Top 10 Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Outshine the Turkey

Quick Overview Section:

Recipe Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5 from 210 readers)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: Serves 6
Calories: 180 (per serving)

Introduction

Thanksgiving is often synonymous with turkey, but what truly elevates the holiday feast are the side dishes that accompany it. I can vividly remember my first Thanksgiving dinner as a child—everyone raved about the green bean casserole while the turkey sat largely untouched. This year, let’s shine a spotlight on sides that outshine the bird! Whether you’re looking for healthy options, vegan alternatives, or gluten-free recipes, this list of top-notch side dishes will wow your guests and complement that turkey beautifully.

Ingredients List

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

   • 3 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold preferred)
   • 1 cup milk (or almond milk for vegan)
   • 4 tablespoons butter (or vegan butter)
   • 3 cloves garlic
   • Salt and pepper to taste

2. Sausage and Herb Stuffing

   • 1 loaf bread (preferably sourdough), cubed
   • 1 lb sausage (or plant-based sausage)
   • 1 onion, diced
   • 2 cups celery, diced
   • 1 tablespoon sage, dried or fresh
   • 2 cups vegetable broth

3. Honey-Glazed Carrots

   • 2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
   • 3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
   • 1 tablespoon olive oil
   • Salt and pepper to taste

4. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

   • 12 oz cranberries, fresh or frozen
   • 1 cup sugar
   • 1 cup water
   • Zest of 1 orange

5. Brussels Sprouts Roasted with Balsamic Glaze

   • 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
   • 4 tablespoons olive oil
   • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
   • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

1. Prep Potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into chunks.
2. Boil: In a large pot, boil potatoes until fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
3. Mash: Drain and return to pot. Add butter, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.

Sausage and Herb Stuffing

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Sausage: In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onion and celery. Cook until soft.
4. Combine: In a bowl, mix bread cubes, sausage, sautéed veggies, sage, and broth. Pour into a greased Baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.

Honey-Glazed Carrots

1. Cook Carrots: Boil carrots in water for 10 minutes until tender.
2. Glaze: Drain and toss with honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a pan. Sauté for 5 minutes over medium heat.

Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

1. Boil Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Cook until cranberries burst.
2. Add Zest: Stir in orange zest and simmer for 5 minutes.

Brussels Sprouts Roasted with Balsamic Glaze

1. Toss Ingredients: In a bowl, mix Brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast: Spread on a Baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C), until crispy.

Tips and Tricks Section

• Substitutions: Use a dairy-free milk and butter for a vegan version of mashed potatoes.
• Make-Ahead: Many sides like stuffing and cranberry sauce can be prepared a day in advance.
• Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Macronutrients:
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
• Micronutrients:
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 200mg

Recipe Notes

• Flavor Enhancements: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for deeper flavors.
• Leftover Inspiration: Use leftover stuffing to make a savory breakfast casserole!

FAQs

1. How can I store leftovers?

   • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Can I reheat these dishes?

   • Yes! Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave.

3. What can I swap for breadcrumbs in the stuffing?

   • Use gluten-free bread or cooked rice for a gluten-free option.

4. Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?

   • Yes! Make them and store in the fridge, then reheat on the stove with a splash of milk.

5. How do I make these vegan?

   • Swap out dairy products for coconut milk and use olive oil or vegan butter.

Please give us your feedback!
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Recipe Card: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs potatoes: Yukon Gold preferred
• 1 cup milk: or almond milk for vegan
• 4 tablespoons butter: or vegan butter
• 3 cloves garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prep Potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into chunks.
2. Boil: In a large pot, boil potatoes until fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
3. Mash: Drain and return to pot. Add butter, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 200mg

Tips and Variations: Use a mix of potatoes for varied flavors and textures.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.