main image of nontraditional Thanksgiving sides: sweet potato fries, caprese salad, stack of polenta cakes, and boulangere

100 Nontraditional Thanksgiving Sides for the Best Meal Ever

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What is a good nontraditional Thanksgiving dinner?

Are you tired of the same old traditional Thanksgiving foods?

Sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole. They sound delicious, but it might be time for something new!

These nontraditional Thanksgiving sides will be a welcome addition to your holiday table! Whether you create a whole meal of new flavors or just need some new Thanksgiving dinner inspiration, there is a recipe here for you.

The perfect way to make Thanksgiving one of your favorite holidays is by adding some of these new recipes to your Thanksgiving dinner table. Find the best ones and enjoy them each year or come back next year for a delicious new treat!

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What are the best nontraditional Thanksgiving sides?

Nontraditional Thanksgiving Sides: Salads

Revamp your Thanksgiving table with these innovative salads that blend flavors and textures, adding a delightful twist to the traditional feast.

Thanksgiving Salad with Butternut Squash “Turkey”

plate of salad with butternut squash turkey

Source: Two Healthy Kitchens

Sure, both salad and butternut squash may feel a bit traditional at the holidays, but not when combined together into one adorable, festive “turkey” showstopper! This salad has classic, beloved flavors in a pretty presentation everyone will love.

Acorn Squash Salad

dish of acorn squash salad

Source: The Oregon Dietician

Roasted acorn squash salad is a must for Thanksgiving or even as a side for a fall dinner, especially drizzled with creamy maple dressing!

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

bowl of roasted sweet potato salad

Source: Salted Plains

Roasted sweet potato salad with arugula and millet combined with chickpeas, cranberries, and pecans makes a flavorful vegetarian dish for your Thanksgiving table.

Roasted Pumpkin Quinoa Salad

bowl of roasted pumpkin quinoa salad

Source: Go Healthy Ever After

Here’s an easy quinoa salad with roasted vegetables flavored with a simple honey lemon dressing. This side dish can be made in advance in large batches to easily serve a crowd at your next holiday gathering!

Fall Kale Salad

bowl of fall kale salad

Source: Jamil Ghar

This rustic fall kale salad features tender kale, toasted pecans, pepitas, crisp seasonal apples, cranberries, and roasted acorn squash.

Kale and Fennel Salad

bowl of kale and fennel salad

Source: Delightful Plate

Elevate your Thanksgiving spread with this vibrant kale and fennel salad with almond and cranberry. It will be a refreshing and nutritious addition to your holiday feast.

Caprese Salad

plate of caprese salad

Source: Flawless Food

This caprese salad makes a fantastic side dish for your next Thanksgiving meal. Suitable for all and so refreshingly light, serve it as a side or an appetizer!

Related: Why Thanksgiving is the Best Holiday

Prawn and Avocado Salad

dish of prawn and avocado salad

Source: Allergy Free Alaska

This prawn and avocado salad is a light, healthy dish. This salad is a great way to incorporate healthy fats, lean protein, and fresh veggies into your Thanksgiving meal!

Roasted Pepper Salad

plate of roasted pepper salad

Source: Vegan Huggs

Impress your taste buds with this roasted pepper salad with balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a fresh, colorful dish, bursting with sweet and smoky flavors!

Haricot Beans Salad

bowl of haricot beans salad

Source: Romona’s Cuisine

This haricot beans salad contains a nutritious palette of ingredients. It is a refreshing and nourishing Thanksgiving side that is so yummy and very quick to put together!

Golden Beet Salad

bowl of golden beet salad

Source: The Sage Apron

This recipe features beets that have been roasted and are then marinated in orange juice and white balsamic vinegar. The bold flavors and vibrant colors make this the perfect way to enjoy beets at your Thanksgiving gathering!

