Thanksgiving sides are the unsung heroes that can make or break a holiday meal, and this collection is proof. These 19 dishes bring rich flavors, heartwarming textures, and that extra something that could even steal the spotlight from dessert. From fresh salads to cheesy casseroles, each side is crafted to keep guests coming back for more. Prepare for a table filled with dishes that might just leave dessert feeling a little overlooked.
Middle Eastern Spiced Butternut Squash Pickles
These Middle Eastern spiced butternut squash pickles are so unexpected and flavorful, they might just edge out dessert as the holiday favorite. Ready in under an hour, they add sweet and savory notes that complement the main course in a fresh way. With spices that pop, this unique dish could rival cranberry sauce's place at the table. It's the kind of addition that could start a new holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Spiced Butternut Squash Pickles
Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms
These tofu stuffed mushrooms are so hearty and flavorful that dessert may struggle to compete for attention. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they offer a satisfying side that could make even meat-eaters take notice. This is one dish that's sure to impress, even with a table full of classics. You might just see these disappear as quickly as the pie.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms
Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
Cheesy cabbage casserole is a nostalgic side that could have dessert feeling a little left out. With layers of cheese and tender cabbage, it brings a warmth and richness to the table that guests won't forget. This dish stands out as a comforting favorite everyone will want seconds of. Each bite might make it even harder to save room for sweets.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Butternut squash wild rice pilaf has flavors so rich and satisfying, it may leave dessert feeling overlooked. In just 45 minutes, the nutty wild rice and tender squash create a memorable balance that brings depth to the Thanksgiving table. It's a side dish guests may reach for more than once, making it hard for sweets to take the spotlight. By meal's end, the turkey might not be the only one playing second fiddle.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Roast Air Fryer Asparagus
Roast air fryer asparagus, with its fresh flavors and crispy texture, could surprise everyone and take a bit of dessert's spotlight. Ready in just 7 minutes, it's topped with capers and almonds, adding brightness to the meal in a way that complements richer sides. This dish might be the go-to for those looking for a lighter option amidst the feast. Dessert might have a little competition from this fresh addition.
Get the Recipe: Roast Air Fryer Asparagus
Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
This Moroccan pearl couscous salad brings a fresh, vibrant touch that could make dessert a bit nervous about its spotlight. Ready in 30 minutes, it combines couscous, feta, and roasted pumpkin with a tangy tahini lemon sauce, setting it apart among classic Thanksgiving sides. Its bold, refreshing flavors create a balance to the rich, comforting dishes on the table. This salad might just steal some praise usually reserved for sweets.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad
Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Roasted cabbage steaks, with their savory, bacon-rich flavor, might have dessert feeling second best. Thick slices of cabbage roasted with bacon and topped with a creamy garlic dressing add an unexpected twist that's hard to resist. This dish could easily become a holiday favorite as guests reach for more. It's a side that's sure to stand out and leave a lasting impression.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Cranberry apple stuffing, with its sweet and tart notes, is bold enough to make dessert feel like it has competition. This 45-minute twist on traditional stuffing pairs perfectly with Thanksgiving flavors while bringing something new to the table. As a flavorful contrast to plain stuffing, it's the kind of side that guests will want a second helping of. This dish might be the one everyone talks about even after dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Tabbouleh Salad with Feta
Light and refreshing, this tabbouleh salad with feta will catch guests by surprise, possibly giving dessert some unexpected competition. The combination of bulgur, feta, and fresh herbs, ready in just 20 minutes, brightens up the table and offers a fresh contrast to traditional holiday flavors. It's the kind of dish that people reach for between bites of rich sides. With its standout flavor, this salad just might be remembered more than the pumpkin pie.
Get the Recipe: Tabbouleh Salad with Feta
Baked Butternut Squash Chips
These baked butternut squash chips are light yet flavorful enough to give dessert a run for its money. Simple to make, they bring a satisfying crunch to the Thanksgiving spread without weighing things down. These chips are the kind of holiday snack that might disappear before dessert even gets a chance. They're sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone's plate.
Get the Recipe: Baked Butternut Squash Chips
Best Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip (Zaalouk)
This roasted eggplant and tomato dip brings a bold, lighter option that may just draw as much praise as dessert. With its smoky, roasted flavors and unique appeal, it adds a memorable touch to the Thanksgiving table. Easy to make ahead, it's perfect for keeping everyone engaged before sweets make an appearance. Its international flair might be the talk of the night.
Get the Recipe: Best Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Dip (Zaalouk)
Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
Roasted lemon potatoes, broccoli, and peppers have the bold, tangy flavors that could make dessert feel a little threatened. In just 40 minutes, these veggies bring vibrant color and a unique twist with lemon and turmeric, keeping guests excited for every bite. This standout side might have everyone's attention even as dessert arrives. It could easily be the most talked about dish on the table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers
Fried Halloumi Salad
Fried halloumi salad delivers a crispy, satisfying side that could easily pull focus away from dessert. Quick and ready in 20 minutes, the salty halloumi paired with fresh greens creates a contrast that's hard to ignore on a Thanksgiving table. Its texture and flavor make it a surprising crowd favorite among heavier dishes. This dish just might be the star no one expected.
Get the Recipe: Fried Halloumi Salad
Easy Scalloped Potatoes
These easy scalloped potatoes, with their creamy and cheesy layers, could easily steal the spotlight from dessert. Their comforting flavors bring a richness to the table that feels right at home on Thanksgiving. Guests might keep talking about them long after dessert is served. One bite of these potatoes might just leave everyone forgetting what's coming next.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes
Fried Cheese Balls
Fried cheese balls are a crispy, savory treat that could make dessert a little nervous about holding onto its title as favorite. Quick to make, these cheesy bites add an irresistible, snackable element to the meal. As guests reach for seconds, these will likely be the most talked-about bites of the evening. Dessert might just have some serious competition.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cheese Balls
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Air fryer butternut squash is so flavorful and satisfying that dessert may feel a bit overlooked. Ready in only 20 minutes, these roasted cubes bring rich, bold flavors that keep everyone reaching back for more. This simple side could be the new crowd favorite with how quickly it's devoured. It's one dish that's likely to be a hit even before dessert appears.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Cheesy loaded twice-baked potatoes are so comforting and rich, they might outshine dessert itself. Creamy and packed with flavor, they add a cozy feeling to the holiday spread that's hard to beat. After one taste, guests may start looking forward to these potatoes even more than the sweets. These potatoes could easily be the star of the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts bring a rich, tangy flavor that could have dessert feeling a bit nervous. Oven-roasted and perfectly tender, these Brussels sprouts add a sweet-savory note that pairs well with Thanksgiving's heartier dishes. They're simple yet bold enough to hold their own on the holiday table. You might catch guests sneaking extra servings before the pie arrives.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
These air fryer sweet potatoes are so fluffy and caramelized, they could easily make dessert feel overshadowed. Quick to prepare, they're rich with natural sweetness that adds a new classic to the Thanksgiving table. Guests might keep reaching for these, even after the main course is done. Expect this dish to be requested again next year.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
