Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Impress

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It feels weird to write this, but Thanksgiving is just around the corner! And while the turkey tends to steal the spotlight, let’s be for real –  it’s the side dishes that everyone really looks forward to. Whether you’re a fan of all-time classics like creamy mashed potatoes or you’re looking to shake things up, there are 25 amazing ideas here. So, scroll down to see my ultimate Thanksgiving side dishes list!

Caramelized Onion and Mushroom

Think about gravy, but better! This is my go-to sauce to serve with any meat, and I can guarantee that it marries impeccably with Thanksgiving turkey. For perfect consistency, add more broth and some heavy cream.

Caramelized Onion and Mushroom
Caramelized onion and mushroom is a top-tier choice for addition to almost every meal, especially meats. This time I served it with rib-eye steak and turkey burgers for a real gourmet feast. It is actually nothing special, but pairs with many dishes enhancing the flavors. Here is the recipe for this simple, but effective side dish!
Check out this recipe
Caramelized Onion and Mushroom

Kidney Bean Salad

This salad is a true attention-catcher! It is loaded with bright colors – red beans, tomatoes, red pepper, purple onion, carrot, and corn. The dressing is simple and kind of refreshing, so it is perfect to pair with a heavy-duty Thanksgiving dinner.

Healthy Kidney Bean Salad
This vegan Healthy Kidney Beans Salad is a wonderful way to enjoy a range of fresh flavors while sticking to a nutritious eating plan. Enjoy this delightful mix at your next meal!
Check out this recipe
kidney beans salad

Prosciutto Melon Mozzarella Salad

A rhapsody of flavors never looked this good! This combination of ingredients is immaculate – arugula, melon, mozzarella, and prosciutto. Your taste buds will be happy as the salad hits all the spots: sweet, tangy, salty, and savory.

Prosciutto Melon Mozzarella Salad [Healthy Recipe]
This Prosciutto Melon Mozzarella Salad is a fantastic way to enjoy a light, flavorful meal on a hot summer day. Its combination of sweet, savory, and creamy is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests at any gathering.
Check out this recipe
Prosciutto Melon Mozzarella Salad [Healthy Recipe]

Zucchini Fries

If you’re seeking some low-calorie but still delish side dish – this one is for you. Coat zucchini fries in bread crumbs, parmesan, egg, and spices for the crunch, and toss them in the air-fryer. Simple, yet effective!

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Check out this healthy air fryer zucchini fries recipe! This simple recipe not only adds a burst of flavor to your snack time but also offers a way to enjoy vegetables in a fun and tasty format. Try them out and see how quickly they disappear at your next gathering!
Check out this recipe
zucchini fries

Stracciatella Pesto Pasta

Mac and cheese for Thanksgiving is a staple, but here is a terrific variation on the theme. This pasta will satisfy even the most demanding palates, as it is 5-star restaurant-worthy! Pistachios and prosciutto sprinkled on top simply round the flavor.

Stracciatella Pasta with Pesto
Indulge in a symphony of flavors with this luxurious Stracciatella Pasta, elegantly coated in rich Pesto alla Genovese, topped with velvety stracciatella cheese, crispy prosciutto, and crunchy pistachios, creating a truly decadent dining experience.
Check out this recipe
stracciatella pasta with Pistachio and Pesto

Caramelized Onion Bread

I can’t imagine any festive dinner without bread. I made this one last winter and never stopped making it since. Simple bread is amazing, but test out this with caramelized onion and garlic, plus parmesan – YUM!

Caramelized Onion Bread
This is high-hydration bread that turns out perfect and pillow-soft every single time. The recipe for the bread is simple and basic, with 4 ingredients only. I decided to spice it up a bit, so I kneaded in caramelized onions, garlic, and parmesan. The texture is amazing – airy and bubbly, but with minimal kneading and proofing time. So, I'm sharing step by step recipe for Caramelized Onion Bread.
Check out this recipe
Caramelized Onion Bread

Stracciatella Salad with Walnuts

I love this salad combination so much! It pairs stracciatella cheese, pears, asparagus, and walnuts, making a unique bite that will blow your mind. It is most definitely unusual but worth trying.

