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Thanksgiving has always been my favorite time of year. There’s just something about the crisp fall air, the smell of turkey roasting, and the excitement of gathering around the table with loved ones.
For me, it’s not just about the turkey, though. I mean, sure, the turkey is great, but I’ve always been more excited about the side dishes.
You know, the ones that really make the meal special. I remember growing up, I used to pile my plate with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and all the other sides way before I’d even think about grabbing a slice of turkey.
It’s funny how those dishes can take an ordinary meal and turn it into something extraordinary.
Over the years, I’ve realized that while the turkey might be the star of the show, it’s the side dishes that keep things interesting.
They’re the ones that bring all the flavors together and make each bite more exciting than the last.
So, if you’re like me and love switching things up at Thanksgiving, I’ve got some side dish ideas that will totally elevate your spread this year.
Trust me, your guests will be raving about these long after the turkey is gone.
1. Bacon Ranch Green Beans
Photo Credit: Dinner At The Zoo
These bacon ranch green beans are such a fun twist on a classic side! The creamy ranch flavor paired with crispy bacon gives the green beans a rich, savory taste. They’re a simple yet addictive dish that everyone will love.
2. Easy Coleslaw
Photo Credit: Jo Cooks
This easy coleslaw is a must-have if you’re after something creamy and crunchy. I love how simple yet flavorful it is, with the tangy dressing coating the fresh veggies just right.
3. Brussels Sprout Salad
Photo Credit: Spend With Pennies
If you’re craving something crunchy and fresh, this Brussels sprout salad will be your go-to. With pomegranate seeds and pecans mixed in, it’s a perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and crisp flavors.
4. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Photo Credit: Dinner At The Zoo
Roasted cherry tomatoes are like little bursts of flavor in every bite. The garlic and herbs make these tomatoes the perfect pop of freshness alongside heavier Thanksgiving dishes. They look so colorful on the table too.
5. Bacon Roasted Carrots
Photo Credit: How Sweet Eats
These bacon roasted carrots are such a crowd-pleaser! The crispy bacon bits mixed with the tender, caramelized carrots is a flavor combo you won’t want to miss.
6. Grilled Romaine
Photo Credit: Spend With Pennies
Grilled romaine is the unexpected star of any meal! I love how grilling brings out a smoky flavor in the lettuce, and paired with a tangy dressing, this side feels fancy but is so simple to make.
7. Italian Potato Salad
Photo Credit: Jo Cooks
This Italian potato salad is not your average side dish, and that’s what makes it special! The mix of olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs gives it such a vibrant taste.
8. Maple Roasted Carrots With Hazelnuts And Goat Cheese
Photo Credit: How Sweet Eats
If you want something sweet yet savory, these maple roasted carrots will hit the spot. The maple glaze adds that extra fall flavor, and they’re roasted to perfection. These carrots make a great balance to all the hearty sides.
9. Roasted Red Potatoes
Photo Credit: Dinner At The Zoo
These roasted red potatoes are everything—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I love how the simple seasoning brings out the natural flavors. This dish will add a nice pop of color and texture to your Thanksgiving table.
10. Lyonnaise Potatoes
Photo Credit: Jo Cooks
You’re going to love these perfectly crispy Lyonnaise potatoes. The combination of caramelized onions and tender slices of potato is pure comfort on a plate.
11. Pomegranate Salad
Photo Credit: Spend With Pennies
This pomegranate salad is so refreshing and colorful. The mix of kale, apples, pecans, and pomegranate seeds gives it the perfect crunch, while the light dressing ties it all together.
12. Cheese Fries With Bacon
Photo Credit: Dinner At The Zoo
These cheese fries with bacon are like comfort food heaven. The gooey melted cheese, crispy fries, and crunchy bacon bits—seriously, what’s not to love? It’s the perfect indulgent side dish for any Thanksgiving feast.
13. Hasselback Potatoes
Photo Credit: Leve And Lemons
Hasselback potatoes are always a showstopper! I love how crispy the edges get, while the inside stays soft and fluffy. Drizzle some butter and herbs over them, and you’ve got a side that looks as good as it tastes.
