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Thanksgiving side dishes are just as important as ham and turkey. They help ensure that the guests are completely satisfied. To create the perfect Thanksgiving feast, you need side dishes that complement the main dish. They can make the rest of your meal sing.
Side dishes are not only really easy to make but can also be incredibly delicious.
The holidays are undoubtedly fun and exciting, but they can also be stressful, especially when you are hosting guests for a party. Sides can save the day; sides should be a breeze to prepare, thereby leaving you with enough time to spend with your family and properly host guests.
Time is of the essence when you are making side dishes. The less time you spend in the kitchen, the more time you have to enjoy Thanksgiving with friends and family. So, we have got you covered by rounding up some delicious Thanksgiving side dishes recipes that are easy to make.
15 Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes
If you are preparing a Thanksgiving dinner, your side dishes have to be a hit, whether you are inviting friends for a party or simply hosting families.
No matter what you choose as the ultimate main dish, it should be accompanied by sides that are also ultimate. Here are some of our Thanksgiving side dish favorite recipes.
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Thanksgiving would probably not feel complete without a heaping scoop of creamy mashed potatoes especially if turkey is the main dish. Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish on Thanksgiving and we have the perfect recipe, this is incredibly delicious, creamy, and buttery.
This classic mashed potato recipe uses a handful of ingredients and results in delicious, whipped, creamy, and fluffy potatoes. You can’t go wrong with this amazing recipe.
2. Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is another side dish recipe that can’t go wrong. This is better than the canned version but it shouldn’t take time to make either. This creamed corn recipe is cheesy, buttery, and delicious and it’s known as the perfect holiday dish. It’s a snap to make and very impossible to mess it up.
3. Turkey And Stuffing Meatballs
If you love stuffing but want to try something different and delicious then this turkey and stuffing meatballs is perfect. This is an easy appetizer and dessert for Thanksgiving or added to your friendship menu.
This stuffing meatball features mushroom and lean ground turkey including traditional meatball ingredients like onions, celery, and sage.
Get the turkey and stuffing meatballs recipe.
4. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
The Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread recipe is the rock star when you need to things up this holiday. This is a classic combination of ooey gooey cheddar cheese and fiery jalapeno. This cheesy, hot, and fluffy cornbread is a real delight and your guests and family won’t resist diving in.
Get the jalapeno cheddar cornbread recipe.
5. Creamy Bowtie Pasta
Here is another one of our favorite side dishes that effortlessly pulls the crowd. This is a one-pot meal that is rich and creamy. While it might not be the traditional side dish to serve on Thanksgiving, it is a hearty dish that is not too heavy, so it is suitable. This is a very easy side dish; it comes together in just 20 minutes.
Get the creamy bowl-tie pasta recipe.
6. Keto Cauliflower Au Gratin
This keto cauliflower au gratin is comforting and the perfect version for you to try. If you are not so into potatoes, then this is the perfect alternative. Cauliflower, as opposed to potatoes, easily absorbs the richness of cream and cheese.
Get the keto cauliflower au gratin recipe.
7. Stuffed Acorn Squash
Need a cozy heartier side dish that gets the attention on the menu? Stuffed Acorn Squash can double as an alternative to turkey thanks to the rice and sausage filling. This is one of the most delicious Thanksgiving dinner side dish recipes to try, it is deserving of the spotlight.
Get the stuffed acorn squash recipe.
8. Easy Corn Pudding
This is another sweet and savory side dish that will have your guests and family coming back for more. Easy corn pudding has a rich custardy texture, sweet corn, and a slight hint of vanilla aroma. Even if you pick out all your side dishes, this recipe is still very quick and should still be on your Thanksgiving table.
Get the easy corn pudding recipe.
9. Sauteed Mushrooms in Garlic Butter
Here is another delicious side dish we are totally in love with. Sauteed mushrooms have rich umami and meaty flavor so they are always a hit on Thanksgiving. This only takes about 15 to 20 minutes to come together, it is an easy side dish that pairs nicely with any protein.
Get the sauteed mushroom recipe.
10. Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is a delicious treat you do not want to miss out on and considering potatoes are staple dishes on Thanksgiving, you should try it. This recipe is a popular one for the holidays, it is easy and delightfully delicious.
Get the sweet potato casserole with marshmallows recipe.
11. Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots are defined as perfection. This recipe is an easy delicious side dish for Thanksgiving that everyone can enjoy, it is roasted to crispy, caramelized perfection, and the ingredients used are parsley, thyme, and a pinch of cinnamon for fall flavor.
Get the brown sugar honey glazed carrot recipe.
12. Green Bean Casserole
This Green Bean Casserole is made from scratch and is a must-have on the dinner table for a Thanksgiving feast. It is crisp and has a super bright flavor. It is also made with fresh additions to make it very special and give it a more classic look.
Get the green bean casserole recipe.
13. Chewy Italian Dinner Rolls
You can have lots of fun baking and eating this on Thanksgiving Day. These chewy Italian dinner rolls are mini ciabatta and it is airy, crunchy, and perfect for soaking up sauces. This is delicious and it’s the perfect one to bring if you ever need to bring dinner rolls to a potluck.
Get the chewy Italian dinner rolls recipe.
14. Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter
Instead of the mashed potatoes that are often made for Thanksgiving, try this Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter. It features signature cuts that make it crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Infused with garlic butter, this makes a fast but fancy side dish that completes any meal.
Get the hasselback potatoes recipe.
15. Southern Mac ‘n” Cheese
Thanksgiving dinner is all about balance and indulgence, which is why mac and cheese should always be on the menu. Southern baked macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. This dish is simple enough to even be considered a side dish. This is one version of mac ‘n’ cheese to enjoy with family. It is quick and incredibly delicious.
Get the mac ‘n’ cheese recipe.
Wrapping Up
Thanksgiving side dishes can be classics while also being very simple to prepare. With the roundups above, take your side dish to a new, upgraded territory. We have compiled a mixture of healthy, comfortable, and traditional side dishes.
It would be best if you considered expanding your idea of what Thanksgiving side dishes should be all about.
