Hosting a meal can be stressful, especially when there are high expectations for the star of the show – turkey wings.
Turkey wings are a popular dish that provides lots of flavor and tenderness that’s perfect for holiday celebrations and family meals. While the turkey wings may be the main attraction, it’s important to have the perfect accompaniments to complete the meal.
So, choosing the right-side dish is just as important as cooking the wings themselves. To make sure that your turkey wings can be enjoyed with the perfect complement, here are some of the best side dishes that you can serve with turkey wings that will make your meal complete.
In short - What to Serve with Turkey Wings Collard Greens, Mac-n-Cheese, Fried Okra, Roasted Potatoes, Cornbread, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Baked Beans, Roast Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Coleslaw, Potato Salad, Fried Rice, Garlic Bread, Sweet Potato Fries, Brussel Sprouts, Creamed Spinach
What are turkey wings? What do turkey wings taste like?
Turkey wings are the parts of a turkey that are located on either side of its body. They consist of two bones, which form the shoulder joint, along with some muscle and skin.
When cooked, turkey wings have a mild flavor that is enhanced by herbs and spices. The meat is juicy and tender, making it ideal for roasting or grilling.
When fried or baked in sauces, turkey wings can be quite flavorful as well. The texture also varies depending on how they are cooked; roasted wings tend to be firmer, while braised ones may become more tender. Turkey wings can be served as part of an entrée or as an appetizer.
20+ Amazing sides to serve with turkey wings
1. Collard Greens
Collard greens and turkey wings make an irresistible pair, and collard greens give you a great source of vitamins and fibers that your body needs.
When cooking collard greens, you’ll need to add onions, garlic, red pepper flakes, smoked turkey meat, vinegar, sugar, and water. The result is a dish that’s full of flavor and absolutely irresistible.
2. Mac-n-Cheese
Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? It’s a delicious, classic and comforting dish that pairs perfectly with turkey wings. This dish is especially popular with kids, and it’s easy to prepare. You can make it from scratch or use pre-made, boxed macaroni and cheese for a quick and easy option.
You can add some additional ingredients, such as buffalo chicken or bacon, for an extra twist.
3. Fried Okra
Fried okra is another southern classic that makes the perfect partner to turkey wings. The crispy and crunchy texture of fried okra compliments the wings perfectly. When frying okra, it’s recommended to use cornmeal and flour for breading and add additional spices to flavor the dish.
4. Roasted Potatoes
Potatoes roasted in herbs, and butter are a classic side dish to go with turkey wings. They crisp up outside while staying soft and fluffy on the inside, making them a perfect accompaniment to your wings.
Roasted sweet potatoes offer a sweet and sweet-savory flavor that’s in sharp contrast to the taste of turkey wings. It’s a perfect balance that can make your meal a standout. Roast the sweet potatoes with a little bit of butter and brown sugar to bring out their natural sweetness.
You can also look at the various sides to serve with roasted potatoes
5. Cornbread
Sweet or savory cornbread can be a great pairing with turkey wings.
The sweetness from the corn can balance out the saltiness of the turkey wings. At the same time, the buttery and fluffy texture of the cornbread can complement the crispy and crunchy texture of the turkey wings.
Cornbread stuffing is also working well with turkey wings too. You can make it with some cornbread, sautéed onions and garlic, sage, cranberries, and celery for a sweet and flavorful side dish that will hit every part of your palette.
6. Mashed Potatoes
It’s a classic side dish that never fails to impress. Mashed potatoes can be prepared in many ways, but the most common way is by boiling potatoes and then mashing them with cream, butter, and some seasoning.
This is a perfect side dish for turkey wings because it can soak up the delicious gravy and add some creaminess and texture to the meal.
7. Green Beans
A healthy side dish, green beans can add some freshness and color to your plate.
You can cook green beans in many ways, but the most popular way is by sautéing them in garlic, olive oil, and some salt and pepper. This simple yet flavorful dish can also be a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
8. Baked Beans
Baked beans are another classic side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey wings. The sweetness of the beans complements the savory flavor of the meat really well!
