32 Best Easy Classic & Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Side Dishes

There are certain aspects of Thanksgiving that remain the same every year. For instance, most of us prepare the same meat every year and a lot of the same desserts. There’s always a football game or a parade, on, in the background. We always give thanks for life’s blessings. The list goes on. There are just certain things that will always be present at most Thanksgiving gatherings.

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! While we all love and look forward to the turkey every year, the side dishes leave an element of mystery every year. There is always at least one family member who decides to try something different, to spice thing up a bit. It not only makes the spread more interesting, but often times more delicious!

My Findings…

As I begin to plan for my family’s Thanksgiving dinner, I thought I would share some of the side dishes I have come across recently. The first set of recipes are of course, some of the most popular traditional side dishes. Below that is another group of side dish recipes that are all unique and mouth watering, though not quite so common. Browse on through and put together your own perfect combination of classic and non-traditional Thanksgiving sides. Your guests will thank you for it!

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Classic Sides

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!

Sweet Potato Stacks with Toasted Marshmallow Crème

These sweet potato stacks look 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.

Easy Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Carrots

I can almost taste these carrots and sweet potatoes. Cinnamon, maple syrup, garlic, rosemary, and thyme are the main flavors that accent this side dish. The sweet vs herb contrast works beautifully together and is certain to be a new favorite if it isn’t already!

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

I love scalloped potatoes any day of the week! The potatoes are made with three different cheeses (parmesan, sharp cheddar and smoked cheddar), along with fresh garlic and herbs. Mmm…I can definitely go back for seconds of this side dish!

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!

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.

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?

Roasted Butternut Squash (Garlic/Herbs) OR Roasted Butternut Squash (Maple/Brown Sugar)

Admittedly, I have a hard time choosing between these two recipes. They are both delicious. One just has a sweet note to it, while the other is accented by fresh 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 😉

Easy Potatoes Au Gratin (Dauphinoise)

This is a great recipe for a classic side dish loved by many. It uses three types of cheese, parmesan, cheddar, and provolone. Add just a little salt, pepper, garlic, and heavy cream. Done and Delicious!

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! Yum! I can’t wait to try it.

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 trying it!

Honey Roasted Beets & Carrots OR Simple Herb Roasted Beets

These two recipes were yet another challenge in choosing between them. I say have a little of both. I like beets by themselves, but adding carrots to the mix, sounds even tastier. The two vegetable are sweet, but the bit of honey and fresh herbs highlight the sweetness in a beautiful way. Yum!

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.

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.

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. Yum.

Non – Traditional Sides

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 🙂

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!

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 looks really delicious. While not your standard classic side dish, it is still a tradition for many.

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.

Spaghetti Squash and Potato Gratin

What a great way to incorporate two yummy side dishes into one! The spaghetti squash compliments the cheesy potatoes, very nicely and the texture is pot on. Delicious spin on au gratin.

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!

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!

Sauteed Apple, Onion, & Fennel

I love this little side dish. It’s a nice compliment to anything else on your plate. It combines the sweet of apple, fennel and onion, with the flavors coming together to create a light yet flavorful surprise for your taste buds. Absolutely delicious!

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.

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.

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!

 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.

Roasted Mushrooms in a Browned Butter, Garlic and Thyme Sauce

Mushroom, butter, garlic, and herbs…that’s all you have to say to me! So simple, yet so amazingly good! Yes please!

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.

Butternut Squash Sage Pull-Apart Bread

This is a unique and delicious way to utilize butternut squash! It certainly gives new perspective on yummy dinner biscuits!

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 your family asking for seconds. Whether you want to stick with all of the classics or try something new, there is something here for everyone. 

So, if you’re feeling stuck on what side dishes to make for Thanksgiving, use this list as your inspiration and you’ll have your Thanksgiving menu in place before you know it!

Now that you have some creative recipes to inspire you, it’s time for you to begin planning your Thanksgiving feast! And this Thanksgiving Planner is the exact tool to help with that!

Grab your Free planner here or visit my Etsy store here.

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