Thanksgiving is closer than you think with these delicious side dishes
Thanksgiving is closer than we think. Let’s get in the spirit early this year with these ideas for some super delicious side dishes!
I know what you’re all thinking: Thanksgiving is still a long three months away, but when you really do stop and think about it, it’s not that far away.
People do these big food spreads for their family dinners with sides galore (in my opinion, Thanksgiving is kind of defined by side dishes)! If you’re looking for some early ideas for delicious Thanksgiving side dishes, then you’re definitely in the right place here, so welcome!
Whether you’re looking at some classic side dishes, or you’re looking to elevate some classic ones, stay tuned and get ready for some delicious ideas galore!
From yams to potato dishes, Thanksgiving has some delicious side dishes ahead!
1. Sweet Potato Casserole w/ Marshmallows
This one is definitely a take on a classic at my house. Typically, we make this just by slicing the sweet potatoes up and baking the marshmallows on top of each slice; however, by mashing it and making it into a casserole, I’m sure it tastes just as good if not better.
2. Cornbread
Yet another classic flavor. Don’t get me wrong, the boxed mixes are just as good, but making your own I’m sure is even better because you can add your own little flavors and flares to it as well, without fear of messing the recipe up. I. Love. Cornbread.
3. Fresh Cranberry Relish
Another take on a classic Thanksgiving flavor that everyone knows and loves (especially me, where I like to put gravy and cranberries on top of my sliced turkey OMG so good). This recipe uses a food processor, but if you don’t have one, then by all means go ahead and improvise!
4. Honey-Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Brussels Sprouts aren’t something that you always see at a Thanksgiving table; however, I think that Brussels Sprouts are some of the most underrated and underestimated side dishes. Whether you pair them with bacon or balsamic like this recipe, you’re sure to love them!
5. Green Bean Casserole Bundles
This is a take on the ever-so classic green bean casserole, but in little individual portions. Plus, each little bundle is wrapped in bacon, so in all reality, that’s enough said, am I right? I mean, come on who doesn’t love just about anything wrapped in bacon?! Crazy people, I tell ya, that’s for sure.
6. Garlic Smashed Potatoes
First of all, when you click on the link for the recipe, this particular side dish, as they almost all will, will already make you begin to salivate, which is a good sign already. These are little fingerling potatoes that are smashed down and made with some delicious parm cheese and garlic. Delicious!
7. Loaded Slow Cooker Potatoes
Need a side dish to set and forget while you deal with all of the rest of the chaos that comes with hosting a Thanksgiving dinner? Look no further because this side dish is just like having a loaded baked potato, but you leave the potatoes in the slow cooker to do all the work! Nice!
8. Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Two things I love: mashed potatoes and cream cheese. With that being said, I’ve thought or even tried to combine the two, so this side dish will definitely be made at my house this Thanksgiving, I can tell you that.
9. Cauliflower Stuffing
This dish takes all the flavorings of one of the most classic Thanksgiving side dishes, and makes it into a super low-carb delight for all to enjoy. Of course the classic carrots and celery are used here, which might make it seem like you’re not even missing the classic bread at all (if that’s possible).
10. Fried Mashed Potato Balls
If the Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes from above weren’t enough, then get a load of this: fried loaded potato balls. Are you kidding me?! What doesn’t sound utterly delicious about this, right? We’re taking everyone’s favorite and frying it, so what could go wrong?
11. Balsamic Roasted Baby Carrots
As Delish.com put it, “These could make anyone a carrot lover.” Here, you’re taking a deliciously, naturally sweet veggie and combining it with a sweet balsamic glaze that can basically make anything taste good, so let’s combine the two!
12. Sausage Gravy
Now, this might not be an individual side dish on its own; however, let me tell you, it’s definitely something that you need in your food life immediately. Why not serve up a southern classic with some Biscuits and Gravy or put these on your Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes too!
13. Cheesy Baked Green Beans
First of all, when you look these up on the link below, the picture alone will just blow your mind and make your mouth water. With multiple cheeses being used here, the possibilities are really endless and you can mix match any flavors that you and your family already know and love.
14. Arugula Salad
If you love a good peppery bite in your greens, then this side dish will probably be your new favorite in all honesty. It only combines a few ingredients, but with some big taste, including lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Um, yes, please!
15. Pumpkin Soup
This is the best way to have your pumpkin fix before dessert time, and then having some delicious Pumpkin Pie after dinner as well (what’s so bad about that)! It combines ingredients to make it smooth and peppery, all while giving you that familiar taste that you know and love to date.
16. Maple Bacon Carrots
If bacon is ever involved in anything, then it’s gotta be good. If the Balsamic Carrots from earlier weren’t enough to make people carrot lovers, then maybe these carrots wrapped in bacon will work instead! The perfect combo of sweet and savory, am I right?
17. Beer Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Um, what? This dish seems to be combining one of the world’s most delicious soups with one of the best side dishes to any meal. Soup in my mashed potatoes? Honestly, there’s not much to be said about this side dish except for I will be making it as soon as possible!
18. Crescent Roll Stuffing
Yet another variation of one of the most classic Thanksgiving side dishes that, I personally think, will elevate just enough to make it better, even though the OG stuffing is still the best one out there. And who doesn’t love crescent rolls on their plate?!
19. White Cheddar Baked Corn
Delish.com said it best here, “Dip, casserole, whatever. It’s GOOD.” Okay, people: enough said. If corn dip and corn casserole doesn’t sound utterly delicious to you, then I don’t know what will. Use it as both and see how your guests prefer it the best! Plus, white cheddar is just amazing too!
20. Pumpkin Cornbread
Honestly, just by looking at this side dish, I could eat this for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner, so if I make this, I’m gonna make some extra on purpose just so I can have some for the days and weeks to come! Plus, it’s topped with whipped honey butter. Okay, I’m gonna go drool now…
21. Loaded Green Bean Casserole
Bacon, cheese, green beans, fried onions. If that alone doesn’t get you then I don’t know what will because this takes the classic mushroom soup green bean casserole and makes it something that even your kids will love if they don’t already. Bacon is the real star here, are you surprised?
22. Cheese Stuffed Cornbread
This classic cornbread recipe is stuffed with an entire layer of cheesy goodness. The cheese used here is Pepper Jack, which to me sounds like the absolute perfect combo with the sweet honey cornbread to make for a sweet and spicy flavor to really tie any Thanksgiving holiday together!
Love potatoes? Don't count on them from Taco Bell anymore!. dark. Next
Be sure to let us know down below what your favorite Thanksgiving side dish is and which one(s) from this list that you’ll be making this Holiday!
Poll: Stuffing or Mashed Potatoes?