Stracciatella Salad with Walnuts
Savor the delightful blend of crisp fried asparagus, sweet Williams pear, and creamy stracciatella cheese in this salad, finished with crunchy walnuts and a drizzle of olive oil for a dish that's as nutritious as it is delicious.
Check out this recipe
stracciatella salad healthy recipe

Maple Glazed Roasted Rainbow Carrots

Rainbow carrots are my favorite vegetables, so they must be on this list. This recipe is flawless, as they go particularly well with maple syrup and some umami flavor. Don’t forget to garnish them right before serving, as that really brings out all their flavors.

Maple Glazed Roasted Rainbow Carrots
If you’re looking for a colorful side dish to serve at Thanksgiving, look no further than these rainbow maple roasted carrots!
Check out this recipe
Maple Glazed Roasted Rainbow Carrots

Honey Mustard Potatoes

When I say these potatoes are loaded with flavor, I truly mean it! Mustard and honey pair flawlessly, bringing out the texture of baby potatoes – creamy in the middle and crispy outside. 

Honey Mustard Potatoes
A quick and easy stovetop honey mustard potato side dish!
Check out this recipe
Honey Mustard Potatoes

Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin

One more potato recipe is inevitable, as that’s everyone’s favorite side. I love gratins, and this one is incredibly cheesy and crispy on top. Gruyere and parmesan cheese plus turkey are an unbelievable combination!

Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin
Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a skillet with a creamy garlic sauce topped with Gruyere and Parmesan cheese broiled to crispy perfection. If you are a fan of potatoes and cheese, this dish is for you!
Check out this recipe
Crispy Parmesan and Gruyere Potato Gratin

Smashed Sweet Potatoes 

If you haven’t tried these already, don’t wait any longer! The recipe requires only four ingredients: sweet potatoes, olive oil, za’atar, and salt. It is simple but still flavorful and amazingly crunchy!

Za’atar Smashed Sweet Potatoes
You will love the texture of these za’atar smashed sweet potatoes. All the ingredients in za’atar are full of flavonoids, organic compounds that are important dietary sources of antioxidants.
Check out this recipe
Za’atar Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are an inevitable side for Thanksgiving dinner, but sometimes changing things a bit is just what you need. This mash has a unique taste because of cinnamon and fresh thyme in the recipe, but it still pairs perfectly with turkey.

Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
These healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes are similar to a casserole but without the sugary topping. It’s a lightened up savory recipe that pairs well with any protein!
Check out this recipe
Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Brussels Sprouts with Glazed Fruits

If you want to wow your guests, serve them this rhapsody of flavors. It is a perfect fall/winter side dish, caramelized to perfection. Brussels sprouts, bacon, pecans, and dried cranberries are a surprisingly smashing combination!

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Toasted Pecans, and Dried Cranberries is an easy Christmas side dish that will add colors and vibrancy to your holiday menu! This is such a perfect Christmas recipe. Roasted Brussels
Check out this recipe
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

If you love Brussels sprouts but you’re not a fan of sweet-savory combinations, here is another recipe. Coat halved vegetables with olive oil seasoning, garlic, and parmesan and roast until golden brown and heavenly aromatic.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussel Sprouts
This easy-to-make recipe is a delicious side dish made with lemon, Parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and lots of garlic.
Check out this recipe
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Cheese Spinach Casserole

There is no Thanksgiving without a good old casserole. This one is amazing to make in advance, as it stores very well. Just mix up spinach and cheese, sprinkle bread crumbs on top, and toss it in the oven. 

Cheesy Baked Spinach Casserole
This easy casserole is packed with hearty spinach, sharp cheddar cheese, and a touch of nutmeg. Dump all the ingredients in a bowl, stir, and bake!
Check out this recipe
Cheesy Baked Spinach Casserole

Cabbage Steaks

I’m not sure if I made anyone mad by calling these cabbage slices steaks, but bear with me just a little bit. This is a superb side dish option that pairs with any meat you’re serving, and it is simple to prepare as cabbage and spices are everything you need.

Cabbage Steaks {Perfectly Roasted}
These roasted cabbage steaks are seasoned with garlic butter and make a healthy entree or hearty vegetable side dish!
Check out this recipe
Cabbage Steaks {Perfectly Roasted}

Cabbage Rolls

This side dish requires a good portion of time, but the good news is – it stores amazingly! Cabbage leaves stuffed with rice, lentils, mushrooms, and spices in tomato sauce will be the hit and probably overshadow the main dish!

