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Make your Thanksgiving dinner even more special with these 30+ side dishes that are both versatile and delicious. Whether you love classic holiday recipes or want to try something new, these easy-to-make sides will complement your turkey perfectly. With options to please every palate, these Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes are sure to become family favorites. And since you can prepare them ahead of time, you’ll have a stress-free and wonderful Thanksgiving.
From cauliflower mashed potatoes to casseroles and low-carb fries, this list covers a variety of tasty side dishes that will perfectly complement your Thanksgiving feast and satisfy all your guests. Whether you’re looking for traditional flavors or new twists on classics, these recipes are simple to make and sure to please everyone at the table.
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So choose your favorites from this list and prepare them even in advance for a stress-free Thanksgiving. These easy and delicious side dishes will make your holiday meal memorable and enjoyable for everyone.
Common Ingredients In Thanksgiving Side Dishes
When it comes to the best dishes for Thanksgiving, the focus is on low-carb, high-fat, and moderate-protein ingredients. Here are some of the go-to ingredients you might want to use, along with some meal ideas to inspire your holiday cooking:
Vegetables
- Pumpkin – Great for soups, purees, and roasting.
- Mushrooms – Sauté mushrooms with garlic and butter for a quick side dish, or use them in a creamy mushroom and spinach.
- Green Beans: Typically found in green bean casseroles, they are often mixed with cream of mushroom soup and topped with crispy fried onions.
- Cauliflower – Used for mash, rice, cauliflower hummus, cauliflower salad, or cauliflower soup.
- Carrots: Often roasted or glazed, carrots add a sweet and earthy flavor to the meal.
- Brussels Sprouts: Frequently roasted or sautéed, sometimes with bacon or balsamic glaze, they add a slightly bitter, nutty taste.
- Zucchini – Common in noodles, fritters, and casseroles.
- Broccoli – Often roasted, steamed, or used in casseroles.
- Brussels Sprouts – Typically roasted or sautéed.
- Spinach – Used fresh in salads or cooked in casseroles and dips.
- Asparagus – Usually roasted or grilled.
- Bell Peppers – Great for stuffing or adding to various dishes.
- Avocado – Used in salads, dips, and as a topping.
Fats and Oils
- Butter – Adds flavor and richness.
- Olive Oil – Common for roasting and dressing salads.
- Coconut Oil – Used in cooking and baking.
- Avocado Oil – Often used in cooking and salad dressings.
- Heavy Cream – Adds creaminess to dishes.
Proteins
- Bacon – Adds flavor and texture.
- Cheese – Various types such as cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese.
- Eggs – Used in casseroles, salads, and as a binder.
Fruits
- Cranberries: Most commonly found in cranberry sauce, which can be made from fresh or canned cranberries cooked down with sugar and sometimes orange zest.
- Apples: Often included in stuffing or baked into pies and other desserts, apples provide a sweet and tart flavor.
- Pecans: Used in both savory dishes, like certain stuffing recipes, and desserts, notably pecan pie.
Green Beans Almondine
Learn how to prepare a classic French Green Beans Almondine recipe that's an impressive side dish dish with tender green beans, buttery toasted almonds, and a touch of lemon. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, but fancy enough for a holiday meal.
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Lemon Green Beans
These flavorful Lemon Green Beans have lemon juice and lemon zest, and are a favorite green bean recipe that I’ve made many times. And these tasty green beans with lots of lemon flavor are a quick and easy low-carb side dish that’s delicious enough for a special meal!
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Sauteed Green Beans
This easy sauteed green beans recipe is a super easy side dish that's ready in less than 20 minutes. The garlic infusion paired with a touch of mustard brings out a zestiness that complements the buttery richness perfectly.
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Crispy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
These bacon wrapped asparagus bundles are baked in the oven. It’s the perfect appetizer or side dish that’s sure to impress at any party. This asparagus recipe has the ideal combination of salty, tender, and crispy in one bite. Plus, who doesn’t love a fun party recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes with less than 10 minutes of prep?
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The Best Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
This is the BEST Cauliflower Mac and Cheese and is a family favorite, children approved. It uses cauliflower in place of pasta, a super creamy sauce made if a combination of cheeses, and a mix of spices to enhance the taste. It's definitely the ultimate rich and creamy cauliflower recipe that's super comforting, easy to make, and perfect for dinner or as a festive side dish.
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Easy Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Cauliflower mashed potatoes are the best alternative to regular mashed potatoes. It’s effortless to make, low in calories, low in carbs and needs only 5 ingredients. It’s very simple to transform it into a vegan or paleo-friendly recipe.
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Creamy Mashed Turnips
This creamy, dreamy mashed turnip recipe will have you thinking about turnips differently. Infused with rosemary and garlic, this humble root vegetable is elevated to elegant new heights!
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Cheesy Cauliflower Steak
Learn how to make the best roasted cauliflower steak recipe that's perfectly caramelized on the edges and super cheesy. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this cauliflower recipe is a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with any of your favorite protein.
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Garlic Butter Whole Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
This whole roasted cauliflower is a spectacular keto and low carb side dish. Learn how to roast an entire head of cauliflower with just 5 minutes of prep that tastes incredible, and it’s super easy to make.
Ingredients
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Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower is a super quick and easy side dish that no one can resist. Ready in less than 30 minutes, these baked cauliflower bites are crisp-tender perfection.
