10 Creative Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Wow Your Guests

Thanksgiving is more than just turkey; it’s the perfect opportunity to experiment with fun and unique side dishes that will steal the spotlight. Move over, boring green bean casserole! In this guide, we’ll share a variety of creative sides that will spice up your holiday table and impress your family and friends. Get ready to add some excitement to your feast!

Unexpected Flavors: Sweet Potato Casserole With A Twist

This sweet potato casserole is not your typical side dish. With a hint of maple syrup and a crunchy pecan topping, it brings a delightful surprise to your Thanksgiving table. Say goodbye to boring and hello to a dish that everyone will be talking about!

Ingredients

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, maple syrup, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
3. Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased baking dish.
4. In another bowl, combine the pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the sweet potato layer.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden and the casserole is heated through.

A Savory Delight: Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower

Garlic Parmesan mashed cauliflower is a tasty twist on the classic mashed potatoes. This dish is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for your Thanksgiving table. It’s a great way to impress your guests with something a little different!

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Steam the cauliflower florets until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine the steamed cauliflower, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and butter. Mash until smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chives before serving.

A Unique Spin: Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

These maple-glazed Brussels sprouts with bacon are a fun twist on a classic side dish. The sweet and savory combo makes them hard to resist, even for those who usually shy away from Brussels sprouts. Add this dish to your Thanksgiving table for a tasty surprise!

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle the chopped bacon over the Brussels sprouts.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sprouts are tender and the bacon is crispy.
5. Remove from the oven and drizzle with maple syrup. Toss to coat evenly.
6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using and serve warm.

A Memorable Classic: Savory Cornbread Stuffing

Savory cornbread stuffing is a delightful twist on a Thanksgiving classic. This dish brings a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with turkey. With its crispy edges and soft center, it’s sure to be a hit at your holiday table!

Ingredients

• 1 batch of cornbread, crumbled
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon sage, dried
• 1 tablespoon thyme, dried
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the celery and onion, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cornbread, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring until the mixture is moist but not soggy.
5. Fold in the chopped parsley and transfer the stuffing to a greased baking dish.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Unexpected Pairing: Roasted Carrots With Honey And Thyme

Roasted carrots with honey and thyme are a delightful twist on traditional Thanksgiving sides. The sweetness of honey perfectly complements the earthy flavor of the carrots, while thyme adds a fresh touch. This simple dish will surprise your guests and make them rethink their usual holiday favorites!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds baby carrots
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the baby carrots with olive oil, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.
5. Serve warm and enjoy this tasty side!

Spice It Up: Curried Butternut Squash Soup

This Curried Butternut Squash Soup is a warm hug in a bowl. With its rich spices and creamy texture, it brings a fun twist to your Thanksgiving table. Pair it with some crusty bread for a cozy side dish that everyone will love!

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25 minutes until tender.
2. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft. Stir in the curry powder and cook for another minute.
3. Add the roasted squash, vegetable broth, and coconut milk to the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes, then blend until smooth.
4. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and a swirl of coconut milk.

Sweet And Savory: Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Feta And Pomegranate

Roasted sweet potatoes topped with feta and pomegranate seeds are a delightful twist for your Thanksgiving table. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the salty feta and the burst of tartness from the pomegranate. This dish not only looks stunning but also adds a fresh flavor to your holiday feast!

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and slice the sweet potatoes into rounds about 1 inch thick.
2. Place the sweet potato slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Top with crumbled feta and pomegranate seeds.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

A Zesty Twist: Lemon Garlic Green Beans

These lemon garlic green beans are a fresh take on a classic side dish. The bright lemon and savory garlic make them a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving table. They’re easy to prepare and will impress your guests!

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking.
2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the Green Beans: Drain the green beans from the ice bath and add them to the skillet. Toss with the garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Serve warm!

An Indulgent Treat: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food for Thanksgiving. Layers of tender potatoes smothered in rich cheese sauce create a dish that's hard to resist. This indulgent treat will have everyone going back for seconds!

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
2. In a bowl, mix the heavy cream, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the baking dish, then pour half of the cream mixture over them. Sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese.
4. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, cream mixture, and cheese. Top with Parmesan cheese.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy scalloped potatoes!

A Crunchy Delight: Spiced Apple And Walnut Salad

This Spiced Apple and Walnut Salad is a fun twist for your Thanksgiving table. Crisp apples and crunchy walnuts come together with a hint of cinnamon for a refreshing side dish. It’s simple, tasty, and sure to impress your guests!

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed greens
• 2 large apples, thinly sliced
• 1 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: In a large bowl, layer the mixed greens as the base.
2. Add the Toppings: Arrange the sliced apples, toasted walnuts, cranberries, and feta cheese on top of the greens.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad just before serving.