Take Your Thanksgiving Sides from Good to Gourmet

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, delicious food. While the turkey often steals the spotlight, the side dishes can elevate your menu from good to gourmet. The following recipes transform traditional sides into standout dishes that guarantee an extraordinary Thanksgiving feast.

The holiday meal wouldn’t be complete without dressing or stuffing, a favorite dish everyone looks forward to year after year. Take it up a notch with a flavorful Sage Sausage Dressing. This dressing includes a blend of potato bread and cornbread, infused with the savory richness of sage sausage and the sweetness of apples. You could also switch things up with Food Network’s Chorizo and Cornbread Stuffing. This 5-star recipe has rave reviews.

Make A Cozy Kitchen’s classy Twice-Baked Acorn Squash w/ Maple Butter and Pecans. Halved, baked acorn squash is filled with a mixture of cooked russet potato (riced) and tender acorn squash. The maple syrup-butter drizzle and chopped pecans are delicious enhancements.

Everyone will savor our Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes. The complementary flavors of garlic, sharp cheddar cheese, tangy sour cream, and herbaceous chives turn ordinary mashed potatoes into an indulgent, restaurant-quality experience.

Stovetop Green Bean Casserole (from Dinner Then Dessert) is a gourmet Godsend when you’re short on oven space. This from-scratch recipe has all the classic green bean casserole flavors, made with fresh ingredients like French string beans, crimini mushrooms, and a homemade cream sauce.

The Brown Butter Rosemary Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe from Serious Eats results in a more flavorful and crisp potato dish than the classic Thanksgiving side of mashed potatoes. These enhancements are due to the cooking methods: parboiling the potatoes and then roasting them on an aluminum sheet pan. The rich brown butter, infused with rosemary and savory chicken stock, adds deep, complex flavors. Note: If you have never made brown butter, read 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Brown Butter from The Kitchn.

Adding these gourmet touches to your Thanksgiving sides will impress your guests and create a meal as unforgettable as the moments shared around the table.