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Whether you’re seeking classic Thanksgiving dinner recipes or something new and exciting, you’re sure to love one (or more!) of these 25 Thanksgiving side dishes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love these Thanksgiving Side Dishes
- Fresh twists on classics. While roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie may have permanent spots on your Thanksgiving menu, It’s always fun to add something new to the side dish spread.
- Vibrant flavors. Many of these recipes have a healthy, vibrant twist, and feature a range of textures and flavors. (I find this to be a welcome addition to the sea of classic casseroles!)
- Make-ahead friendly. You’ll notice many of these recipes have at least one or more make-ahead components, which is always helpful on Thanksgiving day.
- Suitable for allergies. If you’re cooking for someone with a dairy, gluten, or nut allergy, many of these recipes offer suitable swaps.
With recipes ranging from classics like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole to innovative salads and squash dishes, you’re sure to find a new family favorite on this list.
If you try any of the recipes, be sure to come back and leave a rating and review!
To help narrow your search, I broke these recipes into four categories:
- Potato and Winter Squash Recipes
- Beans and Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots, Broccoli, and Mushrooms
- Show-Stopping Salads
Potato and Winter Squash Recipes
Maple-Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes
This recipe features roasted sweet potato slices tossed in cinnamon maple-butter and topped with spicy-sweet pecan praline. Sweet potatoes have never been this decadently delicious!
The ultimate savory Butternut Squash Casserole with Parmesan-creamed kale, nutty Gruyere cheese, and a toasted walnut-sourdough topping. This stunning side dish will be the hit of your next holiday gathering.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Candied Walnuts
Roasted butternut squash with orange-maple candied walnuts, cinnamon, and crispy sage. This show-stopping side dish is holiday-worthy, yet easy enough for weeknight cooking.
Roasted Garlic Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes
A classic side dish elevated to epic new heights. You won’t be able to resist their rich, roasted garlic flavor and crave-worthy creaminess. Perfect for holiday dinners or to pair with your favorite protein.
Butternut Squash with Brown Butter Hazelnuts
Only 5 ingredients in this fabulous butternut squash recipe. Featuring garlic, thyme, and the most addictive nutty topping, this cozy side has incredible flavors packed into one simplistic dish.
Mushroom and Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
Creamy Mushroom and Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash with parmesan and balsamic reduction. A decadently delicious, gluten free entree or side dish brimming with fall flavors.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Miso Butter
Naturally sweet with a deeply savory twist, these sweet potatoes are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Just 5 ingredients with BIG flavor impact, this recipe is always a hit.
Beans and Brussels Sprouts
You’ll never believe this green bean casserole is completely dairy-free. It features a rustic sourdough crouton topping, a homemade cream of mushroom sauce, and fresh green beans.
This 5 ingredient green bean recipe features buttery green beans topped with a crunchy hazelnut dukkah topping. The browned butter adds unrivaled richness and nutty depth, which complements the toasty dukkah like a dream.
Brussels Sprouts with White Balsamic Pear Chutney
Only 6 ingredients and 30 minutes to prepare this show-stopping veggie side dish. Even the most devout veggie skeptics will LOVE these Brussels sprouts.
Balsamic-Fig Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Savory-sweet Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon, shallots, and Parmesan. This impressive side dish comes together on one sheet pan and is perfect for holiday entertaining.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Maple-Mustard Glaze
Sautéed Brussels sprouts with sharp cheddar, toasted pumpkin seeds, and a fabulous savory-sweet glaze. The most delicious way to enjoy Brussels, this goes-with-everything side will become a family favorite.
Sweet and savory Brussels sprouts with apples, shallots, and bacon. This all-star side dish is worthy of any dinner party, yet easy enough for weeknights. Delightfully crispy and caramelized with steakhouse-worthy flavor.
In place of classic stuffing, this hearty pilaf recipe is filled with shredded sprouts, apple, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries. (A fabulous gluten-free option for those with allergies.)
Carrots, Broccoli, and Mushrooms
The Best Broccoli Cheese Casserole
The most fantastic Broccoli Cheese Casserole with leeks, white cheddar, and a golden panko topping. Try it in place of (or in addition to) classic green bean casserole, and see who goes for seconds!
Wild Rice and Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
In lieu of stuffing, try this cheesy wild rice casserole which features buttery mushrooms, fresh thyme, and pecans. It’s a one pan veggie side that also makes great leftovers.
The most incredible roasted carrots recipe that we make every year. Featuring warm spices, a garlic-herb sauce, and a crunchy pistachio and sesame seed garnish. Simple enough for weeknight cooking, yet impressive enough for entertaining.
Easy 5 Ingredient Marsala Mushrooms will add a layer of decadence to any dinner spread. Minimal ingredients with BIG flavor, these mushrooms pair well with just about any protein.
Show-Stopping Salads
Featuring herb-roasted squash, rustic sourdough, toasted hazelnuts, and Parmesan in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. This fall-inspired twist on the famous Tuscan bread salad is equally stunning on a holiday table as it is for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Featuring sweet and spicy delicata squash, crisp greens, avocado, and pomegranate in a lively maple-mustard dressing. This beautiful, nutritious salad will be a welcome addition to any classic side dish spread.
This salad is show-stopping fall perfection. Featuring honey-thyme glazed halloumi, crisp apple slices, kale, and farro tossed in a creamy cider dressing, it’s fresh, festive, and guaranteed to wow your table.
Brussels Salad with Pear and Pecans
Brussels Salad with pear, pecans, and Pecorino in whole-grain mustard dressing. This simple Brussels Salad is fresh and flavorful, and the perfect holiday side dish.
Autumn Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
Crisp mixed greens with roasted sweet potatoes, apples, Parmesan, and a delicious maple vinaigrette. This fall salad is brimming with good-for-you nutrients and will become a seasonal staple.
10 Minute Warm Brussels Salad with Whole-Grain Mustard Dressing and Parmesan. A speedy, hassle-free salad that can be prepared earlier in the day for convenience. Top with pine nuts or walnuts for extra richness and crunch.
Roasted Squash Salad with Parmesan-Peppercorn Dressing
Roasted Delicata Squash and Kale Salad with Crispy Walnut-Parmesan Breadcrumbs and Creamy Peppercorn Dressing. This hearty roasted squash salad is brimming with fall flavors and can double as an entree or side dish.
If you give any of these Thanksgiving side dishes a try, be sure to snap a photo and tag #dishingouthealth so I can see your creations. Also, follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates!
