5+ Delicious Thanksgiving Sides Your Guests Will Love

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, giving thanks, and, of course, indulging in a feast of delicious food. While the main course often takes center stage, it's the side dishes that truly elevate the dining experience and leave a lasting impression on your guests. In this article, we will explore a collection of mouth-watering Thanksgiving sides that will tantalize taste buds and become the highlight of your festive table.

The Art of Creating Memorable Thanksgiving Sides

Thanksgiving sides are an opportunity to showcase your culinary creativity and offer a diverse range of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a traditional gathering or putting a modern twist on the holiday meal, these side dishes will impress your guests and create memorable moments around the table.

1. Classic Mashed Potatoes with a Twist

A Thanksgiving staple, mashed potatoes, can be transformed into a culinary masterpiece with a few simple additions. Start with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, and then elevate them by incorporating roasted garlic, fresh herbs like chives or parsley, or even a splash of truffle oil. This classic side dish becomes a sophisticated delight, adding a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving spread.

Ingredients:

• 5-6 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• ¹⁄₂ cup butter, melted
• ¹⁄₂ cup milk or cream
• 3-4 cloves of roasted garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh herbs, truffle oil

Instructions:

1. Boil the potatoes until tender. Drain and return them to the pot.
2. Add butter, milk, and roasted garlic. Mash until smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and mix in fresh herbs or truffle oil for an extra special touch.
4. Serve warm, and watch your guests savor every bite.

2. Savory Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a timeless Thanksgiving favorite, and with a few simple tweaks, it can become an irresistible dish. Start with fresh green beans, and instead of the traditional canned soup, create a rich mushroom sauce. Sauté mushrooms, onions, and garlic, and then simmer them in a creamy sauce made with flour, butter, and chicken or vegetable broth. Top it off with crispy fried onions for a crunchy, savory sensation.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed
• ¹⁄₂ lb. button mushrooms, sliced
• ¹⁄₂ cup onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• ¹⁄₂ cup milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: fried onion rings for topping

Instructions:

1. Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, sauté mushrooms, onions, and garlic in butter until softened.
3. Add flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, then gradually whisk in broth and milk.
4. Simmer the sauce until thickened, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine the green beans and sauce in a baking dish, and top with fried onion rings.
6. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness.

3. Buttery Cornbread with a Hint of Spicy Heat

Cornbread is a Southern classic that adds a delicious crunch to your Thanksgiving sides. Take this beloved bread to the next level by incorporating a touch of heat. Mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick. Add in buttermilk and butter for a moist, tender texture, and top it off with a drizzle of honey for a sweet contrast.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp. baking powder
• ¹⁄₄ tsp. cayenne pepper
• ¹⁄₂ tsp. salt
• 1 ¹⁄₄ cups buttermilk
• ¹⁄₄ cup butter, melted
• Optional: honey for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, cayenne, and salt.
3. Stir in buttermilk and melted butter until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
5. Let it cool slightly, then serve warm with a drizzle of honey for an extra special treat.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with a Crunchy Topping

Brussels sprouts are a nutritious and flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving sides. To make them even more irresistible, roast them until tender and crispy, and then top them with a crunchy, savory mixture. Toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in a hot oven until golden. Meanwhile, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, and sprinkle this mixture over the sprouts before returning them to the oven for a few minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on the baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and golden brown.
4. Meanwhile, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
5. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the roasted sprouts, and return to the oven for 5-7 minutes.
6. Serve hot, and enjoy the perfect balance of tender sprouts and crunchy topping.

5. Sweet Potato Casserole with a Crunchy Streusel Topping

Sweet potato casserole is a beloved Thanksgiving side, and with a crunchy streusel topping, it becomes an irresistible treat. Start with mashed sweet potatoes seasoned with butter, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon. For the streusel topping, mix together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter, and then sprinkle it over the sweet potato mixture before baking. The result is a delicious contrast of creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy, sweet topping.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• ¹⁄₂ cup butter, melted
• ¹⁄₂ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• Salt, to taste
• ¹⁄₂ cup all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• ¹⁄₂ tsp. cinnamon
• 4 tbsp. cold butter, cubed

Instructions:

1. Boil the sweet potatoes until tender. Drain and return them to the pot.
2. Add melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mash until smooth.
3. Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter until crumbly.
5. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the sweet potato mixture.
6. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown.
7. Serve warm, and let your guests indulge in this sweet and crunchy delight.

6. Cranberry Sauce with a Twist: Spiced and Orange-Infused

Cranberry sauce is a traditional Thanksgiving staple, but by adding a few spices and a hint of citrus, you can create a unique and flavorful twist. Start with fresh cranberries, and then simmer them with orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and a touch of ginger. The result is a vibrant, tangy sauce that perfectly complements your Thanksgiving meal.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz. fresh cranberries
• ¹⁄₂ cup orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange
• ¹⁄₄ cup sugar
• ¹⁄₂ tsp. cinnamon
• ¹⁄₄ tsp. ground ginger

Instructions:

1. Combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, cinnamon, and ginger in a saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the cranberries pop.
3. Let the sauce cool, and then serve it alongside your Thanksgiving feast.

7. Baked Macaroni and Cheese with a Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

Macaroni and cheese is a comfort food favorite, and when baked with a crispy topping, it becomes a Thanksgiving side that everyone will adore. Start with a creamy cheese sauce made with cheddar, Gruyere, and a touch of mustard. Toss it with cooked macaroni, and then top it with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Bake until golden and bubbly, and your guests will be asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz. macaroni
• 4 tbsp. butter
• 4 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• ¹⁄₂ lb. cheddar cheese, grated
• ¹⁄₂ lb. Gruyere cheese, grated
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
4. Add cheddar and Gruyere cheese, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until melted and smooth.
5. Toss the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
7. In a separate bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and butter.
8. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the macaroni and cheese.
9. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
10. Serve hot, and watch your guests fall in love with this classic comfort food.

Elevating Your Thanksgiving Feast with These Delicious Sides

These Thanksgiving sides not only showcase your culinary skills but also add a touch of warmth and comfort to your holiday table. From creamy mashed potatoes to savory casseroles and crunchy toppings, each dish is a testament to the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. So, gather your guests, prepare these delicious sides, and create unforgettable memories around the Thanksgiving table.