2021 Thanksgiving side dishes
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s time to get good and hungry! Whether you’re planning a full menu to host at your house or bringing a side dish to friends’ or family’s, this collection of memorable Thanksgiving side dishes is sure to give you some inspiration.
Stuffings and dressings
Old fashioned Southern cornbread dressing uses either homemade buttermilk skillet cornbread or Jiffy corn muffin mix! This dish is loaded with beef, pork, poultry seasoning, and sage for a sausage-like flavor. Easy to make and freeze in advance, it’s a must-have Thanksgiving side!
This Mediterranean twist on dressing is a huge crowd-pleaser. Save room on your plate for a big pile of this sun-dried tomato and artichoke sun-dried tomato stuffing!
These juicy sausage stuffing balls are a memorable way to serve your dressing this year for Thanksgiving! I bet these would disappear faster than you could say "turkey day"!
Mashes and Vegetables
Mashed potatoes are a must during Thanksgiving - give them a gourmet makeover by adding roasted garlic and truffle oil! They're so good you don't even need gravy!
Do you like your sweet potatoes sweet or savory? This recipe satisfies both crowds! The sweet potatoes are mashed with plenty of fresh herbs, and are topped with a beautiful display of candied pecans to give a sophisticated but still addictive take on this Thanksgiving side dish!
Looking for a unique alternative to mashed potatoes? Once you try mashed rutabaga you'll want to add it to your regular rotation! Rutabaga has so much natural flavor, and the addition of a little nutmeg and brown sugar really takes it to the next level!
Serve a crowd with this mostly-from-scratch green bean casserole — with fresh green beans, homemade cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions! Sherry and thyme fill this holiday side dish with extra flavor. Make ahead to make Thanksgiving day a little easier!
Breads
Muffins are the perfect grab-and-go way to serve cornbread this Thanksgiving! You can mix them up with a variety of dinner rolls so everyone can choose their favorite bread side in an easy, single-serve format!
This Southern buttermilk cornbread is moist, slightly sweet, and super flavorful. Baking in a cast iron skillet gives it craggy, crispy edges you’ll love!
Rosemary thyme no-knead Dutch oven bread is airy and soft on the inside with a glossy crust that shatters when you cut into it – the perfect crusty bread for stew or just dipping into olive oil! Best of all, you hardly have to do anything to make it!
Thanksgiving vegetable side dishes
Don't feel confined to the traditional root vegetable side dishes this Thanksgiving. Try some delicious balsamic roasted beets for something a little different and a striking pop of color on your dinner table!
Just look at the crispy edges on these garlic and herb roasted potatoes! This side dish would be an excellent addition to your Thanksgiving spread!
For a real showstopper, try this beautiful arrangement of roasted root vegetables. Nobody will forget seeing this beauty at their table!
Don't be afraid of some green at the table too! Instead of smothering your green beans with cream of mushroom soup, try this bright dish topped with almonds and bacon!
Fall is the time to let root vegetables take the stage - and I can't think of a more memorable side dish than these roasted parsnips with salted caramel! It's just the right balance of sweet and salty to satisfy the whole family!
A little citrus and honey is just the way to make roasted Brussels sprouts festive for the holidays! And roasting is a sure-fire way to bring out the best in any vegetable!
Miscellaneous
Cranberry sauce is a must at Thanksgiving, and this homemade version with cinnamon and orange is much more of a treat than the canned jellied stuff!
No holiday gathering is complete without a tray of deviled eggs. Instead of your go-to recipe, try these modern parmesan truffle deviled eggs! They're definitely elegant enough to serve with a nice Thanksgiving dinner!
Mini pecan pies are a convenient, handheld way to serve everybody’s favorite pie at Thanksgiving! They’re two bites and full of that gooey filling that makes pecan pie so good!
Regardless of what you make, I hope you all have a wonderful and delicious holiday full of food, friends, and family!
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I love the way you put together this post!! It is so well done with so many amazing dishes.
Thanks, Alli! Hope you got some inspiration from it!
Omg, I’m so lucky to have stumbled across this post! My grandma’s just come to stay with us, and I wanna make her visit unforgettable. Your collection will definitely help me with that. I especially LOVE rosemary sweet potato casserole with pecans, parmesan truffle deviled eggs, orange and honey roasted brussel sprouts, and oven roasted root vegetables (this will look absolutely beautiful on the table). I’ve saved these recipes for later. I have no doubts they taste like heaven. Can’t wait to make the dishes myself and present them to my family.
Thank you for this treasure Caroline. Got so much inspiration. I really appreciate all of your hard work and effort. You put so much love into what you’re doing.
I’m so glad to have helped with your Thanksgiving inspiration and I hope your family loves these recipes! Have a great visit with your grandma!