Thanksgiving dinner is about more than just the turkey — we also come to expect to see the table creaking under the weight of all manner of delicious side dishes paired with the juicy roast bird. From old standbys such as creamy garlic mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce to new favourites like roasted, caramelized Brussels sprouts, check out these drool-inducing ideas to pair with your turkey on Thanksgiving day.
1. Ree Drummond’s Best Ever Green Beans
Few vegetables pair so perfectly with turkey as green beans, and Ree Drummond’s version gives the humble vegetable something to brag about. This kicked-up recipe adds butter (or bacon grease), onion, red pepper and garlic, cooked to perfection in a skillet.
Get the recipe for Ree Drummond’s Best Ever Green Beans
2. Guy Fieri’s Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are practically a given at any Thanksgiving dinner, and there are seemingly endless variations on how to prepare this tasty tuber. Rather than simply baking or mashing, Guy Fieri serves up this twice-baked recipe that adds extra texture thanks to chopped pecans, all topped with a brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon crust.
Get the recipe for Guy Fieri’s Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
3. Bobby Flay’s Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Once upon a time, Brussels sprouts were those soggy, boiled-to-mush vegetables that kids would try to hide under their napkins — but no more. Bobby Flay turns that idea on its head with this Thanksgiving-ready side dish of perfectly caramelized and crispy mini cabbages with rich pancetta bacon. Don’t be surprised if this fall side becomes your family’s favourite new holiday side dish.
Get the recipe for Bobby Flay’s Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
4. Ina Garten’s Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits
Instead of the same old dinner rolls, kick your Thanksgiving dinner into overdrive with Ina Garten’s easy-to-make biscuits, delectably infused with the taste of sharp cheddar cheese.
Get the recipe for Ina Garten’s Buttermilk Cheddar Biscuits
5. Ree Drummond’s Cranberry Sauce
Thanksgiving turkey without cranberry sauce is like a ski vacation without snow, and Pioneer Woman host, Ree Drummond offers her own creative take on this time-honoured sauce. With orange juice and maple syrup adding extra sweetness and some grated orange rind for extra zest.
Get the recipe for Ree Drummond’s Cranberry Sauce
6. Giada De Laurentiis’ Roasted Root Vegetables
No Thanksgiving table should be without a healthy serving of colourful, roasted root vegetables. Giada serves up a simply prepared but undeniably delicious combo of potatoes, parsnips, Brussels sprouts and carrots, roasted together to mouth-watering perfection.
Get the recipe for Giada De Laurentiis’ Roasted Root Vegetables
7. Ina Garten’s Sausage and Herb Stuffing
Stuffing is a Thanksgiving dinner favourite, and everyone seems to have their own unique tried-and-true recipe. It’s pretty much a given that the Barefoot Contessa would have a killer stuffing recipe up her sleeve. If you’re looking to try out a new recipe to pair with your turkey this year, look no further than this savoury sweet stuffing by Ina Garten featuring diced apples and spicy Italian sausage.
Get the recipe for Ina Garten’s Sausage and Herb Stuffing
8. Ree Drummond’s Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Simple but delicious, Ree’s recipe for mashed potatoes adds half-and-half cream, butter, cream cheese and tons of roasted garlic for a savoury side dish that will pair perfectly with any turkey. But be forewarned: don’t be surprised if guests come back for a second helping of these fluffy, flavourful spuds, so you’ll want to make plenty!
Get the recipe for Ree Drummond’s Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
9. Tyler Florence’s Roasted Turkey Gravy
Nothing on the Thanksgiving table pairs more perfectly with everything than gravy. Whether it’s mashed potatoes, stuffing or turkey, a classic gravy is a tasty addition to dress up any dish. Tyler Florence’s drool-worthy sage- and thyme-flavoured gravy recipe will produce about three cups of aromatic sauce for your lip-smacking pleasure.
Get the recipe for Tyler Florence’s Roasted Turkey Gravy
10. Ree Drummond’s Mushroom Pilaf
In addition to recipes that offer new spins on old favourites, this filling side dish by The Pioneer Woman is bursting with the rich, savoury flavour of shitake mushrooms.
Get the recipe for Ree Drummond’s Mushroom Pilaf
Looking for some main-spiration? Look no further than our best Thanksgiving turkey recipes and the most delicious uses for leftover mashed potatoes.