Make your Thanksgiving Unforgettable with These Must-try Side Dish Recipes.

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, share laughter, and indulge in delicious food. While the turkey often takes center stage, the side dishes play a crucial role in making the meal truly unforgettable. From creamy mashed potatoes to vibrant vegetable dishes, the right sides can elevate your entire feast. In this article, we’ve gathered must-try Thanksgiving side dish recipes that will impress your guests and make your holiday meal one to remember.

1. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A Thanksgiving classic, garlic mashed potatoes are creamy, flavorful, and the perfect complement to turkey.

Ingredients:

• Russet potatoes
• Heavy cream
• Garlic cloves
• Butter
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Peel and chop the potatoes, then boil them until soft.
2. In a saucepan, heat cream and butter with garlic until fragrant.
3. Mash the potatoes and combine with the garlic cream mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Why it’s a must-try: The garlic infuses the mashed potatoes with a rich, savory flavor, while the cream and butter give them a smooth, luxurious texture.

2. Honey-Glazed Carrots

Sweet, savory, and vibrant, honey-glazed carrots bring color and flavor to your Thanksgiving spread.

Ingredients:

• Baby carrots
• Honey
• Olive oil
• Fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss the carrots with olive oil, honey, and thyme.
2. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
3. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Why it’s a must-try: The honey brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots, creating a perfect balance of flavors that pairs beautifully with savory dishes.

3. Classic Green Bean Almondine

This dish takes green beans to the next level with a delicate crunch from toasted almonds and a touch of lemon.

Ingredients:

• Fresh green beans
• Sliced almonds
• Butter
• Garlic
• Lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the green beans and almonds, cooking until the beans are tender and the almonds are toasted.
4. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Why it’s a must-try: The crunchy almonds and bright lemon juice provide a wonderful contrast to the tender green beans, making this side both refreshing and satisfying.

4. Stuffing with Sage and Sausage

A hearty, flavorful stuffing is essential to any Thanksgiving feast. Sage and sausage stuffing adds a savory richness that your guests will love.

Ingredients:

• Day-old bread, cubed
• Breakfast sausage
• Onion, celery, and garlic
• Fresh sage
• Chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Brown the sausage in a skillet, then set aside.
2. Sauté onion, celery, and garlic in the same skillet.
3. Combine the bread cubes, sausage, and vegetables in a baking dish.
4. Pour chicken broth over the mixture and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes.

Why it’s a must-try: The combination of savory sausage and earthy sage infuses the bread cubes with irresistible flavor, creating a comforting and hearty side.

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Brussels sprouts are often overlooked, but when roasted with balsamic glaze, they become a showstopper at your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients:

• Brussels sprouts, halved
• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Honey
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy and caramelized.
3. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and honey before serving.

Why it’s a must-try: The balsamic glaze adds a tangy-sweet finish to the crispy Brussels sprouts, making them a perfect contrast to the richer dishes on your plate.

6. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Toppin

No Thanksgiving is complete without a sweet potato casserole, and this version with a marshmallow topping is a crowd favorite.

Ingredients:

• Sweet potatoes
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Boil and mash the sweet potatoes, then mix with butter and brown sugar.
2. Transfer to a baking dish and top with mini marshmallows.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the marshmallows are golden and bubbly.

Why it’s a must-try: The creamy sweet potatoes paired with the toasted marshmallow topping create a perfect sweet and savory combination that everyone loves.

7. Crispy Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

For a change from traditional mashed potatoes, try crispy roasted fingerling potatoes for a crunchy, satisfying side.

Ingredients:

• Fingerling potatoes
• Olive oil
• Fresh rosemary
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, and garlic.
2. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Why it’s a must-try: The crispy, golden exterior and soft, fluffy interior make these roasted potatoes a simple but delicious addition to any Thanksgiving meal.

8. Cornbread with Jalapeños

For a little heat and flavor, jalapeño cornbread adds a savory twist to your Thanksgiving sides.

Ingredients:

• Cornmeal
• Flour
• Jalapeños, chopped
• Buttermilk
• Butter

Instructions:

1. Mix the dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients, including chopped jalapeños.
2. Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Why it’s a must-try: The kick of jalapeño in the cornbread adds excitement to a classic dish, balancing the richness of the turkey and other sides.

9. Apple and Cranberry Sauce

Add a burst of tart and sweet flavor with a homemade apple and cranberry sauce.

Ingredients:

• Fresh cranberries
• Apples, peeled and chopped
• Orange juice
• Sugar

Instructions:

1. Simmer the cranberries, apples, and orange juice in a pot for 15-20 minutes.
2. Stir in sugar to taste, and continue to cook until the sauce thickens.

Why it’s a must-try: The apple brings sweetness, while the cranberries add a tangy contrast, making this sauce the perfect complement to turkey and stuffing.

10. Spinach and Artichoke Gratin

A creamy and cheesy spinach and artichoke gratin is a decadent yet lighter alternative to a heavier casserole.

Ingredients:

• Fresh spinach
• Artichoke hearts
• Cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic

Instructions:

1. Sauté spinach and garlic until wilted.
2. Mix in cream cheese, Parmesan, and artichoke hearts.
3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Why it’s a must-try: The creamy cheese mixture pairs perfectly with the tender artichokes and fresh spinach, making for a flavorful and indulgent side.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is all about creating memories around the table, and the right side dishes can make your celebration even more special. From savory mashed potatoes and stuffing to sweet glazed carrots and cornbread, these must-try Thanksgiving side dish recipes will ensure that your holiday meal stands out. Experiment with these recipes and watch your Thanksgiving spread become the talk of the season!