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Brie Goldman
Thanksgiving dinner may be all about tradition, but it’s the side dishes that truly bring personality to the table. From classic casseroles to unexpected twists, our collection of recipes showcases the range of flavors and textures that make each side unique and memorable.
You’ll find all-time favorites like creamy baked masterpieces, as well as fresh takes that incorporate ingredients such as parsnips, acorn squash, and corn, accented with delightful flavors ranging from maple to chives.
Whether you’re looking to please your guests with comfort or surprise them with a side they never saw coming, each recipe here will balance and complement the main event.
Sweet Potato Casserole
This classic casserole blends creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a hint of nutmeg and a gooey, toasted marshmallow topping. Ready in under an hour, it's a warm, comforting addition to your holiday table.
Test Kitchens Favorite Mac and Cheese
Here's a mac and cheese that blends American, cheddar, and Parmesan into a rich, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it's an easy side to put together, so you can focus on other parts of the meal.
Scalloped Potatoes
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Maxwell Cozzi
Rich and creamy, scalloped potatoes get a delicious twist with a golden, crispy Gruyère topping. Cooking the slices in milk first ensures every bite is tender, and also prevents the common issue of unevenly cooked potatoes.
Creamed Corn with Jalapenos
This unexpected Thanksgiving side combines sweet corn and mild heat. Puréed corn adds a smooth texture, while whole kernels provide a satisfying bite. And you can easily adjust the spice level by removing jalapeño seeds for a milder taste.
Brussels Sprouts with Oranges and Bacon
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Here's a sweet, smoky, and caramelized side dish that’s hard to resist. Thin-skinned oranges roast alongside the sprouts, adding vibrant, slightly bitter notes that balance the rich, crisp bacon. For extra crunch, separate a few sprout leaves before roasting.
Maple-Glazed Parsnips And Carrots
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In this tasty side, sweet maple-glazed parsnips and carrots roast with thyme and smoky bacon until caramelized and tender for an irresistible blend of savory and sweet.
Roasted Acorn Squash with Pomegranate Glaze
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Roast acorn squash rings until tender, then brush them with a tangy pomegranate glaze. Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and flavor.
Spinach and Peas
Sauté shallots in olive oil until translucent, then toss them with cooked peas and wilted spinach for this quick, vibrant side. The peas' sweetness balances the spinach's earthiness for a fresh, flavorful combination.
Cheddar-Jalapeno Cornbread
Falling nicely between tender and crumbly, this cornbread gets a kick from sharp cheddar and zesty jalapenos. Try it with chili or soup for a comforting, cool-weather meal.
Potato, Cauliflower, and Cheddar Bake
This hearty bake combines tender potatoes and crisp-tender cauliflower under a rich layer of sharp cheddar. We're not sure which part we love more: the herby hint of thyme or the bubbly, golden topping.
Mashed Potatoes with Pumpkin and Greens
This holiday mash blends creamy Yukon Gold potatoes, earthy pumpkin, and tender Swiss chard for a seasonal twist on traditional mashed potatoes. With a hint of nutmeg and a mix of textures, it's a flavorful side that brings color and warmth to the table.
Herb-Roasted Potatoes
All you need to make this solid side are red potatoes, olive oil, and thyme. Preheating the baking sheet ensures a perfectly crispy finish, making each bite golden and delicious.
Brown-Sugar-and-Bacon-Glazed Brussels Sprouts
This dish's balance of sweet and savory flavors will beautifully complement your turkey and stuffing. The caramelized glaze and crispy bacon add a festive richness, while the sprouts themselves deliver a fresh, earthy taste.
Sweet Potato and Sage-Butter Casserole
In this cozy casserole, earthy sage balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes. And it's a convenient make-ahead dish, allowing you to prepare it up to two days in advance—perfect for easing the holiday cooking rush.
Khalil Hymore's Parker House Rolls
Food editor and recipe developer Khalil Hymore shares a recipe for buttery, soft rolls that are perfect for a holiday meal. Twice-brushed with melted butter and finished with a sprinkle of salt, they're pillowy and irresistible.
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
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Brie Goldman
Made with russet potatoes, caramelized garlic, and rich, heavy cream, this rendition of the classic turns out smooth and indulgent. The garlic’s mellow flavor adds a savory depth that will nicely complement your holiday meal.
Sauteed Collard Greens with Garlic
This smart recipe transforms a traditionally slow-cooked dish into a fast side, thanks to a brief steaming and a burst of flavor from garlic and red pepper flakes. The result is a tender, slightly spicy dish that balances the natural bitterness of collard greens.
Butternut-Squash and Kale Gratin
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This unexpected dish combines hearty layers of seasonal squash, vibrant kale, and a creamy, savory sauce, topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Assemble and then bake to golden perfection.
Classic Cranberry Sauce
This easy and flavorful cranberry sauce combines fresh or frozen cranberries with orange zest and juice, sugar, and a hint of cinnamon. Simmer it for just 12 to 15 minutes to create a thick, tangy sauce that you can make ahead and store for up to a week.
Green Bean Casserole
Brie Goldman
The Thanksgiving standby gets a fresh update here, with tender green beans in a savory mushroom sauce topped with homemade crispy shallots. The lighter, from-scratch version brings rich flavors to the table while keeping the dish's classic appeal.
Corn Pudding with Chives
Not a sweet potato fan? Here's a different way to bring a touch of sweetness to the table. This cozy side features fresh chives for a subtle onion-like flavor and a creamy texture accented with a bit of texture from whole corn kernels.
Roasted Mushrooms and Pearl Onions
These roasted mushrooms and pearl onions bring an unexpected twist to the Thanksgiving table, offering a sophisticated contrast to classic sides. With their rich, earthy flavors and caramelized sweetness, they’re a refreshing departure from the usual.
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