9. Green Salad
A light and refreshing side dish, salad can be a great complement to heavy, fried turkey wings. You can make a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and some vinaigrette dressing.
This dish can provide some balance to your meal and can be customized according to your preferences. You can also choose some perfect dishes to serve with green salad.
10. Stuffing
A traditional stuffing made with bread cubes, celery, onion, herbs, and spices is always a great side for turkey wings. The flavors of the stuffing will bring out the flavor of the wings even more!
More Top 20 Best Ideas to Serve with Stove Top Stuffing: A Gourmet’s Guide
11. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is such a nostalgic side dish that can be enjoyed at any time of year, but especially during Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners when you’re serving turkey wings! It’s creamy, cheesy and crunchy all at once, which makes it ideal for pairing with your wings.
12. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is one of those sides that go well with almost anything, so it’s also a great choice to pair with your turkey wings! It has a nice crunchy texture which contrasts nicely against the softer texture of your meat while adding flavor as well as texture to your meal!
13. Potato Salad
Potato salad is another classic side dish option for enjoying alongside your fried or baked chicken or turkey wings! With its creamy mayonnaise base paired with diced potatoes and hard-boiled eggs, it adds extra layers of taste to complement any type of wing recipe you have going on!
14. Fried Rice
Fried rice makes an excellent side dish for turkey wings because its savory flavor profile cuts through fatty foods like poultry wings easily; its contrast in textures also helps bring balance to any plate featuring fried food items like yours will be if you decide to serve some fried wings alongside it for supper tonight!
15. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread brings an extra layer of savory goodness along with it whenever it’s served together with other dishes; this makes it an ideal accompaniment to any type (fried or not) poultry-wing entree you might choose to make this evening—as long as everyone at the table doesn’t mind their breath smelling afterward.
16. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are becoming increasingly popular in North America due to their unique combination of sweet yet savory tastes.
They’re also very versatile in how they can be cooked—baked instead if you don’t feel like frying them all up—and still turn out amazingly tasty each time they grace someone’s plate alongside their chosen poultry-wing entrée item(s).
17. Brussel Sprouts
Brussel sprouts are widely known for being both healthy and delicious—making them perfect companions for more calorie-rich dishes such as fried poultry wings;
Their peppery yet somewhat sweet taste adds complexity (in both flavor palates) when eaten together compared to either one alone; bonus points if you dress them up beforehand in some olive oil plus freshly grated Parmesan cheese before throwing them into whatever baking pan/tray you plan on using during preparation/cooking time.
18. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach offers up another way by which someone can add an additional help/side dish onto their plate without needing to add much more work or effort towards meal prep/cooking than they already had planned on doing prior.
Its slight hint of nutmeg pairs magically together within any kind of poultry wing entree due to how these two flavors mix so effortlessly together when combined into each other (given enough cooking time).
19. Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots offer earthy sweetness when eaten beside poultry wings, whether they’re fresh off that same baking tray or else cooked via other methods such as deep frying instead.
They create one harmonious flavor profile matching perfectly against all possible types & styles available from today’s modern-day kitchen devices/appliances no matter what kind these happen to be used end result wise—casual dinner night meals now have a new partner in crime when any type of poultry-wing is included in the mix!
20. Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms provide a savory, earthy flavor that pairs amazingly with almost any kind of poultry-wing dish; using butter along with garlic and onions during preparation really helps bring out the umami flavors, which will help to offset the spiciness of whatever wing recipe you happen to be working with this evening.
21. Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is surprisingly nutritious for as sweet and vibrant in flavor as it is before even considering adding additional ingredients into the mix, pairing butternut squash with any poultry-wing dish.
Adds a unique balance of tastes that can’t be achieved easily through other means—making it an ideal side dish for anyone looking to get creative within their kitchen tonight!
22. Potato Wedges
Potato wedges are a great way to add some starch and heft to a poultry-wing meal; they can be cooked in the same baking tray alongside other components of the dish, making them incredibly convenient when it comes to the time and effort needed during preparation.
