This Thanksgiving, side dishes are taking center stage, proving you don’t need a turkey to make a memorable holiday feast. From creamy potatoes to roasted vegetables and inventive casseroles, these 19 sides bring bold flavors and comforting textures to your table. Each dish brings something unique to the holiday spread, creating a meal where every bite feels like a special occasion. With options like these, your guests will leave the table more than satisfied—and may not even miss the turkey.
Homemade Mushroom Savory Pastries
Homemade Mushroom Savory Pastries provide a flavorful, hand-held addition to the Thanksgiving meal, adding variety without the need for turkey. These pastries are warm, easy to serve, and packed with earthy mushroom flavors that pair well with other sides. They offer a unique touch to the table, making them a standout choice that fits in well with classic holiday flavors. With these on the menu, guests might fill their plates without missing the turkey.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Mushroom Savory Pastries
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping combines tender cabbage with a crunchy finish, creating a rich Thanksgiving side. Without using canned soup, it brings homemade appeal, adding depth to the holiday table. This side dish offers a cozy flavor, balancing well with the traditional feast while proving turkey isn’t essential. It’s likely to be a go-to favorite for guests looking for nostalgic flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Casserole with Cracker Topping
Roast Air Fryer Asparagus
Roast Air Fryer Asparagus delivers a quick, balanced side dish, bringing fresh flavors to Thanksgiving. With only seven minutes in the air fryer, it provides a hassle-free way to add veggies, seasoned with capers and almonds for extra flair. This light side balances heavier dishes, giving the holiday table a refreshing contrast. Guests may be delighted by this effortless yet flavorful choice.
Get the Recipe: Roast Air Fryer Asparagus
Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole
Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole brings a plant-based, cheesy side to the Thanksgiving table, proving that turkey isn’t the only star. Its rich texture and satisfying flavors fit seamlessly alongside traditional sides, making it a deliciously festive choice. With easy preparation and crowd-pleasing taste, it complements a variety of holiday dishes. This casserole may surprise guests with its creamy goodness that fits right into the holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Broccoli Casserole
Gluten-Free Carrot Kugel
Gluten-Free Carrot Kugel adds a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg sweetness to the Thanksgiving spread, enhancing the holiday flavors without a turkey in sight. With a simple mix of carrots, eggs, and spices, it offers a nostalgic flavor that complements traditional sides. Easy to make, this dish shows that variety on the table is just as satisfying. Guests might find this kugel to be the perfect holiday treat.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Carrot Kugel
Mashed Potatoes with Greek Garlic Beet Greens
Mashed Potatoes with Greek Garlic Beet Greens bring a fresh twist to classic mashed potatoes, proving turkey isn’t required for Thanksgiving flair. This creative side mixes creamy potatoes with garlicky greens, adding depth and color to the holiday table. Easy to prepare, it provides a new way to enjoy a beloved dish in a more vibrant form. This unique blend may become a new favorite among guests.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Greek Garlic Beet Greens
Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms
Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms add a hearty, plant-based option to the Thanksgiving menu, showing that sides can shine on their own. The meaty texture and savory flavor appeal to all guests, not just vegans, making it a versatile addition to the table. With simple preparation, this side dish proves that even without turkey, the meal feels complete. These stuffed mushrooms are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms
Sauteed Cabbage with Peppers
Sauteed Cabbage with Peppers adds a warm, comforting flavor to Thanksgiving, proving turkey doesn’t need to take center stage. With onions, tomatoes, and colorful peppers, this side offers a homestyle touch that complements the holiday table. It’s a simple, cozy dish that pairs well with other festive sides. By the end of the meal, it may be one of the most popular choices.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cabbage with Peppers
Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole brings a vibrant twist on traditional stuffing to Thanksgiving, making turkey optional. This casserole combines sweet potatoes, cranberries, and almonds for a rich, seasonal flavor that enhances the holiday meal. Simple to prepare, it showcases the season’s ingredients in a festive way. This side dish may be the talk of the table with its unique combination.
Get the Recipe: Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
Fried Halloumi Salad
Fried Halloumi Salad adds a fresh contrast to Thanksgiving’s rich sides, proving turkey isn’t the only dish worth celebrating. With salty halloumi and crisp greens, it provides a variety of flavors and textures that guests will remember. Quick to make, this salad brings brightness and balance to the holiday spread. Its unique mix of ingredients is likely to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad
Spinach Colcannon Recipe
Spinach Colcannon combines mashed potatoes with green onions and spinach for a Thanksgiving side that stands out, even without a turkey centerpiece. Simple to make, it adds a vibrant color and comforting flavor to the holiday meal, fitting seamlessly among traditional sides. This version of a classic side dish proves that Thanksgiving can be hearty and fulfilling. It may quickly become a new holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Colcannon Recipe
Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing brings a fresh, seasonal side to the Thanksgiving table, proving turkey isn’t essential. Massaged kale, sweet apple slices, and a creamy dressing keep this salad vibrant and festive. Quick to prepare, it adds a light crunch that balances richer dishes. This refreshing side is sure to be appreciated alongside heavier holiday staples.
Get the Recipe: Kale Apple Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions
Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions bring a touch of elegance to the Thanksgiving table, making turkey less of a necessity. Filled with pumpkin and caramelized onions, these pockets offer a cozy, visually appealing side that’s easy to serve. Perfect for adding sophistication to the spread, they capture the festive spirit in every bite. Guests will likely remember these as a highlight of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Pumpkin Pockets with Caramelized Onions
Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers provide a bright, refreshing side dish, proving that Thanksgiving can shine without turkey. The lemon and turmeric enhance the vegetables’ flavors, creating an eye-catching addition to the table. With minimal prep time, this dish brings a colorful touch that complements traditional holiday flavors. It’s a side that will have guests reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf delivers Thanksgiving flavors without needing a turkey to anchor the meal. The combination of earthy wild rice and sweet squash creates a comforting, hearty side dish that adds depth to the holiday table. With a 45-minute prep, it balances ease and substance, fitting perfectly with other seasonal dishes. Guests may be drawn to this dish’s rich, festive taste.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Easy Scalloped Potatoes
Easy Scalloped Potatoes bring a creamy, crowd-pleasing side to Thanksgiving, adding a festive touch without needing a turkey. This dish’s rich layers are a timeless complement to any meal, fitting in seamlessly with the holiday spread. Straightforward to make, it’s a reliable favorite that everyone loves. Guests will likely return for seconds, savoring its classic flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer make a cozy, caramelized side dish, proving that turkey isn’t necessary for Thanksgiving flavor. This recipe enhances the natural richness of sweet potatoes with a quick air fryer method, adding ease to holiday prep. Simple yet satisfying, it pairs well with the traditional holiday spread. Guests may ask for the recipe, impressed by its simplicity and taste.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes add a familiar, comforting bite to the Thanksgiving table, making turkey feel less essential. Packed with cheese and flavor, they are easy to prepare and a filling addition that complements other holiday sides. This dish brings nostalgia and warmth, perfect for a memorable holiday meal. Set these out, and they’re bound to be among the first to go.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts
Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts offer a refined side for Thanksgiving, proving that even vegetables can shine without a turkey centerpiece. Fresh thyme and a hint of date syrup enhance the carrots’ natural sweetness, creating a dish that’s simple yet festive. This side adds elegance to the table, balancing out the other flavors without overshadowing them. Guests may reach for more, drawn by this memorable addition.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts
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