Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the most favorite Thanksgiving side dish? ›

And the least favorite side dish for Americans on Thanksgiving is -- green bean casserole. 31.4 percent of people surveyed do not like it.

How many dishes should I serve with the turkey? For 4 people, choose 1-2 appetizers and 3 sides. For 8 people, choose 1-3 appetizers and 3 sides. For 16 people, choose 2-3 appetizers and 3 or more sides.

Think: deviled eggs, a cranberry-pecan cheese ball, and creamy caramelized onion dip. Then, divvy up Thanksgiving casseroles like classic stuffing, green bean casserole, and sweet potato casserole. And don't be afraid to try out a fresh veggie side dish such as garlicky green beans or shaved Brussels sprouts salad.

The classic Thanksgiving dinner includes old-time favorites that never change: turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes, veggies, and pie. But the way these dishes are made or added to is everchanging because of food trends and different dietary requirements.

But a few things are guaranteed, no matter where I am or who I'm with: There will be turkey; there will be stuffing; there will be cranberry sauce, gravy, potatoes, and pie.

2-3 days out: Start on your sides and gather your remaining ingredients. Unless you thrive under pressure, start your sides on the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving. “Start with sides that reheat well,” recommended Smith. “Examples include mashed potatoes, braised greens and green bean casserole.”

What Thanksgiving food doesn't need to be refrigerated? ›

Apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, fruit crumbles, betties, and cobblers can all travel for hours at room temperature and be ready to serve when you arrive.

Many Thanksgiving staples can be made entirely ahead of time and reheated before mealtime – think Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Casserole, Green Bean Casserole, and Apple Pie. Others can get most of the way there with minimal cooking the day of.

I argue that a full 3/4 cup is allocated per person. They're just too good! 1/2 cup of a variety of vegetable sides is ample for Thanksgiving. Whether it's Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes, Wild Rice Pilaf with Apples, Perfectly Roasted Brussels Sprouts, or Brown Sugar Acorn Squash Wedges, 1/2 cup will be plenty!

Side Dishes

For six diners, three sides is enough, so you will need to be judicious about which sides you pick. Aim for at least one starch, like a Neapolitan pasta with lentils; one vegetable dish; and a bright salad, like Michael Solomonov's kale tabbouleh to break everything up.

Why Is Thanksgiving Dinner So Early? There are many reasons, but primarily: Historically, dinner became before supper; it makes for a more relaxed day; it's simply tradition; it's more convenient for traveling guests; and, of course, to watch football.