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    Grits and Pinecones » Holidays » Thanksgiving

    42 Best Thanksgiving Savory Side Dish Recipes and Menu Ideas

    November 1, 2019 by Sharon Rigsby, Updated November 21, 2020 1 Comment

    Pinterest pin collage with four different casserole side dish photos.

    It’s not all about the turkey! This year, try one of these 42 Best Thanksgiving Savory Side Dish recipes from some of the top food bloggers in the country! These delicious side dish menu ideas are guaranteed to make you forget the turkey. And, I hope you will give one or more of them a place of honor on your Thanksgiving table!

    19 Best Thanksgiving Savory Side Dishes

    Are you looking for the best and most delicious Thanksgiving side dishes? How about yummy Thanksgiving side dishes that you can make ahead of the big day? And, would you like Thanksgiving side dish recipes that feature easy step-by-step directions as well as gluten-free, keto, paleo, vegetarian, and vegan options? Well, you are in the right place!

    Choose from reimagined Thanksgiving classics plus traditional and non-traditional choices, and new twists on old favorites with these 42 best-of-the-best Thanksgiving savory side dish recipes. 

    Ultimate Blue Cheese Potatoes Au Gratin – Grits and Pinecones

    Are you looking for a delicious side dish for Thanksgiving? How about something just a little different from traditional mashed potatoes? Well, hold on to your Pilgrim hat because Blue Cheese Potatoes Au Gratin will rock your world. 

    Read More

    Ultimate Blue Cheese Potatoes Au Gratin on the Thanksgiving trable

    Roasted Root Vegetables (Coconut Milk and Macadamia Nuts) – Viktoria’s Table

    I can eat only this for Thanksgiving, and I can even skip the pie! Because this dish tastes like dessert and a side dish at the same time.  It’s addictive, I warn you! 

    Read More

    Roasted Root Vegetables in a glass baking dish on a dish towel.

    Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes – Grits and Pinecones

    Check out this easy recipe for Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes and find out how to make everyone’s favorite side dish, delicious and decadent, homemade mashed potatoes in 15 minutes.

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    Decadent and delicious Creamy Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

    Sausage and Apple Stuffed Honeynut Squash – Garden in the Kitchen

    Sweet Honeynut squash stuffed with sausage, apple, dried cranberries, crunchy celery, and aromatic herbs! Butternut Squash lovers, there is a new hottie in town! Meet the Honeynut Squash, a hybrid variety that is a cross between a butternut and buttercup squash. This mini-sensation has a sweeter profile and is favored for its small, individual serving size and rich flavor!

    Read More

    Five sausage and apples stuffed Honeynut squash on a plate. squaSH

    Grown-Up Green Bean Casserole – Pudge Factor

    Are you tired of the mandatory cream of mushroom soup Green Bean Casserole? If so, you should try this Grown-up Green Bean Casserole. It’s easy to make and delicious! What’s even better is that this Grown-up Green Bean Casserole is a cinch to make, can be made ahead of time, and reheats beautifully.

    Read More

    Grown Up Green Been Casserole topped with french fried onion rings.

    Maple Glazed Sauteed Green Beans and Carrots with Proscuitto and Walnuts – Whole Food Bellies

    This delightful maple-glazed sauteed green beans and carrots side dish comes together in one skillet and makes the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. Great to serve as a side during the Holidays or to spruce up your Sunday dinner. The Maple adds a lovely hint of sweetness alongside with the saltiness of the prosciutto that guarantees everyone will be coming back for seconds.

    Read More

    Sauteed Green Beans cooked with carrots and walnuts on a serving platter.

    Easy Parmesan Potatoes Au Gratin – Grits and Pinecones

    This recipe for Easy Parmesan Potatoes Au Gratin is irresistibly delicious and the perfect special occasion side dish.  With thinly sliced, tender Russet potatoes, nestled in a thick and decadent cream sauce and nutty parmesan cheese, this thoroughly indulgent side dish might edge out your entrée and become the star of the show!

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    Easy Parmesan Potatoes Au Gratin in a gratin dish on a red napkin.

    Sweet and Savory Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts-Pass Me Some Tasty

    These sweet and savory pan-roasted brussels sprouts are NOT the sprouts you heard about as a kid from the previous generations who had to eat them plain, boiled, and waterlogged with maybe just a pinch of salt. These sprouts are dreamy and packed with a flavor profile that will have you asking for a second helping.

    Read More

    Sweet and Savory Pan Roasted Brussel Sprouts in a white bowl next to two apples.

    Ultimate Broccoli Cheese Casserole – Grits and Pinecones

    When you see a recipe with the name Ultimate Broccoli Cheese Casserole, you expect it to be pretty spectacular. This delicious recipe for broccoli casserole with Ritz crackers and loaded with cheesy goodness lives up to its name!

