7 Savory Side Dishes to Elevate Your Thanksgiving Feast

By /

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to showcase a variety of delicious side dishes that complement your turkey and make the feast even more special. From classic mashed potatoes to creative veggie medleys, these sides add flavor, color, and texture to your holiday table. Let’s explore some tasty options that will delight your family and friends this Thanksgiving!

Classic Cranberry Sauce

A beautifully set Thanksgiving table featuring a bowl of cranberry sauce, turkey, and festive decorations.

Cranberry sauce is a staple at any Thanksgiving table. Its bright red color and tangy flavor add a refreshing contrast to the rich dishes we love. This sauce is not just a side; it’s a celebration of the season. The sweet-tart taste pairs perfectly with turkey, stuffing, and all the other delicious sides.

Making cranberry sauce from scratch is simple and rewarding. You can control the sweetness and add your own twist with spices or citrus. Plus, it fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma as it simmers on the stove.

Here’s a quick and easy recipe for homemade cranberry sauce that will impress your guests:

Ingredients

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or bad berries.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  3. Add the cranberries to the boiling sugar water. Return to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  4. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
  5. If using, stir in cinnamon and orange zest for added flavor.
  6. Remove from heat and let cool. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
  7. Serve chilled or at room temperature with your Thanksgiving feast!

Savory Herb Stuffing with Sausage

A bowl of savory herb stuffing with sausage, garnished with parsley, on a beautifully set Thanksgiving table.

When it comes to Thanksgiving, savory herb stuffing with sausage is a must-have side dish. This hearty stuffing brings warmth and flavor to the table, making it a favorite among family and friends. The combination of herbs, bread, and sausage creates a delightful texture and taste that complements the turkey perfectly.

To make this stuffing, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Fresh herbs like sage and thyme add aromatic notes, while sausage brings a savory richness. The bread cubes soak up all the delicious flavors, creating a comforting dish that everyone will love.

Here’s how to whip up this delightful stuffing:

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 cups bread cubes (preferably day-old)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the onion and celery, cooking until softened.
  4. Stir in the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, sausage, and the onion mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and mix well.
  6. Add the parsley and stir until everything is evenly combined.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

This savory herb stuffing with sausage is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering. Serve it alongside turkey and other sides for a complete holiday feast!

Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Maple glazed Brussels sprouts on a festive Thanksgiving table

Brussels sprouts can be a hit or miss at the dinner table, but when you add a sweet maple glaze, they become a star side dish. The combination of caramelized sprouts with the rich flavor of maple syrup creates a delightful balance that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.

These Brussels sprouts are perfect for Thanksgiving. They add a pop of color to your table and bring a touch of sweetness that complements savory dishes beautifully. Plus, they’re easy to prepare, making them a great choice for busy holiday cooking.

To make these tasty sprouts, you’ll need fresh Brussels sprouts, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The process is simple: roast the sprouts until they’re golden brown, then drizzle with maple syrup for that irresistible glaze. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
  3. Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  4. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender.
  5. Remove from the oven and drizzle with maple syrup. Toss to coat evenly.
  6. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
  7. Serve warm and enjoy!

Green Bean Almondine

A festive table setting featuring green bean almondine with almonds and lemon zest, surrounded by candles and autumn decor.

Green Bean Almondine is a classic side dish that adds a fresh and crunchy element to your Thanksgiving table. This dish features vibrant green beans sautéed with almonds, creating a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. The almonds provide a nutty richness, while the green beans stay crisp and bright. It’s a simple yet elegant addition that complements any holiday meal.

To prepare this dish, start by blanching the green beans until they are tender but still firm. Then, sauté them in butter with sliced almonds until the nuts are golden brown. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors and adds a zesty finish. This dish is not only easy to make but also visually appealing, making it a favorite among guests.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Blanch the green beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
  2. Toast the almonds: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Combine: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss to coat them in the butter and almonds. Squeeze lemon juice over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve: Transfer the green bean almondine to a serving dish and enjoy warm.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of creamy garlic mashed potatoes topped with butter and chives, surrounded by a festive Thanksgiving table setting.

Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a must-have for any Thanksgiving feast. They bring comfort and warmth to the table, making them a favorite among family and friends. The buttery texture combined with the rich flavor of garlic creates a delightful side dish that pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy.

To make these mashed potatoes, start with fresh potatoes. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well. Boil them until tender, then mash them with butter, cream, and roasted garlic for that extra kick. The addition of chives not only adds color but also a fresh taste that complements the creamy base.

These mashed potatoes are not just delicious; they also add a cozy vibe to your holiday gathering. Picture a warm bowl of mashed potatoes sitting at the center of your table, steam rising, and a pat of butter melting on top. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone feel at home.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cloves garlic, roasted
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chives, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, add the cubed potatoes and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Drain and Mash: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the roasted garlic, butter, and heavy cream. Mash until smooth and creamy.
  3. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
  4. Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Top with a pat of butter and sprinkle with chopped chives before serving.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cranberries

A festive table setting featuring roasted sweet potatoes with cranberries, surrounded by candles and autumn decorations.

Roasted sweet potatoes with cranberries are a delightful addition to any Thanksgiving table. Their vibrant colors and rich flavors bring warmth to the meal. The sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized, while the cranberries add a burst of tartness that perfectly balances the sweetness.

This dish is not only tasty but also simple to prepare. You can easily make it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It pairs well with turkey and other traditional sides, making it a must-have for your holiday feast.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until well coated.
  3. Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20 minutes.
  4. Add the cranberries to the baking sheet and toss everything together. Roast for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized.
  5. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Cornbread with Honey Butter

A slice of cornbread with honey butter on a plate, set on a beautifully decorated Thanksgiving table.

Cornbread is a classic side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any Thanksgiving table. Its golden hue and soft texture make it a favorite among family and friends. Pairing it with honey butter adds a sweet twist that elevates the dish to a whole new level. The combination of the slightly sweet cornbread and the rich, creamy honey butter is simply delightful.

Making cornbread is straightforward and requires just a few ingredients. You can enjoy it warm, right out of the oven, or let it cool and serve it later. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit. The honey butter is easy to whip up and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other dishes as the big day approaches.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for honey butter)
  • 1/4 cup honey (for honey butter)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. While the cornbread is baking, prepare the honey butter by mixing the softened butter and honey in a small bowl until smooth.
  7. Once the cornbread is done, let it cool slightly before serving. Spread the honey butter on warm slices for a delicious treat.