12 Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Always Impress
Thanksgiving dinner is all about the sides. While the turkey might be the star of the show, it’s those delicious supporting dishes that make the meal truly memorable. I’ve gathered my favorite
Thanksgiving side dishes that never fail to impress guests and leave them asking for seconds. From classic favorites with a twist to unique additions that might become your new traditions, these sides will take your holiday feast to the next level.
1. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
Sweet, savory, and utterly irresistible! This casserole strikes the perfect balance between dessert and side dish. The velvety sweet potato base gets a hint of warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg.
What really makes this dish special is the crunchy pecan streusel topping. Brown sugar, butter, and chopped pecans create a crispy, candy-like crust that contrasts beautifully with the smooth sweet potatoes. My guests always debate whether to save this for dessert or enjoy it with the main meal!
2. Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage and Apples
Cornbread brings a delightful sweetness and unique texture to this stuffing that regular bread just can’t match. The golden crumbles soak up all the savory flavors while maintaining their distinct corn taste.
Italian sausage adds richness and depth, while diced apples provide surprising bursts of tartness and moisture. Fresh herbs like sage and thyme create that quintessential Thanksgiving aroma. For best results, I make my cornbread a day ahead so it dries out slightly before becoming stuffing.
3. Roasted Root Vegetable Medley with Balsamic Glaze
Colorful, hearty, and packed with earthy flavors! This medley features carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets roasted until their natural sugars caramelize and their edges turn crispy.
The magic happens when a drizzle of balsamic reduction brings everything together with its tangy sweetness. Fresh thyme and rosemary infuse the vegetables as they roast. I arrange them on a platter from lightest to darkest color for a stunning presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
4. Maple-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Gone are the days of mushy, bitter Brussels sprouts! When roasted until crispy and caramelized, these little green gems transform into something magical. The sweet maple glaze balances their natural flavor perfectly.
Adding crispy bacon bits takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. I love how the fat renders and coats each sprout. Even the most stubborn veggie-haters at your table will be reaching for seconds!
5. Homemade Cranberry Orange Sauce
Forget the canned stuff! Fresh cranberries transformed into a vibrant, tangy sauce will revolutionize your Thanksgiving table. The berries pop and break down into a gorgeous ruby-red sauce as they simmer.
Orange zest and juice brighten the flavor while balancing the tartness of the cranberries. A cinnamon stick and star anise add warmth and complexity. The natural pectin in cranberries helps the sauce thicken to a perfect consistency as it cools – not too runny, not too firm.
6. Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallots
A modern spin on the classic that ditches canned ingredients for fresh alternatives! Tender green beans retain their bright color and satisfying snap when blanched properly before baking.
The creamy mushroom sauce made from scratch tastes infinitely better than condensed soup. Thinly sliced shallots fried until golden and crispy create an elevated topping that puts canned onions to shame. This version maintains the nostalgic comfort while delivering genuinely impressive flavors that will have everyone asking for your recipe.
7. Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto
Creamy, comforting risotto makes a luxurious addition to your Thanksgiving spread. The sweet, nutty flavor of butternut squash pairs perfectly with earthy sage in this Italian-inspired side.
Arborio rice slowly absorbs warm broth, releasing its starches to create that signature velvety texture without using cream. The butternut squash partially melts into the risotto, creating a beautiful golden color. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts and fried sage leaves on top adds a sophisticated finishing touch.
8. Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy clouds of potato heaven await with this elevated version of the classic side. Roasted garlic adds a mellow, sweet flavor that perfectly complements the rich, buttery base.
The secret is using Yukon Gold potatoes for their naturally creamy texture. I whip in warm cream, plenty of butter, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an indulgent finish. A sprinkle of chives on top adds color and a mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness.
9. Honey-Glazed Carrots with Thyme
Sometimes the simplest dishes make the biggest impact! These carrots showcase how a few quality ingredients can create something truly special. Rainbow carrots in vibrant orange, purple, and yellow make this dish especially eye-catching.
A light honey glaze enhances their natural sweetness without overwhelming. Fresh thyme adds an herbal note that keeps things from becoming too sweet. The carrots are cooked just until tender-crisp, preserving their beautiful color and nutritional value while providing a welcome textural contrast to softer sides.
10. Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin
Move over mac and cheese – this grown-up gratin delivers all the comfort with a fraction of the carbs! Cauliflower florets become tender and slightly sweet when baked, providing the perfect canvas for a rich cheese sauce.
Gruyère and sharp cheddar create the ideal blend of nutty flavor and melting quality. A golden breadcrumb topping adds essential crunch and texture contrast. This dish satisfies comfort food cravings while sneaking in vegetables. The bubbling, browned cheese topping makes it impossible to resist!
11. Sourdough and Herb Dinner Rolls
Warm, fresh-baked rolls are non-negotiable at Thanksgiving! The tangy flavor of sourdough elevates these rolls beyond ordinary bread. Their crisp exterior gives way to a soft, pillowy center that’s perfect for soaking up gravy.
Fresh herbs folded into the dough create beautiful flecks of green and infuse every bite with flavor. A brush of melted butter just after baking gives them an irresistible shine and richness. I arrange them in a spiral pattern in a cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation that encourages sharing.
12. Wild Rice Pilaf with Dried Cranberries and Pecans
The nutty flavor and chewy texture of wild rice creates a sophisticated alternative to ordinary stuffing. This Minnesota-grown grain actually isn’t rice at all, but an aquatic grass seed with wonderful nutritional benefits.
Sweet dried cranberries and toasted pecans add festive colors and complementary flavors. A touch of orange zest brightens everything up. The pilaf can be made ahead and reheated, actually improving as the flavors meld together. This side offers a welcome lightness among heavier Thanksgiving dishes.
