Thanksgiving side dishes make the meal! We have some delicious options—from the historically-inspired to modern-day classics to vegetarian options. Make the most of the harvest bounty!
Historically-Inspired Sides
The first Thanksgiving probably didn’t include many of our classics today, such as cranberries or mashed potatoes. (See more in Why We Eat Turkey on Thanksgiving.)
They were more likely to have chestnuts, squash, corn, and beans on hand, not potatoes, so we have included some historically-inspired side dishes for something different!
Classic Succotash
It’s quite likely the Pilgrims and the Wampanoags ate this dish, which features a mix of beans and corn. The word “succotash” comes from Wampanoag msíckquatash, meaning “boiled corn kernels.”
Homemade Succotash with Lima Beans, Corn, and Bacon. Credit: Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock
Chestnut Croquettes
At the time of the first Thanksgiving in 1621, there were certainly chestnuts in the forest. This recipe for Chestnut Croquettes is very simple, and makes a lovely accompaniment to turkey or goose.
Goose leg with croquette and orange sauce. Credit: Ryzhkov Photography/Shutterstock
Favorite Thanksgiving Sides
We love the colorful, healthy hues of today’s Thanksgiving food—from red cranberries to deep-orange sweet potatoes to vibrant green Brussels sprouts (provided they’re not overcooked!). Here are some of our favorite sides.
Cornbread Stuffing
Pecan-Crusted Sweet Potato Casserole
The pecan crunch adds some great texture to this dish and the Thanksgiving meal. For more sweet potato options, see our Mashed Sweet Potatoes and this old-fashioned Sweet Potato Soufflé.
Basic Cranberry Sauce
If you’d like to make a homemade sauce, this one’s basic and beloved. For something a little more creative, try our Chai-Spiced Orange-Cranberry Sauce.
Credit: Anna Shepulova/shutterstock
Mashed Potatoes With Chives
Chives give mashed potatoes a tangy flavor. For other potato options, see our recipes for Cheesy Potatoes, Stuffed Mashed Potatoes, and Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Green Bean Casserole
To the joy of some and the lament of others, Green Bean Casserole is a holiday staple in many households. Here you’ll find a lighter homemade version that ditches the canned soup component.
Carrot Puff Recipe
This colorful Carrot Puff—also called Carrot Soufflé—is a popular side dish. Even kids and adults who aren’t fans of cooked carrots like its smooth, light consistency.
Or for a simple carrot side, try our Honey-Glazed Carrots and Parsnips recipe.
Photo by Elzbieta Sekowska/Shutterstock
Cranberry Waldorf Salad
For those who wish to serve a salad dish, try this colorful Cranberry Waldorf Salad. You can adjust the ingredients to your liking. (We’d add more cranberries, less celery.)
Fall Harvest Squash Rolls
These fall harvest squash rolls are always a hit! People are surprised when they learn they’re made from squash. Another option for dinner rolls is our Cornmeal Yeast Rolls.
Spiced Carrot Biscuits with Salted Caramel Butter
Looking for something different yet still delicious? Try these tasty biscuits, which won third place in our 2014 Recipe Contest!
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Everyone looks forward to the squash boats! It’s an easy and delicious side dish you can enjoy again and again.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Shallots and Bacon
If you’re not sure about Brussels sprouts, roast them and you’ll never look back. Brussels sprouts, bacon, and shallots is one of the most delicious flavor combinations. Another reader favorite for the holidays is Creamed Brussels Sprouts.
Vegetarian Dishes
Curried Butternut Squash and Rice
This colorful butternut squash and rice recipe showcases the flavor of fall’s harvest in an easy yet deeply satisfying vegetarian (and vegan) meal.
Credit: Sergey Fati/Shutterstock
Roasted Autumn Vegetables
Hearty root vegetables are especially phenomenal when roasted. All you really need is olive oil and seasoning and voilà!
Serve over lentils with fresh parsley for garnish.
Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese
This Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese recipe was an entry in our Old Farmer’s Almanac Reader Recipe Contest using pumpkin. Though it did not win a prize, it got many thumbs up!
Sweet Potato Lentil Coconut Curry
This Sweet Potato Lentil Coconut Curry is hearty, warming, colorful, and very adaptable!
Anything strike your fancy? To find recipes for the complete Thanksgiving meal (from turkey to pumpkin pie), see our Best Thanksgiving Recipes.
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North America’s first thanksgiving.
The first thanksgiving was in Newfoundland in 1578.