When it comes to Thanksgiving, we all know that turkey takes center stage. But let’s be real, it’s the delectable side dishes that truly make a Thanksgiving dinner memorable. Whether you’re hosting your own gathering or attending a potluck this year, you’re in luck because I’ve got some mouthwatering side dish recipes that will steal the show. And to kick things up a notch, why not add a touch of elegance with some food styling and unique ingredients like truffle?
Picture this: the Thanksgiving table adorned with an array of delicious dishes that will make your guests’ taste buds dance with joy. From classic mashed potatoes and green bean casserole to creative twists like roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, this Thanksgiving menu has got you covered. I’ll even share some food styling tips to make your dishes look as good as they taste. Trust me, your friends and family will be asking for your secret recipes!
So, get ready to take your Thanksgiving dinner to the next level with these crowd-pleasing side dish recipes. Get your apron on, gather your ingredients, and let’s create a feast that will leave everyone grateful for your culinary skills. Together, we’ll make this Thanksgiving table the talk of the town, all while savoring the indulgent flavors of truffle-infused goodness.
Keep reading to find your new favorite side dish for your Thanksgiving recipes!
Easy and Unique Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Ah, Thanksgiving – the time of year when our loved ones gather around a table filled with an abundance of delicious food. And let’s be real, while the turkey is usually the star of the show, side dishes are just as important. Not only do they help to balance out the meal, but they also add a pop of color and flavor to the table. In my opinion, a Thanksgiving feast without side dishes is like a pumpkin pie without whipped cream – it just isn’t complete.
When I think of Thanksgiving side dishes, several come to mind. Of course, there’s the classic green bean casserole with its crispy fried onions and creamy mushroom sauce. Then there’s sweet potato casserole, which is basically a dessert disguised as a side dish with its sweet, cinnamon-spiced mashed sweet potatoes and crunchy pecan topping. But what makes these dishes truly special are the unexpected twists we add – like dried cranberries in the sweet potato casserole, or a sprinkle of tangy goat cheese on top of the green beans.
Another favorite of mine is butternut squash – whether roasted with fresh herbs or pureed into a creamy soup, its nutty flavor, and velvety texture are the perfect complement to the heartiness of the turkey. And let’s not forget the cranberry sauce – made with tart cranberries and a touch of sweetness, it adds a burst of color and tang to every bite. These side dishes aren’t just a tasty addition to the meal, they’re an essential part of the Thanksgiving experience – bringing together family and friends over a spread of delicious food.
Now let’s talk about some more unique yet easy Thanksgiving dishes to make!
Truffle Mac and Cheese
Thanksgiving is all about indulging in comforting and delicious food, and what better way to do so than with a twist on a classic favorite? Truffle Mac and Cheese takes gooey, cheesy goodness to a whole new level of sophistication. The earthy and aromatic flavors of truffle elevate this dish to something truly extraordinary, making it a standout addition to your holiday spread. Trust me, once you take a bite of this creamy, cheesy mac and cheese with a hint of truffle, you’ll never want to go back to the regular version again after waiting this with your fav holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pasta (Cellentani)
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup half and half
- 12 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 oz grated romano cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2-3 tbsp white truffle oil
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp chopped Italian parsley
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375. Butter a large baking dish and set aside for later.
- Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk for 2-3 minutes until combined into a roux. Be careful not to burn.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking. Make sure to go slowly so it doesn’t get lumpy.
- Add half and half, paprika, salt, and pepper and whisk together.
- Add cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Next, slowly whisk in romano and cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Add 2-3 tbsp of truffle oil to taste and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Add half of the parsley.
- Fold in cooked pasta and mix until fully coated.
- Add pasta to a baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for about 35 minutes until breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Truffle Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a staple on every Thanksgiving table, but why not take them up a notch this year? Enter Truffle Mashed Potatoes, a decadent and indulgent twist on the traditional side dish. The rich and distinctive flavor of the truffle adds a touch of elegance to this comforting classic. Creamy, velvety, and infused with the irresistible aroma of truffle, these mashed potatoes are sure to make a lasting impression on your guests. Prepare to delight your taste buds and elevate your holiday feast with this easy yet unique Thanksgiving side.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2-3 large russet potatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp truffle oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees
- Cut the top off the garlic to expose the cloves. Place onto a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with olive oil, making sure it soaks down into the cloves). Pinch foil closed to cover the garlic and roast in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Peel and cut potatoes into 1.5-inch cubes. Add potato cubes to a pot of cold water and cover to boil on the stove. Once the water begins to boil, turn the heat to medium and boil for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes pierce easily with a fork.
- Drain potatoes and return to the pot. Squeeze baked garlic cloves out into the pot and mash together with potatoes.
- Add chicken broth, cream, butter, truffle oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Mash until fluffy.
Air Fryer Turkey Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Looking for a healthy yet delicious side dish to balance out the indulgence of Thanksgiving? Look no further than Air Fryer Turkey Bacon Brussels Sprouts. With the magic of the air fryer, these Brussels sprouts become perfectly crispy on the outside, while remaining tender and flavorful on the inside. The addition of turkey bacon lends a smoky and savory twist, bringing out the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts. Trust me, this dish will convert even the biggest Brussels sprouts skeptics into avid fans. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this crowd-pleasing and easy-to-make Thanksgiving side.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb brussels sprouts, halved
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 8 oz turkey bacon, fried and chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine halved brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add to the air fryer and cook at 375 for 10-12 minutes. Shake periodically to ensure they don’t burn.
- Once brussels sprouts are starting to turn golden, add cooked turkey bacon bits and cook for 5 more minutes.
Impress your family on Thanksgiving with these wonderful side dish recipes!
As we wrap up this journey through easy and unique Thanksgiving side dishes, I hope you’re feeling as inspired as I am. From the comforting classics to the exciting twists, there’s a dish for everyone at your Thanksgiving table. Whether you choose to go traditional with creamy mashed potatoes or adventurous with a flavorful quinoa salad, these dishes are sure to bring warmth and happiness to your holiday feast. So, go ahead and experiment, have fun, and create new memories with your loved ones this Thanksgiving. Remember, it’s not just about the turkey – it’s the side dishes that truly make the meal unforgettable.
I hope these recipes give you inspiration for what to make at Thanksgiving this year!
If you’re looking for a creative side that doesn’t require cooking- check out my post on how to make the perfect fall charcuterie board HERE.
Happy cooking, and happy Thanksgiving!
