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Thanksgiving is a period of coming together and expressing appreciation, with the dining table serving as the focal point for not only a sumptuous meal but also a unity celebration.
Despite the turkey being the star of the show, it’s the accompaniments that genuinely enhance the feast, giving a diverse range of tastes and textures that go well with the primary dish.
Whether the soothing warmth of creamy mashed potatoes attracts you or you prefer the lively crunch of a seasonal salad, side dishes always manage to gather everyone.
Each bite is like a reminder of the holiday spirit.
Thanksgiving side dishes, ranging from age-old recipes inherited from generations to modern inventive variations, provide an exceptional platform for culinary inventiveness. They present an opportunity to experiment with diverse flavors, from the sweet tang of candied yams to the hearty complexity of roasted Brussels sprouts, crafting a meal that strikes a balance between familiarity and novelty.
In your exploration of possibilities, you will uncover how an appropriate side dish can transform a typical meal into a remarkable feast, bursting with seasonal flavors and the warmth of loved ones.
Thanksgiving Side Dishes
17. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Slow Cooker) from Little Spice Jar
These melting potatoes are thick slices roasted until crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They absorb rich flavors from chicken broth and butter infused with fresh thyme and garlic, creating a savory and tender side dish.
The recipe uses Yukon Gold potatoes for their smooth texture, roasting them at a high temperature with multiple flips to ensure even browning. The addition of broth towards the end helps the potatoes become tender while maintaining a crispy finish, making them a versatile accompaniment to meats like steak, lamb, or pork.
16. Melting Potatoes from Spicy Southern Kitchen
These melting potatoes feature thick slices that roast to a crispy, golden exterior while remaining soft and creamy inside. They absorb rich flavors from butter, fresh thyme, and chicken broth, creating a unique taste reminiscent of potatoes cooked alongside roasted meat.
The cooking process involves multiple flips and a final addition of broth and garlic to enhance moisture and flavor. This side dish pairs well with a variety of main courses, adding a comforting and flavorful element to any meal.
15. Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes from The Recipe Critic
These oven roasted parmesan garlic potatoes feature a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful center. They combine the sharp taste of parmesan cheese with savory garlic and oregano, creating a delicious side dish that pairs well with many meals.
The preparation involves tossing potato wedges in olive oil, parmesan, garlic, and seasonings before roasting them at a high temperature for a golden finish. The recipe is flexible, allowing for different potato varieties and cheese substitutes while maintaining a satisfying crispy texture.
14. Mashed Potato Casserole from House of Yum
This mashed potato casserole combines creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with melted cheddar cheese and a crunchy panko breadcrumb topping. It is finished with crisp bacon and fresh chives, adding both texture and a burst of savory flavor.
The dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it convenient for holiday meals or gatherings. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator or freezer and can be reheated easily while maintaining their rich, comforting taste.
13. Buttery Parsley Potatoes from Foodie Crush
These buttery parsley potatoes feature tender baby red potatoes boiled until creamy and infused with salted butter and fresh Italian parsley. The simple combination of just three main ingredients creates a flavorful side dish that complements a wide range of meals with minimal effort.
The potatoes are cooked whole, preserving their creamy centers and allowing the skins to gently break apart for a rustic texture. After boiling, the potatoes are steamed briefly with butter and parsley, then seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for a fresh, comforting taste.
12. Twice Baked Potato Casserole from Just A Pinch Recipes
This twice baked potato casserole combines tender baked potatoes with layers of crispy bacon, creamy sour cream, and melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. The dish is finished with fresh green onions for a burst of flavor and a colorful presentation.
Ideal as a hearty side, it pairs well with grilled steaks, burgers, or baked chicken. The casserole can be prepped ahead by baking the potatoes and cooking the bacon in advance, making it convenient for busy meal times.
11. Garlic Parmesan Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes from The Chunky Chef
This dish features layers of thinly sliced red and Yukon gold potatoes baked in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with three kinds of cheese. The top is finished with extra cheese that crisps up beautifully during baking, creating a rich and comforting side perfect for holidays or family dinners.
The recipe allows for flexibility by offering options to make the potatoes ahead of time or freeze them for later use. It also suggests alternatives like slow cooker preparation and add-ins such as ham or mushrooms to customize the flavor.
