Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (2024)

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (1)

Thanksgiving is first and foremost about being grateful. But the highlight is the Thanksgiving meals with its roast turkey, side dishes, pumpkin desserts, etc. Yet some times, it is nice to try something different. I’ve gathered 15 Thanksgiving side dishes that will help you mix things up this holiday season.

Can’t read now? Pin for later!

This article contains affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases.

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (2)Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (3)

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (4)

Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

The traditional Thanksgiving table in my house featured mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce (from a can with the ridges), cornbread stuffing, fruit salad, and a green salad with ranch dressing.

My husband grew up the same way – a set menu every year. That’s until I started cooking. Now I like to change things up and try new things. These recipes are some of my family’s favorite unconventional Thanksgiving side dish recipes and those of fellow bloggers that I’ve tried and my family loves.

Try them for yourself and you may find some new favorites too! Also check out these free Thanksgiving e-cookbooks. They are free to download and filled with more recipe ideas.

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (5)

Use Fall Flavors for Non Traditional Dishes

Certain fall flavors are traditional because those specific fruits and vegetables are in season. Side dishes featuring in season ingredients are more affordable to make. Try new twists on Thanksgiving classics such as turning a mashed potatoes recipe into a hearty potato soup.

Candied pecans taste great in a green salad or use them in a trail mix. There are lots of ways to take the fall classics and turn them into non traditional Thanksgiving side dishes.

Thanksgiving SIde Dish Recipes

Start new holiday traditions with these new takes on classic Thanksgiving side dishes.

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (6)

Sourdough and Chorizo Stuffing

Add a bit of spice to your holiday side dishes. This untraditional dressing recipe combines sourdough bread, chorizo sausage, chopped dates, Manchego cheese, and fresh herbs. Together is a real crowd-pleaser that is easy to make. Click the link for a step by step video tutorial.

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (7)

Here's another stuffing recipe using sourdough bread. This version is sweet and savory with chopped pears and dried cranberries, plus nearly a pound of bacon. It's perfect for turkey, chicken, pork, as well as a morning casserole alongside fried eggs.

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (8)

Butternut squash is tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette and roasted before being added to whole grain farro and almonds for a terrific hot side dish/salad. This side is hearty and a great way to add squash to the meal.

Because you can never go wrong with bacon! This will soon replace your traditional Thanksgiving green bean casserole.

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (10)

Photo Credit: simplifylivelove.com

Cream Cheese & Parmesan Asparagus Spears Recipe

Dress up fresh asparagus spears with puff pastry, cream cheese, and parmesan with this recipe from Simplify Live Love. You can even sneak a little thinly sliced prosciutto too for an added treat.

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (11)

Photo Credit: livesimply.me

Apple and Sweet Potato Bake

Replacing the brown sugar and marshmallow-topped yams on the holiday table is this apple and sweet potato bake. Sweetened with honey this side dish has just the right amount of sweetness without making your teeth hurt.

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (12)

Rosemary Roasted Root Vegetables

I love sheet pan roasted anything! This roasted root vegetable recipe is a sheet pan recipe for makes cooking potatoes easy. It combines baking potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips, beets, and rutabagas, then adds a bit of fresh rosemary for a winning Thanksgiving side dish that is also healthy.

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (13)

Mom's Potato Salad Recipe with Egg

If given a choice between mashed potatoes and gravy or my mother's potato salad, everyone (and I do mean everyone) chooses the potato salad. It's a combination of potatoes, hard boiled eggs, bread and butter pickles, and diced apple. You get bites of sweet with a mayo/mustard potato salad.

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (14)

Photo Credit: thehungrybelgian.com

Spiced Cranberries with Port

This isn't your traditional cranberry sauce, but it's SO MUCH BETTER! The Hungry Belgian has been making this popular spiced cranberry with port dish for more than ten years. It's a real crowd pleaser.

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (15)

Cranberry Chutney

This cranberry chutney is my version of a cranberry sauce. Loaded with nuts, orange, raisins, and spices, it adds great flavor to turkey, chicken, pork, and cheese. I'll serve it at dinner and also atop baked brie for an appetizer. So good!

Brussel sprouts are great roasted or shaved raw in a salad. The later is what this recipe is and it's a deliciously healthy side dish for any holiday meal. This version combines sprouts, pomegranate seeds, apple, and fig with a orange tahini dressing.

I love this raw salad and it's one of the ways I used to get my kids to eat raw broccoli when they were younger. This salad has raisins, dried cranberries, diced apples, and sunflower seeds. Together it's a tasty salad that compliments turkey, chicken, and getting even better the next day as leftovers.

