There are certain aspects of Thanksgiving that remain the same every year. The one thing that is not always a constant when it comes to that much anticipated holiday, is the combination of side dishes.
And let’s face it, the side dishes are one of the most important parts of Thanksgiving dinner!
As I begin to plan for this year’s Thanksgiving feast, I thought I would share some of the mouth watering traditions my family looks forward to annually.
Some of these delicious recipes are traditional side dishes we all expect to see at the table every year. I also included some unique recipes I have come across in recent years, that have made their way to the favorites list.
You too will likely find yourself adding some of the more non-traditional dishes to your own must have list. Especially since a lot of these goodies can be prepped in advance, giving you more quality time with your loved ones!
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Classic Sides
1. Honey Garlic Glazed Carrots
Mmm…how can something so simple, be so mouth watering? Honey, cloves, and herbs are the main accents for the carrots, with a touch of cinnamon and ginger to finish them off. We make these all the time and they are delicious!
2. Sweet Potato Stacks with Toasted Marshmallow Crème
These sweet potato stacks are amazing! With a brown sugar and maple syrup topping, accented by fluffy roasted marshmallow and pecans, this delectable side will become the star of the show. Fun, tasty spin on a classic side dish!
3. Easy Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Carrots
I can almost taste this delightful veggie dish now! Cinnamon, maple syrup, garlic, rosemary, and thyme are the main flavors that accent the carrots and potatoes. The sweet vs herb contrast works beautifully together and is certain to be a new favorite if it isn’t already!
4. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Mmm….I love scalloped potatoes any day of the week! These potatoes are made with three different cheeses (parmesan, sharp cheddar and smoked cheddar), along with fresh garlic and herbs. I see a second helping in my future with this classic.
5. Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Of course, a must have classic at any Thanksgiving feast, is homemade baked macaroni and cheese…and this recipe is certain to be a hit. It calls for three delicious types of cheese (sharp cheddar, gruyere and parmesan), and gets topped with crispy panko crumbs. Yum!
6. Easy Mashed Potatoes W/ Sour Cream
The fact that these potatoes are cooked in chicken broth, puts this recipe at the top of my list! Finished off with a bit of sour cream and chives, this creamy, yet simple side dish will have your guests coming back for more.
7. Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing
Mmm…classic stuffing as it should be!
Chicken broth…Check.
Celery…Check.
Onion…Check.
Fresh Herbs…Check.
Poultry seasoning…Check.
What else is there?
8. & 9. Roasted Butternut Squash (Garlic/Herbs) OR Roasted Butternut Squash (Brown Sugar/Spice)
Admittedly, I have a hard time choosing between these two recipes sometimes. They are both delicious.
One just has a sweet note to it, while the other is accented by fresh savory garlic and herbs. It all depends on what your taste buds are craving at that moment.
I say you should have both versions, so you can’t go wrong 😉
10. Cranberry Orange Relish
Cranberry relish is a side my mother-in-law use to make everyday. While I can’t find her specific recipe, this one comes really close. Between the orange and honey accents, paired with the finely chopped nuts, this is a side the whole family looks forward to every year. Yum!
P.S. Make a large batch of it and give smalls jars of it as Christmas gifts this year. Always a winner!
11. Homemade Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is an all time favorite side dish of mine and I knew as soon as I saw this recipe, I would have to try it.
With a bit of shallot, parmesan cheese, garlic, and cayenne, creamed corn just went to a new level in my book! Delicious!
12. The Best Creamed Spinach
I’ve made creamed spinach plenty of times before, but not using cream cheese. This is a recipe I definitely plan on trying and Thanksgiving seems the perfect time for doing so!
13. & 14. Honey Roasted Beets & Carrots OR Simple Herb Roasted Beets
These two recipes were yet another challenge when it comes to choosing between them. I like beets by themselves, but adding carrots to the mix, is even tastier.
The two vegetables combined are perfect together, but the bit of honey and fresh herbs add just a touch of sweetness that make the dish mouth watering every time!
15. Easy Roasted Turnips
This is a great recipe for turnips! The key ingredients are paprika, garlic, shallots, chives, and red pepper flakes. Nothing too fancy.
Just toss the turnips in the spices and roast in the oven for the time called for. Delicious classic to have at any Thanksgiving dinner.
16. The Easiest Oven Roasted Acorn Squash
This classic side dish doesn’t require much for it to taste delicious, and this recipe proves it! With just butter, brown sugar, and time in the oven, acorn squash will become the most popular side dish at the table this year. Mmm…so good.
17. Classic Green Bean Casserole
I am a huge fan of classic green bean casserole and see it as a must have at any holiday dinner. This is a great recipe that beautifully combines creamy with crunchy. It involves just a few key ingredients and never disappoints.
