooms.
19. Green Beans With Onions and Almonds
Put a simple twist on traditional green beans by blanching them and then adding them to a hot skillet of caramelizing onions. The onions will give the beans a great flavor, and you can toss in a handful of almonds to add an extra, nutty crunch to this Thanksgiving side dish.
20. Confetti Corn
Confetti corn is an easy crowd-pleaser that adds a bit of spice to your Thanksgiving menu. Using fresh corn or canned corn, combine with butter and finely chopped bell peppers.
You can even add a jalapeño or two, as well as some red onion. The confetti-like appearance of the finely chopped vegetables mixed with the corn kernels is sure to brighten up any Thanksgiving plate.
21. Hasselback Potatoes
Hasselback potatoes are a side dish that looks complicated but are actually quite simple. To prepare, slice your potatoes thinly, but be sure you don’t cut them all the way through.
The bottoms should be intact so that the thin slices fan out on the top. Then, coat in your favorite toppings. Try a mixture of butter, garlic and olive oil, or get creative and add bacon in between some of the slices for a delicious texture change. Bake like a normal baked potato and wow your guests!
22. Roasted Butternut Squash
For a simple fall dinner idea, cube butternut squash and toss in olive oil. Season with your favorite assortment of herbs and spices and roast, being sure to turn the squash midway through. Your guests will love the warm fall flavor this dish adds to your Thanksgiving menu.
23. Scalloped Potatoes
To make this simple potato dish, thinly slice your potatoes and then cook in a mixture of milk and heavy cream. You can customize these as much or as little as you like, but don’t forget to add cheese, garlic and shallots for a delicious and flavorful dish.
24. Oyster Dressing
Many people swear by oyster dressing as one of the best Thanksgiving sides. To make this simple dish, combine your chopped oysters, bread cubes, celery, onion and spices.
Then add a heated mixture of milk, butter and oyster liquid. Place the warm mixture into a greased baking dish and bake until golden brown.
25. Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots elevate a basic and traditional Thanksgiving side. Plus, adding a glaze of butter and brown sugar before roasting doesn’t take up too much time. It is an easy extra step that will add sweetness and richness to the flavor of the carrots.
26. Slow Cooker Stuffing
For a truly easy Thanksgiving side that allows you to ‘set it and forget it,’ try making stuffing in the slow cooker. You can use the traditional stuffing ingredients (stock of your choice, bread crumbs, celery and onions) to the slow cooker and prepare it in advance so that there is one less thing for you to worry about on the big day.
27. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are a simple side dish that allow your guests to customize their own side. Bake a big batch of potatoes and set up a baked potato bar with toppings like butter, cheese, sour cream, chives and bacon.
28. Parmesan Risotto
For a truly easy Thanksgiving side, cook up a large batch of Risotto with a basic cheese and cream sauce. Add some garlic and top with fresh parsley for a creamy side dish that will fill your guests up.
29. Candied Pecans
Candied pecans are a seasonal hit that are easy to make. Whip up an easy glaze of eggs, sugar and cinnamon for your pecans, then bake them.
This is another recipe that will get the whole house smelling like fall by the time your guests arrive. You can serve them on their own as a side dish or use them to top sweet potato dishes, salads and more.
30. Jalapeño Corn Muffins
Make your guests’ mouths water with an easy corn muffin recipe. Add in jalapeños, cheddar cheese and whole kernels of corn to really spice up this Thanksgiving side.
Remember you can add a smaller amount of heat by removing the pepper seeds before slicing and adding to your muffins.
31. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Dips don’t have to stay in the appetizer section of the menu. Serve a spicy buffalo chicken dip alongside your other Thanksgiving sides to add a new flavor profile into the mix.
Best New Thanksgiving Sides
32. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Stuffed sweet potatoes are a healthy Thanksgiving side that can be customized to fit your menu, from Tex-Mex versions featuring cheese and black beans to a Greek- or even curry-inspired stuffed sweet potato.
33. Pimento Cheese Corn Muffins
Cornbread or corn muffins often rank in the top 10 Thanksgiving sides, but there are ways to customize the classic corn muffin to give it a new twist. Try stuffing your corn muffins with pimento cheese for a little bit of a kick.
34. Spicy Cranberry Sauce
Take your traditional cranberry sauce up a notch by adding jalapeño peppers to the mix. Your guests will love this sweet and spicy combination. Add as much heat as your guests can handle!
