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Turkey and Thanksgiving go together like peas and carrots (as Forrest Gump would say!) So, talking of peas and carrots, what are you thinking about making for your sides? Thanksgiving is a great holiday to experiment with new side dishes. Of course, the turkey is the star of your Thanksgiving meal, but that just means it deserves only the best Christmas and Thanksgiving sides and this diverse selection of Thanksgiving side dishes boasts something for everyone, from healthy butternut feta arugula salad to indulgent twice-baked sweet potato casserole with pecan topping or even rich and creamy Gouda cream cheese corn. We’ve got you covered if you want to surprise everyone with some delicious new side dishes this Thanksgiving, so here are some exciting new options to consider.

Garlic Green Beans

A white plate of garlic green beans is topped with sliced garlic, next to a wooden pepper mill and a bowl with chunks of butter.

This super-simple garlic green beans recipe is made with fresh green beans, garlic, butter, and some salt and pepper. They’re really tasty.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Green Beans

Cranberry Fluff

A bowl of cranberry fluff salad with crushed nuts and a rosemary sprig on top, placed on a wooden board with a spoon beside it.

This sweet, tart and delicious cranberry fluff recipe is ideal for your Thanksgiving or Christmas table and can be dessert or a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Fluff

Roasted Acorn Squash

A plate of roasted acorn squash slices, perfectly garnished with fresh herbs and grated cheese, is artfully arranged on a woven mat with a fork nearby.

This roasted acorn squash recipe is so easy. It’s so delicious. Think sweet, juicy and just really tasty! And it goes with everything too.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Acorn Squash

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

White casserole dish featuring a loaded mashed potato casserole with baked cheesy goodness, topped with crispy bacon bits and chopped green onions, all resting on a cooling rack.

Give this loaded mashed potato casserole a try and it’ll become a keeper. Fluffy potatoes are flavored with cheese, bacon, garlic, and more.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Orange glazed sweet potatoes are sliced and arranged in a cast iron pan, garnished with herbs and lightly seasoned for a flavorful finish.

Make these mouthwatering orange glazed sweet potatoes as a side dish to pair with roasted meat. It’s special enough to be a holiday dish.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

Slices of roasted potatoes with herbs and seasoning, swimming in garlic butter fondant, stacked on white plates and garnished with fresh thyme. Nearby, a cloth, fork, and uncooked potatoes await their turn to join this savory delight.

These garlic butter fondant potatoes are worth making. They’re crispy on the outside, soft inside and they literally just melt in the mouth.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

Stick Of Butter Rice

A close-up of a casserole dish filled with baked stick of butter rice and shredded beef. A wooden spoon is partially lifting a portion, revealing the layers. Finely chopped herbs are sprinkled on top.

Looking for a new side dish idea? Try this stick of butter rice with rich beef and garlic flavors. It pairs with just about everything.
Get the Recipe: Stick Of Butter Rice

Roasted Beet Salad

A bowl of beet salad with Sides.
Roast Beet Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This delicious roasted beet orange salad boasts a variety of contrasting and tasty ingredients including sweet and juicy roasted beets, peppery arugula, sweet figs, crunchy pistachios, and salty crumbled feta cheese.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Beet Salad

Gouda Cheddar Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes au gratin in a pan.
Gouda Cheddar Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Gouda, cheddar, and parmesan scalloped potatoes made from scratch make an excellent side dish and a comforting meal. The combination of smoked Gouda, white cheddar, and parmesan cheese gives a unique flavor to this dish, making it a perfect choice for a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Gouda Cheddar Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans And Cranberries

Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans in a bowl. This is one of the best ham side dish recipes.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, pecans and cranberries make a delicious side dish for ham, or just about any kind of meat you are serving. You only need six different ingredients to make it, and the roasted Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients as well as rich flavour. Change your plain roasted halved Brussels sprouts for this sweet, savoury and crunchy dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans And Cranberries

Sweet Potatoes With Candied Maple Pecans

Sweet potato casserole with pecans in a jar.
Sweet Potatoes With Candied Maple Pecans. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

If you’re looking for a slightly different sweet potato dish for your holiday menu, I bet you’ll love these sweet potatoes with candied maple pecans. Its streusel-like topping makes a change from the classic dish.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes With Candied Maple Pecans

Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Carrots in a white bowl with parmesan cheese, perfect as a side dish for turkey.
Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Sheet pan parmesan roasted carrots with garlic make a delicious side dish for all kinds of entrees. The natural sweetness of carrots is showcased by the creamy, salty parmesan cheese and buttery, as well as hints of garlic, rosemary and fresh parsley. Everyone at the dinner table will love crispy parmesan carrots. Their sweetness appeals to the younger members of the family and it’s a great way to get them to eat cooked carrots.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole

Roasted brussel sprouts with pomegranate and feta in a skillet.
Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella

There is no doubt this roasted Brussels sprout pomegranate pancetta feta casserole is something very special. It’s a heavenly bacon feta side dish. This easy Brussels sprout casserole makes a delicious Autumn or Thanksgiving side dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole

One Pot Gouda And Cream Cheese Corn

An appetizing corn on the cob in a white dish, perfect for Thanksgiving or a potluck gathering.
One Pot Gouda And Cream Cheese Corn. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

One pot gouda and cream cheese corn is an extra-special and very delicious side dish. It’s an amazing holiday corn recipe and pairs nicely with any kind of meat you want to cook. The combination of gouda, cream cheese and heavy cream gives this cheesy corn casserole recipe a rich taste and it’s a cozy, comforting side dish the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Gouda And Cream Cheese Corn

Air Fryer Whiskey, Sausage And Cranberry Stuffing

Discover the ultimate stuffing recipe enhanced with delicious cranberries, all baked in a mouthwatering casserole dish. This is one of the best stuffing recipes.
Air Fryer Whiskey, Sausage And Cranberry Stuffing. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This air fryer whiskey, sausage, and cranberry stuffing is so delicious. And baking stuffing in an air fryer means you can fit other dishes in the oven or on the stove. It is the perfect stuffing for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Did you know you could make a bourbon or whiskey stuffing with pork sausage recipe in your air fryer? Well, you can, and it’s so good!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whiskey, Sausage And Cranberry Stuffing

Smoked Potato Salad with Bacon

A spoon full of potato salad on a wooden table. This is one of the best potato salad recipes.
Smoked Potato Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This recipe for smoked potato salad with bacon combines the smoky flavors of potatoes and hard-boiled eggs, making it an ideal dish for summer gatherings and barbecues that will surely impress your guests. Go ahead and add this to your list of the best summer side dish recipes!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Potato Salad with Bacon

Flavourful Smoked Asparagus

Smoked asparagus on a platter.
Smoked Asparagus. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Try this flavourful smoked asparagus on a Traeger grill or pellet smoker and you’re sure to be impressed. Asparagus is always delicious and it’s a versatile vegetable, suiting anything from stir-fries to soups and side dishes. The following smoked vegetable recipe is simple to make and boasts a buttery, lemon flavour as well as the wonderful smokiness.
Get the Recipe: Flavourful Smoked Asparagus

Spiked Pineapple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

Delicious cranberry sauce in a mason jar, perfect for holiday recipes. This is one of the best cranberry sauce recipes.
Spiked Pineapple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Spiked pineapple bourbon cranberry sauce perfectly accompanies a brie and cranberry wreath. Cranberry is the star flavor in this cranberry bourbon relish. The sweetness of pineapple, maple syrup, and brown sugar contrasts with the tangy cranberry flavor and kick of bourbon. If you’re a cranberry fan, make this spiked cranberry sauce recipe!
Get the Recipe: Spiked Pineapple Bourbon Cranberry Sauce

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

Affordable sweet potato stuffed with crumble and topped with indulgent sour cream, perfect for Thanksgiving or a potluck gathering.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Air fryer sweet potato casserole stacks make a delicious side dish for all kinds of dishes. This sliced yam casserole is a breeze to prepare and it tastes so good. The sweet potato stacks are topped with a crunchy topping. The thin sliced sweet potatoes are so quick to prepare in the air fryer, making them a great side any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese With Pancetta

Macaroni and cheese served in bowls at a rustic wooden table, perfect for pub and bar food enthusiasts.
Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Pancetta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Take standard mac and cheese to inspiring new heights with this smoked gouda mac and cheese with pancetta recipe. Elbow noodles pair up with gouda cheese, white cheddar, garlic, pancetta or bacon, shallots, and more, to create this seriously impressive dish. You can enjoy this grown up mac and cheese as a side dish or as the main dish and I guarantee second helpings and clean plates!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese With Pancetta

Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad

A squash rocket salad in a bowl on a table.
Roasted Butternut Feta Arugula Rocket Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Arugula offers a refreshing, peppery flavour, although this ingredient can be swapped for mixed greens, baby spinach or romaine. If you are looking for a fall salad recipe, try out this butternut squash or pumpkin rocket salad. Roasted squash salad is an autumn favourite!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut or Pumpkin Feta Arugula Rocket Salad

Air Fryer Bacon Loaded Cornbread Pudding

Corn bread in a blue pan
Air Fryer Bacon Loaded Cornbread Pudding. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Bacon loaded cornbread pudding pairs with everything from chicken to ham or steaks. It’s a wonderful potluck dish and this is the best corn casserole I’ve made. It’s easy to put together this air fryer cornbread pudding made with Jiffy cornbread mix. This bacon corn casserole will become a family dinner tradition.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Loaded Cornbread Pudding

Ultra Creamy Sous Vide Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes with a pat of butter in the center.
Ultra Creamy Sous Vide Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Foodie and Wine.

For the creamiest mashed potatoes ever, make them sous vide style. This recipe makes the richest mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Ultra Creamy Sous Vide Mashed Potatoes

Southern Cornbread Dressing

A scoop of cornbread dressing.
Southern Cornbread Dressing. Photo credit: The Toasty Kitchen.

Make this cornbread dressing to bring a delicious southern flavor to your Thanksgiving feast. You will love both the texture and flavor of this easy recipe.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread Dressing

Classic Au Gratin Potatoes

A creamy casserole of au gratin potatoes.
Classic Au Gratin Potatoes. Photo credit: Salted Mint.

Add classic au gratin potatoes to your Thanksgiving menu to add variety to your feast. This recipe is creamy and cozy and pairs well with ham, turkey or prime rib.
Get the Recipe: Classic Au Gratin Potatoes

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Candied sweet potatoes in a casserole dish.
Candied Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Sally McKenney at Sally’s Baking Addiction.

Candied sweet potatoes are a must make for Thanksgiving. They have the best flavor and pair so well with turkey, prime rib or ham.
Get the Recipe: Candied Sweet Potatoes

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

A serving platter of brown sugar glazed carrots, topped with pecans.
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Britney Breaks Bread.

You only need 5 ingredients to make this glazed carrot recipe. Brown sugar adds the perfect sweetness to dress up a classic Thanksgiving side dish.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Yeast Rolls

A baking dish with golden brown yeast rolls.
Yeast Rolls. Photo credit: Sugar and Soul.

You can’t go wrong with a classic like simple yeast rolls as a side for Thanksgiving! This recipe is easy but so delicious and fluffy!
Get the Recipe: Yeast Rolls

Green Bean Casserole

A skillet of green bean casserole with mushrooms and bacon with crispy fried onions.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Jo Cooks.

Make this green bean casserole from scratch for a creamy and colorful side that everyone will want a scoop of. This goes great with ham or turkey and it has chunks of mushrooms and bacon.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Acorn squash stuffed with quinoa and feta cheese.
Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash. Photo credit: We Are Not Martha.

Quinoa, mushrooms and feta cheese make the perfect filling for acorn squash. This will look great on your table and taste even better!
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes

A bowl of savory mashed sweet potatoes with butter.
Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Sugar and Soul.

Add mashed sweet potatoes to the spread of food on Thanksgiving to offer a colorful and flavorful option. These are savory and taste perfect with a pat of butter, or turkey gravy!
Get the Recipe: Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Carrot Casserole

A casserole dish of cornflake and carrot casserole.
Carrot Casserole. Photo credit: Sweet Tea and Sprinkles.

Sliced carrots, cheese and cornflakes come together to make a tasty and unique side for Thanksgiving. Everyone will love this combination of flavors, paired with all of the fixings of a feast.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Casserole

Cranberry Raspberry Sauce

A serving dish of raspberry cranberry sauce.
Cranberry Raspberry Sauce. Photo credit: Britney Breaks Bread.

If you want to make the best ever cranberry sauce, then this is the recipe for you! It adds raspberries into the mix for such a tasty twist on a classic side.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Raspberry Sauce

Crack Green Beans

A skillet of green beans with bacon chunks.
Crack Green Beans. Photo credit: Foodie and Wine.

This is the best recipe for green beans! You will agree after just one bite, the addition of bacon makes this dish addictive. This flavor wwill pair perfectly with roast turkey and all of the trimmings.
Get the Recipe: Crack Green Beans

Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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