10. Crispy Cheese and Bacon Potatoes from Barefoot in the Kitchen
Crispy roasted potatoes are coated in savory bacon grease, then baked until the edges are perfectly crisp while the centers remain fluffy. They are topped with melted cheese and generous pieces of crisp bacon, creating a rich and flavorful side or main dish.
The recipe involves cooking bacon and potatoes on the same baking sheet to infuse smoky flavor throughout. A final bake melts the cheese and crisps the bacon topping, making it ideal to serve alongside eggs, chicken, or vegetables.
9. Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes from Lil Luna
These Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes are sliced thinly without cutting all the way through, creating pockets filled with cheddar cheese and bacon. They are brushed with Italian dressing and Parmesan cheese, then baked and broiled to achieve a crispy, flavorful finish.
The recipe includes tips for cutting and cooking the potatoes, making them tender and easy to prepare. Variations suggest adding different cheeses, herbs, or toppings like sour cream, while leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen for convenient reheating.
8. Parmesan Crusted Potatoes from COOKTORIA
These Parmesan Crusted Potatoes feature tender, sliced potatoes coated in a crispy, golden Parmesan crust seasoned with paprika and garlic powder. They bake to a perfect balance of creamy inside and crunchy outside, making them an ideal side dish or a light main course.
The recipe allows for easy customization with different potato varieties and additional seasonings like black pepper or Italian herbs. Leftovers can be stored and reheated while maintaining their crisp texture, making them a convenient option for multiple meals.
7. Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes from Cafe Delites
These Crispy Garlic Butter Parmesan Smashed Potatoes offer a perfect balance of textures, with a fluffy interior and a golden, crunchy exterior. They are coated in a rich garlic butter and topped with melted parmesan cheese, delivering a flavorful twist on classic potatoes.
The cooking process involves boiling the potatoes until tender, lightly smashing them to create crispy ridges, and then broiling to achieve a satisfying crunch. This dish works well as a side or a main, and pairs beautifully with a variety of meals, adding a comforting and savory element to any table.
6. 3 Ingredient Roasted Potatoes with Crunchy Onions from The Food Charlatan
This dish features tender roasted baby red potatoes coated in olive oil and a simple onion soup mix. The potatoes roast until golden, while the dehydrated onions crisp up, adding a crunchy texture and rich flavor.
Preparation takes just minutes, making it a quick and easy side dish for any meal. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated, although the potatoes are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
5. Seriously Amazing Cheddar Mashed Potatoes from Little Spice Jar
These cheddar mashed potatoes combine soft, fluffy potatoes with melted sharp cheddar cheese, mellow garlic, and tangy sour cream for a rich, comforting side dish. Fresh chives sprinkled on top add a mild onion flavor that brightens each bite without overpowering the creamy texture.
The recipe uses simple ingredients like russet potatoes, butter, and half and half to create a smooth, velvety mash that melts in your mouth. Boiling the garlic with the potatoes infuses a subtle, mellow garlic taste, making these mashed potatoes perfect for holiday dinners or any cozy meal.
4. Funereal Potatoes from Lil Luna
This cheesy potato casserole combines tender hash browns with a creamy mixture of sour cream, melted butter, and sharp cheddar cheese. A crunchy cornflake topping adds texture and golden color after baking until bubbly and warm.
Ideal for holiday meals or large gatherings, it can be customized with additions like ham or spices to suit different tastes. The dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked fresh, making it a convenient and comforting side that pleases a crowd.
3. Loaded Baked Potato Casserole from Mom Always Finds Out
This loaded baked potato casserole combines tender mashed red potatoes with creamy sour cream, real cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon for a rich, hearty dish. The casserole is baked until golden and topped with green onions, creating a flavorful and satisfying side or main course.
The recipe uses fresh ingredients like grated cheese and cooked bacon to enhance texture and taste. It serves a large group, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings where comfort food is appreciated.
2. Sour Cream & Cheddar Baked Mashed Potatoes from Cozy Country Living
1. Smashed Herb Lemon Baked Potatoes from Gal on a Mission
These smashed herb lemon baked potatoes offer a crispy exterior with a tender, moist inside. The potatoes are boiled until soft, then smashed and coated with a blend of melted butter and herbs before being baked to achieve a golden, flavorful crust.
A fresh squeeze of lemon juice adds a bright, zesty finish that complements the savory herbs perfectly. This side dish pairs well with a variety of main courses, making it a versatile addition to any meal.