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Wondering what to pair with your Thanksgiving dinner recipes? Well, these Thanksgiving side dishes will make your job much easier and your mains even more delicious.
While turkey is the star of the show on anything Thanksgiving, you always need a bit more indulgence when it comes to your food.
Hence these Thanksgiving side dishes, ranging from cozy soups to creative pumpkin recipes jazz up your holiday dinner table in the most incredible way.
Apart from being scrummy these recipes also have a healthy twist so there is no compromise to your well-being.
And these side dishes are not just limited to Thanksgiving but can also be a staple at your Christmas Eve dinner fest and even New Year’s.
Plus, there is not a single ounce of meat in these dishes.
Who wants to jump on this ‘Thanksgiving dinner side dishes’ wagon for creating a perfect menu?
Check out my 25 Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes for more holiday inspo!
1. Roasted Brussel Sprouts And Carrots
Ready in: 33 mins
This is one of the easiest Thanksgiving side dishes I’ve ever come across.
This recipe only needs a handful of ingredients and all you have to do is throw them in an oven to make a crispy vibrant dish to enjoy with rice or grilled meat.
Sweeten up the deal with maple syrup or honey.
Recipe: carmyy.com
2. Healthy Creamed Spinach
Ready in: 20 mins
Look out for this healthy and creamy side that can practically go with any weeknight meal.
This spinach adds a pop of green and a ton of nutrients, whereas the cauliflower and mozzarella really dials the creaminess up.
Did I mention that this dish is gluten-free and keto as well?
Recipe: livingchirpy.com
3. Wild Rice Pilaf
Ready in: 40 mins
As the Thanksgiving dinner side dishes go, this wild rice pilaf might be the most versatile.
The cooked rice is mixed with sweet potatoes in a skillet and the pecans give a substantial bite.
But it’s the onions and garlic that add a burst of aroma and subtle sweetness which makes the dish so succulent.
Recipe: lucismorsels.com
4. Pumpkin Hummus
Ready in: 20 mins
Who doesn’t love pumpkins in the chilly season and when it’s made into a spread, you know all your crisps and veggies are going into that bowl?
The hummus is loaded with flavorful spices that warm your soul, and you can even sprinkle some paprika on top for some heat.
And what makes it such a standout among side dishes for Thanksgiving is its simplicity and outstanding flavor profile.
Recipe: thecookierookie.com
5. Spicy Pickled Carrots
Ready in: 22 mins
These pickled carrots can even make some bland sprouts into an elegant meal.
This dish typically involves carrots, onions, ground cumin, jalapenos, and white vinegar getting boiled in water for just about 5 minutes, and that’s it.
Make it once, store it in the refrigerator, and you can utilize it throughout the month.
Recipe: budgetbytes.com
6. Southwest Stuffed Acorn Squash
Ready in: 1 hr 5 mins
This stuffed acorn squash is a side dish that is brimming with fall flavors and lots of cheesy goodness.
The stuffing and the squash can be prepared well in advance and even the leftovers hold up superbly.
Whip up enough of them and it can become your tasty dinner for the night. I love Thanksgiving vegetable side dishes like these.
Recipe: reciperunner.com
7. Pumpkin Cauliflower Gratin
Ready in: 45 mins
If you’re looking for a meal that will instantly steal the hearts of your guests, this is it!
Roasted cauliflower and pumpkin puree make a rich and comforting base, but it is the blend of fried sage and gruyere’ that gives it a crispy finish.
Season with nutmeg and bake it till it’s golden and bubbly.
Recipe: wellandfull.com
8. Salted Honey Parker House Rolls
Ready in: 1 hr 20 mins
Light, fluffy, and buttery this particular recipe is a modern take on the classic, ideal for a Thanksgiving treat!
It has a nice sweet and salty flavor profile thanks to honey, sea salt, and salted butter, and the eggs help to form a squishy body.
Plus, this bread is meant to be made ahead, so you have a little less stress on the big day.
Recipe: hummingbirdhigh.com
9. Holiday Honeycrisp Salad
Ready in: 20 mins
This Honeycrisp salad is one of my go-to Thanksgiving side dish recipes as it is an exquisite addition to any holiday table.
Although the apples and pecans bring a crunchy texture, the apple cider vinaigrette introduces a burst of freshness to the salad.
Oh, and don’t forget about the greens like spinach, arugula, and lettuce making it as healthy as it is tasty.
Recipe: fivehearthome.com
10. Easy Ratatouille Recipe
Ready in: 1 hr
What more to say that has never been said about Ratatouille?
It is an incredible French dish that brings together a sparkling medley of vegetables, primarily consisting of tomatoes, eggplant, and zucchini.
Other than the vibrant ingredients, it is the meticulous presentation of them that’s the selling point here.
Recipe: cookinglsl.com
11. Skillet Zucchini And Mushrooms
Ready in: 25 mins
Ready in under half an hour, this skillet zucchini and mushrooms are the Thanksgiving side dishes you can bring to fruition any time of the day.
The olive oil makes the veggies delectably crispy and the broth is the secret ingredient responsible for hoisting up the flavors to a tea!
If that’s not enough, there are plenty of variations and substitutions to do here.
Recipe: diethood.com
12. Crockpot Mac And Cheese
Ready in: 3 hrs 30 mins
There is something about mac and cheese that always pulls me back to this decadent dish.
All you have to do is toss the pasta, butter, milk, seasonings, and lots of cheese in a crockpot and let it cook for a couple of hours.
It is a side that deserves to be in your repertoire of Thanksgiving dinner side dishes.