Vegan Cabbage Rolls (Mushrooms, Lentils)
Vegan cabbage rolls baked in tomato sauce are super easy to make and packed full of flavour. Healthy comfort food just doesn’t get any better!
Check out this recipe
Vegan Cabbage Rolls (Mushrooms, Lentils)

Mujadara

Rice is a logical choice to serve with meat, but this one has a special Middle Easter twist. It combines rice, black lentils, crisped-up onions, and spices. You will get a rich, aromatic bite that everyone will want the recipe for!

Authentic Mujadara (Lentils and Rice with Crispy Onions)
Mujadara is a signature Middle Eastern dish of lentils and rice w/ crispy fried onions. Popular flavor-packed dish. Makes for a healthy feast! Vegan, GF
Check out this recipe
Authentic Mujadara (Lentils and Rice with Crispy Onions)

Shirazi Salad

This salad is like the twin sister of pico de gallo salsa, so you can choose whatever. It is super refreshing and juicy – just what you need, along with meat and hearty dishes. Chop it in advance and season just before serving so it stays crispy.

Simple Shirazi Salad (Persian Recipe)
This Mediterranean Shirazi salad is so fresh, simple, quick, and easy to make! It uses very simple ingredients, and ready in just 15 minutes.
Check out this recipe
Simple Shirazi Salad (Persian Recipe)

Caribbean Coleslaw

Think regular coleslaw but with a twist and much more flavor! The new amazing additions are mango, nuts, Caribbean hot sauce, and a few more little things. I 100% recommend it!

Caribbean Coleslaw
This Caribbean Coleslaw is a mayo-free coleslaw that is light, fruity, sweet, and refreshingly good! Makes a perfect no-cook side dish.
Check out this recipe
Caribbean Coleslaw

Frijoles Negros

A traditional Cuban black beans side dish has a truly authentic taste. The secret of this creamy heaven is in the cooking process and seasoning. You can use both fresh and canned beans for this one!

Frijoles Negros (Authentic Cuban Black Beans)
Frijoles negros are a silky smooth Cuban black bean recipe cooked to perfection. Learn how to make them 2 ways with dried black beans or canned black beans.
Check out this recipe
Frijoles Negros (Authentic Cuban Black Beans)

Elote

Mexican street corn is the only fun you need on your Thanksgiving table! I prefer grilled corn, but you can boil them, as well. Smother them in mayo, sour cream, lime juice, chili, cilantro, lime, and cotija cheese, and enjoy the special taste!

Elote Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)
You’ll love this easy elote recipe (Mexican street corn), smothered in mayo, cotija cheese, and zesty spices. Done in just 20 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Elote Recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

Roasted Cauliflower in Green Herb Sauce

If you like chimichurri, don’t skip this recipe. The first step is using all the greens you have on hand to blend fresh sauce, then coat cauliflower in it. Roast it until golden on top and soft inside. 

At the Immigrant’s Table: Cauliflower in green herb sauce
Inspired by chimichurri and a great way to use up leftover greens, roasted cauliflower in green herb sauce is a quick and easy side dish for a weeknight.
Check out this recipe
At the Immigrant’s Table: Cauliflower in green herb sauce

Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables

A sheet tray loaded with multicolored vegetables is a quick yet effective side dish option. My favorite combination is this exact one: zucchini, eggplant, red onion, garlic, pepper lemon, cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives.

Mediterranean Lemon Roasted Vegetables
These Mediterranean Lemon Roasted Vegetables are delicious hot or cold. They are a super versatile dish that can liven up any meal.
Check out this recipe
Mediterranean Lemon Roasted Vegetables

Quinoa Salad

This salad is one more bright-flavored option. It marries quinoa, tomatoes, arugula, cucumbers, mint, feta, pine nuts, chickpeas, and amazing Italian salad dressing. I love the texture combination – soft, crispy, and juicy!

Quinoa Salad
This Mediterranean quinoa salad recipe is healthy, delicious, and easy to make! It’s filled with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta.
Check out this recipe
Quinoa Salad

Hey chef! Thank you for all of these awesome recipes! Can’t wait for Thanksgiving to show off!

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