35. Gnocchi Stuffing
For an updated version of traditional cornbread dressing, try making a version with gnocchi, Italian sausage and spinach. This is a unique option that combines multiple flavors into one delicious
36. Pinot Cranberry Sauce
Another great take on cranberry sauce is a modern version made with pinot noir. Use the wine, your cranberries and a mixture of brown sugar, honey, orange juice and rosemary to make a warming, wine-infused sauce. Don’t forget the cinnamon stick and spices to give this dish all the fall vibes.
37. Roasted Beets
Beets are a super easy side dish for Thanksgiving, plus they add a dash of beautiful color to your table. To roast beets the easy way, wrap them in foil with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast in a hot onion until tender. Then slice and serve however you prefer.
38. Vidalia Onion and Potato Gratin
This updated take on potato au gratin includes vidalia onions and sage to create a delicious, creamy potato dish. Can’t find vidalia onions? You can substitute with any sweet onion instead.
39. Creamed Brussels Sprouts
This Thanksgiving side dish is perfect for those in your family who might not love Brussels sprouts on their own. Instead of roasting them alone, turn them into a cheesy gratin with sharp cheese, heavy cream and milk.
Add shallots and a bit of Marsala wine to the mixture to really bring out the flavors of the cheese.
40. Sausage Stuffing
While this Thanksgiving side dish is not exactly new, sausage stuffing made using breakfast sausages in addition to celery, bread cribs, onion and poultry seasoning can be a great switch if you usually make meatless dressing.
41. Peas and Pancetta
Add some extra flavor and umami to a traditional dish of peas by pan-frying them with pancetta, white wine, thyme and a little bit of lemon. This is a light side dish that will have your guests going back for seconds.
42. Kale Orzo
Make a light and fresh orzo side using kale, lemon and red pepper for a delicious and easy dish, or get creative and add things like cheese, cherry tomatoes or toasty breadcrumbs to take this menu item to the next level.
43. Potato Gratin Stacks
Make mini potato gratin stacks in a muffin tin and create individual portions for your guests to enjoy. These crispy and cheesy potatoes are the perfect bite-sized Thanksgiving side.
44. Chipotle Sweet Potatoes
Spice up your sweet potato side dishes by adding a hint of heat. You can add chipotle peppers and adobo sauce to mashed sweet potatoes or use chipotle pepper to add spice to a sweet potato casserole.
45. Pumpkin Risotto
Make a light and creamy side dish with all the flavors of fall by combining pumpkin and arborio rice with parmesan cheese and a fall blend of spices like pepper, nutmeg and garlic to create a warming fall side dish that will fill your guests.
Cold Thanksgiving Sides
46. Pear Salad
There is always something festive about enjoying pears around Thanksgiving and Christmas, whether they are spiced or served in a salad.
For this side dish, mix fennel and greens with your pears for a light and healthy side dish. You can also include nuts like pecans, walnuts or hazelnuts to add some crunchy textures into the salad.
47. Fruit Salad
With all of the potatoes, rolls and pies being served at Thanksgiving dinner, sometimes you just need something a little bit lighter. Offer your guests a big bowl of fruit salad to eat during dinner or as a dessert choice for those trying to avoid sweets.
48. Jellied Cranberry Sauce
It’s a classic for a reason! Jellied cranberry sauce is a cold side dish that has been on many movie-screen Thanksgiving dinners. You can purchase the canned version at the supermarket or make your own using fresh or frozen cranberries.
49. Deviled Eggs
If you are looking for a versatile party food and side dish, try deviled eggs, which can be customized in many different ways. These are a great option to make if you are looking for a side dish that can be made ahead and brought to the party.
50. Cucumber Salad
We often associate tangy cucumber and onion salad with the summer months, but a light and fresh cucumber salad with dill and chives can also be a good addition to a late November meal.
51. Pasta Salad
Another cold side dish that can be customized to you and your guests’ tastes is pasta salad. Whether you start from scratch with homemade dressing or opt for a kit, there are an endless amount of ways to customize this Thanksgiving side.
52. Themed Charcuterie Board
Minimal cooking is required when you are putting together a charcuterie board. You can customize to include foods in fall colors or even shape the board like a Turkey for a truly festive option.
If you're for some unique Thanksgiving table decor, you could make the charcuterie board into a table runner for family and guests to snak on.