Recipe: browneyebaker.com
13. Roasted Beet Salad With Pecans And Feta
Ready in: 55 mins
Is there anything better than a trail mix of roasted beets, crunchy pecans, creamy feta, and healthy greens?
And with the combination of balsamic vinaigrette, this salad becomes unstoppable.
Give it a try and see for yourself.
Recipe: upbeetkitchen.com
14. Scalloped Potatoes With Cheddar
Ready in: 1 hr 20 mins
Are you looking for a way to impress the company at your dinner party? Then this scalloped potatoes with cheddar is a spectacular way to do so!
Extremely tender and so creamy, this here is a restaurant-worthy side that’ll put smiles to all the faces.
You’ll never get bored of making it as the side dishes for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year!
Recipe: cookinglsl.com
15. Chicken And Waffle Sliders
Ready in: 20 mins
This is the ultimate party food to serve as they are highly moreish and are ready in a flash.
It includes fried chicken in between two mini waffle rounds (like a burger) and a toothpick keeps the structure from falling apart.
Drizzle some honey for some sweet indulgence.
Recipe: foodfolksandfun.net
16. Vegan Pumpkin Soup Recipe
Ready in: 30 mins
Bask in the glory of this pumpkin soup which is completely vegan and can be put together in only 30 minutes.
It is a great way to greet your guests and it goes unbelievably well with salads, fries, and fritters.
So good!
Recipe: theyummybowl.com
17. Creamy Parmesan Polenta Recipe
Ready in: 25 mins
Parmesan polenta is another hearty dish that pairs well with anything.
Made from cornmeal, it is slowly cooked with broth to reach a smooth and velvety texture.
The magic happens when you stir the parmesan infusing a rich taste. Thanksgiving vegetable side dishes like this one are hard to come by.
Recipe: lenaskitchenblog.com
18. Sweet Corn Pudding
Ready in: 1 hr
In my book, sweet corn is a must when the holiday season comes around!
They are full of fiber, delish, and so bright, and this recipe takes full advantage of those qualities.
The best thing is that there is no oil involved, so there are no unhealthy fats getting in your way on your special night.
Recipe: carlsbadcravings.com
19. Easy Southern Jalapeno Pimiento Cheese Spread
Ready in: 15 mins
This spread hands down falls under the simplest Thanksgiving side dish recipes category as it can be made in just a jiffy.
The Worcestershire sauce lends its umami-ness while the mayonnaise and cheddar cheese work on the creamy texture.
Although, as the name suggests, the jalapenos and pimentos are the stars of the show here imbuing their hard-to-resist spicy flavor.
Recipe: littleblackskillet.com
20. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Ready in: 1 hr 5 mins
Broccoli florets, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, and cheddar cheese come together to conjure this magnificent side.
It is a holiday essential in case of Thanksgiving side dishes and adds a nice splash of color to your fiesta!
This delicacy really compliments the turkey and all other delicious fixings.
Recipe: nothingwiththenolands.com
21. Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip
Ready in: 2 hrs 10 mins
I love this dip so much that I’ve already mentioned it in my other holiday round-ups: Thanksgiving crockpot recipes and Christmas Eve dinner recipes.
The spinach and artichoke hearts are immersed in mozzarella, sour cream, parmesan, and peppers and slowly cooked to instigate a sublime side dish.
Scoop in crips, crackers, or fries if you’re getting a snack-attack.
Recipe: lovefromtheoven.com
22. Macque Choux
Ready in: 20 mins
Sometimes, all I want are side dishes for Thanksgiving that are ready in minutes and this one fits the bill!
Bringing it all the way from Louisiana this dish has corn in the forefront and a copious amount of crunchy and healthy veggies providing a satisfying bite.
Other than being a multifaceted side, it is also entirely plant-based.
Recipe: garlicandzest.com
23. Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
Ready in: 2 hrs 25 mins
Green bean casserole as a cozy holiday side dish is a total game-changer!
The beans are easy to prepare and also ideal for family gatherings and potlucks.
You can replace the chicken broth with a vegetable one and give it a festive twist by adding in some toasted almonds.
Recipe: culinaryhill.com
24. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Ready in: 20 mins
This garlic mashed cauliflower is a deliciously creamy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
Packed with nutrients and low in carbs, this meal is a guilt-free indulgence.
Herb it up with fresh rosemary and thyme, and it will become a crowd-pleaser that even potato lovers will adore!
Recipe: evolvingtable.com
25. Caprese Salad
Ready in: 25 mins
A Caprese salad might feel like an odd addition to your Thanksgiving side dish recipes menu, but trust me, it belongs there.
Ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fresh basil are drizzled up with balsamic vinaigrette.
To make it extra special, throw in some pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and a sweet crunch.
Recipe: iheartnaptime.net
26. Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Ready in: 4 hrs 10 mins
Did you honestly believe that I would leave out the OG mashed potatoes?
Crockpot helps potatoes to become tender and better absorb the flavors of other ingredients such as herbs and garlic.
Moreover, it is a convenient method to dish out an amazing side with minimal effort.
Recipe: amindfulmom.com
27. Swiss Chard
Ready in: 20 mins
Ending this catalog of Thanksgiving side dishes on a high note with this Swiss chard.
It is a stunning side that integrates green Swiss chard, olive oil, onions, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and seasonings to make an epic healthy Thanksgiving bonanza!
Use it in soups, quiches, or as a filling for pasta.
Recipe: healthyseasonalrecipes.com
What Do You Think?
I’m sure these Thanksgiving vegetable side dishes are going to be a hit! So gather your loved ones, and get ready to have a gorgeous holiday fiesta!
How many of these Thanksgiving side dish recipes did you try? Which one is your favorite? And if I missed any of the popular ones, let me know in the comments section below!