14. Easy Roasted Cauliflower
Photo Credit: Spend With Pennies
If you’re looking for a healthy but delicious side, this roasted cauliflower is it. The crispy edges and tender insides are seasoned just right, and I love how easy it is to make. This one’s a must for anyone who loves simple, flavorful veggies.
15. Candied Carrots
Photo Credit: Dinner At The Zoo
These candied carrots are so fun and festive! The brown sugar glaze makes them extra sweet and buttery, and they melt in your mouth. It’s one of those dishes that feels like dessert but pairs perfectly with savory mains.
16. Roasted Root Vegetables
Photo Credit: Love And Lemons
This roasted root veggie dish is the definition of fall comfort. I love how the beets, sweet potatoes, and carrots caramelize in the oven, giving you that sweet and savory goodness.
17. Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Photo Credit: Jo Cooks
You can’t go wrong with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, right? I love the crispy prosciutto around tender asparagus spears, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
18. Air Fryer Roasted Carrots
Photo Credit: Spend With Pennies
These air fryer carrots are a game changer. They come out perfectly roasted, with a caramelized sweetness that’s irresistible. Plus, using the air fryer makes this side dish so quick and easy, you’ll be making it all the time.
19. Maple Mustard Green Beans
Photo Credit: How Sweet Eats
You’re going to love this green bean salad with a tangy maple mustard dressing. The pomegranate seeds add a fresh crunch that pairs so well with the green beans.
20. Sauteed Cabbage
Photo Credit: Dinner At The Zoo
This sautéed cabbage is so simple yet packed with flavor. I love how tender and buttery the cabbage gets, with just a hint of garlic and herbs. It’s the perfect side dish when you want something light but comforting.
21. Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
Photo Credit: Jo Cooks
Crispy parmesan potatoes are like the best of all worlds. They’ve got that crunchy, cheesy crust on the outside, and they’re perfectly tender on the inside. These are the kind of potatoes you dream about, and they’re so easy to make.
22. Sauteed Beet Greens
Photo Credit: Spend With Pennies
If you’ve never tried sautéed beet greens, you’re in for a treat. They’re a great way to add something leafy and green to your Thanksgiving spread. They’re slightly bitter but in the best way, and a squeeze of lemon over the top really brightens them up.
23. Garlic Mushrooms In Butter Sauce
Photo Credit: Dinner At The Zoo
Garlic mushrooms are one of my all-time favorite sides for any meal, but especially at Thanksgiving. They’re earthy, garlicky, and super savory. These little bites of umami goodness are perfect for piling onto your plate alongside turkey, stuffing, and all the other goodies. And, let’s be real, you can never go wrong with garlic.
24. Balsamic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus & Tomatoes
Photo Credit: Jo Cooks
Balsamic roasted asparagus and tomatoes bring such a fresh, vibrant flavor to Thanksgiving. That balsamic glaze makes everything taste fancy, and the parmesan adds just the right amount of savory goodness.
25. Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Photo Credit: Love And Lemons
Smashed potatoes are my go-to when I want something crispy and buttery without all the fuss of mashed potatoes. You get those crispy edges and soft centers, and they’re perfect for soaking up gravy. I love how rustic they look on the plate, and they’re so fun to make. Just smash, season, bake, and you’re done. Everyone will rave about these.
26. Broccoli Salad
Photo Credit: Spend With Pennies
This broccoli salad is the best mix of crunchy, creamy, and sweet. The addition of dried cranberries and a tangy dressing just makes the whole thing feel like a holiday on a plate. I always make sure there’s a big bowl of this on the table because it’s one of those sides that feels fresh but still hearty.
27. Cowboy Beans
Photo Credit: Dinner At The Zoo
I absolutely love cowboy beans at Thanksgiving! They’re hearty, a little sweet, a little smoky, and packed with flavor. It’s like comfort food in a bowl, and the bacon really takes it to the next level.