53. Olive Tapenade
If you’d like a saltier option on your menu, try making a Mediterranean-inspired olive tapenade. Serve on bruschetta for an appetizer or bring to the main table and enjoy it as a savory side.
54. Pimento Cheese
Make a big batch of pimento cheese ahead of your Thanksgiving dinner and offer it to guests as a snack or appetizer. Then bring it to the table and let guests spread it on corn muffins or bruschetta as a quick and easy Thanksgiving side dish.
55. Jello Salad
You don’t have to save the jello salad for dessert. Make a batch with cream cheese, cool whip, jello and a pretzel crust and add it to the buffet for your guests to enjoy along with their turkey.
56. Egg Salad
Similarly, egg salad can also be prepped ahead of time and left in the refrigerator until dinner time. Use hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise and mustard to create that signature egg salad taste.
57. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a versatile side dish that can be adjusted to your tastes and preferences. It can also be made the morning of and set in the refrigerator until it is time to eat, which means there is one less dish that has to be accounted for when making your oven schedule.
58. Cranberry Fluff
Like jello salad, cranberry fluff is a dish that doubles as a side and dessert. To make this old-school favorite, use fresh cranberries, crushed pineapple, cream cheese and mini marshmallows to create a light, fluffy and sweet treat for your guests to enjoy.
59. Ambrosia
Ambrosia is another traditional southern side dish that combines some unexpected ingredients: marshmallows and fruit. You can make your ambrosia with oranges, coconut and pineapple. Don’t forget to top with a generous helping of whipped cream!
60. Shaved Fennel Salad
Make a crisp salad for your guests to enjoy by using shaved fennel as the hero ingredient. Combine with honey, dijon mustard, pine nuts and parmesan for a light salad that is the perfect counterpart to turkey and carb-heavy side dishes.
Best Thanksgiving Sides for a Crowd
61. Hash Brown Casserole
If you are serving food for a crowd or hunting for good Friendsgiving ideas, consider making a hash brown casserole. This recipe feeds a lot, and it’s cheesy, oniony goodness is warm and satisfying. Make with shredded or cubed hash browns depending on your taste.
62. Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
If you're hosting Thanksgiving for a crowd then this meal is a good time-saving hack. Instead of baking a potato for every guest at your party, why not serve up an easy-loaded baked potato casserole? With cheese, sour cream, chives and bacon, your guests will get all of the toppings from the potato bar in one helping.
To spice things up, soak the potatoes in buffalo wing sauce to give them an extra kick before cooking.
63. Sweet Potato Casserole
Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like a sweet potato casserole covered in browned marshmallows. The cubed sweet potatoes, combined with butter, milk and sugar make a delicious filling, while the marshmallows on top add even more sweetness. Just be sure to watch it in the oven, as the marshmallows will brown quickly!
64. Roasted Winter Vegetables
When cooking for a crowd, it’s best to look for large-batch recipes. Instead of serving a separate dish of carrots, squash, parsnips and sweet potatoes, why not combine them all on one large pan? Season with lemon and red pepper flakes for a delicious fall vegetable medley.
65. Garlic Herb Sweet Potato Fries
French fries don’t always appear on the Thanksgiving table, but put a seasonal spin on this American staple and you’ll be the toast of Friendsgiving!
Once the fries are cooked (either in a deep fat fryer or air fryer,) toss them in butter and salt for a truly delicious Thanksgiving side dish idea.
66. Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese
Two crowd favorites at any party are spinach and artichoke dip and macaroni and cheese. For this amazing side dish, combine the two! You can make this in one pot and bake it just before dinner.
The only extended prep would be to boil your pasta ahead of time. You could do this the day before and store the cold cooked pasta until it’s time to bake the casserole.
67. Herb Focaccia
Making focaccia bread is a labor of love, but it is a great way to show your friends you care. Plus, you can prepare the dough, let it rise and bake it ahead of time, leaving a little bit more room in your schedule on Thanksgiving morning.
68. Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
Casseroles are the perfect Thanksgiving side when you have to stretch the food to feed all of your hungry guests. For this side dish, use a can of cream of mushroom soup to keep the broccoli moist while baking. Use onion and freshly grated cheese to finish off the dish.
69. Candied Yams
Candied yams are a staple in the American south at Thanksgiving time. But don’t be confused by the name! Most often, yams sold in supermarkets are sweet potatoes.
