Try Something Different; Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Try

Thanksgiving is synonymous with family gatherings, hearty meals, and cherished traditions. While turkey is often the star of the show, it’s the Thanksgiving side dishes that steal the spotlight and can elevate your holiday feast. This year, why not break away from the conventional green bean casserole and stuffing? Instead, let’s explore some innovative and delicious Thanksgiving side dish trends that will surprise and delight your guests. From unique flavor combinations to creative presentations, here are some Thanksgiving side dishes to try that will make your holiday meal unforgettable.

Embrace Global Flavors

Mediterranean-Inspired Roasted Vegetables

One trend that has gained traction in recent years is the incorporation of global flavors into traditional Thanksgiving menus. Mediterranean cuisine, known for its vibrant and fresh ingredients, offers a plethora of options.

Recipe Idea:

• Ingredients: Seasonal vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant), olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs (like rosemary and thyme), lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions: Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces, toss them with olive oil, minced garlic, herbs, and seasonings. Roast in the oven until tender and slightly caramelized. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

These Mediterranean-inspired roasted vegetables not only add a burst of color to your Thanksgiving table but also provide a deliciously healthy option that complements the richness of turkey.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Another delightful side dish to try is Mexican street corn salad, or “Elote.” This dish is a fun twist on the classic corn side, bringing a refreshing zing to your Thanksgiving spread.

Recipe Idea:

• Ingredients: Fresh corn, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, cilantro, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions: Grill or boil fresh corn until tender. Cut the kernels off the cob and mix them with mayonnaise, lime juice, crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and spices. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

This colorful dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also adds an exciting twist to your Thanksgiving side dish trends.

Innovative Takes on Traditional Sides

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter

Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple, but instead of the usual casserole, why not make sweet potato gnocchi? This dish provides a unique take on a beloved ingredient and is sure to impress your guests.

Recipe Idea:

• Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, flour, eggs, butter, fresh sage, and salt.
• Instructions: Boil or bake the sweet potatoes until soft. Mash them and mix with flour and eggs to form a dough. Roll and cut into gnocchi shapes. Cook in boiling water until they float. In a separate pan, brown butter with fresh sage leaves and toss the cooked gnocchi in this aromatic mixture.

The nutty flavor of brown butter combined with the sweetness of the potatoes creates a delightful harmony of tastes and textures.

Cauliflower Gratin

For a creamy and comforting side, consider making a cauliflower gratin. This dish reimagines the classic cheesy potato casserole, making it a delicious and healthier option.

Recipe Idea:

• Ingredients: Cauliflower, heavy cream, Gruyère cheese, garlic, breadcrumbs, and nutmeg.
• Instructions: Steam the cauliflower until tender. In a saucepan, heat cream with minced garlic and nutmeg. Combine the cauliflower with the cream mixture and pour it into a baking dish. Top with Gruyère cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake until golden and bubbly.

Cauliflower gratin is rich, creamy, and indulgent, offering a perfect balance to the lighter dishes on your Thanksgiving table.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffed acorn squash is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor, making it a perfect Thanksgiving side dish for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Recipe Idea:

• Ingredients: Acorn squash, quinoa, cranberries, walnuts, spinach, and spices.
• Instructions: Halve the acorn squash and roast until tender. Cook quinoa and mix with sautéed spinach, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries. Stuff the mixture into the roasted squash halves and return to the oven for a few more minutes.

This dish is a delicious way to incorporate seasonal produce into your meal, while also providing a hearty and nutritious option for your guests.

Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

For a crunchy, protein-packed side, try making spicy roasted chickpeas. These little bites are flavorful, satisfying, and can easily be made in advance.

Recipe Idea:

• Ingredients: Canned chickpeas, olive oil, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions: Rinse and dry canned chickpeas, then toss them with olive oil and spices. Roast in the oven until crispy.

Serve these as a snack alongside other dishes or sprinkle them over salads for added texture and flavor. They are a fun addition to any Thanksgiving spread, catering to both vegan and gluten-free diets.

Make-Ahead Options for Easy Hosting

Cranberry Sauce with Orange and Ginger

Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving essential, but you can elevate it by adding orange and ginger for a zesty twist.

Recipe Idea:

• Ingredients: Fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and grated ginger.
• Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Cool and refrigerate until serving.

This bright and tangy cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with turkey and can be made a few days in advance, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

While mashed potatoes are a classic, adding garlic and cream can elevate this side to new heights. This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for hosting.

Recipe Idea:

• Ingredients: Yukon gold potatoes, garlic, heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions: Boil potatoes with garlic until tender. Drain and mash with heavy cream, butter, and seasonings until creamy and smooth.

These creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Seasonal Ingredients

Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate and Balsamic Glaze

Brussels sprouts have become a popular side dish, and combining them with pomegranate adds a festive touch that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.

Recipe Idea:

• Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, pomegranate seeds, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions: Halve Brussels sprouts and roast them with olive oil until golden. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh pomegranate seeds before serving.

This dish is not only delicious but also adds a pop of color to your Thanksgiving table, making it visually appealing.

Butternut Squash Risotto

Risotto is a luxurious side dish that can be made with seasonal ingredients like butternut squash. It’s creamy, comforting, and a bit different from the typical offerings.

Recipe Idea:

• Ingredients: Arborio rice, butternut squash, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.
• Instructions: Sauté onions and garlic, add diced butternut squash and rice, then gradually add broth while stirring. Finish with cheese and herbs.

This rich and creamy risotto is a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving feast, showcasing seasonal flavors in every bite.

Conclusion

This Thanksgiving, step outside the box and try something different with your side dishes. Embracing global flavors, innovating traditional favorites, and offering vegetarian and vegan options will not only delight your guests but also enhance your holiday meal. Whether you choose to make Mediterranean roasted vegetables, stuffed acorn squash, or creamy garlic mashed potatoes, these Thanksgiving side dishes will ensure that your feast is memorable and full of flavor. So, gather your loved ones, set your table, and enjoy the bounty of the season with these exciting Thanksgiving side dish trends!

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Categorised in: Recipes, Thanksgiving

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