    Read More

    Ultimate Broccoli Cheese Casserole in a white baking dish topped with crushed Ritz crackers.

    Cranberry Apple Leek Whole Grain Stuffing – SharonPalmer

    This Cranberry Apple Leek Whole Grain Stuffing is just the thing you need for your holiday table, Sunday night dinner, or comfort food plant-based meal. Based on whole plants, including fresh cranberries, apples, leeks, pecans, and rustic whole-grain bread, it’s easy to put together. 

    Read More

    A baking dish full of Cranberry Leek Apple Stuffing

    Make-Ahead Broccoli Rice Casserole- Pudge Factor

    This creamy and cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a delicious make-ahead side dish for your Thanksgiving or anytime feast. It contains just a few ingredients and is a snap to make.

    Read More

    Make Ahead Broccoli Rice Casserole in a white corning baking dish.

    Green Beans with Caramelized Onions and Almonds – marisamoore.com

    Swap this healthy green bean recipe for traditional green bean casserole on your Thanksgiving table this year. It’s brimming with healthy fats, fiber, and flavor!

    Read More

    A gratin dish full of cooked green beans and almonds.

    Cranberry, Apple, and Orange Sauce- Grits and Pinecones

    No Thanksgiving Dinner is complete without Cranberry Sauce, and boy do I have a doozy of a recipe for you today. This easy, make-ahead, homemade cranberry sauce with oranges and apples is out of this world delicious and deserves a place of honor on your Thanksgiving table.

    Read More

    Cranberry Sauce with Orange and Apple, plus pecans in a clear glass dish.

    Baked Squash with Apples and Cranberries- Nirvana Cakery

    For this recipe, I’ve used blue Hokkaido squash as I had some at home, but any squash would easily work. I’ve seen this recipe being often used with Acorn squash cut in half. You could also use two smaller ones instead of one, keep in mind that it does need to sit nicely on the tray to keep the apple and cranberry mix in. Enjoy it as a part of a festive meal.

    Read More

    Baked acorn squash cut in half and stuffed with apples and cranberries.

    Bourbon Glazed Carrots and Pumpkin with Brown Sugar – Sprinkles and Sprouts

    Everyone loves glazed carrots, but when you add pumpkin into the mix, this easy side dish becomes something extra special. The veggies are glazed with bourbon, brown sugar, and butter, so simple to make and loved by the whole family. The kids will love these with their turkey this Thanksgiving.

    Read More

    An oval white serving dish full of cooked carrots.

    Southern Candied Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans – Grits and Pinecones

    Often called nature’s candy,  easy baked Southern Candied Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans is a rich combination of flavors and textures. With sliced sweet potatoes, topped with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, sweet creamy butter, and roasted or candied pecans, there is something for everyone.

    Read More

    Baked Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes ready to serve

    Easy Make-Ahead Zucchini Gratin – Pudge Factor

    A gratin is a dish topped with a golden browned crust of breadcrumbs and/or melted cheese. In France, gratins are generally made with potatoes. This Easy Make-Ahead Zucchini Gratin is an amazing deviation that will have you coming back for more!

    Read More

    A clear glass baking dish with Zucchini Gratin in it.

    Spicy Cauliflower with Figs – Savory Spin

    Cardamom pods, whole cloves, onions, ginger, and garlic go into making this Spicy Cauliflower with Figs an invitingly aromatic dish to add to your Thanksgiving/Holiday table!

    Read More

    Spicy cauliflower with figs garnished with parsley in a bowl.

    Thanksgiving Kale- The Merchant Baker

    The leaves are tender from cooking and full of flavor from a pan sauce that becomes almost like a glaze.   I remember remarking to my husband that this kale tasted like Thanksgiving with its sweet cranberries and savory onions and garlic; thus, it became known as “Thanksgiving Kale.”

    Read More

    Thanksgiving Kale in a white glass bowl topped with chopped almonds.

    Traditional Southern Cornbread Dressing – Grits and Pinecones

    There are so many things to love about Traditional Southern Cornbread Dressing and, in addition to the taste which is divine, it’s virtually effortless to make. Both the cornbread and the dressing can be made well ahead of the big day and frozen so that all you have to do is pop it in the oven.

    Read More

    Southern Cornbread Dressing in a white serving bowl.

     

    Maple Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Kristine’s Kitchen Blog

    This Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe is an easy side dish for Thanksgiving or any meal! With garlic and a maple balsamic glaze, these Brussels sprouts are baked in the oven until tender and crispy. Plus, suggestions for other ways to flavor your Brussels sprouts.

    Read More

    A baking pan full of maple balsamic roasted brussels sprouts.

    Southern Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes – Grits and Pinecones

    Southern Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are melt-in-your-mouth tender potatoes, baked in an ultra decadent and cheesy bechamel sauce.  These easy to make creamy scalloped potatoes make an incredible side dish for holidays and special occasions, and even your pickiest eaters will love them.

