Turkey’s Simple Sides That Somehow Steal the Show

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Planning a memorable Thanksgiving meal starts with great side dishes and these Thanksgiving side dish ideas will add depth and variety to your table. From comforting Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes to bright, tangy Easy Cranberry Sauce, each dish brings something unique. Balance traditional flavors with Honey Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Baked Stuffed Sugar Pumpkin for a modern twist while Garlic and Herb Stuffing and Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole offer familiar holiday warmth. Whether you’re going classic or adventurous, these side dishes will make your holiday feast complete.

Homemade Applesauce

Homemade Applesauce in all its glory
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

You only need 4 ingredients to make this fresh homemade applesauce recipe, with the perfect cinnamon and brown sugar flavor!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Applesauce

Holiday Wild Rice Dressing

Holiday Wild Rice Dressing
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

This Holiday Wild Rice Dressing combines a flavorful wild rice mix, sweet cranberries, and savory herbs.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Wild Rice Dressing

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

The image shows four mini potato casseroles topped with cheese, diced ham, and herbs in a speckled ceramic baking dish.
Image Credit: Little Bit Recipes

Creamy and cheesy, Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes make a standout Thanksgiving side dish with all the flavors you love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Simple Creamy Coleslaw

Simple Creamy Coleslaw
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

This classic sweet and tangy homemade coleslaw recipe is perfect for piling onto pulled pork sandwiches or serving as a side with dinner.
Get the Recipe: Simple Creamy Coleslaw

Honey Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A white dish containing roasted Brussels sprouts with a sprig of rosemary, a silver serving spoon inside, placed on a wooden table and accompanied by a beige cloth.
Image Credit: fANNEtastic food

Roasted in a honey miso glaze, Honey Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts make a unique and flavorful Thanksgiving side dish.
Get the Recipe: Honey Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Three Bean Salad Recipe

A delightful Three Bean Salad Recipe
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This three bean salad recipe is so easy to make– just toss everything together and voilà! A great make-ahead recipe for maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Three Bean Salad Recipe

Garlic and Herb Stuffing

The image shows a pan filled with baked stuffing, featuring crispy bread pieces mixed with chopped celery and herbs.
Image Credit: The Country Cook

Garlic and Herb Stuffing brings fresh herbs and garlic together, making it an ideal side dish for Thanksgiving gatherings. It’s a classic choice packed with holiday flavor.
Get the Recipe: Garlic and Herb Stuffing

How To Steam Fresh Green Beans

How To Steam Fresh Green Beans
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

Learn how to steam fresh green beans for an easy, delicious, fresh, and versatile side dish that will go with just about any dinner.
Get the Recipe: How To Steam Fresh Green Beans

Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash

Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash makes a great vegetarian (or vegan) Thanksgiving main dish, or a delicious dinner for any chilly fall evening!
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash

Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole

The image features a crockpot containing green bean casserole with a topping of crispy fried onions. Beside the crockpot, there is a wooden spoon and a striped cloth napkin.
Image Credit: The Country Cook

Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole is an easy side dish that delivers all the traditional flavors without taking up oven space, perfect for Thanksgiving Day.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole

Wild Rice Pilaf

Wild Rice Pilaf
Photo credit: Budget Bytes

This wild rice pilaf is full of color, texture, and fall flavors. It’s the perfect side dish for dinner during the cooler months.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Pilaf

Holiday Roasted Brussels Sprouts

The image features a bowl containing roasted Brussels sprouts, pecans, and cranberries. Fresh Brussels sprouts and cranberries are scattered on a wooden table around the bowl. Inside the bowl are two wooden spoons.
Image Credit: The Country Cook

Holiday Roasted Brussels Sprouts with pecans combine a hint of sweetness and crunch, making them an irresistible side dish on the Thanksgiving table.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

A baked casserole dish with a golden, cheesy topping and fresh parsley garnish.
Image Credit: Little Bit Recipes

These Easy Scalloped Potatoes are creamy and rich, making them a comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with any Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Ham Glaze Recipe

Ham Glaze Recipe
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

Making a glazed ham is so simple! All you need is this easy, 3-ingredient ham glaze recipe. It’s sticky-sweet & mouthwateringly delicious!
Get the Recipe: Ham Glaze Recipe

Slow Cooker Green Beans

A bowl contains cooked green beans with crispy bacon bits on top, accompanied by a fork resting at its side.
Image Credit: The Country Cook

These tender Slow Cooker Green Beans with bacon bits make a savory side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. They’re simple to make and offer a warm, cozy flavor everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Green Beans

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Photo credit: Baking A Moment

This cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe will make your whole meal! Easy to make, and bakes up so creamy and decadent!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Easy Cranberry Sauce

A white bowl containing cranberry sauce with orange zest on top.
Image Credit: The Country Cook

Bright and tangy, this Easy Cranberry Sauce with a touch of orange marmalade is a fresh, simple side dish for Thanksgiving.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cranberry Sauce

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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