We’re only a few short weeks away from Thanksgiving, and as we start to finalize our travel plans, it’s also time to finalize our menu. If you’re looking for the best Thanksgiving sides—from unique dishes to the classic recipes that’ll serve up a dose of flavor nostalgia—we’ve got you covered.
Check out our list of 10 Thanksgiving sides to keep every guest satisfied (and stuffed!) this holiday season and get a few time-saving tips to help you prep ahead of the big day so your hosting duties are stress-free.
Stuffing is always a favorite side dish—and there is no shortage of recipes to choose from for Thanksgiving. This stuffing recipe might just turn into your family’s new favorite, offering a delicious combination of smoky bacon, tart apples, woodsy herbs, crunchy pecans and homey French bread.
Time-saving tip: You can prepare the bread mixture up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate. Drizzle on the stock just before baking.
Skip the green bean casserole this year and try a fresh take with this classic, sophisticated and healthy Thanksgiving side.
The green beans are blanched for a few minutes and then quickly put in an ice bath to keep them nice and crisp. Then, they’re tossed in a simple vinaigrette to level up the flavor.
This unique Thanksgiving side is just as beautiful as it is tasty!
Tart cranberries balance out the sweet, buttery flavor of the squash, adding a brightness to your Thanksgiving feast that your guests will love.
Time-saving tip: Seed and slice your squash ahead of time and keep in an airtight container before roasting to save time on Turkey Day. If oven space is an issue the day of, you can also roast your squash up to 4 days before and store in an airtight container, then reheat as you cook the red onion and cranberries.
Get the Roasted Winter Squash with Red Onions and Cranberries recipe!
If you’re looking to surprise and delight guests with a flavorful and unique Thanksgiving side, look no further than this stuffing recipe!
The sweet, oniony flavor of the leeks is rounded out with tangy pears and brought together with a crumbly cornbread base.
You’ll never turn to canned, jelly-like cranberry sauce again when you have a taste of this homemade recipe.
Bright orange zest and orange juice up the flavor of this easy Thanksgiving side recipe, which only takes about 10 minutes to make.
Time-saving tip: While this is a quick and easy Thanksgiving recipe, stovetop space can be limited on Turkey Day—and this is a great recipe to prepare ahead of time. Store in the fridge up to 4 days before the holiday, or freeze and let thaw in the fridge 24 hours in advance.
If you choose the freezer route, be sure to let this mixture cool completely before storing—putting warm dishes in the freezer can raise the temperature (a food safety hazard) and cause surrounding frozen items to partially thaw and refreeze, changing the taste and texture of some foods.
Create a twist on tradition with this unique Thanksgiving side recipe boasting the hearty and slightly citrusy flavors of cumin, coriander and lemon.
A tangy yogurt sauce offers a great balance to this dish, and guests will love having a light, bright side alongside some of the heartier dishes on Turkey Day.
Get the Cumin Roasted Butternut Squash with Chickpeas recipe!
Grab your mandoline and slice away for this updated version of a classic Thanksgiving side.
Leeks, which are similar to green onions in flavor but slightly sweeter, have a delicate, buttery quality that adds another layer of flavor to this dish. Rich and rustic, this is a delicious choice for your Thanksgiving menu—and will keep guests coming back for seconds and thirds.
Fennel sausage brings an earthy sweetness to this twist on an old classic.
Ripe Granny Smith apples and dried cranberries impart a seasonal flair while classic ingredients—like rosemary, celery and garlic—provide a familiar and belly-warming base. It’s a fresh take on a tried-and-true favorite that’s sure to please everyone.
Get the Stuffing with Fennel Sausage and Cranberries recipe!
These corn muffins are a little bit sweet, a little bit savory and a whole lot of delicious!
Fresh, earthy herbs like rosemary and thyme amp of the flavor of this side dish, while the buttermilk boosts the tenderness, moistness and light texture of the muffin itself.
Get the Mini Corn Muffins with Roasted Garlic and Fresh Herbs recipe!
Add a little color to your plate with this simple and elegant Thanksgiving side. The honey, Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar give a pop of bright flavor and perfectly complement the natural sweetness of the carrots.
Time-saving tip: To save some time during the holiday, prepare the vinaigrette the day before and store in a small glass bottle or jar, giving it a quick shake before gently pouring over your warm carrots.
Don’t wait to start prepping for Thanksgiving! With our handy guide, we’ll have you ready every step of the way, from now ‘til Turkey Day.
Can I substitute oil for butter?