At Cooking Planet we are not going to flood you with thousands of recipes, our app and web site are known for our chef-selected and chef-tested recipes. And if you are planning anything for Thanksgiving, we know you might already have a turkey or ham or alternative main dish. So… We’re gonna give you 30 sides you might consider for your dinner, or for potluck contributions to family gatherings. Check back with us daily to get the next recipe(s).
VISIT: Our PIN BOARD of 30 Side Dishes.
Reluctant Thanksgiving Cook: BOYS TO MEN ON THANKSGIVING: GETTING INTO THE KITCHEN FOR THE FIRST TIME
Cooking Planit OFFERS hope: T-3 DAYS TO TURKEY DAY! (by Emily Wilson, CP’s eChef)
See Lauren Walz’s Thanksgiving Dress Rehearsal posts on Gourmet Veggie Mama.
1. GREEN BEANS WITH CREAMY MUSHROOMS
You don’t have to open a can to make this favorite holiday dish. This recipe is easy and tastes fresh.
2. FIG, PISTACHIO AND BLUE CHEESE SALAD WITH HONEY VINAIGRETTE
Truly elegant without any fuss, this salad impresses guests and taste buds.
3. SWEET POTATO AND BACON PUREE
Sweet and salty always go well together, and this dish is no exception.
4. QUINOA WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND PINE NUTS
Quinoa is a super food, literally. This dish makes a great side or vegetarian entree and tastes great the next day too, so take it to go for a healthy lunch solution.
5. FENNEL GRATIN WITH DILL CREAM CHEESE
Fennel really shines in this recipe. It’s so flavorful on its own, but pairing it with the rich cream cheese and fresh dill takes it to a whole new level.
6. KALE SALAD WITH PARMESAN AND BALSAMIC SYRUP
Kale salads are rich in nutrients, big on flavor, and sure to satisfy.
7. SWEET POTATO CAULIFLOWER MASH [PALEO]
Spiced with paprika and pureed with cauliflower, this dish is a great accompaniment to any dinner.
8. WATERCRESS SALAD WITH BABY BEETS
They say we eat with our eyes first, so this salad must be delicious because it’s absolutely beautiful. But it tastes good too, of course!
9. SWEET POTATO HASH
This is a great, tasty dish with satisfying, savory flavors.
10. BRUSSELS SPROUTS & PANCETTA
Believe it or not, Brussels sprouts are delicious! Adding some crispy pancetta makes them even tastier!
11. SAUTÉED SWISS CHARD
Flavor boost! The textures and flavors make this a great side dish that’s heart-healthy too.
12. CREAMY POLENTA
This recipe will have all your guests asking for seconds. Look for uncooked, raw, yellow polenta in the bulk aisle. You only have to buy what you need, which makes it affordable too.
13. SWEET POTATO BISQUE
As good as it sounds! Creamy, smooth soup made with one of nature’s most nutrient-rich vegetables.
14. BLUE CHEESE MASHED POTATOES
Creamy, rich mashed potatoes become even more decadent with crumbled blue cheese. It will make any evening feel like a special occasion.
15. ARUGULA, GREEN APPLE AND FENNEL WITH HONEY VINAIGRETTE
A light and robust salad that’s just sweet enough to appeal to all tastes.
16. HONEY-ROASTED CARROTS
So easy and so good! This recipe brings out the natural sweetness in carrots.
17. GARLIC MASHED POTATOES
Classic mashed potatoes at their best. After you try this recipe, add any of your favorite flavors like blue cheese, caramelized onions, horseradish or truffle butter!
18. CARAMELIZED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
Six simple ingredients combine in flavor harmony.
19. BEET GRATIN WITH WALNUTS AND GOAT CHEESE
Creamy goat cheese and earthy walnuts add texture and flavor to the roasted beets for a truly delicious side dish.
20. ROOT VEGETABLE TIAN
This is an easy and healthy recipe. It’s great for parties too because you can build the tian in advance, then just pop it in the oven when guests arrive.
21. POMEGRANATE KALE
A sweet preparation for a tasty, heart-healthy green.
22. ROSEMARY SCALLOPED POTATOES
Creamy, cheesy potatoes baked until tender and golden brown. Sometimes you just must indulge!