    Read More

    A spoonful of cheesy scalloped potatoes.

    Mashed Rutabaga with Nutmeg- Pinch Me I’m Eating

    Mashed rutabaga is delicious; naturally, sweet low-carb Thanksgiving side dish made even better with a little nutmeg. You won’t want to go back to potatoes! 

    Read More

    Mashed Rutabaga with Nutmeg on a white plate next to a bowl of rutabagas.

    Southern Sweet Onion Casserole – Grits and Pinecones

    Just in time for Thanksgiving, this easy Southern Sweet Onion Casserole is the best side dish ever! Caramelized sweet onions, Vidalia if you can find them, are meltingly tender and paired with buttery, crunchy Ritz crackers, sour cream, and cheese, this decadent onion casserole melts in your mouth!

    Read More

    Southern Sweet Onion Casserole ready for Thanksgiving

    Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic, Lemon, and Parmesan – Curry Trail

    Sauteed green beans with garlic and parmesan are the simplest side dish you can make for Thanksgiving dinner. Sauteing green beans brings out all its flavors, and with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese, it makes it a great compliment to any meal.

    Read More

    Green Beans sauteed in garlic butter, topped with parmesan cheese.

    Easy Cheesy Potato and Onion Au Gratin – Pudge Factor

    Easy Cheesy Potato and Onion Au Gratin is deliciously creamy and a real show stopper. It’s a simple side dish that takes minutes to put together but is packed with cheesy goodness. What’s even better is that it can be made ahead of time and leftovers, if any, are just as good the next day. Who could ask for more?

    Read More

    Potato and Onion Au Gratin in a glass baking dish topped with panko crumbs.

    Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping – Grits and Pinecones

    Terry’s Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is the stuff legends are made of. It’s indescribably delicious and decadent beyond measure. It will have your family or guests clamoring for more. And, it’s the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.

    Read More

    A clear glass baking dish with a sweet potato casserole topped with pecans.

    Cranberry Pecan Pretzel Salad – The Gunny Sack

    This Cranberry Pecan Pretzel Salad recipe with cranberry sauce, sugared pecans, and pretzels is perfect for holiday dinners from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

    Read More

    A big bowl of Cranberry Pecan Pretzel Salad.

    Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Bourbon and Pecans – Grits and Pinecones

    Southern Sweet Potato Casserole with Bourbon and Pecans is a rich combination of flavors and textures that is sure to draw rave reviews from everyone. This is a lighter version of the classic recipe for sweet potato casserole with pecans most folks expect to see on Thanksgiving.

    And, it has a fun twist, a touch of bourbon, a quintessential southern libation.

    Read More

    Southern Sweet Potato Casserole in a white baking dish with two raw sweet potatoes in the background.

    Brussels Sprouts with Pinenuts and Parmesan – Vintage Kitty

    Easy Brussels Sprouts with Pinenuts and Parmesan is a go-to fall recipe. It’s fast, contains just a handful of ingredients, and is perfect for any meal, from a weeknight supper to holiday get-togethers. 

    Read More

    Covered Dish of Brussels Sprouts

    Easy Southern Homemade Turkey Gravy – Grits and Pinecones

    It’s all about the gravy on Thanksgiving, and this easy and delicious Southern Homemade Turkey Gravy recipe is foolproof. This make-ahead gravy recipe is also a perfect base for giblet gravy, and you can substitute chicken stock for turkey stock to make chicken gravy.

    Read More

    Thanksgiving side dish, Easy Southern Homemade Turkey Gravy

    Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower Recipe – The Schmidty Wife

    If you are looking for the best cauliflower mash recipe out there look no further. This Garlic Parmesan Mashed Cauliflower Recipe is easy to make, healthy, and delicious! The perfect side dish to go with any meal.

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    A big bowl of mashed cauliflower garnished with chopped chives.

    Broccoli Potato Casserole- An Italian In My Kitchen

    This fast and easy creamy Broccoli Potato Casserole is the perfect side dish. Three layers of broccoli, potatoes, a creamy sauce, and a sprinkling of Parmesan will make this delicious bake a family favorite.

    Read More

    Broccoli Potato Casserole in a white baking dish with a plate of it on the side.

    Easy Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin – Grits and Pinecones

    Easy Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin is the perfect rich and creamy, but low-carb side dish for your Thanksgiving dinner or any dinner when you want to treat your family or guests to something special! It’s a true crowd pleaser!

    Read More

    Serving a spoonful of Easy Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash- Happy Kitchen Rocks

    The best balsamic-maple roasted Brussels sprouts with butternut squash, pecans, cranberries, and avocado roasted garlic dressing. Ultimate healthy vegan Thanksgiving side dish ready in just 40 minutes!

