20 Thanksgiving Sides Gone Before the Turkey

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Bacon Jalapeno Spoon Bread

This moist and creamy spoon bread features a delightful combination of melted cheese and crisp bacon, creating a rich and flavorful dish. It is both easy to prepare and distinctive, making it an excellent addition to any meal. The harmonious blend of creamy texture and savory ingredients offers a satisfying experience for the palate. Ideal as a side dish or a comforting main course, this recipe is sure to impress family and guests alike. Its inviting aroma and delectable taste make it a memorable and enjoyable dish for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Jalapeno Spoon Bread

Green Bean Casserole From Scratch

This holiday side dish is pure comfort on a plate, made even better with a rich, homemade mushroom cream sauce that’s full of flavor. Topped with crispy, do-it-yourself French fried onions, every bite is a perfect mix of creamy and crunchy textures. It’s the kind of dish that makes any meal feel special, whether it’s a festive holiday feast or a cozy family dinner. The best part? You can make it ahead of time, so all the stress is gone and all that’s left is enjoying it with your loved ones. Trust us, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will ask for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole From Scratch

Potato Casserole With Bacon

These creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, perfectly smooth and rich in flavor. Topped with smoky, crispy bacon and a golden layer of crunchy bread crumbs, every bite is a delicious combination of textures. They’re an easy make-ahead side dish that takes the stress out of holiday cooking, letting you enjoy more time with your family. Whether you’re serving them alongside turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This dish is a cozy, flavorful addition to any festive table!
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole With Bacon

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

These sweet potatoes are packed with rich, comforting flavor, then topped with crunchy candied nuts and melty, gooey marshmallows for the perfect sweet-and-savory combination. Cooking them in the slow cooker makes this dish almost effortless, letting all the flavors meld together beautifully while you relax. It’s a comforting side that feels both indulgent and homey, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Even the aroma while it’s cooking will make your kitchen feel warm and inviting, tempting everyone to take a taste before it even hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

These instant pot mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort side dish—creamy, rich, and packed with flavor. They come together quickly, cooking to fluffy perfection in just 8 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or holiday dinners. Every bite is smooth and buttery, with just the right amount of seasoning to complement any main dish. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a regular on your dinner table, earning a spot as everyone’s favorite side. Simple to make but absolutely satisfying, these mashed potatoes prove that convenience doesn’t mean sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Apple Cranberry Salad

This Apple Cranberry Salad is a colorful and refreshing mix that bursts with flavor in every bite. Crisp, juicy apples combine with tart, tangy cranberries, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart. The salad is lightly tossed in a sweet dressing that brings all the flavors together beautifully. It’s a versatile dish that works wonderfully as a side for everyday meals or as a festive addition to holiday gatherings. With its vibrant colors and fresh taste, it’s sure to brighten up any table and delight everyone who tries it.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cranberry Salad

Carrot Casserole

This Carrot Casserole is a cozy, comforting dish that brings warmth to any meal. Tender, naturally sweet carrots are coated in a creamy, rich mixture and lightly spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon, creating a delightful balance of flavors. A touch of sugar adds just the right hint of sweetness, making each bite irresistibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a standout Thanksgiving side or treating it as a simple dessert, it’s sure to become a favorite on your table. Its comforting aroma and creamy texture make it the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Casserole

Roasted Acorn Squash

This Roasted Acorn Squash recipe is the perfect choice! With just a few pantry staples—Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and a sprinkle of herbs—you can transform a humble squash into a flavorful and elegant dish. The natural sweetness of the squash pairs beautifully with the savory cheese and aromatic herbs, making every bite a little taste of comfort. It’s easy to prepare, looks stunning on the holiday table, and is sure to become a new favorite year after year.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Acorn Squash

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

This recipe for easy scalloped potatoes is the perfect addition to a cozy dinner for two. Creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors, it turns simple ingredients into a dish that feels special. Even with its simplicity, it’s always a crowd-pleaser and pairs wonderfully with almost any main course. The best part is how effortlessly it comes together, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or a quiet night in. Each bite is rich, warm, and just a little indulgent—comfort food at its finest.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta are an easy side dish that’s sure to earn a spot on your holiday dinner table. Roasted to perfection, the Brussels sprouts develop a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy feta and crunchy toasted almonds. With just seven simple ingredients, this dish delivers a perfect balance of flavors—sour, sweet, and savory—all in every bite. It’s a recipe that’s both simple to make and guaranteed to be loved by family and friends alike. Even those who usually shy away from Brussels sprouts won’t be able to resist going back for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Garlic Sautéed Mushrooms

