ContestsEvents

5 Delicious Side Dishes For Thanksgiving

table full of side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner

The turkey might be the star of the show this holiday, however, it's not the only food item that gets Southwest Floridians excited. It's what accompanies the big bird every year that has mouths salivating. Here are 5 delicious side dishes for Thanksgiving that will leave your guests wanting more.

Every family has their Thanksgiving traditions. Not everyone cooks a turkey. Some families cook several turkeys using a different method for each. Regardless of whether you cook turkey, a leg of lamb or a plant based tofu turkey, filling the table with lots of sides is an important part of giving thanks.

About Side Dishes For Thanksgiving

Side dishes for a regular evening or weekend meal are usually thoughtfully planned to integrate flavors and themes. But at Thanksgiving, all rules and common sense food pairings are thrown out the window.

It's a free for all and it's one reason this meal is so beloved. Sure there are staples and they vary from house to house. If you are like me, there are some that are non-negotiable. If they are absent the meal seems incomplete regardless of how much is on the table.

However, I'm always looking for something new to try. It might be a new spin on an old favorite or something that is completely different from what I've made in the past.

Since we are on the countdown to Thanksgiving, my social media feeds are starting to fill up with food. It's getting me excited to sit around the table this year with family and friends and try a couple of these dishes. I threw in a bonus appetizer at the end.

If you don't have a TikTok account, don't worry. I've made it easy by taking these links from mine. Simply scroll down and watch from this post. Some of the recipe details are in the captions so you might have to click to see them in full.

Finally, share these videos and recipes with friends who also enjoy cooking or might be looking for some new side dishes for Thanksgiving this year.

Enjoy These 5 Delicious Side Dishes For Thanksgiving

Potatoes With Cornflake Topping

Mashed potatoes are a must at Thanksgiving. Some people also love scalloped potatoes. Heck any kind of potato is appropriate. This is a new twist (at least for me) on a popular dish.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Not everyone likes sweet potato casseroles. But it is a tradition for many households and according to this home cook, once you try this recipe you will be sold.

Cranberry And Jalapeno Dip

Cranberries are another Thanksgiving staple. They come from a can, are added to cocktails, put in desserts and now you can use them in a dip. The addition of jalapeƱo adds an unsuspecting kick. Put on the main table or use for an appetizer.
https://www.tiktok.com/@mazerlazer_/video/7432339249728425259?_r=1&_t=8rDq4MWQyqp

Green Bean Casserole Alternative

Green bean casserole is another tradition people have a love/hate relationship with. It typically has cream of mushroom soup and is topped with those crispy onions. If it has run its course but you still want a green bean presence, try this one on for size.

Roasted Veggie Salad

This is more on the healthful side of sides. It incorporates a lot of the seasonal vegetables you might be serving. This just tosses them all together.
https://www.tiktok.com/@healthyishfoods/video/7298852494053018926?_r=1&_t=8rDp9JX8nc2

Tukey Charcuterie

I have to throw this one in for a bonus. It wins a creativity award. Take that tired charcuterie and turn it into table art for a fun appetizer or addition to the buffet.
https://www.tiktok.com/@chefgenevieve/video/7432788714000043310?_t=8rDqgvmCe2E&_r=1

Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.