Buzz
Thanksgiving is infamous for its endless brining techniques, controversial side dishes, and the occasional family debate. Hosting can undoubtedly be overwhelming. However, with The Right Stuffing, you’re in good hands. This series focuses on everything related to the Thanksgiving feast, offering recipes that will become timeless favorites at your table—though it won’t help you navigate family drama.
While the Thanksgiving turkey often takes the spotlight, it’s the side dishes that truly captivate many. These accompaniments bring diversity, abundance, and a touch of greenery to your plate. While I appreciate traditional recipes, our standout Thanksgiving side dishes excel because they embrace a bit of creativity. This year, try something unconventional with one or two of these unique sides. Below is a curated list of our top Thanksgiving side dishes.
Pommes aligot
While mashed potatoes with cheese are delightful, pommes aligot takes it to a whole new level. This dish, resembling potato-infused cheese, is an essential addition for cheese enthusiasts. The initial steps mirror traditional mashed potatoes: peel and boil the potatoes until tender, then pass them through a ricer for a silky texture. The second phase involves some effort, as butter, cream, and generous amounts of cheese are vigorously mixed in. Serve a stretchy portion and savor the indulgence.
Vegan green bean casserole
Green bean casserole evokes nostalgia and often sparks debate. If you’ve moved away from the canned beans and condensed soup version, consider crafting a superior, homemade alternative. Featuring fresh green beans, a rich mushroom sauce packed with umami, and the iconic French fried onions, this upgraded dish is a standout. Give this vegan twist on the classic a try.
Galam bplee pad nam pbla
While not a traditional Thanksgiving dish, galam bplee pad nam bpla is a beloved and straightforward Thai recipe that’s bound to impress your guests. Made with cabbage, garlic, fish sauce, and oil, this dish delivers bold flavors without breaking the bank. The umami-rich, crunchy cabbage serves as an excellent complement to your turkey. Find the recipe here.
Loaded sweet potato casserole
Sweet potato casserole often peaks at marshmallows, which can feel repetitive in terms of sweetness and texture. Instead, let’s approach sweet potatoes like we do russets: by piling on toppings that offer a mix of flavors and textures. This loaded sweet potato casserole features crispy bacon, salted pecans for crunch, and a hint of spice.
Ambrosia Salad
I’m not here to define what’s “normal.” My goal is to excite your taste buds, even if it takes you through a journey resembling the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and ultimately, acceptance. Imagine a sweet Thanksgiving side dish made with crushed pineapple, cherry pie filling, and Cool Whip. Yes, it’s possible. Serve yourself some ambrosia alongside your turkey and Brussels sprouts, and let the delight take over.
Stuffing with fast food biscuits
Perhaps you’re torn between Stove Top and stuffing made from homemade sourdough bread. For you, I recommend an exceptional fast-food biscuit stuffing. It’s straightforward, rich with butter, crispy on top, and creamy inside. While you could use homemade biscuits, fast-food ones excel because of their dryness. Those slightly stale, crumbly biscuits are perfect for soaking up the added moisture. After all, your homemade biscuits aren’t dry and crumbly, are they?
Timpano
Honestly, the Timpano could easily overshadow the Thanksgiving turkey, and I’m all for it. This extraordinary dish features layers of cheese, greens, chunks of meat, and tomato sauce, all encased in a massive sheet of pasta. The reason I’m categorizing it as a side dish is because I believe it deserves a spot on your table, turkey or not. Plus, preparing it is a family affair, making it a perfect way to bond before the inevitable chaos of dinner with Aunt Sheila. (You know, the kind where tensions might run high.) Check out the full recipe here.
Sweet potatoes with Swiss meringue
A velvety sweet potato casserole deserves a standout topping. This year, skip the bagged marshmallows and upgrade to Swiss meringue. This airy, elegant topping is less sugary than marshmallows, ensuring the sweet potato base doesn’t become overly saccharine. Beyond offering a more sophisticated alternative to childhood favorites, Swiss meringue crisps beautifully in the oven, creating a toasted, crackly layer that marshmallows can only dream of. Discover the method here.
Campari cranberry sauce
Homemade cranberry sauce is a canvas for creativity. While sugar, water, and cranberries make a satisfying base, why not add depth and flair? Enter the bar cart. A Campari cranberry sauce brings the perfect balance: tart berries, sweet sauce, and a hint of herbaceous bitterness. It’s the ideal accompaniment to cut through the richness of the meal’s salt and fat.
Brussels sprout stalk
To all Brussels sprout skeptics, set aside your doubts and embrace the bold, flavorful, and never-soggy Brussels sprout stalk. Its striking presentation makes it a centerpiece for vegan meals and a standout side dish for Thanksgiving. Unconventional yet delightful for cruciferous veggie lovers, these sprouts are tossed in vinaigrette, roasted to perfection, and layered with rich flavors. Many on the Mytour team have already made this dish a staple at their tables. Why not join us?