They’re also tasty, crunchy, and hearty—sure to please anyone sitting at your dinner table tonight! You can also choose various sauces to elevate your potato wedges.
What are the best flavors to go with turkey wings?
When it comes to the best flavors to go with turkey wings, there are a variety of options. For a spicy kick, try coating your turkey wings in a combination of chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
If you’re looking for something more savory, marinate the wings in garlic-infused olive oil and season with rosemary and thyme. For sweeter notes, coat the wings in honey mustard or bbq sauce.
There’s also nothing wrong with keeping it classic by brushing melted butter over the wings before baking them in the oven. No matter what flavors you choose, we guarantee that your turkey wings will be delicious!
How do you jazz up turkey wings?
One way to jazz up turkey wings is to marinate them in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. Examples of ingredients you can use in your marinade include garlic, onion powder, paprika, oregano, curry powder, and cayenne pepper for some added heat.
You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcester sauce for an extra tang. Make sure to coat the turkey wings thoroughly with the marinade and let them sit overnight before cooking.
Another way to make tasty turkey wings is by grilling them. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat and brushing the wings with olive oil or melted butter. Place the wings on the hot grate and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping as needed.
You can add some extra flavor by tossing the wings with your favorite barbecue sauce after they’ve cooked sufficiently.
You can also bake turkey wings for a delicious and healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray or olive oil. Place the marinated wings on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer and season them with salt and pepper if desired.
Bake them for 35-40 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables.
How do you display turkey wings on a platter?
To create a visually appealing display of turkey wings on a platter, start by arranging the wings in alternating directions for an eye-catching design.
For example, place one wing pointing up and one down. Place another set opposite to the first two – one pointing up and one down.
Continue around the edges of the platter in this pattern until all of the wings are arranged. Add some fresh herbs or colorful vegetables to add visual interest.
Finally, garnish with lemon wedges or slices of orange to bring out the flavors in the wings even more.
Wrap Up
Turkey wings can be enjoyed with countless side dishes, but choosing the right one is crucial for an enjoyable meal. As you have some ideas for side dishes to serve with your turkey wings, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen. The right-side dishes can make all the difference and elevate your turkey wings to another level.
Remember that it’s important to balance out the flavors and textures of your meal and offer something for everyone at the table. So, get ready to impress your family and friends with your delicious turkey wings and side dish pairings.
FAQs
How many turkey wings per person?
It really depends on the size of the wings and how hungry your guests are! Generally speaking, the rule of thumb is to plan for 1-2 turkey wings per person. If you’re serving larger wings, consider allowing just one per guest.
Conversely, if you’re serving smaller wings, then two may be more appropriate portion size. You should also factor in any appetizers or side dishes that will be included in the meal.
A good way to gauge how much food to prepare is to take into account the number of people attending and their age range—kids usually need less than adults, and teens usually need more than children.
Your goal should be enough food for everyone to have at least one full portion without running out too quickly. As always, it helps to have a few extra wings in case of surprise guests!
What to do with the wings of turkey?
Once the turkey has been cooked, you can use the wings in a variety of ways. Many people enjoy eating them as is with a side of dipping sauce or adding them to their favorite salad.
You could also slice the wings into strips and use them in stir-fries, soups, stews, and casseroles. The wings can be used to make delicious stock that can be used for other recipes such as stuffing or gravy.
Additionally, they can be coated in flour and spices and then fried until crispy for a tasty appetizer. For something truly unique, try baking the wings with your favorite barbecue sauce for an extra zesty flavor. No matter how you choose to prepare the wings from your turkey dinner, they are sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
How to clean turkey wings?
Cleaning turkey wings is a relatively straightforward process. First, use a sharp knife to remove any excess fat or skin from the wings. Then, rinse the wings thoroughly under running water to remove dirt and debris.
You can also scrub them with a brush to loosen up any stubborn bits. Afterward, pat them dry with paper towels or let them air dry.