There are so many options for side dish recipes that go with turkey it’s mind boggling! Here’s a few ideas for favorites to include on any celebration table. Here’s a list of the best vegetable recipes to serve with turkey. [feast_advanced_jump_to]
Turkey is a classic centerpiece for many holiday meals and family gatherings. Whether you’re roasting a whole turkey or just cooking turkey breasts or thighs you’ll want some tasty sides to round out the meal. The good news is that turkey goes great with a wide variety of side dishes.
In this article, I’ll recommend 11 of my favorite side dishes to serve with turkey I’ll include classic Thanksgiving favorites as well as fresh, innovative ideas There’s something here to appeal to every palate!
Classic Thanksgiving Sides for Turkey
Some side dishes have become turkey day traditions for good reason! They perfectly complement the flavor of the turkey and make your meal feel special, Here are 4 classics to consider:
1. Stuffing or Dressing
Stuffing baked inside the turkey gets all those delicious pan juices. Or you can bake it separately in a casserole dish for even browning and texture. Aromatic ingredients like onion, celery, sage, thyme, and broth give stuffing amazing flavor. Add sausage, mushrooms, or nuts for even more variety.
2. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy buttery mashed potatoes are one of the ultimate comfort foods. They’re soft smooth, and irresistible. Mashed potatoes make a hearty, satisfying side to soak up the turkey gravy. For extra richness, use heavy cream and cream cheese in your mashed potatoes.
3. Cranberry Sauce
Bright red cranberry sauce adds a tangy sweet-tart flavor that perfectly balances the savory turkey. And it couldn’t get easier – cook fresh cranberries with sugar and orange until thickened. Let it keep its molded shape or stir it up before serving.
4. Green Bean Casserole
The combination of tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions is hard to beat. This Thanksgiving staple adds great color to your plate. Make it ahead or use frozen green beans to cut down on prep time.
Fresh Takes on Turkey Sides
While traditional sides are great, switching up your menu can keep holidays feeling new and exciting. Here are 7 fresh ideas to serve with turkey:
5. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting caramelizes vegetables for incredible depth of flavor. Try roasting Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, butternut squash, or cauliflower florets tossed in olive oil. You can roast them with minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, or lemon slices.
6. Autumn Salad
Add crispness with an autumn-themed salad using ingredients like apples, cranberries, pecans, beets, and pomegranate arils. Top it with a tangy vinaigrette or apple cider dressing. Or go for a spinach or kale salad topped with roasted squash.
7. Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
Sweet potatoes become irresistible when roasted – the natural sugars caramelize for amazing flavor. Toss wedges in oil, salt, pepper, and spices like cinnamon or cumin. Roast at high heat until browned and tender.
8. Quinoa Pilaf
For a nutty, protein-packed side, make quinoa cooked in broth with sautéed onions, parsley, cranberries, and toasted pecans. You can use quinoa in place of rice for a more nutritious option.
9. Mac and Cheese
Baked macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food with its gooey cheese sauce and toasted breadcrumb topping. Add grilled chicken, bacon, or butternut squash to the mac and cheese for more savory flavor.
10. Honey Glazed Carrots
For a pop of color, roast carrot sticks or coins tossed in olive oil, honey, salt and pepper. The honey glaze gives them a lovely sheen and balanced sweetness.
11. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
For a low carb, vegetable-packed side, pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor then heat in a pan with cream and garlic. The texture mimics mashed potatoes beautifully.
Complement Your Turkey with Delicious Sides
From comforting classics to fresh new sides, you have lots of excellent options for rounding out your turkey dinner. Think about mixing traditional and innovative sides to please all your guests. And don’t forget the gravy! With mouthwatering sides and family by your side, you’re sure to have a memorable holiday meal.
Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Yogurt Sauce
Delicious made spicy or not, with a cool, creamy sauce
- Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Yogurt Sauce: You control the heat in these incredible roasted sweet potatoes, embellished with a fresh-tasting yogurt sauce.
Cauliflower is amazingly delicious when roasted…
- Roasted Cauliflower with Yogurt Sauce: This pesto-spiked yogurt sauce is a fabulous flavor with this parmesan roasted cauliflower. This is another side dish you just can’t stop eating!
Baked Potatoes and Broccoli
These cheesy twice-baked potatoes are always a good idea..
- Baked Potatoes and Broccoli: Twice-baked and stuffed with broccoli and cheese, these potatoes are a welcome side dish any time of the year.
This is a side dish you’ll make all winter..
- Maple Roasted Squash: Squash is cut and roasted with maple syrup and olive oil and finished with a crumble of creamy goat cheese. Fabulous! If there’s leftovers, make this incredibly good squash crostini.
thanksgiving pairings wine and turkey
FAQ
What does turkey pair with?
Turkey Day trimmings in the U.S. typically include mashed potatoes and stuffing with gravy, biscuits, candied yams, green bean casserole with fried onions, roasted vegetables and the requisite cranberry sauce.
What is a good side dish for turkey dinner?
Take your pick from these traditional and modern takes on Southern Thanksgiving sides, including mashed potatoes, dressing, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls, roasted vegetables, casseroles, and more. Many of these Thanksgiving side dishes can even be made ahead or prepared in a slow cooker.
What is a popular accompaniment for turkey?
Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is the perfect accompaniment to roast turkey, and homemade is so much more delicious than the canned variety. The addition of orange zest and juice make this version a bit more special for the holidays.
What is a dish that is served alongside the turkey?
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Speaking of cheese, sautéed green beans with garlic and a sprinkle of Parmesan bring a light, flavorful side to your turkey dinner. The crispness of the green beans contrasts with the tender turkey, while the garlic and Parmesan add layers of flavor without overpowering the dish.