While there is a technical difference, you’ll want to use sweet potatoes for this dish. Start by parboiling the potatoes and then transfer them to a baking dish.
Once there, you’ll coat them in a delicious sauce made with cinnamon, spices, sugar and butter. Throw the whole dish in the oven and wait until the sauce has thickened and glazed over the sweet potatoes.
70. Apple Cranberry Sauce
Yet another way to add variety to the traditional cranberry sauce side is to mix in some sliced apples before cooking. Use an apple like the honeycrisp variety to incorporate all the fall flavors in your cranberry sauce.
71. Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
It doesn’t have to be difficult to make macaroni and cheese from scratch if you’re serving a crowd. Make a one-pot pumpkin mac and cheese by using canned pumpkin and elbow noodles. Boil the main ingredients together with milk and cream.
Don’t forget a large dose of sharp cheddar and delicious gouda to add the cheese flavors to the pasta and pumpkin.
72. Cheese Soufflé
Trying to make a soufflé before a big gathering might feel intimidating, but your guests will love the light, cheesy taste. Be sure to follow the recipe carefully, as it does take some technique to whip your egg whites into a light, frothy mixture.
73. Pull-Apart Garlic Bread
Making a delicious rosemary or cheesy pull-apart garlic bread allows your guests to help themselves to bread. You can make yours in a loaf shape by scoring the dough, or instead, slice the dough into cubes and bake them in a round bundt pan for a festive-shaped loaf.
74. Ranch Potatoes
If you’re looking for an easy potato side dish that doesn’t involve too much mashing, double-baking or slicing of potatoes, make simple ranch potatoes by cutting baby potatoes into big chunks, coating with olive oil and ranch mix and roasting until tender.
75. Pepper Jack Mashed Potatoes
If you do want to make a large batch of mashed potatoes for your next gathering, try switching it up a bit by adding pepper jack cheese and seasoning with chili powder and cayenne pepper. These spicy mashed potatoes will be a crowd favorite!
Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sides
76. Vegetable Tray
If you need good finger food ideas for your Thanksgiving feast, a vegetable tray can be the perfect appetizer that transforms into a side dish when the meal is served. Carrots, broccoli, celery and sliced bell peppers make for a great snack before and a great, light side dish during dinner.
77. Baked Acorn Squash
Baked acorn squash makes a perfect vehicle for other Thanksgiving dishes, plus it is nutritious. Offer your guests the hollowed out slices and let them fill with their other favorite side dishes.
78. Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
This is a Thanksgiving side that you can make as indulgent or healthy as you’d like. You can use bacon, almond milk and vegan cheeses or you can go all in with bacon, cheddar cheese and Parmesan to add smooth and creamy flavors to your baked cauliflower.
79. Lima Beans
For this southern staple, you can cook your lima beans (butter beans) in some vegetable stock, or you can spice it up by adding bell pepper, carrots and garlic to give your butter beans a more Spanish taste.
80. Stuffed Butternut Squash
While you can make stuffed butternut squash with sausage, you can also turn this side dish into a delicious vegetarian option by cutting the meat and stuffing the squash with wild rice, kale, cranberries, chickpeas or anything else your heart desires. This is the perfect dish on which to experiment with new flavors.
81. Creamed Kale
Eating your greens is easy with this creamy kale recipe. Use lacinato kale, butter, onion, garlic and heavy cream to create a warm side dish that also works great as a dip. To make it extra fall-inspired, add a pinch of nutmeg.
82. Roasted Squash With Apples
It might seem like an odd combination, but roasted squash with apples is a dish that has a long heritage in Lithuania and Poland. You can also add onions to give it an extra flavor.
It truly is a warm fall dish that combines beautiful flavors together. Season with your favorite savory herbs and spices to finish this easy side dish.
83. Beet Salad
Make a classic beet salad with other ingredients like fresh greens, walnuts and Granny Smith apples for a fruity bite. This salad pairs perfectly with goat cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing, but you can skip the goat cheese if you are cooking for a vegan friend or family member.
84. Roasted Parsnips
Parsnips don’t often get the attention they deserve at Thanksgiving, but roasting them in long strips or in cubes can be a great way to add more nutrition to your meal. If you prefer a softer texture, be sure to parboil the parsnips before you roast them.
85. Melting Potatoes
It seems like there is no end to the different types of potato-based side dishes at Thanksgiving. Melting potatoes are a warm and hearty option made using Yukon gold potatoes.
