Even true turkey lovers can admit this Thanksgiving star is nothing without a strong supporting cast of side dishes. And if you’re looking for some fresh star power, our favorite Thanksgiving side dish recipes are good enough to steal the show. From classic sweet potato casserole to spicy southern green beans, these holiday accompaniments are worthy of a standing ovation.
Show-Stopping Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes
While every host wants to please their crowd, a meal of Thanksgiving proportions has to include some helpful shortcuts. These Thanksgiving side dish recipes keep it simple but stunning with little prep and big flavor.
Sweet Potato Casserole
For some, a Thanksgiving menu just isn’t complete without sweet potato casserole. While this recipe substitutes the classic marshmallow topping for a nutty crust of brown sugar and pecans, it still brings all the sweetness. Best of all, the potatoes can be boiled, mashed, and refrigerated in their casserole dish days before the big event. Simply spread the pecan mixture over the top and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes before serving.
Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes
- Brown sugar
- Pecans
- Flour
- Eggs
- Butter
Herb and Apple Stuffing
If there was an award for the most popular Thanksgiving food, stuffing would certainly be in the running. And while recipes abound, we love this one for the apples and rosemary that bring some fresh fall flavor. While the bread cubes toast, saute Granny Smith apples with celery and onions until softened. Toss with the bread cubes, vegetable broth, and rosemary before covering with foil and baking for 30 minutes. Need that crunchy crust on your stuffing? Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- French bread
- Granny Smith apples
- Rosemary
- Celery
- Onions
- Vegetable broth
Spicy Southern Greens
Sweet flavors can dominate many Thanksgiving side dishes, but this one brings some welcome spice and Southern flare. The heat comes from red pepper flakes that are tossed in boiling water with thinly sliced kale and collard greens. A tablespoon of white vinegar and 2 teaspoons of sugar provide a well-rounded contrast of tang and sweetness.
Did your stove get covered in splashes and splatters while prepping this side? Our cooking appliance maintenance tips include 5 quick steps to clean your burners before your guests arrive.
Ingredients:
- Kale
- Collard Greens
- Red pepper flakes
- White vinegar
- Sugar
- Onion
Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
Instead of a complete revamp, sometimes a subtle change can revitalize our favorite tasty Thanksgiving recipes. Simply using brown butter with mashed potatoes adds enough of nutty sweetness to this holiday staple to make it stand out. Swirl the butter in a saucepan over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until it’s golden brown. This can be done earlier in the day and added to the cooked potatoes with milk and butter just before mashing and serving.
Ingredients:
- Yukon gold potatoes
- Unsalted butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Buttermilk
Orange-Cranberry Sauce
Wondering what to serve with turkey? The answer is almost always cranberry sauce. And while the canned version certainly has its fans, homemade cranberry sauce is one of the easiest Thanksgiving side dish recipes to prepare. Bring fresh cranberries to a boil, reduce the heat, and allow them to simmer until they burst, about 15-20 minutes. While boiling, season with ginger, rosemary, orange juice, and orange zest so this ever-present accompaniment compliments everything on your Thanksgiving plate.
Ingredients:
- Fresh cranberries
- Sugar
- Rosemary
- Fresh orange juice
- Orange zest
- Fresh ginger
We hope these Thanksgiving side dish recipes stand out at your holiday table this year. And if all your cooking leads to a kitchen appliance catastrophe, Callahan’s Appliance can help with any range and oven repair.
