Thanksgiving is a moment to meet with friends and family, enjoy good food, and give thanks. It’s also an excellent opportunity to show off your cooking skills! Whether you’re a professional chef or an experienced cook.
But what do you do when it comes to side dishes? Sure, there’s the traditional turkey and stuffing, but what else can you make to round out the meal? , these essential Thanksgiving side dishes are sure to impress your guests.
If you are in a hurry and want to know What to serve on Thanksgiving Day, then any of these- Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Stuffing, Roasted Vegetables, Cranberry Sauce, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potato Casserole, Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie, Apple Crisp.
9 Best Thanksgiving Sides You Need on Your Table
1. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic holiday meal for a reason—they’re creamy, comforting, and easy to make and can effortlessly be dressed up or down depending on what flavors you’d like to add.
Try adding in some roasted garlic or roasted shallots to give them an extra kick. You could also add in some cooked bacon crumbles as well.
For more flavor-packed mashed potatoes, try adding roasted garlic, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon bits, or even cheese; try roasting small potatoes in a muffin tin and serving them as individual servings!
2. Green Bean Casserole
Another side you can’t avoid during thanksgiving day is Green Bean casserole. This comforting dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
It’s easy to assemble and can be made ahead of time, so you don’t have to worry about prepping it right before dinner. Plus, it pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes! Try adding Green bean casserole, some finely chopped mushrooms or caramelized onions into the mix for an added layer of flavor.
To make it extra special, top the casserole with crispy fried onions or shredded cheese before baking.
You can also switch things up by adding some unique ingredients like artichokes or jalapeños for a spicy kick. This classic side dish will surely be loved by everyone at the table.
3. Stuffing
Stuffing is one of the most essential sides of any Thanksgiving table. A great stuffing should be packed full of flavor and texture; think herbs, nuts, dried fruit, and crunchy breadcrumbs!
If you’re feeling adventurous, add some wild rice or diced apples for an added layer of flavor.
Read More- 27 Quick Pairs for Spinach Stuffed Chicken
4. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting veggies brings out their inherent sweetness and flavors them up.
Some vegetables that work well when roasted include Brussels sprouts, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, and onions. Cut them up into bite-sized pieces, toss them with olive oil and your favorite seasonings (salt & pepper always work!), spread them out onto a baking sheet, and grill in the oven until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
5. Cranberry Sauce
An essential Thanksgiving condiment, cranberry sauce is always a hit! So, Cranberry sauce is an absolute must on Thanksgiving day!
To prepare it, combine 12 ounces of fresh cranberries with ½ cup white sugar in a saucepan over medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally.
More- 10 Outstanding Side dishes for Amyu Cranberry Jalapeno Meatballs
Once boiling has been reached, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes or until most of the cranberries have burst open while frequently stirring so that everything cooks evenly.
Add ¼ cup orange juice or apple cider vinegar (or both!) along with some ground cinnamon if desired before serving warm or cold with your favorite Thanksgiving dishes!
Or Stir in one tablespoon of orange zest if desired before allowing it to cool slightly before serving it cold alongside other holiday dishes.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For those looking for something different from the traditional side dishes often found on Thanksgiving tables, roasted Brussels sprouts are always an excellent choice!
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F before washing one pound of Brussels sprouts and removing any yellowed leaves from them if necessary before patting them dry with paper towels and cutting off their ends.
Transfer these halved Brussels sprouts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet before drizzling one tablespoon oil over them along with salt/pepper/garlic powder if desired before tossing everything together so that all pieces are evenly coated in oil/seasonings, etcetera.
Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until Brussels sprouts become golden brown while flipping once halfway through the cooking time so that they cook evenly throughout before serving warm alongside other holiday favorites!
6. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is always delicious—and surprisingly simple when it comes time to prepare it for guests during gatherings like Thanksgiving dinner!
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F before combining 4 large sweet potatoes (peeled & cubed) as well as ½ cup light brown sugar plus 3 tablespoons flour in a large bowl – mix well using a spoon or spatula till everything’s combined nicely without lumps forming anywhere inside your mixture bowl(s).
Grease up an 8×8 inch baking dish using nonstick cooking spray, then transfer the sweet potato mixture into the said pan, followed by topping off the contents inside the pan with 2 tablespoons of butter that’s been melted.
Before serving warm with other festive foods, bake sweet potatoes at 375°F for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and tender.
7. Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is an absolute must around the Thanksgiving table each year! Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (or 375°F if using a deep dish pie crust) before combining 1 can of solid pack pumpkin puree plus ¾ cup white granulated sugar in a medium bowl.
Mix together using a spoon or electric mixer until everything’s fully incorporated without lumps forming anywhere inside your mixture bowl(s).
Grease up your favorite 9-inch pie crust before pouring both contents of the mixture bowl(s) into said pie crust, followed by topping off the contents inside the pie crust with a heaping ¼ teaspoon each of salt plus ground cinnamon before baking at 350°F (or 375°F if using deep dish pie crust) for 40-50 minutes or until pumpkin filling is set before serving warm or cold to guests alongside other holiday favorites!
8. Apple Pie
An apple pie may not be traditional to Thanksgiving dinner, but it’s always welcome!
Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and preparing your favorite 9-inch double-crust pastry. Peel and thinly slice 6 large apples, then mix them in a large bowl with 1/3 cup white granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Place the mixture in the prepared pastry crust and top with the remaining crust before sealing the edges together with a fork and cutting several slits into the top for venting before baking for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Allow cooling slightly before serving warm alongside other holiday dishes!
9. Apple Crisp
Last but certainly not least, If you’re looking for an easy yet delicious Thanksgiving dessert, apple crisp is always the way to go!
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F while preparing one 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, combine 6 cups peeled and sliced apples, 1/2 cup white granulated sugar, and one teaspoon each of ground cinnamon plus nutmeg.
Mix together using a spoon or electric mixer until everything’s fully incorporated without lumps forming anywhere inside your mixture bowl(s).
Grease up the prepared 9×13 inch pan using nonstick cooking spray, then transfer apple mixture into the said pan, followed by topping off contents inside the pan with 3/4 cup rolled oats and 1/2 cup melted butter before baking in preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the top becomes golden brown.
Allow cooling slightly before serving warm alongside other holiday favorites!
Wrap-Up On The Essential Thanksgiving Side dishes
These essential Thanksgiving side dishes are sure to wow your guests this year! Whether you choose to keep it classic with mashed potatoes and stuffing or get creative with roasted vegetables and green bean casserole, pies, and more – there’s something for everyone on your holiday table this year.
With these delicious sides as part of your meal plan – you can rest assured that your guests will have plenty to talk about when it comes time for dinner! Happy cooking!