This simple yet flavorful side dish brings out the rich, earthy taste of mushrooms, perfectly sautéed with fragrant garlic. Each bite is savory and satisfying, making it a wonderful addition to any meal, from weeknight dinners to special occasions. The tender mushrooms can also stand on their own as a delicious appetizer, bursting with aroma and taste. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Sautéed Mushrooms

Fennel and Mango Slaw

Take your slaw game to the next level with this refreshing and unique recipe that pairs the crisp, slightly licorice-like crunch of fennel with the juicy sweetness of ripe mango. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors that’s both light and satisfying. It’s the perfect side dish to brighten up any meal or even serve as a stand-out appetizer at your next gathering. Simple to make yet impressive in taste, this slaw is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Get the Recipe: Fennel and Mango Slaw

Honey Glazed Carrots

Get ready to fall in love with these honey-glazed carrots! Sweet, tender carrot slices are tossed in a rich honey-garlic-butter glaze that brings out their natural flavor while adding a deliciously sticky, savory-sweet coating. This vibrant side dish is perfect for brightening up any meal, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special holiday spread. Made in just minutes with simple, everyday ingredients, it’s an easy and impressive way to turn ordinary carrots into something everyone will rave about.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots

Mushroom, Avocado and Feta Toast

This Mushroom, Avocado, and Feta Toast is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will instantly brighten your day. Earthy, sautéed mushrooms are paired with creamy, ripe avocado and topped with tangy feta cheese, all resting on perfectly crispy toasted bread. A drizzle of sweet and tangy balsamic glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making every bite burst with flavor. It’s a quick and easy option that works beautifully as a light appetizer, a side dish, or even a simple snack. Whether you’re serving it for a casual brunch or a special gathering, it’s sure to impress!
Get the Recipe: Mushroom, Avocado and Feta Toast

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash is a wonderfully quick and easy side dish that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a lighter, low-calorie alternative to traditional pasta, without sacrificing flavor or texture. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, packed with nutrients, and pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces and toppings. Whether you’re looking to eat healthier or just try something new, this simple spaghetti squash recipe is a tasty way to add more vegetables to your plate. You’ll love how effortless it is to make, yet so satisfying to eat!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Roasted Garlic Sourdough

This roasted garlic sourdough is a wonderfully fluffy bread, packed with the rich, mellow flavor of slow-roasted garlic. As it bakes, your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible, earthy aroma that makes it hard to wait until it’s ready. Its golden, toasty crust gives way to a soft, tender interior that’s full of savory depth in every bite. Whether served alongside a comforting meal or used as the base for a gourmet sandwich, this bread adds a touch of homemade warmth to any table. It’s the kind of loaf that makes people linger for just one more slice.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Sourdough

Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes

These goat cheese and spinach mashed sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy twist on a classic side dish. The creamy goat cheese blends perfectly with the natural sweetness of the potatoes, while the spinach adds a fresh, vibrant touch. They’re comforting yet light, making them a great option for weeknight dinners or holiday meals. Plus, they’re packed with flavor and nutrients, so you can feel good about serving them to your family. This simple but elegant dish is sure to become a favorite on your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Gruyere, Olive, and Caramelized Onion Bread

This no-knead caramelized onion bread is a rustic, flavor-packed loaf that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Inside, tender caramelized onions mingle with briny green olives and nutty gruyere cheese, creating a savory bite in every slice. The bread’s golden crust and soft, airy interior make it perfect for serving warm, straight from the oven. Top it with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and a touch of fresh thyme, and you’ve got a simple yet impressive side that feels gourmet with almost no effort. It’s the kind of bread that turns any meal into a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Gruyere, Olive, and Caramelized Onion Bread

Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

These Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips are a simple yet delicious side dish that’s perfect for any meal. Tender carrots and sweet parsnips are roasted to bring out their natural flavors, then drizzled with golden honey for a touch of sweetness. To take it over the top, they’re finished with a sprinkle of glazed pecans, adding a delightful crunch and nutty richness. It’s a dish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty, making it a favorite for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Even picky eaters are likely to go back for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

Cheesy Polenta

This creamy, cheesy polenta is the ultimate comfort side dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly versatile. Its rich, smooth texture pairs perfectly with a wide range of main dishes, from roasted meats to sautéed vegetables. What’s great about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare, yet it always feels special and indulgent at the table. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a fantastic base to get creative with toppings or mix-ins if you’re feeling adventurous!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Polenta