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (18)

Broccoli Crunch Salad Recipe

The previous broccoli salad was sweet. This one is more grown-up and zesty with black olives, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a fresh herb vinaigrette dressing. Great for anyone on a special diet as there is no sugar or grain.

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (19)

There's a lot of crunch in this raw salad with celery, apples, and walnuts. Combined with fresh herbs, raisins, and a bit of Feta cheese, it's a recipe packed with flavor. Plus it's a great use for all that extra celery.

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (20)

Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip

Part appetizer, part side dish - this pumpkin cheesecake dip is what we serve for a sweet treat at holiday meals. Instead of fruit salad with marshmallows and yogurt, the kids ask for this instead, Served with apple slices or gingersnaps for dessert. It's a sweet treat I can say yes to every time.

For more holiday and favorite party recipes, try these:

  • Maple Glazed Turkey and Whiskey Gravy
  • Beer Can Chicken with Coffee Brown Sugar Rub
  • Torchy’s Queso Dip
  • Create an Amazing Cheese Platter for Less with ALDI

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Don’t forget to invite your friends to our Facebook groups! We would also love to see your vacation pictures!

Looking for more food inspiration? Check out these latest recipes & ideas….

  • Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (21)

    This Protein Coffee Recipe Should Be Your Ultimate Travel Companion
  • Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (22)

    How to Make Iced White Chocolate Mocha – Starbucks Copycat Recipe
  • Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (23)

    Prosciutto Wrapped Breadsticks: Savory and Salty Appetizer
  • Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (24)

    What to Eat with Black-Eyed Peas
Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (25)

About Nicky Omohundro

Nicky Omohundro is a travel and active family lifestyle blogger and social media influencer based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She shares stories, destinations, and ideas on food, family, health, and outdoor recreation to help families find their own adventures. Her spirit animal is a caffeinated squirrel fueled by coffee, real food, and the desire to seek new adventures.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (26)L. E. Mastilock

    These Thanksgiving recipes all look mouthwatering! I’m trying not to lick my screen!

    Reply

  2. Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (27)KC the Kitchen Chopper

    It’s so great to see a roundup of healthful side dishes that look and sound amazing. No one could argue against any of this deliciousness. Fantastic.

    Reply

  3. Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (28)Kallee

    I love cooking with real foods. They always taste so much better. All these recipes look perfectly wonderful. I can’t wait until Thanksgiving.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is a good alternative to traditional Thanksgiving dinner? ›

25 Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
  • 01 of 25. Artichoke Hearts Gratin. ...
  • 02 of 25. Roasted Pumpkin Soup. ...
  • 03 of 25. Roasted Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Crostini. ...
  • 04 of 25. Apple Pie Shot. ...
  • 05 of 25. Citrus Turkey Brine. ...
  • 06 of 25. Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions. ...
  • 07 of 25. Tangy Honey-Glazed Ham. ...
  • 08 of 25.
Oct 3, 2023

How do you have a non traditional Thanksgiving? ›

Here, you'll find plenty of creative ways to ditch the same old turkey and stuffing, including unexpected main courses, fun Thanksgiving side dishes, tasty appetizers, and more. Think: pumpkin risotto, crab-stuffed mushrooms, sweet potato curry, and cauliflower gratin. Looking to skip the roasted turkey? No problem!

What is the least popular side dish on Thanksgiving? ›

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

What are 4 other traditional Thanksgiving foods? ›

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.

What to do instead of Thanksgiving? ›

What to Do When You Don't Want to Celebrate Thanksgiving
  • School yourself on the different aspects of American history and its impact on today's society. ...
  • Create a safe space for those who have faced racial trauma to share stories. ...
  • Take a trip or staycation.
Nov 22, 2017

What pairs well with turkey? ›

Simple turkey sides
  • 1) Bay roasted smashed potatoes. ...
  • 2) Green bean and goats cheese salad. ...
  • 3) Brussels sprouts and speck gratin. ...
  • 4) Couscous salad. ...
  • 5) Rocket coleslaw. ...
  • 6) Sweet potato and chive damper. ...
  • 7) Honey macadamia stuffing. ...
  • 8) Pork stuffing.