Ukranian Beet Salad

bowl of Ukranian beet salad

Source: Sava’s Kitchen

This vibrant and festive Ukranian beet salad is a combination of cooked beets, carrots, potatoes, peas, pickles, and green onions dressed in olive oil. It will make a beautiful addition to your Thanksgiving table!

Brussels Sprouts and Parmesan Salad

bowl of brussels sprout salad

Source: Dana’s Table

This parmesan Brussels sprouts salad is fresh and crunchy and makes a great addition to your other Thanksgiving dishes. It’s an easy, foolproof recipe with restaurant-quality results!

Nontraditional Thanksgiving Sides: Fruit

Elevate your Thanksgiving spread with refreshing and unexpected fruit sides that bring a burst of color and sweetness to your table, redefining your turkey day dinner.

Thanksgiving Fruit Salad

bowl of Thanksgiving fruit salad

Source: Two Cloves Kitchen

This delicious Thanksgiving fruit salad features apples, pears, grapes, oranges, and pecans tossed in a light honey and holiday spice dressing. This sweet and refreshing fall fruit salad is a wonderful side dish for your traditionally heavy Thanksgiving dinner!

Winter Fruit Salad

bowl of winter fruit salad

Source: Dinner at the Zoo

This winter fruit salad recipe is a colorful variety of fresh fruit tossed in a light honey poppy seed dressing. It makes the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving meal!

Korean Style Roasted Pumpkin

dish of Korean roasted style pumpkin

Source: The Sage Apron

Gochujang and maple-roasted pumpkin wedges are a fun take on fall flavors with a creamy Korean kick! With sweet, spicy, salty, and savory flavors, this unique side dish is an addicting addition to your Thanksgiving meal!

Sauteed Persimmons

sauteed persimmons over turkey

Source: The Honest Spoonful

This sauteed persimmons dish is a quick and easy side dish using a few favorite fall and winter ingredients. It would be a perfect side dish for your holiday table!

Spaghetti Squash with Creamy Sauce

pair of spaghetti squash with creamy sauce

Source: All We Eat

Indulge in the deliciousness of this tasty roasted spaghetti squash with creamy sauce. With its tender roasted strands and luscious creamy sauce, it adds a delightful twist to your Thanksgiving meal, making it even more satisfying and enjoyable!

Mashed Butternut Squash

plate of mashed butternut squash

Source: Love From the Oven

Mashed butternut squash, with hints of butter and cinnamon, is a stand-out side dish, especially on turkey day. You only need a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep time to make this easy Thanksgiving side dish.

Butternut Squash Puree

bowl of butternut squash puree

Source: An Edible Mosaic

Silky smooth whipped butternut squash puree with fontina cheese, fresh thyme, and brown butter is a delicious side dish for Thanksgiving dinner or any autumn meal or family gathering.

Butternut Squash au Gratin

dish butternut squash au gratin

Source: The Sage Apron

Butternut squash au gratin is the cheesy delicious side dish your holiday table is missing! This perfect fall recipe features velvety butternut squash baked in a gruyere cream sauce and topped with golden, buttery breadcrumbs.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Bacon

plate of butternut squash with bacon

Source: Dancing Through the Rain

This roasted butternut squash with bacon is an easy side dish recipe that is perfect for the holidays! It’s full of fantastic flavors that you might not expect at Thanksgiving, but you’re going to love!

Honey-Roasted Delicata Squash

plate of delicata squash

Source: Masala and Chai

Honey-roasted delicata squash with pomegranate seeds and walnuts is a delightfully easy way to enjoy this winter squash. It’s simply roasted with honey until tender and caramelized. Add this as a unique side dish to your Thanksgiving Day spread!

Nontraditional Thanksgiving Sides: Bread

Discover a delectable departure from the ordinary with these nontraditional Thanksgiving breads that infuse unique flavors and artisanal touches, enticing your taste buds to embark on a delightful journey of discovery this holiday season.

Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

tray of pumpkin dinner rolls

Source: Rainbow Nourishments

These soft, fluffy, and buttery pumpkin dinner rolls are easy to make and use only 6 key ingredients! These rolls are the perfect Thanksgiving dinner side.

Cheese Potato Bread

skillet of cheese potato bread

Source: Joy to the Food

This super simple cheesy potato bread will be loved by all at the Thanksgiving table! It only takes a few ingredients to whip up and is perfect for getting the kids involved.

nontraditional Thanksgiving sides: collage of Thanksgiving side dishes

Garlic Knots

plate of garlic knots and a dish of sauce

Source: On My Kid’s Plate

Buttery garlic knots are made with homemade dough that makes your house smell absolutely amazing! Soft dough tied into little knots topped with garlic, butter, and parmesan make a perfect dinner roll or as an appetizer with a little tomato sauce.

Cheddar Ranch Cruffins

tray of cheddar ranch cruffins

Source: Kleinworth Co

Dinner rolls get a delicious twist with these super easy cheddar ranch cruffins made with refrigerator dough. Just 5 ingredients and a few minutes are all you need to make this tasty recipe on Thanksgiving morning!

Yorkshire Puddings

stack of Yorkshire puddings

Source: This Simple Kitchen

Crisp on the outside with the perfect well inside to hold lots of gravy, these gluten-free Yorkshire puddings are your new favorite nontraditional Thanksgiving sides.

Fried Polenta Cakes

stack of fried polenta cakes

Source: Scarlati Family Kitchen

Crispy, fried polenta cakes are a savory dish made from cooked polenta, fried until crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. Finished off with a rich tomato-bacon jam, they make a great Thanksgiving side dish or appetizer!

Italian Focaccia Bread

stack of Italian focaccia bread

Source: Homebody Eats

Bake up an authentic batch of Italian focaccia bread as a unique Thanksgiving side dish. This fluffy and crispy bread is perfect to serve as a side at your holiday gathering.

Garlic Pumpkin Cheesy Bread

tray of garlic pumpkin cheesy bread

Source: Home Cooking Collective

This twist on cheesy bread has a creamy bite from the garlic pumpkin cream sauce. As a bonus, it uses store-bought dough saving you time on Thanksgiving morning!

Bacon Cheese Bread

slices of bacon cheese bread

Source: On My Kid’s Plate

Gooey bacon cheese bread is full of savory bacon and cheese and is lightly flavored with green onions. This recipe makes a soft and chewy quick bread that is perfect as a nontraditional Thanksgiving side dish or an everyday snack!

Oatmeal Bread

sliced loaf of oatmeal bread

Source: Mae’s Menu

Enjoy a comforting loaf of homemade oatmeal bread this holiday season. This bread is hearty, full of whole grains, and ready in under 50 minutes!

Nontraditional Thanksgiving Sides: Casseroles

Create a medley of enticing flavors and modern comforts as you explore these nontraditional Thanksgiving casseroles that push the boundaries of the classic dishes, adding a delectable twist to your holiday feast.

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

dish of broccoli cheese casserole

Source: Barefoot in the Pines

Here’s a cheesy and delicious casserole loaded with fresh broccoli and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. A super simple recipe for your Thanksgiving dinner that can be made ahead of time!

Related: Best Gifts for Your Thanksgiving Hostess

Spinach Artichoke Baked Pasta

bowl of spinach artichoke baked pasta

Source: Planted in the Kitchen

This spinach artichoke baked pasta is the perfect make-ahead casserole to bring to your next Thanksgiving gathering! Enjoy hearty pasta tossed in a homemade cashew cream sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs.

Pineapple Casserole

bowl of pineapple casserole

Source: Amanda’s Cookin’

This easy pineapple casserole has a little bit of everything: sweetness from the pineapple and saltiness from the crackers and cheddar cheese. With two delicious textures – light crunch on top and a tender-soft filling – it makes the perfect nontraditional side dish for your Thanksgiving dinner!

Rutabaga and Butternut Squash Casserole

dish of rutabaga butternut casserole

Source: Garlic and Zest

This delicious rutabaga and butternut squash casserole is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table that will outshine the standard mashed potatoes.

Sauteed Zucchini and Yellow Squash

skillet of sauteed zucchini and yellow squash

Source: Thyme for the Table

Sauteed zucchini and squash is a simple and delicious side dish that showcases the natural sweetness and tender texture of the squash. This recipe cooks in under 10 minutes, so you can easily get Thanksgiving dinner on the table!

Spinach Feta Rice Casserole

bowl of spinach feta rice casserole

Source: The Inspiration Edit

Get ready to have a new family-favorite Thanksgiving dinner recipe. This spinach feta rice casserole is loaded with easy ingredients and full of awesome flavor.

Spinach Casserole

plate of spinach casserole

Source: Mary’s Whole Life

This creamy spinach casserole is a delicious and decadent yet healthy side to serve at your Thanksgiving dinner this year! It’s made with ghee, almond milk cream cheese, frozen spinach, and baked with a pork panko topping, making it a great gluten-free and soy-free option for your holiday meal.

Nontraditional Thanksgiving Sides: Potatoes

Prepare to be amazed by a tantalizing array of nontraditional Thanksgiving potato dishes that reimagine this classic staple with new spices and textures, elevating your holiday table to new heights of culinary delight.

Cheesy Potatoes

plate of cheesy potatoes with ham and green beans

Source: Saving Talents

Cheesy potatoes are a unique, easy side dish for Thanksgiving. This recipe puts a new twist on a traditional side dish with two secret ingredients that make it even more delicious than the traditional!

Spicy Bombay Potatoes

bowl of spicy Bombay potatoes

Source: Piping Pot Curry

These baby Bombay potatoes are cooked with aromatic spices and make the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving. Get them on the table in only 20 minutes using your Instant Pot!

Pesto-Roasted Potatoes

dish of pesto-roasted potatoes

Source: Mangia with Michele

These are called easy for a reason! These potatoes are tossed with savory pesto and roasted until tender, then topped with some grated pecorino cheese and broiled until crispy. It’s a fun and delicious addition to your holiday meal.

Melting Potatoes

dish of melting potatoes

Source: Curry Trail

These melting potatoes are the best ever melt-in-your-mouth, super delicious potato recipe! They are wonderfully caramelized on the outside and delicate and creamy inside.

Creamy Potatoes au Gratin

skillet of potatoes au gratin

Source: Mommy Evolution

This creamy potatoes au gratin recipe with kale and gruyere is a scrumptious savory side that goes perfectly with your holiday meal. The potatoes are cooked to perfection – tender and creamy – and are topped with a layer of melted cheese that adds an irresistible crispy, cheesy crust.

Beetroot and Potato Boulangere

bowl of beetroot and potato boulangere

Source: The Vegan Larder

Make this gorgeous layered potato and beet dish as an alternative to your other potatoes this year. It pairs beautifully with the flavors of fall, while being impressive to bring to your festive table.

Hasselback Potatoes

tray of Hasselback potatoes

Source: Dinner at the Zoo

These Hasselback potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes that are roasted to golden brown perfection, then topped with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions. An easy yet impressive side dish that pairs perfectly with your Thanksgiving meal!

Baked Potato Wedges

plate of baked potato wedges with side of sauce

Source: Dinner at the Zoo

These ultra-crispy baked potato wedges are coated in seasonings and cooked in the oven to golden-brown perfection. These baked fries are the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving dinner. They’re just as flavorful as the deep-fried variety but with way less calories!

Candied Korean Sweet Potatoes

plate of candied Korean sweet potatoes

Source: Drive Me Hungry

Candied Korean sweet potatoes are fried pieces of Korean sweet potatoes covered in caramelized sugar. It’s a delicious twist on candied sweet potatoes that your friends and family will love this holiday!

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

bowl of mashed sweet potatoes

Source: Planted in the Kitchen

These mashed sweet potatoes are a blend of two Thanksgiving favorites! They are creamy and full of sweet and savory flavors.

Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

bowl of mashed purple sweet potatoes with bananas

Source: Ugly Duckling Bakery

Savor the extraordinary blend of vibrant purple sweet potatoes and sweet bananas in this unique Thanksgiving dish. With its mesmerizing purple hue and delightful sweetness, it will bring some joy to your holiday table.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

plate of air fryer sweet potato fries

Source: Love From the Oven

Air fryer sweet potato fries have a perfectly crispy texture and are packed full of sweet and savory flavors. Making delicious homemade sweet potato fries is easier than you think, thanks to your air fryer!

Sweet Potato Tater Tots

tray of sweet potato tater tots with a side of sauce

Source: Recipes From a Pantry

These sweet potato tater tots are fun, flavorful, and the perfect recipe to serve as a Thanksgiving side dish or appetizer. Crispy on the outside and deliciously smooth on the inside, these tater tots can be made in advance to save you extra time on Thanksgiving morning!

Nontraditional Thanksgiving Sides: Pasta

Break away from tradition and savor the unexpected with these nontraditional Thanksgiving pasta dishes that blend rich flavors and diverse ingredients, offering a delightful departure from the customary holiday fare.

Croatian Mlinci Baked Noodles

plate of Croatian Mlinci baked noodles and a turkey leg

Source: Sustain My Cooking Habit

Croatian mlinci is best described as broken pieces of thin, homemade flatbread that is baked in the juices of a roasted turkey, making it the perfect new Thanksgiving side dish!

Boursin Pasta

bowl of Boursin pasta

Source: The Dizzy Cook

This super delicious and creamy Boursin pasta makes a great side dish with just a few simple ingredients. The best part is that is pairs perfectly with turkey!

Gnocchi Alla Romana

bowl of gnocchi alla romana

Source: It’s Not Complicated

Gnocchi alla Romana is an ideal comforting Thanksgiving side dish that is simple to prepare. It is crispy and golden on the outside and tender on the inside!

Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi

dish of spinach ricotta gnocchi

Source: The Pasta Project

These Northern Italian homemade large spinach ricotta gnocchi are the best gnocchi ever! Perfect as a starter or side dish, you can make and bake them in advance and then reheat them without losing any deliciousness!

Mac and Cheese Bites

dish of mac and cheese bites

Source: Love From the Oven

Mac and cheese bites are your favorite comfort food in bite-sized form. Air-fried, creamy balls of mac and cheese are crispy on the outside, and soft and cheesy on the inside. Made with just a few easy ingredients, you won’t be able to wait to pop these in your mouth!

Pimento Mac and Cheese

bowl of pimento mac and cheese

Source: Foxes Love Lemons

If you love pimento cheese, this pimento mac and cheese is for you! This easy skillet macaroni recipe has a decadent cheesy sauce and comes together quickly for your Thanksgiving meal.

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

dish of pumpkin mac and cheese

Source: An Edible Mosaic

This pumpkin mac and cheese with brown butter, sage, and pecan topping is rich, creamy, and cheesy with a nutty, crunchy topping. It will make any fall meal feel special, and it’s a beautiful side dish for your holiday meal.

Risotto Style Pasta with Pumpkin

bowl of risotto style pasta with pumpkin

Source: The Pasta Project

This creamy orzo pasta and pumpkin is based on a traditional recipe from Naples, Italy. This nontraditional side dish is a unique and tasty way to serve pumpkin at Thanksgiving!

Koren Rice Balls

plate of Korean rice balls

Source: The Rice Chick

This Korean rice ball recipe is super easy to make. With only 5 ingredients, they make for a tasty appetizer or side dish for your holiday gathering.

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

bowl of cilantro lime cauliflower rice

Source: Grain Free Table

This easy cilantro lime cauliflower rice is a simple side dish that will add a pop of freshness to your Thanksgiving table!

Wild Rice and Butternut Squash

bowl of wild rice and butternut squash

Source: i Heart Vegetables

This delicious wild rice butternut squash recipe is a hearty and flavorful side dish that is great for Thanksgiving. The creamy butternut squash pairs perfectly with the nutty rice that everyone will enjoy!

Spanish Rice

skillet of Spanish rice

Source: Cooking in the Keys

This is a traditional Cuban side dish that goes well with any main course. It’s a great way to incorporate some veggies into your Thanksgiving meal!

Nontraditional Thanksgiving Sides: Veggies

Infuse your Thanksgiving table with a burst of fresh and vibrant nontraditional vegetable dishes, adding a delightful twist to your traditional Thanksgiving menu and celebrating the season’s natural goodness in unexpected ways.

Baked Feta with Veggies

dish of baked feta with veggies

Source: Hurry the Food Up

Try this baked feta with veggies for an easy side dish on Thanksgiving Day. Only 1 tray and 30 minutes and you can have this delicious side on the table!

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

tray of stuffed portobello mushrooms

Source: Dizzy Busy and Hungry

Make these easy stuffed portobello mushrooms using caprese flavors. They are perfect to serve as a Thanksgiving side dish, especially for vegetarians!

Miso Mushrooms

plate of miso mushrooms

Source: Mikha Eats

Make an umami bomb of flavor with these easy miso mushrooms that will satisfy all the vegetarians and carnivores around your Thanksgiving table!

Carrot Souffle

pan of carrot souffle

Source: Dana’s Table

This carrot souffle is deliciously light and fluffy and is always a crowd-pleaser. It looks so beautiful with other autumn dishes and is perfect for your Thanksgiving table!

Harissa Lemon Maple Baked Carrots

plate of harissa lemon maple baked carrots

Source: Avocado Skillet

These harissa lemon maple baked carrots are the perfect veggie side dish for your Thanksgiving dinner. They are vegan and super easy to make!

Maple Cinnamon Carrot Fries

plate of maple cinnamon carrot fires

Source: Recipes From a Pantry

For a healthy and delicious Thanksgiving side dish or appetizer, try these maple cinnamon carrot fries. Combine maple syrup and cinnamon for the perfect snack the whole family will love!

Roasted Turnip and Garlic Mash

bowl of roasted turnip and garlic mash

Source: Like Hot Keto

This deliciously buttery roasted turnip and garlic mash recipe is rich and creamy in flavor. Made with turnips and garlic that are oven-roasted until golden and sweet, it’s a great addition to your holiday table!

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

bowl of cauliflower mac and cheese

Source: Bitz and Giggles

Roasted cauliflower florets are covered with a homemade creamy cheese sauce. It’s the perfect low-carb, keto side dish that will satisfy your mac and cheese cravings this Thanksgiving!

Cauliflower Fried Rice

bowl of cauliflower fried rice

Source: Wholesome Yum

With all the same flavors of traditional fried rice, but none of the carbs, this cauliflower fried rice is a delicious and easy recipe. You can have this simple side on your Thanksgiving table in just 20 minutes!

Cheesy Cauliflower Steak

tray of cheesy cauliflower steaks

Source: Low Carb Spark

Learn how to make the best roasted cauliflower steak recipe that’s perfectly caramelized on the edges and super cheesy. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this recipe is a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with your Thanksgiving meal!

Roasted Mini Peppers

bowl of roasted mini peppers

Source: i Food Real

No need to spend time cutting, stemming, or seeding when preparing these easy roasted mini peppers! Simply coat them in a delightful blend of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and fresh garlic for a tasty addition to your Thanksgiving table.

Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts

plate of honey sriracha brussels sprouts

Source: The Healthful Ideas

These honey sriracha brussels sprouts are the spicy side on Thanksgiving Day. The Brussels sprouts are perfectly crisp, and the sweet and spicy glaze gives them a ton of flavor!

Sweet Chili Brussels Sprouts

dish of sweet chili brussels sprouts

Source: Dishes with Dad

These Asian Brussels sprouts are roasted and coated in a sweet chili glaze that’s a little sweet and a little spicy for a tasty Thanksgiving side dish with tons of flavor!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

dish of roasted brussels sprouts with bacon and parmesan

Source: Lynn’s Way of Life

Crispy bacon, salty parmesan, and roasted Brussels sprouts come together to make a quick and easy holiday side dish! Ready in less than half an hour, your guests will love this delicious recipe!

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

bowl of maple roasted brussels sprouts

Source: Life as a Strawberry

Make your crispy roasted Brussels sprouts feel ultra decadent with this easy recipe! Toss roasted sprouts with a bit of maple syrup, goat cheese, and dried cranberries for a cozy side that still packs the veggies.

Japanese Green Beans

bowl of Japanese green beans

Source: The Vegan Larder

These crunchy green beans are a great alternative to green bean casserole. With toasted sesame seeds and a delicious umami-rich flavor, they will become your new favorite way to serve beans!

Caramelized Corn and Green Bean Skillet

skillet of caramelized corn and green beans

Source: A Grateful Meal

This caramelized corn and green bean skillet is made with corn caramelized in a skillet tossed with green beans in butter and smoky cumin.

Roasted Honey Mustard Green Beans

bowl of roasted honey mustard green beans

Source: Avocado Skillet

Introducing the best green beans ever – roasted honey mustard green beans! These green beans are sweet and tangy and so much more than another green bean casserole on your Thanksgiving table.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

plate of bacon wrapped asparagus

Source: Easy Appetizers

Salty meat and bittersweet veggie stalks collide for a fantastically dippable finger food in this simple bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe. Made with just 5 ingredients in less than 30 minutes, it’s an easy appetizer you’ll want to make every Thanksgiving!

Minted Peas

bowl of minted peas

Source: Hungry Healthy Happy

These minted peas are so easy to make with frozen peas and a few other ingredients. It’s a delicious way to add some greens to your Thanksgiving spread and is ready in under 10 minutes!

Sauteed Broccolini

pan of sauteed broccolini

Source: Dinner at the Zoo

This sauteed broccolini is tender fresh vegetables cooked with butter, garlic, and herbs. A quick, easy, and elegant side dish that always gets rave reviews and pairs well with your Thanksgiving dinner!

Roasted Beets

dish of roasted beets

Source: Amanda’s Cookin’

Roasted beets are so versatile. Whether you serve them tossed in salads, blended into smoothies, or as your nontraditional Thanksgiving side, they’re always a deliciously sweet and tangy addition.

AIr Fryer Radishes

bowl of air fryer radishes

Source: The Food Blog

Roasting radishes mellows out their peppery bite, and they turn crisp and golden on the outside and tender on the inside. These are a delicious side dish for your Thanksgiving meal and can be roasted in the air fryer or oven.

Charro Beans

bowl of charro beans

Source: Dinner at the Zoo

These charro beans are pinto beans simmered with bacon, tomatoes, chilies, and spices, all in a hearty broth. It’s a flavorful side dish to serve with your Thanksgiving meal!

Nontraditional Thanksgiving Sides: Stuffing

Try these nontraditional stuffing sides that reimagine this holiday classic, blending unique ingredients and flavors to create the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast.

Stuffing Balls

bowl of stuffing balls

Source: The Dizzy Cook

These stuffing balls taste like the traditional recipe but in a fun, new way which makes it so much easier to feed a crowd with individual portions! Or use them as a dinner roll or appetizer.

Apple Stuffing Bites

tray of apple stuffing bites

Source: Mommy Evolution

This comforting dish of apple stuffing bites with rosemary gravy can be shared at the holiday table for a fun spin on the traditional stuffing. Serve it as a side or an appetizer.

Louisiana Rice Dressing

bowl of Louisiana rice dressing

Source: Garlic and Zest

This classic Cajun dressing is so savory and flavorful, you’ll never go back to traditional stuffing.

Nontraditional Thanksgiving Sides: Sauces

Complement your Thanksgiving spread with an enticing selection of nontraditional sauces, crafted to perfection with innovative ingredients and flavors that harmoniously enhance the traditional recipes, adding a new dimension of taste to your holiday celebration.

Apple Jalapeno Chutney

dish of apple jalapeno chutney

Source: Kristy’s Kitchn

This apple jalapeno chutney is tangy, spicy, sweet, and savory. It’s a great accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey and can be served on a cracker or with a side of vanilla ice cream.

Pina Colada Cranberry Sauce

bowl of pina colada cranberry sauce

Source: Mangia with Michele

Pina colada cranberry sauce is a fun and tropical twist on the classic Thanksgiving side. This whimsical recipe has the defining flavors of beloved cranberry sauce encased in a coconut and pineapple cocktail base.

Rutabaga Carrot Puree

bowl of rutabaga carrot puree

Source: The Flavor Dance

This creamy rutabaga carrot puree with ginger and honey is delicious and vibrant. Serve it as your Thanksgiving side dish, as a sauce, or add more liquid and enjoy it as a soup.

Vegan Mushroom Gravy

bowl of mushroom gravy

Source: Chocolate Moosey

Vegan mushroom gravy is an easy from-scratch homemade brown gravy recipe made with mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Make it ahead of time to reduce stress on Thanksgiving Day!

Nontraditional Thanksgiving Sides: Desserts

Expand your dessert horizons this Thanksgiving with a delightful display of nontraditional treats that go beyond the usual pies, presenting delicious flavors and incredible creativity to sweeten your holiday celebrations.

Thanksgiving Turkey Brownies

batch of Thanksgiving turkey brownies

Source: Two Kids and a Coupon

These cute turkey brownies are an adorable treat to serve after your Thanksgiving dinner. The kids will go crazy for them, and all the adults will want the recipe. And the best part is they can be ready in just 10 – 15 minutes!

Pumpkin Pie Dip with Cinnamon Chips

bowl of pumpkin pie dip with cinnamon chips

Source: Moms Who Save

For a delicious way to enjoy pumpkin at your holiday gathering, try this pumpkin pie dip with these flavorful crunchy cinnamon and sugar chips. Share them with your family or keep them all for yourself!

Savory Stuffed Crescent Roll Donuts

plate of savory stuffed crescent roll donuts

Source: Mama Likes to Cook

Savory crescent roll donuts are a fun twist on ordinary crescents. They have a cream cheese filling and the fun shape of a donut, perfect for Thanksgiving dessert or as an appetizer!

Tomato Chili Jam Tart

tomato chili jam tart with goat cheese

Source: Fit Mama Real Food

This tomato chili jam tart makes the perfect Thanksgiving side dish or appetizer. It’s filled with a sweet tomato jam that comes with the perfect hint of heat from roasted chili paste and sits on top of a layer of creamy goat cheese. Make it in advance for an easy start to your Thanksgiving Day!

Conclusion

There you have it: the most delicious nontraditional Thanksgiving sides for the perfect meal. Treat your guests to these new Thanksgiving side dishes to pair with your traditional turkey. With this extensive list of nontraditional recipes for salads, fruits, bread, casseroles, potatoes, pasta dishes, vegetables, stuffing, sauces, and desserts, there’s something for everyone this holiday season.

Have you tried any of these nontraditional Thanksgiving sides or have a favorite of your own? Let us know in the comments.

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100 Nontraditional Thanksgiving Sides for the Best Meal Ever

nontraditional Thanksgiving sides: caprese salad, fruit salad, potatoes au gratin, mac and cheese bites, and Hasselback potatoes

 

nontraditional Thanksgiving sides: potatoes au gratin

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