Peel your potatoes and slice off the ends, then cut into slices about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. You’ll sear the potatoes in a mixture of butter and olive oil before adding garlic and other herbs.
Once the potatoes are cooked golden brown on both ends, transfer the whole batch to the oven and cook for about thirty minutes.
86. Kale and Mushroom Bread Pudding
Bread pudding doesn’t always have to be a dessert option. Try adding it to your Thanksgiving sides menu. This dish is best made with crimini or shitake mushrooms, as well as a healthy dash of rosemary for some extra flavor.
87. Roasted Pumpkin
If you are searching for really easy Martha Stewart Thanksgiving side dishes, try her recipe for simple roasted pumpkin. All you need is a pumpkin, some olive oil and black pepper.
You can also cube the pumpkin and roast it just like you would squash, carrots or sweet potatoes.
88. Waldorf Salad
For a light and fruity salad dish at your Thanksgiving feast, try a traditional Waldorf salad, which has celery green apples and toasted nuts, along with a mayonnaise dressing that adds even more richness and flavor to this vegetarian-friendly food.
89. Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
Squash is one of the most quintessential fall veggies, so why not serve a healthy helping of squash stuffed with goat cheese, pumpkin seeds and hearty quinoa. These dishes are great as Thanksgiving sides, but they also work well as a meal on their own.
90. Stuffed Artichokes
Make a stuffed artichoke recipe by using a delicious combination of breadcrumbs, garlic and parmesan cheese before roasting. You can even dress this dish up more by making a white wine and lemon-infused sauce to glaze the artichokes with before cooking.
Healthy Thanksgiving Sides
91. Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower is one of the healthiest vegetables, so why not create a roasted cauliflower side dish your friends will crave? You can even find recipes for cauliflower “steaks” that will take the place of meat on the plates of any vegetarians in the crowd.
92. Brussels Sprouts With Pomegranate Molasses
Taking a basic Brussels sprout recipe to the next level is always a good idea at the holidays. Instead of just roasting your sprouts, toss them in sweet pomegranate molasses to create the perfect flavor combination your guests will love.
93. Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
Brussels sprouts are truly a versatile vegetable. For your next Thanksgiving meal, create a salad using shredded sprouts as a base layer. Keep it simple with a basic dressing and parmesan, or add pine nuts and a nice Dijon mustard-based dressing to make it a bit more fancy.
94. Persimmon and Pomegranate Salad
Make a light and bright salad using persimmon and pomegranate seeds. Then add a kick of fall flavor by topping it with candied walnuts for a truly autumn-inspired take on this recipe.
95. Duchess Potatoes
Duchess potatoes are a unique take on mashed potatoes. Light and fluffy, they are put into piping bags and swirled into a pretty shape before being baked to a golden crisp.
96. Butternut Squash Risotto
Use diced butternut squash as a flavor cornerstone in a simple risotto recipe. Combine with garlic, rosemary and a little bit of white wine for a comforting and creamy fall dish.
97. Mock Mashed Potatoes
For those watching their carb intake, mashed potatoes can be a dangerous food at Thanksgiving. Instead of mashing potatoes, create mock mashed potatoes out of cauliflower. They work well with a bit of butter and offer added health benefits for those watching what they eat.
98. Ranch Chopped Salad
For a chopped salad that brings a lift of ranch flavor to your table, try chopping up lettuce, bacon, cheddar cheese and tomatoes and tossing in a ranch dressing.
This might not be the most traditional of Thanksgiving side dishes, but it will add another flavor profile into the mix.
99. Spinach Casserole
There are lots of different ways to make this dish, some of them not so healthy! Instead, substitute low fat options for the cream of mushroom soup and cream cheese.
You can also substitute the onion strings on top for a light dusting of parmesan cheese to create a healthy spinach casserole everyone will love.
100. Pumpkin Puree With Pecans
This Thanksgiving side dish doubles as a spread or even a dessert, thanks to the sweetness of the sweet potatoes. It’s also a snap to make! Combine pureed pumpkin (canned is perfectly fine) with some brown sugar, butter, cinnamon and nutmeg and puree until smooth.
101. Fall Orecchiette
Make a warming fall pasta dish to go with your Turkey by combining fall favorites like butternut squash, kale and turkey sausage with orecchiette pasta.
We hope this guide to the 101 best Thanksgiving sides for your table has given you plenty of inspiration for your next feast.
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