    Read More

    roasted-brussels-sprouts-butternut-squash-3-600x900

    Southern Cheesy Corn Pudding – Grits and Pinecones

    Southern Cheesy Corn Pudding is a beloved traditional holiday and pot-luck dinner side-dish in the South! If you like corn, and you like cornbread, you will love this decadent and creamy corn casserole recipe.

    Read More

    Southern Cheesy Corn Pudding in a red and white casserole dish

    Sweet Potato Rolls- Impeckable Eats

    In the shadows of super trendy pumpkin lies the sweet potato. A classic Thanksgiving favorite that remains somewhat of an underdog yet a staple fall root veggie. I want to think it is slowly gaining in popularity – and not just in the format of a French fry. Sweet potatoes are versatile and fun to bake in many different forms. These bread rolls are a soft treat and a great way to get two dishes from one batch of mashed sweet potatoes (or a great way to use up leftovers).

    Read More

    A metal baking pan full of sweet potato rolls.

    Southern Sweet and Sour Green Beans – Grits and Pinecones

    Southern Sweet and Sour Green Beans with smokey bacon, crunchy water chestnuts, and sweet onions, tastes just like its name! It’s also definitely one delicious and easy green bean recipe, which deserves a place of honor in your repertoire of “go-to” recipes for green beans.

    Read More

    A white bowl with Southern Sweet and Sour Green Beans.

    Stuffed Acorn Squash with Apples, Nuts, and Cranberries – Foodal

    Stuffed acorn squash makes a delicious meal or side dish paired with turkey or chicken. You can use a combination of any of your favorite ingredients from savory to sweet to compliment your meal.

    Read More

    Cranberry and walnut stuffed acorn squash on a white plate.

    Green Bean Pie with Ritz Cracker Crust – Grits and Pinecones

    Move over traditional Green Bean Casserole and make room for a new show-stopping side-dish for your holiday table, savory Green Bean Pie with a Ritz Cracker Crust.

    Read More

    A slice of Green Bean Pie with Ritz Cracker Crust garnished with fresh mushrooms and green beans

    Crispy Brussel Sprouts – Bessie Bakes

    The trick to making brussels sprouts a vegetable that you CRAVE is all in the outer leaves that fry up in a shallow pan and taste like flavorful potato chips!

    Read More

    A white bowl full of cooked brussels sprouts on a green napkin.

    Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad with Cranberries – Grits, and Pinecones

    My easy, make-ahead, low-carb wonder, Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad with Cranberries is a healthy holiday side-dish favorite. This colorful salad is full of crisp broccoli and cauliflower, sweet/tart cranberries, and crunchy pistachios.  It’s equally at home on an elegant Thanksgiving dinner table or at a covered dish neighborhood potluck.

    Read More

    Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Cranberries in a white serving dish on a red napkin

    What are your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes? You know those sides that if they weren’t on the table someone would make a fuss? 

    This post isn’t about getting rid of those sacred sides.  What it is about is adding another “soon to be a favorite” side dish this year. So, how about it; which one will you choose?

    Need even more Thanksgiving recipes or menu ideas? Check out these roundup posts:

    • 50 Best Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes You Need to Make Now
    • 22 Easy No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes and Menu Ideas
    • 25 Best Thanksgiving Stuffing aka Dressing Recipes
    • 40 Best Desserts for Thanksgiving-Recipes and Menu Ideas
    • 27 Best Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
    • 241 Best Thanksgiving Recipes Ever
    • 35 of the Best and Easiest Sweet Potato Recipes for Thanksgiving

    And, because Christmas isn’t far behind, I thought you might be interested in these Christmas recipe roundup posts: 

    • 29 Best Christmas Dessert Recipes
    • 25 Best Christmas Breakfast/Brunch Recipes
    • 30 Easy and Elegant Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas
    • 31 Easy Homemade Edible Christmas Gifts
    • 37 Fun & Festive Holiday-Party Appetizers

    ★ If you make any of these recipes please leave a comment.  I would love to know how you liked it!

    Thank you so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones!

    *This post was originally published on November 16, 2016. Republished on November 2, 2019, with the addition of 23 new recipes. 

    It's not all about the turkey! Try one of these 19 mouth-watering Thanksgiving side dishes that are guaranteed to make you forget the turkey and give one or more of them a place of honor on your table. www.gritsandpinecones.com

    More Thanksgiving Recipes recipes

    • Easy Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes
    • Easy Cornish Hens with Stuffing
    • 27 Best Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
    • Easy Cranberry Sauce with Fruit and Nuts

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    1. Linger

      November 03, 2019 at 5:41 pm

      Oh My Goodness!! This is a fantastic repertoire of recipes. Where do you start? They all look so good! Thanks for posting just in time for Thanksgiving.

      Reply

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    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, recipe developer, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have well over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and there is nothing I like better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

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