10 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes That'll Outshine the Turkey

Try one, two, or more of these delicious Thanksgiving side dishes that are guaranteed to outshine the turkey.

Nov 5, 2024 - 15:07

10 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes That'll Outshine the Turkey

Overhead view of the corner of a sheet pan of Sheet Pan Au Gratin Potatoes recipe with a spoon scooping a serving out of the pan — Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

It's highly likely you already have a handful of must-have Thanksgiving sides you make year after year. Maybe it's your grandma's mashed potatoes recipe or the refreshing cranberry relish recipe you only whip out once a year. Sides are the crowning jewels of the Thanksgiving table, so why not add one, two, or more? Here are 10 delicious side dishes that will outshine the turkey.

1. Corn Souffle

Overhead view of a dark blue baking dish of corn soufflé with a serving removed and a white bowl and spoon with a serving next to a drinking glass — Simply Recipes / Photo by Julia Gartland / Food Styling by Kaitlin Wayne

Contributor Stephanie Ganz says, "I’m using frozen corn kernels and adding creaminess with half and half and a little flour for a slightly dense, pudding-y (but not bready!) texture. It takes about five minutes to throw together and is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face."

2. Roasted Root Vegetable Panzanella

Bowl of Roasted Root Vegetable Panzanella Surrounded by a Slices of Bread, Vase of Flowers, Utensils, and a Kitchen Linen — Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Contributor Sheela Prakash says, "“Make-ahead” and “salad” don’t usually go hand in hand, but [this[ panzanella is an exception."

3. Pickled Green Bean Salad

pickled green beans on a platter next to a glass of water and a stack of plates — Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

Contributor Malina Syvoravong says, "In a pinch, you can swap the fresh green beans for 1 pound of thawed, drained frozen green beans."

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate-Balsamic Glaze

Contributor Lisa Lin says, "I recommend tossing the sprouts with the glaze after the Brussels sprouts are fully cooked because. The sprouts look better that way, and you can really taste the flavor of the glaze."

5. Butternut Squash with Brown Butter and Thyme

Simply Recipes Founder Elise Bauer says, "The trick to this dish is browning the butter before adding the squash, so that the squash absorbs some of the complex and wonderful brown butter flavors, before it too is browned."

6. Creamed Spinach

A skillet with Homemade Creamed Spinach and a serving spoon set on a wood table. — Sally Vargas

Contributor Sally Vargas says, "Fresh spinach leaves, a little sautéed onion, mustard, and cream come together to make an old-fashioned classic new again."

7. One-Pot Mac and Cheese

One pot mac and cheese in a dutch oven with a wooden spoon, and in the surroundings, a bowl with cracker topping and a mustard kitchen towel — Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

Contributor Kayla Hoang says, "The topping on this mac and cheese might be my favorite part. It’s buttery and a little peppery and the Ritz crackers provide the most wonderful contrast in flavor and texture with the creaminess of the mac and cheese. Not to mention that you can make the topping right in the same pot!"

8. Instant Pot Collard Greens

Instant Pot Collard Greens on a Plate with Serving Utensil Surrounded by a Bowl of Mashed Potatoes, Cornbread on a Wooden Tray, and a Glass — Simply Recipes / Sharee Hill

Contributor Sharee Hill says, "It’s easier to clean the collards after stemming and cutting them. Proper cleaning is a must to make sure all the dirt and debris is gone prior to cooking."

9. Slow Cooker Stuffing

Slow Cooker Stuffing on a Spoon with More in the Background — Simply Recipes / Nick Evans

Contributor Nick Evans says, "If you are buying bread for your stuffing, though, choose a hearty sourdough or crusty boule loaf. All other things being equal, these rustic loaves will hold up better to the stuffing ingredients and not get too soggy. The recipe I made uses about a 1-pound loaf of bread, which works out to about 12 cups of loosely packed bread cubes if you don’t weigh them."

10. Sheet Pan Potatoes Au Gratin

Nick says, "The sheet pan method means less layers and more surface area. It cooks faster and you get more crispy surfaces on the bottom and edges of the casserole. Win-win!"