This list of delicious sides gives you some great ideas for what to serve with smoked turkey. These recipes work whether you’ve got a smoked turkey leg, a smoked turkey breast, or a whole bird. From green beans to mashed potatoes to cornbread, you can’t go wrong with any of these side dishes.
For the holidays, smoking turkey is a great way to cook the bird. But what should you serve with smoked turkey? This list has over 20 great ideas, from starters to traditional sides and even desserts.
This list has some traditional Thanksgiving recipes, some takes on conventional classics, and some healthier options too. All of them don’t have gluten, many don’t have dairy (or are easy to make dairy-free), and some are even low carb. But all of them are truly delicious recipes your family will love. I have made side dishes on this list time and time again and they are indeed crowd pleasers.
Don’t forget that you can use leftovers in fun ways! For example, I like to make mashed potato pancakes with them and orange cranberry muffins with my cranberry sauce. And there are lots of ways to repurpose leftover turkey too (like my turkey and rice soup).
Turkey breast is a lean versatile meat that can be the star of any meal. Whether you’re roasting a whole bone-in breast for Thanksgiving or cooking up quick turkey cutlets, pairing the right sides is key to a great dining experience. The good news is that turkey breast pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of side dishes.
As a home cook and food blogger, I’m often asked what goes well with turkey breast. Through trial and error (and many delicious meals!), I’ve discovered both classic and creative pairings that perfectly complement the turkey’s mild flavor.
In this article, I’ll share my top 15 side dish recommendations to serve with turkey breast. From hearty casseroles to fresh veggie sides, keep reading for amazing recipe ideas!
The Classics
Some traditional side dishes are tried and true favorites alongside turkey for good reason:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttered mashed spuds are an absolute must. For special occasions, make them extra rich by using heavy cream and butter.
Bread Stuffing Sophisticated stuffing layered with herbs vegetables and broth soaks up the tasty turkey juices.
Gravy: Is it really turkey without the gravy? This savory sauce brings all the flavors together.
Cranberry Sauce: The bright, tangy kick of cranberry sauce balances the other hearty sides.
Green Bean Casserole: This retro combo of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions just hits the spot.
Seasonal Veggies
In addition to green bean casserole, turkey breast pairs well with these seasonal fall and winter veggies:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Honey glazed carrots
- Roasted root vegetable medley
- Mashed butternut squash
- Creamed spinach
Comfort Food Sides
Some stick-to-your ribs sides are right at home next to turkey breast:
- Scalloped potatoes
- Sweet potato casserole
- Creamed corn
- Mac and cheese
- Cheesy broccoli rice casserole
Fresh and Light
Balance out heavier dishes with these fresher options:
- Green salad with vinaigrette
- Cranberry walnut salad
- Roasted veggie quinoa salad
- Greek salad with feta
- Fruit salad with berries
Breads
Complete the meal with warm bread:
- Dinner rolls
- Cornbread muffins
- Focaccia bread
- Cranberry orange bread
Creative Side Ideas
Think beyond the basics with these unique sides:
- Hasselback potatoes
- Roasted cauliflower with tahini sauce
- Quinoa pilaf with pistachios
- Honey balsamic glazed carrots
- Wild rice medley
Sample Menu Ideas
- Turkey breast, mashed potatoes, sausage stuffing, roasted Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce
- Turkey breast, scalloped potatoes, honey glazed carrots, Greek salad, dinner rolls
- Turkey breast, mac and cheese, creamed corn, roasted root veggies, cornbread
FAQs
What are the best Thanksgiving sides with turkey?
The top Thanksgiving sides are mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, and dinner rolls.
What goes well with turkey breast in the summer?
Good summer sides for turkey breast include fresh fruit salad, pasta salad, potato salad, grilled vegetables, and green salads.
What bread is best with turkey?
Breads like dinner rolls, cornbread, focaccia, and quick breads complement turkey breast well. Warm them up before serving.
What are easy sides to serve with turkey?
Some easy turkey sides are mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce from a can, stove top stuffing, mac and cheese, and green salad.
The Takeaway
From hearty casseroles to fresh salads, there are endless options for amazing sides to serve with juicy, delicious turkey breast. Classics like mashed potatoes and cornbread are perfect, but don’t be afraid to also try creative new recipes. With the right combinations of colors, flavors and textures, you can create a stellar turkey dinner.
Is it better to smoke a turkey fast or slow?
If you want the smoky flavor, it’s better to smoke your turkey slow. If you want to cook your bird more quickly, you can smoke it at a higher temperature. I have done both and both ways taste great.
FAQ about smoked turkey
You’ll want between 1. 25 and 1. 5 pounds of turkey per person, depending on how much turkey people will eat. If you want to make sure you have leftovers, figure more like 1. 75 to 2 pounds per person.