Tasty Non – Traditional Sides
18. Carrot Raisin Salad
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect the first time I ever tried carrot raisin salad. I absolutely loved it!
The natural sweetness of the carrots accented by the plump sugary raisins, and the melt-in-your-mouth dressing…So delicious.
Anytime we make it, I catch myself having a couple of servings 🙂
19. Pineapple Stuffing
If you are a fan of pineapple like I am, you will love this side dish. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of time, you can indulge in a delicious and moist pineapple creation. It will no doubt be a hit at your Thanksgiving dinner!
20. Oyster Dressing (Stuffing)
Celery, onion, seasoning, and broth are staples of a good stuffing and this recipe has it all, plus oysters!
I must admit, I have never tried oyster stuffing before, but these photos make it look really delicious. While not your standard classic side dish, it is still a tradition for many.
21. Green Beans W/ Feta & Bacon
The title says it all! Green beans with feta and bacon. Even the biggest vegetable critic would have to take a second look at this side dish. I can’t think of a better way to transform a classic vegetable dish, into such a mouth watering delight.
22. Spaghetti Squash and Potato Gratin
What a great way to incorporate two yummy side dishes into one! The spaghetti squash compliments the cheesy potatoes nicely, and the texture is pot on. Delicious spin on au gratin.
23. Roasted Sweet Potato & Banana Casserole
This is a side dish I definitely have to try! I love sweet potato casseroles and I love bananas. I can only imagine what the two flavors do for one another, especially after adding the cinnamon, ginger, pumpkin spice, and maple syrup. Yes please!
24. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole W/ Butter Cracker Crunchies
I love this spin on broccoli casserole. Broccoli, cheddar, cream of mushroom soup and ritz crackers are the main ingredients. All of the flavors compliment one another beautifully and the buttery crunch of the ritz crackers, is a nice finish. Mmm…good!
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25. Cauliflower Steak
Easy, simple ingredients packed with tons of flavor, as you would expect with cauliflower. This recipe takes minutes to prepare and minutes to roast in the oven. Yummy every time!
26. Hasselback Potatoes
This is such a simple yet delicious recipe for Hasselback potatoes. The handful of ingredients include garlic, olive oil, paprika, and parsley…and that’s all that’s needed! Nothing complicated or fancy…just simple and delicious.
27. Easy Sausage & Herb Stuffing
My mouth is watering just thinking about the flavors of this side dish. If you’re looking for something non-traditional for Thanksgiving, this yummy stuffing fits the bill.
It has all of the same ingredients you would expect to see in any stuffing…celery, onions, herbs, broth, and garlic. The only difference is the main star of this dish happens to be sweet Italian sausage.
Something different for a change and definitely a dish that will instantly become a favorite.
28. Brussel Sprouts Gratin
In all honesty, my favorite way to eat brussel sprouts is when they’ve been cooked in butter with just a little salt, pepper, garlic. However, after coming across this recipe, I have to say my opinion may be changing.
The addition to heavy cream, gruyere, and bread crumbs, certainly does take this classic side dish to a whole new level. Delicious!
29. Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Pudding
For all of you jalapeño fans, this corn pudding is worthy of being added to your list of traditional sides. Creamed corn, jalapeños, and cheddar cheese are the main ingredients of this yummy casserole. The flavors come together seamlessly, leaving your taste buds happy.
30. Roasted Mushrooms in a Browned Butter, Garlic Sauce
Mushroom, butter, garlic, and herbs…that’s all you have to say to me! So simple, yet so amazingly good! Yes please!
31. Roasted Pumpkin With Feta & Honey
This is a delicious way to use that pumpkin at the end of the season! Super easy, but packed with flavor. Just roast your pumpkin, top with feta, honey, and balsamic. Yum! Perfect side dish for Thanksgiving.
32. Pumpkin Risotto
This is definitely a dish I wouldn’t have thought of, but so glad I discovered it. Creamy risotto with flavors of pumpkin, bacon, onion, and Parmesan cheese, make this a new favorite in my book!
Final Thoughts…
Get creative and plan your menu with confidence. Any of these classic and non-traditional Thanksgiving dinner side dishes will help you quickly and easily create a menu that will have your guests talking and asking for seconds!
Whether you want to stick with all of the classics or try something new, there is something here for everyone.
oh my word! Thank you for planning my holiday menu!! These are all mouthwatering!
I’m glad you enjoyed!
I could eat them all. These side dishes look delicious. I like the roasted beet and carrot side order; very Healthy combination.
The carrot and beet side is one of my favorites too. It looks so colorful and yummy 🙂
Unique Dish Ideas! Thanks for sharing the photos to check the presentation of each dish. I personally prefer Scalloped Potatoes as a cheese lover.
Mmm…scalloped potatoes are delicious! Tho some of the photos do make it impossible to narrow down a list of favorites! Thank you for stopping by 🙂