T-11 days until Thanksgiving! Are you ready? All of my favorite Thanksgiving sides are here for you, all of which would make a great addition to your holiday table. So, let’s get down to business! Thanksgiving Sides, the best part about Thanksgiving!
Have you planned your Thanksgiving menu yet? Where are you headed for Thanksgiving this year? My Thanksgiving menu has been discussed but not finalized. Hello, master’s still ruling my life (T-5 weeks left for that!). My Thanksgiving is always a small affair, but even still, I’m always excited to cook and have delicious food spent with family. Leftovers are necessary. All that work needs to last a few days. Am I right?
While I do not eat turkey, my Thanksgiving dinner still feels complete. I’ve never liked the texture of most meats, and even if the turkey is ‘moist’ it really is not my jam. What is my jam? From the appetizers, to the sides, and rounding out with dessert. It really is hard to pick my favorite dish. However, when it comes to sides, they really are the best part! Just in case you were wondering, there will not be a ‘tofurky’ on my table or any other meat replacement. (Remember, I never liked the texture, so no use trying to have something so similar in texture. Hard pass for me!)
Thanksgiving Sides
ALL the sides are truly my favorite! Over the years, we’ve had a few staple side dishes, but recently I’ve been trying new ones too! Here below are a mix of appetizers, side dishes, and desserts. Hard to write a recipe round-up when there really are endless recipes to make. Trying to share a few of my favorites and hope they’ll be yours too! Think easy yet fancy, so it doesn’t require too much work. Everyone will be raving. & if you need a turkey recipe, I’ll leave a few below. Don’t worry, I got you!
How To Build An Epic Cheeseboard
H’orderves are a must for ANY holiday gathering. Depending on when your guests arrive this can be a great focal point for people to gather around and get them OUT of the kitchen – which is a good thing. Not to mention this helps stave off hunger so there’s no hangry people.
Classic Deviled Eggs
I’m not sure about you, but deviled eggs were always on the holiday menu for me. My Aunt Polly made them and I’m almost positive she used pickle juice and/or relish for that tart acid flavor. I opted for white wine vinegar, but no matter what you use to jazz them up, they’re essential as either an appetizer or side to the main dishes.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Here me out. If there IS a salad people will eat the salad. Understandably not your first thought on your Thanksgiving spread, however, there are so many different flavor combinations. Use a leafy green, a fruit, a nut, and a cheese. That’s the profile you’re looking for here. Pear, pecan, and blue cheese is also another one of my favorites. Yes, I’m a dietitian and I’m always looking for more ways to add veggies to the mix, however, these are FULL of flavor!
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Just like salad, soup might not be on your radar to add to the menu. However, as simple as this Roasted Butternut Squash Soup is and flavorful, you might want to consider adding this, especially if your weather is on the chilly side. Roasting all the veggies together makes it beyond simple. Best part? This can be made the day ahead!
Sweet Potato Casserole
This recipe was passed down to us from an old family friend and I’m honestly unsure where the original recipe came from. While I use less butter and sugar, this recipe is not ‘healthified’ and still tastes delicious! The topping lends itself more to a dessert, so even though I’m calling this a side, I often eat it as a dessert.
Skillet Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Skillet Roasted Brussel Sprouts are a quick and easy way to prepare brussels sprouts. Crispy, caramelized, and doesn’t require an oven. Which is one more reason to add these to your Thanksgiving menu!
Twice-Baked Potatoes
Potatoes are a must for the menu. While I have quite a few potato recipes on the site, these twice-baked potatoes are the ‘easy’ version of the normal labor intensive one. Rather than bake the potatoes, scoop, and then bake in the potato skin again, here you’ll boil the potatoes with the skin, mash it all up, and simply bake in a baking dish. This version is MUCH simpler, yet still has all the flavor. Cottage cheese makes its way in the recipe for a little added protein too!
Roasted Green Beans
Roasting vegetables is the simplest way to give flavor to a vegetable. These roasted green beans, while simple are flavorful and a great way to add a non-starchy vegetable tot he table. If there isn’t room in the oven you can also parboil the beans and then sauté them for just a minute or two with a few sliced almonds to top along with some lemon juice and zest.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Love it or hate it, this is a must add-on to the menu. Combine it with your turkey or stuffing for some extra flavor, but there really is nothing better than homemade. No shade if you like the canned stuff either. My version has 1/3 less added sugar and one reason I like making it homemade, you get to manage the amount of added sugar. A little tart, just sweet enough, cranberries are quintessential on the Thanksgiving table.
Apple Crumble (for Two)
While this is technically a recipe for two, you can always multiply it and make more. The reason I love it? They’re baked in individual ramekins and are perfect for a holiday get together. Single serving dessert that are just the right amount!
Fall Sangria
This recipe is great because you can definitely make enough for a crowd! Not to mention that this version is festive and seasonal. Using apple cider in the mix helps to sweeten it up, but can also be served to the kiddos as a fancy drink in a fancy cup and they’ll think they’re the bees knees!
And as promised, a few turkey recipes from a few food bloggers that I follow. Trust me when I say you wouldn’t want a turkey recipe from me. These are reliable and have been tested. Enjoy!
- Mark Bittman’s 45 minutes Roast Turkey
- Ina’s Perfect Roast Turkey
- Alton Brown’s Deep-Fried Turkey
- Ree Drummond’s Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
- And for those serving a smaller crowd, this Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast will fit the bill!
There you have it. All my favorite Thanksgiving sides. More will be added in the coming years, but this is a few to get you started and be your ‘keeper’ favorite Thanksgiving sides too! Happy (early) Thanksgiving. So much gratitude to you all for following along.
1 thought on “Thanksgiving Sides Round-up”
I agree – I LOVE all the sides! Can’t wait for Thanksgiving!!