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Are you on the hunt for unique Thanksgiving side dishes to impress your guests this year? While the turkey might be the star of the show, inventive and delicious side dishes can truly elevate your Thanksgiving feast. From sweet to savory, these unique side dish ideas will add a burst of flavor and creativity to your holiday table.
Table of Contents – Thanksgiving Side Dishes
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze – By Good Life Eats
Move over, boiled Brussels sprouts – roasting them brings out a nutty flavor that’s a game-changer. Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until caramelized. Add crispy bacon bits and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a side dish that even skeptics will love.
Get the recipe here
2. Sweet Potato and Sage Butter Casserole – By RasaMalaysia
Give sweet potatoes a gourmet twist. Arrange thinly sliced sweet potatoes in a baking dish cook, pour over a mixture of melted butter infused with sage, and bake until tender. Top with a sprinkle of pecorino romano cheese for extra flavor. This is one of the thanksgiving side dishes that will have people getting up for seconds!
See the recipe here
3. Cranberry, Apple, and Walnut Salad – By Crème de la Crumb
Add a fresh element to your Thanksgiving table with a vibrant salad. Mix fresh cranberries, sliced apples, and walnuts with mixed greens. Toss in a light vinaigrette, and you’ve got a refreshing contrast to the richer dishes.
This fancy yet easy-to-make dish will be a welcome addition to your thanksgiving dinner.
Get this fabulous salad recipe here
4. Butternut Squash Risotto – By Love & Lemons
For a creamy and comforting side, try butternut squash risotto. Cook arborio rice and the squash slowly in broth u til everything is tender and and Parmesan cheese at the end. The result is a rich, velvety risotto that’s a perfect fall comfort food.
What’s great about this recipe is it is dairy free for those risotto lovers who cannot have any milk or cream.
See the recipe here
5. Cheddar and Green Onion Cornbread – By Bless This Mess
Give traditional cornbread a twist. Add shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions to your batter for a savory, cheesy delight. Serve warm with a dollop of honey butter.
Get the recipe here
6. Maple Glazed Carrots with Thyme & Orange Zest – By Two Cooks In The Kitchen
Carrots aren’t just for rabbits. Roast carrots with a glaze of maple syrup, butter, and fresh thyme and garnish with orange zest. This simple dish brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots and pairs beautifully with turkey.
Get the recipe here
7. Spiced Pear and Gorgonzola Tart – By Daily Appetite
For an elegant side, try a spiced pear and Gorgonzola tart. Use puff pastry as the base, top with thinly sliced pears, crumbled Gorgonzola. Bake until golden and serve warm.
See the recipe here
8. Wild Rice Stuffing – By Detoxinista
Swap traditional bread stuffing with a wild rice and mushroom version. Cook wild rice with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and herbs and more for a hearty, earthy side dish that’s a delightful change from the norm.
See the recipe here
Bonus Recipes:
Conclusion:
These unique Thanksgiving side dishes are sure to bring excitement and variety to your holiday feast. Not only do they complement the traditional turkey, but they also provide an opportunity to showcase your culinary creativity. So go ahead, give one (or a few) of these recipes a try, and watch your Thanksgiving table transform into an unforgettable gourmet experience!