What are most Americans' favorite side dishes? ›

What Is the Most Popular Side Dish in America?
  • Source. Mashed Potatoes. ...
  • Source. Baked Beans. ...
  • Source. Garlic Bread. ...
  • Green Beans. Green beans cooked in various ways, often seasoned or mixed with other ingredients like almonds or bacon. ...
  • Source. Corn on the Cob. ...
  • Source. Cornbread. ...
  • Source. Caesar Salad. ...
  • Source. Coleslaw.
May 28, 2024

What to do on Thanksgiving if you have no plans? ›

What to Do on Thanksgiving Without Family
  1. Book a night at a local hotel. Anything you can do out of the ordinary will make the holiday feel special and not blah. ...
  2. Stay in your PJs all day. 0 Guilt. ...
  3. Don't make any plans. ...
  4. Play charades over Zoom. ...
  5. Help a neighbor. ...
  6. Spend the day writing letters. ...
  7. Friendsgiving, duh.
Nov 20, 2020

What to bring other than food to Thanksgiving? ›

5 Thoughtful Gifts to Bring Your Thanksgiving Dinner Host
  • #1 An appetizer, side dish, or dessert. ...
  • #2 Wine, whiskey, champagne, cider, or [insert your favorite drink]. ...
  • #3 Flowers or centerpieces. ...
  • #4 An edible treat for the next morning. ...
  • #5 A small gift for the avid cook.
Nov 21, 2013

What to do when you don't want to spend Thanksgiving with family? ›

You can continue the day by hosting a Friendsgiving dinner or movie night with your pals who are still in town. When it comes to food, you can cook a mini turkey for one or ditch Thanksgiving dinner altogether and order take-out at a local restaurant.

What can I serve on Thanksgiving instead of turkey? ›

Cornish game hen, goose, duck, ham, beef, salmon, and mushroom recipes make worthy centerpieces for holiday meals. This is collaborative content from Food & Wine's team of experts, including staff, recipe developers, chefs, and contributors.

What should you not forget for Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Use this list to make sure you're prepared to have the feast you planned for.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk. A number of tasty desserts rely on this often forgotten item. ...
  • Cranberries or Cranberry Sauce. ...
  • Chicken Stock or Broth. ...
  • Simply Done Containers. ...
  • Foil, Parchment Paper, Pastic Wrap. ...
  • Centerpiece. ...
  • Nuts or Dried Fruit. ...
  • Dinner Rolls.
Nov 25, 2019

What are the 5 most common sides served on Thanksgiving Day? ›

  • 01 of 21. Rustic Garlic Mashed Potatoes. ...
  • 02 of 21. Bacon-Topped Green Bean Casserole. ...
  • 03 of 21. Buttered Stuffing with Mushrooms. ...
  • 04 of 21. Classic Dinner Rolls. ...
  • 05 of 21. Bacon-Mushroom Twice-Baked Potatoes. ...
  • 06 of 21. Best Four-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese. ...
  • 07 of 21. Bourbon and Cider Pan Gravy. ...
  • 08 of 21.
Nov 9, 2023

What do other cultures celebrate instead of Thanksgiving? ›

As we look at Thanksgiving traditions around the world, Korea's Thanksgiving holiday is known as Chuseok and also Hangawi. It is celebrated on the same day as the Chinese and Vietnamese harvest festivals that are celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month. During this festival, songpyeon is served.

How do you simplify Thanksgiving dinner? ›

I urge you: forego this culinary excess and adopt a simple Thanksgiving menu consisting of main course, a few sides, and a dessert. Just pick your favorites and let the rest slide. For me, a menu of Thanksgiving faves would look like: turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie. And done.

How do you make Thanksgiving different? ›

our holidays.
  1. Have a Mini-giving. This one is inspired by my daughter's love of ASMR and mini cooking videos. ...
  2. Go themed. ...
  3. Declare a spending embargo. ...
  4. Throw a co*cktail party. ...
  5. Make it a potluck. ...
  6. Go out to a really fancy meal. ...
  7. Spend the day hunting your food. ...
  8. Be intentional with your photos.
Nov 20, 2020

What do you say instead of "Happy Thanksgiving"? ›

"May all the good things of life be yours, not only on this day but throughout the coming year." "Wishing you a harvest of blessings, good health and good times." "May you enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving, a joyous holiday season and healthful, Happy New Year."

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 6691

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Birthday: 2001-08-13

Address: 96487 Kris Cliff, Teresiafurt, WI 95201

Phone: +9418513585781

Job: Senior Designer

Hobby: Calligraphy, Rowing, Vacation, Geocaching, Web surfing, Electronics, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Benton Quitzon, I am a comfortable, charming, thankful, happy, adventurous, handsome, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.