28. Deep Fried Cauliflower
Photo Credit: Jo Cooks
If you’re looking for a crispy side dish that’s a little indulgent but still keeps the veggie vibes strong, fried cauliflower is where it’s at. These little bites are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and taste amazing. Perfect for snacking while you wait for the turkey to finish cooking, or to add some texture to your meal.
29. Pickled Red Onions
Photo Credit: Love And Lemons
You know what brightens up any Thanksgiving plate? Pickled red onions! They’re tangy, crunchy, and add that perfect zing to balance out all the richness from the other dishes. I love how easy they are to make, and they’re the kind of side that everyone will be reaching for to top their turkey or mix into salads. A little goes a long way, but I promise they’ll be a hit.
30. Roasted Radishes
Photo Credit: Spend With Pennies
Let me tell you, roasted radishes are a total game-changer for Thanksgiving. You get this tender, slightly sweet bite that’s just different from the usual sides. If you haven’t tried roasting radishes, trust me, it’s going to blow your mind how good they are.
31. Panzanella Salad
Photo Credit: Dinner At The Zoo
Let me just say, panzanella salad is one of those sides that feels comforting and rustic. The crispy bread cubes soak up all the juices from the tomatoes and cucumbers, making every bite super flavorful.
32. Cashew Kale Salad
Photo Credit: How Sweet Eats
I’m always looking for something green and fresh to balance out all the carbs, and cashew kale salad is a total winner. The kale is tossed with a simple dressing, and those crunchy cashews bring the perfect texture. If you’re like me and need a little crunch with your greens, this one’s for you.
33. Mexican Street Corn Salad
Photo Credit: Jo Cooks
You’ve gotta have some bold flavors on the Thanksgiving table, and this mexican street corn salad delivers. It’s got that mix of sweet corn, creamy cheese, and a bit of spice that really wakes up your taste buds. I love how it adds a little something different to the usual sides, and I’m pretty sure you’ll love it too.
34. Creamy Grape Salad
Photo Credit: Spend With Pennies
I’ll be honest, the first time I tried grape salad, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But now, I’m hooked! The juicy grapes in that creamy dressing, with the sweet pecan topping, make such a fun and unexpected side dish.
35. Cucumber Salad
Photo Credit: Dinner At The Zoo
If you’re looking for something light and refreshing to cut through all the heavy dishes, cucumber salad is where it’s at. The crunch of the cucumbers mixed with a little dill and red onion gives you this bright, fresh flavor that’s just what you need in between bites of turkey and mashed potatoes.
36. Roasted Patty Pan Squash
Photo Credit: Spend With Pennies
I always say, you can never have too much roasted squash on Thanksgiving. The patty pan squash gets this beautiful caramelized texture when roasted, and it’s so simple to make. Just a little olive oil and seasoning, and you’re good to go.
37. Crispy Avocado BLT Salad
Photo Credit: How Sweet Eats
You know how everyone loves a good BLT, right? Well, imagine that in a salad form with creamy avocado. It’s got everything you love—bacon, lettuce, tomato, and the richness of the avocado. I feel like it gives you that fresh crunch while still being hearty enough to keep you satisfied.
38. Air Fryer Eggplant
Photo Credit: Well Plated
If you’ve never tried eggplant in an air fryer, now’s the time! It turns out crispy and golden on the outside, soft and tender inside. I love how easy it is to make when the oven is packed with other dishes. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this one disappears off the table.
39. Cranberry Salad
Photo Credit: Dinner At The Zoo
You can’t go wrong with a cranberry salad at Thanksgiving. The sweet and tangy cranberries combined with crunchy pecans and soft marshmallows? It’s almost like a treat on the side of your plate. Trust me, it’s one of those dishes that brings the perfect balance to all the savory stuff going on at the meal.
40. Nicoise Salad
Photo Credit: Spend With Pennies
I’m telling you, this dish is such a lifesaver when you need something light but still filling. The potatoes and green beans mix so well with the soft eggs and tuna, giving you all the flavors without the heaviness. If you’re looking for a side that feels fresh and colorful, you’ll want this on your table.
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