Hosting Thanksgiving can be a lot of pressure, but with the right side dishes, you’ll make it a holiday to remember. These 17 dishes are sure to impress your guests and help you pull off a flawless feast. From traditional favorites to unique additions, they’ll give your menu the boost it needs to make this Thanksgiving your best yet. Get ready to serve up sides that guarantee everyone leaves talking about your dinner.
Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
These roasted lemon potatoes, broccoli, and peppers bring bold flavors to the Thanksgiving table, guaranteed to earn you compliments. Ready in 40 minutes, this dish combines tangy lemon with earthy turmeric for a refreshing contrast to heavier sides. It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone talking about your menu. One bite, and your guests might just forget about the stuffing this year.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
Middle Eastern Spiced Butternut Squash Pickles
These Middle Eastern spiced butternut squash pickles will surprise everyone at your Thanksgiving gathering with their sweet and savory flavors. Ready in under an hour, the pickles are infused with warm spices and a tangy kick, perfectly complementing holiday dishes. Serve these, and you might just start a new family tradition. One taste, and they’ll replace the cranberry sauce.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Spiced Butternut Squash Pickles
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Butternut squash wild rice pilaf is a side dish that will make you the star of Thanksgiving. Ready in 45 minutes, this dish balances nutty wild rice and tender butternut squash, pairing beautifully with any main. It's the perfect addition to your holiday table, and after one bite, your guests will want the recipe. Your status as host of the year will be set with this one.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Tabbouleh Salad with Feta
This tabbouleh salad with feta is the refreshing side dish that will cut through the richness of your Thanksgiving spread. Ready in just 20 minutes, the combination of bulgur wheat, feta, and fresh herbs brings a bright flavor to the table. It’s the perfect way to add something light to your meal. Expect your guests to be hooked after the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Tabbouleh Salad with Feta
Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
Moroccan pearl couscous salad will have your Thanksgiving guests raving with its vibrant mix of flavors. Ready in 30 minutes, the combination of couscous, feta, and roasted pumpkin creates a refreshing side that pairs well with the rest of the feast. The tangy tahini lemon dressing is the secret touch. This dish will have everyone praising your choices before dinner ends.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Cranberry apple stuffing is the side dish that will change how your guests see stuffing forever. Ready in 45 minutes, the sweet apples and tart cranberries offer a twist that adds brightness to every plate. Whether served as stuffing or a side, it’s sure to impress. Once you serve this, there’s no going back to plain old stuffing again.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Cheesy loaded twice-baked potatoes will steal the spotlight at your Thanksgiving table. With just a few simple ingredients, this side dish is easy to prepare yet bursting with flavor. These potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and packed with goodness. Every bite will remind your guests that comfort food is always a winning choice.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Fried Cheese Balls
These fried cheese balls are the appetizer everyone will talk about long after Thanksgiving is over. Made with minimal ingredients, they’re crispy on the outside and perfectly cheesy inside, making them an irresistible addition to your spread. These are the kind of bites that disappear fast, so be ready to pass the plate around more than once.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cheese Balls
Easy Scalloped Potatoes
Easy scalloped potatoes bring creamy, cheesy layers to your Thanksgiving spread, and they’re always a hit. This dish takes just a little time to prepare, and it’s a great option for adding comfort food to the table. Each bite of these potatoes brings a simple, yet satisfying flavor. Watch as they quickly become a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Air fryer butternut squash will save you time in the kitchen while delivering big on flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, these perfectly roasted squash cubes make for a flavorful, easy side dish. The spices add a little something extra, making this a side that won’t go unnoticed. Expect this to be the dish everyone asks about before the meal is over.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes
These crispy smashed potatoes are the air fryer side that will make your Thanksgiving prep a breeze. They’re creamy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and ready in no time. This dish is versatile and pairs well with just about anything. You’ll have everyone at the table reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
These air fryer sweet potatoes are fluffy, quick to make, and ready to impress. With minimal prep and cooking time, they’re a simple yet flavorful side for Thanksgiving. The light and fluffy texture will complement any main dish on the table. Expect your guests to be pleasantly surprised by how easy and delicious these are.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
Jerusalem Kugel
Jerusalem Kugel brings a sweet and peppery flavor combination to your Thanksgiving table, with crispy noodles on the outside and a chewy center. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to make your holiday feast stand out. It’s the perfect side to add variety and interest, guaranteeing your Thanksgiving gathering won’t be one to forget.
Get the Recipe: Jerusalem Kugel
Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts
Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts combine Middle Eastern flavors with French techniques, creating a flavorful side dish perfect for Thanksgiving. Fresh thyme and a touch of date syrup bring these carrots to life, making them an unexpected but welcome addition to your holiday table. This dish will ensure your Thanksgiving feast is one for the books.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts
Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing brings a refreshing balance to your Thanksgiving menu, offering a light and crisp option. With massaged kale, sweet apples, and a creamy dressing, this salad is a fresh and festive addition to the holiday spread. It’s the kind of side dish that helps you host a Thanksgiving your guests will rave about.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Fried Halloumi Salad
Fried halloumi salad is the side dish your Thanksgiving spread didn’t know it needed. Ready in just 20 minutes, this crispy, salty cheese paired with fresh greens will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s the perfect combination of textures to round out your holiday table. By the end of the meal, this might be the dish that has everyone talking.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad
Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah, and Honey
Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah, and Honey is a vibrant choice for your Thanksgiving spread, adding a bold Middle Eastern flair. With creamy feta, crunchy dukkah, and a hint of sweetness from the honey, this dip is perfect as a side or appetizer that will impress your guests. Bringing something unexpected to the table will make your holiday hosting unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Dip with Whipped Feta, Dukkah, and Honey
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