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Spinach-Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms
Spinach-artichoke stuffed mushrooms are an easy and delicious appetizer that’ll be a winner at any party!
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Garlic Parmesan Roasted Mushrooms
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Mushrooms – buttery and delicious oven roasted mushrooms loaded with garlic and Parmesan cheese. Takes 8 mins prep.
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Roasted Cabbage Steaks Recipe
Learn how to make the best-roasted cabbage steak recipe that’s perfectly caramelized on the edges and extremely delicious. Ready in less than 40 minutes, this cabbage recipe is a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with any of your favorite proteins or is as simple as it is for a light lunch recipe.
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Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
This Cheesy Broccoli Casserole has tender broccoli smothered in a rich and creamy homemade cheddar cheese sauce. The cheesy, cracker crumb topping adds a crispy finish to this delicious side dish.
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Creamed Spinach and Mushrooms
This creamed spinach and mushroom recipe is a great low carb side dish that's a fantastic option for a weeknight meal or a holiday dinner. The mushrooms are seared to perfection, then smothered in a super creamy garlic spinach sauce. Enjoy this creamed spinach with a twist that is ready in less than 20 minutes.
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Everything But the Bagel Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers
These Cream Cheese Stuffed Mini Peppers are a perfect appetizer for parties and weekend gatherings. The peppers are filled with cream cheese and topped with Everything Bagel Seasoning for an irresistible keto snack!
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Deviled Eggs
This Deviled Eggs recipe is so delicious and is perfect for a group or your family gathering. This signature appetizer dish is also paleo-friendly and ready in no time. A classic family favorite!
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Stuffed Tomatoes
Fresh, ripe tomatoes are the perfect match for basil, cheese, and buttery panko crumbs. This family recipe for stuffed tomatoes is a simple appetizer bursting with summery flavor!
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Sautéed Lemon Garlic Kale
If you are on the fence about kale you must try this recipe for Sautéed Lemon Garlic Kale. It's quick, easy, and makes a perfect side dish for any of your favourite proteins. It's so delicious you won't even know it's good for you!
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Garlic Parmesan Roasted Radishes
These garlic parmesan roasted radishes are infused with rosemary and are a great low carb alternative for potatoes. The perfect keto side dish and only 2g net carbs!
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
I love quick side dishes that don’t require too much time spent in the kitchen, and these crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts are one of them. Ready in only 15 minutes and using 6 simple ingredients, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a delicious and healthy side dish for your meal.
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Sauteed Eggplant Recipe
Learn the best way to make sauteed eggplant on the stove in under 20 minutes. Enjoy a tender and delicious eggplant side dish topped with a garlic and fresh parsley-infused oil. It's definitely a crowdpleaser eggplant recipe that's vegan, keto friendly, and paleo!
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Eggplant Caponata Recipe
You'll love the combination of savory, sweet, and sour flavors in this creamy eggplant caponata with onions, tomato and olives! A great make-ahead appetizer to serve over crusty bread or use next to chicken or fish!
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Crispy Spinach Fritters
Learn how to make the best Crispy Spinach Fritters. Made with tender spinach, savory onions, and garlic, along with eggs and cheese, these fritters are the best way to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying snack.
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Cauliflower Fritters Recipe With Cumin And Mint Yogurt
Perfectly fluffy cauliflower fritters, packed with fresh herbs, cumin and other warm spices. Serve them as an appetizer or snack with a squeeze of lemon juice or mint yogurt! Or pile them into a little pita for lunch. Lots of ideas below.
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Roast Pumpkin Salad With Feta
Learn how to make one of the best salad recipes you have ever tried. This easy Roast Pumpkin Salad With Feta combines the richness of pumpkin, the smoothness of avocado, and the tang of feta, resulting in a mouthwatering masterpiece that’s perfect for weeknight dinners and not only.
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Easy Italian Caprese Salad
This Caprese Salad or the Insalata Caprese is a classic Italian dish that is loaded with juicy, perfectly ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil. It’s topped with olive oil and a delicious balsamic glaze. The balsamic glaze brings together all the favors for an incredible Italian inspired meal, appetizer or snack. It is super easy to whip up, vibrant, yet incredibly tasty and naturally low carb.
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Creamy Homemade Coleslaw Salad Recipe
This Homemade Coleslaw is exceptionally creamy, fresh, and crispy. It’s a breeze to make, a family favorite and goes well with almost any main dish.
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Favorite Broccoli Salad
This broccoli salad recipe is the best! It’s healthy, too, thanks to the delicious honey-mustard vinaigrette (no mayo). This broccoli salad packs great for lunch and potlucks. Recipe yields 6 side servings.
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Simple Avocado Salad
This Simple Avocado Salad is refreshing and full of amazing flavors. Creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers are tossed in lime dressing, making this simple recipe perfect for hot summer days.
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The Best Creamy Cucumber Salad
This German creamy cucumber salad is easy, refreshing, and crunchy. It’s a summertime staple in our kitchen that’s perfect for a potluck, BBQ and it’s ready within minutes.
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Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries
Air fryer pumpkin fries are a delicious and healthy snack or side dish made by cutting fresh pumpkin into thin strips or wedges, seasoning them with your favorite spices or herbs, and then cooking them in an air fryer.
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Turnip Fries
Learn how to make turnip fries in the oven with just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep. These baked turnip fries are a perfect side dish for all French fries lovers but without the carbs and calories.
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