Thanksgiving is all about tradition, but it’s the sides that can take the meal to the next level. These recipes bring bold flavors, fresh ideas, and just the right touch of creativity to turn an ordinary holiday spread into something unforgettable. From unique twists on classics to standout dishes that steal the spotlight, these sides will leave your guests impressed. Make this year’s meal one to remember with sides that deliver both comfort and a touch of excitement.
Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms
These tofu stuffed mushrooms are the perfect side to take Thanksgiving to the next level, adding a hearty and creative dish to your feast. Their savory tofu filling and elegant presentation bring a modern flair to traditional celebrations. Even meat-lovers will be impressed by the depth of flavor and thoughtfulness this dish adds to the table. With these mushrooms, your Thanksgiving meal will feel far from ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms
Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts
Sweet potato casserole with hazelnuts brings a delightful twist to a Thanksgiving classic, making your holiday spread unforgettable. The crunchy hazelnut topping complements the velvety sweet potatoes, adding both texture and sophistication. It’s a side that bridges tradition and creativity, ensuring your meal feels special. With this dish, your Thanksgiving table will radiate warmth and festive charm.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts
Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah, and Honey
This roasted carrot dip sets the tone for an extraordinary Thanksgiving with its creamy texture and bold layers of flavor. The sweetness of roasted carrots paired with the tang of whipped feta and crunch of dukkah creates a side that feels festive and elevated. It’s the kind of dish that transforms your Thanksgiving spread into something truly memorable. This appetizer makes the entire meal feel like a celebration before the main course even begins.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah, and Honey
My Grandmother’s Recipe for Carrot Casserole
My grandmother’s carrot casserole brings the nostalgia of cherished holiday traditions while adding a comforting sweetness to the meal. The tender carrots, combined with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, create a dish that feels both familiar and extraordinary. It’s a recipe that celebrates family and transforms a simple vegetable into something truly special. This casserole will remind everyone why Thanksgiving is a time to share and savor together.
Get the Recipe: My Grandmother’s Recipe for Carrot Casserole
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
This cheesy cabbage casserole turns an ordinary vegetable into a holiday masterpiece, making it a standout addition to the Thanksgiving spread. The rich, creamy layers of cheese and tender cabbage create a side that guests won’t stop talking about. It complements the turkey while stealing the spotlight with its comforting flavors. This casserole has all the makings of a side dish that transforms Thanksgiving into something extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Butternut squash wild rice pilaf combines nutty flavors and tender squash for a side that redefines Thanksgiving traditions. Its bold combination of textures and colors makes it a visually stunning and flavorful centerpiece among the sides. Ready in under an hour, it’s an effortless way to add depth to the holiday meal. This dish brings a fresh and memorable vibe to your Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Roast Air Fryer Asparagus
Roast air fryer asparagus brings a crisp and vibrant touch to Thanksgiving, offering a refreshing break from heavier sides. Topped with capers and almonds, it adds a bright, modern flavor that elevates the holiday feast. Its quick preparation makes it perfect for adding variety to your table without adding stress. This dish proves that even a simple vegetable can make Thanksgiving extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Roast Air Fryer Asparagus
Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
Roasted lemon potatoes, broccoli, and peppers bring vibrant colors and bold flavors that brighten any Thanksgiving table. The tangy lemon and hint of turmeric offer a fresh twist to traditional roasted vegetables, making them unforgettable. With their balance of ease and extraordinary flavor, they complement the holiday classics beautifully. This dish could easily become the unexpected favorite of the evening.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Roasted cabbage steaks add a bold and extraordinary touch to Thanksgiving with their caramelized edges and smoky bacon topping. Topped with a creamy garlic dressing, this hearty side stands out as a creative addition to the table. The richness of the flavors complements the turkey while adding something completely new to the mix. This recipe will have everyone talking long after the meal is over.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Cranberry apple stuffing reimagines a Thanksgiving staple, taking it to the next level with its balance of sweet and tart flavors. The cranberries and apples add a festive flair, making the stuffing feel both traditional and exciting. It pairs seamlessly with the turkey while offering a refreshing twist on the usual fare. This stuffing will make your Thanksgiving table feel anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts turn a simple vegetable into a holiday showstopper with their caramelized and tangy flavors. The balance of sweet and savory adds depth to the Thanksgiving spread, ensuring this dish gets noticed. Easy to prepare but packed with bold flavors, it’s a side that brings a modern touch to the table. These Brussels sprouts might just be the most talked-about dish of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes whipped with cream cheese offer a rich and indulgent twist on a holiday favorite. Their velvety texture and subtle flavor make them the perfect complement to the turkey while holding their own as a standout side. Simple to prepare but impossible to overlook, they add both comfort and elegance to the table. This dish transforms an everyday classic into something truly Thanksgiving-worthy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Roasted Brussels sprouts with almonds and feta bring a combination of nutty, tangy, and earthy flavors that elevate the Thanksgiving table. The crunch of almonds and the tang of feta add a festive touch that feels modern and fresh. This dish pairs effortlessly with heavier mains while still standing out as an extraordinary side. It’s the kind of recipe that surprises and delights in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Oven-roasted root vegetables combine carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes for a vibrant and flavorful Thanksgiving side. The natural sweetness and earthy herbs bring out the best in these seasonal favorites, making them a colorful addition to the table. Simple to prepare yet striking in flavor, they complement any holiday centerpiece with ease. These vegetables remind us that sometimes, the most extraordinary dishes come from the simplest ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
Air fryer sweet potatoes bring caramelized edges and a fluffy center, turning a simple ingredient into an extraordinary Thanksgiving side. Their natural sweetness shines, offering a versatile addition to both savory and sweet dishes on the table. Quick to prepare yet bursting with flavor, they make hosting Thanksgiving a breeze. This dish proves that even a quick recipe can feel like a holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer