Everything But the Turkey
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So, you’re making turkey for Thanksgiving. That’s an easy decision. But what else? No need to panic! If you’re looking for what else to serve for your holiday meal, this roundup has you covered.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy appetizer to keep your guests happy while you prepare the rest of Thanksgiving dinner, the perfect side dish to go with your turkey, or a show-stopping dessert, you’re sure to find everything you need here!
And if you want to shake things up with some non-traditional Thanksgiving ideas, check out these 30+ Alternative Thanksgiving Meals.
APPETIZERS
While the turkey cooks away in the oven, you may want to put out an appetizer to keep everyone from getting hangry until dinner is served. These are some of my absolute favs when it comes to pre-dinner Thanksgiving dishes!
If you really want to go the extra mile, use some fun Thanksgiving themed cookie cutters to cut festive shapes into mozzarella for a Caprese salad.
Fall Harvest Salad
Honestly, I love eating this harvest salad as a meal all on its own. But it also works as a great appetizer or first course for a fancy dinner, and it has lots of hearty autumnal ingredients!
Roasted Butternut Squash Dip
This butternut squash dip is perfect for casual pre-dinner snacking and pairs so perfectly with your favorite crackers or some crusty bread.
SIDES
Let’s be honest, the sides are the best part of any Thanksgiving dinner! Here are some of my absolute favorites–I can almost guarantee that you won’t have leftovers of these incredible dishes.
Golden Sweet Cornbread
Serve cornbread with butter or take things to the next level with my honey lavender whipped goat cheese spread!
Best Cornbread Stuffing
This vegetarian cornbread stuffing is a slightly upgraded twist on the classic dish. The cornbread adds a little bit of extra sweetness and rich flavor–definitely a must-try!
Butternut Squash Mac and cheese
I love this dish any time of year, but it’s especially perfect for meals during the holidays. Squash Mac And Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and has the perfect golden brown topping!
Jalapeño Creamed corn
For something with a little bit of extra kick, I highly recommend this jalapeno creamed corn. It’s packed with SO much bold flavor, and it can also be served as your veggie if you like.
Slow Cooker Mashed potatoes
Get all of the prep done for these mashed potatoes in the morning and you’ll have a perfect comfort side dish when dinnertime rolls around!
Healthy Green Bean Casserole
This slightly lightened-up take on classic green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving must have. No canned ingredients and perfectly tender-crisp green beans every time!
Baked Corn Casserole
This hearty corn casserole is always a major hit whenever I serve it. It’s so easy to make with flavors reminiscent of cornbread–what’s not to love?!
VEGETABLES
Every good holiday meal needs a nice healthy veggie side dish to go with it. Here are a couple of my go-to greens when it comes to vegetables!
Easy Roasted Broccolini
Roasted broccolini is tender and slightly crispy. The onions add so much savory flavor, and a little squeeze of fresh lemon juice brings it all together.
Brussels Sprouts With Maple Syrup
If you don’t have room in your oven, this air fry brussels sprouts recipe is a fantastic option. It’s quick and easy to make, and the addition of cranberries and crumbles of feta or goat cheese create the perfect sweet and savory dish!
SAUCES AND CONDIMENTS
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a couple of incredible sauces. Take your meal over the top by adding these amazing sauces to every single thing on your plate!
Cranberry Sauce With Orange
This is my tried and true cranberry sauce recipe for Thanksgiving. The addition or orange gives it an incredible pop of citrus flavor that turns everything it touches to gold!
Best Gravy Without Drippings
It can be stressful to have to wait for your turkey to finish cooking to make your gravy. This is a great option to skip all of that fuss, still resulting in a savory and comforting gravy!
Mushroom Bacon Gravy
Or, if you want a different take on gravy altogether, try this bacon mushroom gravy instead! The earthy mushroom flavor pairs perfectly with smoky bacon and rich red wine.
DESSERTS
Even if you’re stuffed after all of that amazing food, there’s always room for dessert, right? Pumpkin pie is great, but I like to switch things up with these autumnal desserts as well.
Cranberry Apple Pies
Cranberry and apple are the two fruits that most scream fall to me, making these hand pies the perfect Thanksgiving dessert! Cut them into pieces and pass them around, or give everyone their own individual pie.
Pumpkin Cornbread muffins
You read that right; these are cornbread muffins with a pumpkin twist. Great as a post-dinner treat, and just as delicious as a special breakfast the next morning!
Easy Sweet Potato Pie
Similar to the well-known pumpkin option, sweet potato pie has a delicious creamy filling and a flaky buttery crust. Serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable end to your Thanksgiving!