23. CLASSIC CRANBERRY SAUCE
Tart and sweet, just like cranberry sauce should be. I think if people knew how easy this recipe is, they wouldn’t even think about opening a cannned version ever again!
24. VEGGIE STUFFING
Traditional flavors of classic dressing are delicious all year-round.
25. SAUTÉED ACORN SQUASH
Acorn squash lends itself well to the combination of savory and sweet, as showcased in this recipe with butter and brown sugar.
26. SWEET POTATO AND MARSHMALLOW CASSEROLE
Marshmallows, vanilla, brown sugar and cinnamon make this a decadent treat that’s worth indulging in more than once a year!
27. CHICKEN, APPLE AND CHERRY SAUSAGE STUFFING
Familiar yet interesting, this stuffing dish will satisfy any craving for tradition while also sparking those preferences for something new.
28. BROWN SUGAR SPROUTS WITH CRANBERRIES AND WALNUTS
Sweeten up sprouts with this caramelized, buttery sauce. So good and truly hard to resist.
29. CREAM CHEESE MASHED POTATOES
Everyone loves mashed potatoes, so you can’t have too many recipes for the beloved dish.
30. ROASTED BEETS WITH GOAT CHEESE AND PINE NUTS
Once you’ve had a properly roasted beet, you’ll love them unconditionally. This is a basic recipe that will show you how to add beets to any meal.
FEATURED POSTS
- DECADENT DESSERT #3 – CARDAMOM COCONUT PANNA COTTA IN HONEYDEW SOUP!
- DECADENT DESSERT #2 – LEMON MERINGUE PIE!
- 10 tips to enjoying your own party
- HI, DINNER? IT’S ME, DESSERT! [DESSERT #1: CHOCOLATE MOUSSE PIE]
It’s a perfect time to introduce my colleague and contributing chef, Christy Horton, who developed the dessert recipes we will be sharing. Christy started with us a few months ago with the sole focus of gearing up for Dessert Planit. (Yup! You read that right! Dessert Planit is in the works!) Our sister site is still a few months off, but we have content underway so we figured why keep it all to ourselves?
Thanksgiving is the ultimate potluck dinner, is it not? Most often, the host pours his or her energy into the turkey and main sides dishes, plus getting the house ready, setting the table and being the perfect host. Then, hopefully, they enlist some help from their guests by asking people to bring a dish or two. Sound familiar?
BONUS: Alternative Thanksgiving MealS
TRY IT! Click for free Cooking Planit experience
THANKSGIVING ALT 1: TURKEY TWIST
PIN THIS MEAL on Pinterest.
COOK THIS NOW! Click for free Cooking Planit experience
THANKSGIVING ALT 2: TAKE ON TRADITION
Why should turkeys have all the fun? This simple twist on a classic Thanksgiving dinner is easier to manage and will satisfy everyone’s craving for tradition.
PIN THIS MEAL on Pinterest.
click to try the step-by-step Thanksgiving meal now
THANKSGIVING ALT 3: New with the old
People expect mashed potatoes and stuffing for Thanksgiving dinner, but wow your guests by serving them alongside rich, tender short ribs. They’ll be grateful for the surprise!
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THANKSGIVING ALT 4: FESTIVE FEAST
Special meals are part of the holiday season. This menu should be on the top of your list.
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Thanksgiving Alt 5: Grateful for Flavor
This meal makes you appreciate all the great flavors of the holiday season.
- Sweet Potato and Bacon Puree
- Crispy Pork Cutlets with Apples and Sage
- Fig, Pistachio and Blue Cheese Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
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THANKSGIVING ALT 6: VEGGIE THANKFUL
Vegetarians have a lot to be thankful for this season too, like this holiday menu!
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[...] TO TRY TURKEY TWIST FOR FREE ON COOKING PLANIT Check out the Thanksgiving Inspirations page or check out Cooking Planit for many more chef-tested recipes with step-by-step [...]
[...] to try TAKE ON TRADITION for free on Cooking Planit Check out the Thanksgiving Inspirations page or check out Cooking Planit for many more chef-tested recipes with step-by-step [...]
[...] help you SHOP, and lower your holiday stress levels by handling the COOKING specifics for you this Thanksgiving. We think about making cooking simple, [...]
[...] help you SHOP, and lower your holiday stress levels by handling the COOKING specifics for you this Thanksgiving. We think about making cooking simple, [...]