10 Unique Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes and Ideas
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning your Thanksgiving menu! While the turkey is the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner, having a diverse and delicious array of side dishes is key to having a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
While we love mashed potatoes and green bean casserole as much as the next person, why not switch it up this year with some of these unique Thanksgiving side dish recipes? These side dishes aren’t just fun twists on your typical holiday sides — they also pack a visual punch and will bring the “wow” factor to your Thanksgiving dinner.
Read on to discover your new favorite side dish recipe, and don’t forget to click the linked recipe names for ingredients and details on how to make these sides yourself!
1. Green Beans with Creme Fraiche by Whole Foods Market
Green beans are a classic Thanksgiving veggie. If you’re not keen on green bean casserole, try this delicious and unique alternative instead! We love how the creaminess of the creme fraiche is complemented by the crunch of the walnuts.
A bonus: you can make this easy dish a day ahead and serve it at room temperature, so it’s perfect for holiday entertaining!
2. Stuffing Muffins by PureWow
We’ve all had stuffing for Thanksgiving, but have you ever had stuffing muffins? These festive, bite-sized muffins look great on your Thanksgiving table and are easy to make.
3. Shredded Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and a Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette by Sigona’s Farmers Market, San Francisco Bay Area
This Thanksgiving, kiss your run-of-the-mill steamed brussel sprouts goodbye. The maple and bacon in this colorful, creative dish are likely to make a brussel sprout lover out of everyone around your Thanksgiving table.
4. Mashed Cauliflower with Truffle Oil by Andronico’s Community Markets, San Francisco Bay Area
Need a healthy alternative to mashed potatoes? This decadent-tasting mashed cauliflower with truffle oil is your answer!
5. Ginger Miso Butternut Squash Soup + Crunchy Quinoa by What’s Cooking Good Looking
Thanksgiving is a heavy meal, but adding a soup and/or salad course to the menu can help lighten things up. This zesty ginger miso and butternut squash soup is packed with flavor and is a fun alternative to your typical butternut squash soup.
6. Delicata Squash Salad with Fingerling Potatoes and Pomegranate Seeds by Bi-Rite Market, San Francisco
While we’re on the topic of a soup and salad course, we have to recommend this delicata squash salad with fingerling potatoes and pomegranate seeds. This colorful, vitamin-packed salad will add a much-needed boost of veggies to your Thanksgiving dinner.
7. Crispy Corn Pudding by Pinch of Yum
Perhaps you’re looking for a dish that is similar to stuffing, but a little more vegetarian friendly? If so, we can’t recommend this corn pudding with crispy onions enough!
8. Roasted Mushroom Risotto Cakes by PCC Natural Markets, Seattle
Another great alternative to stuffing: these tasty roasted mushroom risotto cakes. Get all the creamy, glutinous satisfaction of risotto in a delicious, roasted cake!
9. Cheesy Millet Stuffed Butternut Squash by The Bojon Gourmet
This stuffed butternut squash is a crowd pleaser and brings the wow-factor to your Thanksgiving table. Keep the squash whole for maximum visual impact, or slice into individual portions for easy eating.
10. Spicy Roasted Whole Cauliflower by PureWow
Roasted cauliflower is nice, but a whole-roasted cauliflower covered in a creamy, spicy sauce brings the wow factor!
Which of these unique Thanksgiving side dishes will you make for your own celebration this year? Don’t forget to save time this Thanksgiving and order all the ingredients you need for these dishes from Instacart. We’ll deliver them in as little as one hour!
