11 Thanksgiving Sides That Are Better Than The Turkey

Ever feel like the turkey just… isn’t it? I swear, 11 Thanksgiving Sides That Are Better Than The Turkey really deserve top billing. Every year, my family literally rushes through the main bird to get to the real stars. I mean, have you ever seen folks grab three scoops of potatoes but just a sliver of turkey? That’s not an accident. If you want some ideas that will upstage the gobbler and make your meal unforgettable, you’re in the right place. You’ll even want a little space for dessert—oh, and check out these cheesy au gratin potatoes indulge-in-cheesy-au-gratin-potatoes-the-best-thanksgiving-treat. Also, if you’re after a showy centerpiece, peep this turkey cheese ball delicious-turkey-cheese-ball-recipe-for-your-holiday-gatherings for a different vibe.

Salads & Vegetables

I get it, salad sounds boring—until you taste the right ones. Fresh, crunchy, zippy salads are those underdog sides that get second helpings even when nobody’s looking. My aunt makes this sweet-and-tangy cranberry-pecan salad that’s so good you’ll be eating it straight from the serving bowl (guilty as charged). Throw in a roasted brussels sprout dish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and some toasted nuts. Suddenly, guess what, everyone forgets about their turkey slice.

Let’s talk about green bean casserole. When it’s got homemade fried onions up top? There’s a reason it always disappears before anything else. Oh, and roasted carrots with a little maple syrup cracked pepper—that’s restaurant-level taste for real. These colorful veggie sides not only sneak some vitamins onto your plate, but you’ll see them vanish almost magically.

“Who knew vegetables could taste this awesome? I barely noticed the turkey!” —Jenna, family Thanksgiving convert

Pasta & Potatoes

Okay, let’s be honest—hearty carbs are where everybody’s heart is at Thanksgiving. A rich, creamy mac and cheese (looking at this Monster Mac and Cheese) honestly steals the spotlight every year at my house. People don’t make leftovers of this stuff, they battle for the last spoonful.

Mashed potatoes? Not just any mashed. Creamy, garlicky, with butter lakes in the middle. Add a hunk of cheddar and you’re basically eating a cloud. And scalloped potatoes—oh man, slice up a stack with cream, cheese, and a crispy top, I swear it’s five-star restaurant quality without a dress code. Pro tip: try some sweet potato casserole with crunchy pecans and marshmallow. It’s dessert in disguise. Who even needs pie after that?

Let’s not forget baked mac with a panko-butter crust or good old stuffing that’s heavy on herbs and toasted bread chunks. Sides like these are why the turkey always looks lonely on my plate.

Soup

Soup gets no respect at Thanksgiving and I think that’s a shame. A warm bowl of creamy butternut squash soup sets the tone and—let’s be honest—makes the turkey look dull. My grandma always started our meal with soup; I thought it was weird as a kid, but now? I love it.

Go for a chunky potato chowder or a silky carrot-ginger soup. You’re building up the meal, not just filling bellies. Plus, folks get to dip their rolls (which is a top-tier move if you ask me). Soup’s also a lifesaver for carrying everything together, especially when you need one last dish to flex your cooking muscles but want something easy.

Stuffing

I’m a stuffing fan, always have been, always will be. Some people even skip turkey and triple up on stuffing, and honestly, I can’t blame them. There are so many ways to make it—cornbread, focusing on crispy edges, or going herby and classic.

I recently tried one with chunks of spicy sausage and apples, wow, what a combo! Rustic sourdough bread is my go-to, soaked but not mushy. I don’t want a stuffing that can be poured, I want one that crunches a little. If you’re out to wow, stray from the boxed stuff and throw something bold in your next batch.

Sweet Sides

Back home, sweet sides always compete with actual desserts. Candied yams, sweet potato casserole (don’t @ me, they’re definitely different), and I once brought cinnamon baked apples that disappeared in five minutes.

Still craving more? Here are some ideas:

• Add toasted pecans on top of your sweet potato mash for that extra crunch.
• Drizzle a little maple syrup or honey to wake up those flavors.
• Mix in orange zest or a splash of bourbon for a surprising twist.

Your sweet sides can work with your main dish or feel like a sneaky dessert. Oh, and if you haven’t tried spicing up your Thanksgiving meal with southern-inspired ideas, get some over at savory southern thanksgiving recipes. Even better, bring a fruity dip like Thanksgiving cranberry dip alongside your feast.

Side Dish	Key Ingredients	Why It’s a Hit
Cranberry-Pecan Salad	Cranberries, Pecans, Mixed Greens	Sweet & tangy flavor that excites the palate.
Green Bean Casserole	Green Beans, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Fried Onions	Comfort food that usually disappears fast.
Monster Mac and Cheese	Various Cheeses, Macaroni, Breadcrumbs	Cheesy goodness that everyone fights over.
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup	Butternut Squash, Cream, Spices	Warm and inviting, perfect starter.
Stuffing with Sausage and Apples	Bread, Sausage, Apples, Spices	A twist on traditional stuffing that impresses.
Sweet Potato Casserole	Sweet Potatoes, Marshmallows, Pecans	Dessert-like quality that wins hearts.

Common Questions

Do these sides work for a small Thanksgiving gathering?
Totally! Just scale back the recipes—you’ll still get all the flavor fireworks even if it’s just three people.

How do I make my sides in advance?
Most can be prepped a day early. Keep them in the fridge, then just reheat or broil for crunch.

What if my guests have food allergies?
Check for common allergens like nuts, dairy, or gluten. Test a batch before the big day so no one gets left out.

Do you really think the sides are better than the turkey?
Honestly, yes. I’d rather pile on mashed potatoes, green beans, and that killer mac and cheese than have another dry slice of turkey.

Got any less-traditional side ideas?
Try a cheesy pasta, an herby rice dish like this authentic Spanish rice or even creamy lo mein for a twist on tradition. Think outside the bird!

Ready to Make Sides the Star?

I’m serious—be the hero who brings something besides the turkey this year. Try even just a couple of these 11 Thanksgiving Sides That Are Better Than The Turkey and your guests will be raving (and probably want the recipes too). Peek at other crowd-pleasing dishes in this cream cheese cake recipe for dessert ideas. Don’t just go with the flow. Make sides the headline and turn your Thanksgiving into the meal people talk about until next year.

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