14 Thanksgiving recipes side dishes unique

If you’re looking to bring something truly memorable to your Thanksgiving table this year, try these 14 unique side dishes that go beyond the usual mashed potatoes and stuffing.

From globally inspired flavors to creative twists on classics, these recipes will impress every guest.

1. Maple Roasted Carrots with Pistachios

Sweet roasted carrots glazed with maple syrup and sprinkled with crushed pistachios create a colorful, crunchy delight.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• Salt and pepper

• ¼ cup chopped pistachios

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender.

4. Sprinkle pistachios before serving.

2. Cranberry Orange Couscous

A refreshing citrus twist with tart cranberries and fluffy couscous for a light, festive side.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous

• 1 cup boiling water

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• Zest and juice of 1 orange

• 1 tbsp butter

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Pour boiling water over couscous, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes.

2. Fluff with a fork, add butter, cranberries, orange zest, and juice.

3. Mix and serve warm.

3. Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts tossed in balsamic reduction and smoky bacon pieces.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

• 3 strips bacon, chopped

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp honey

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook bacon until crisp; remove and set aside.

2. Add sprouts to the pan and roast until browned.

3. Mix balsamic and honey; drizzle over sprouts.

4. Add bacon back and toss.

Read More: 14 Thanksgiving dishes dessert

4. Parmesan Garlic Cauliflower Steaks

Thick cauliflower slices roasted with garlic butter and parmesan make a hearty, low-carb side.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cauliflower

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup grated parmesan

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Slice cauliflower into 1-inch thick steaks.

2. Brush with butter and garlic.

3. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25 minutes.

4. Sprinkle parmesan and broil for 2–3 minutes.

5. Sweet Potato and Pecan Skillet

Roasted sweet potatoes mixed with toasted pecans and a hint of cinnamon make a warm, nutty dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes, cubed

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ¼ cup pecans

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Roast sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.

2. Add pecans, cinnamon, and maple syrup.

3. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes.

6. Garlic Lemon Green Beans with Almonds

A bright, crunchy green bean dish dressed with zesty lemon and toasted almonds.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• ¼ cup sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. Blanch beans for 3 minutes, then drain.

2. Sauté garlic in olive oil.

3. Add beans, lemon juice, and almonds.

4. Stir for 2 minutes and serve.

7. Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad

A healthy and colorful mix of roasted squash, quinoa, and cranberries with a tangy vinaigrette.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• 1 cup roasted butternut squash cubes

• ¼ cup dried cranberries

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Toss with olive oil and vinegar.

3. Serve warm or cold.

8. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Sweet roasted beets paired with creamy goat cheese make a vibrant, elegant side.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium beets, roasted and sliced

• 2 oz goat cheese

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss roasted beets with olive oil and vinegar.

2. Top with goat cheese crumbles.

3. Season and serve.

9. Cornbread and Chorizo Stuffing

A bold take on traditional stuffing with smoky chorizo and sweet cornbread.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed cornbread

• ½ lb chorizo sausage

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Cook chorizo and onion in a skillet.

2. Add cornbread and butter.

3. Pour in broth and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.

Read More: 14 Thanksgiving recipes side dishes fruit

10. Garlic Herb Mashed Turnips

A lighter alternative to mashed potatoes with a flavorful garlic-herb touch.

Ingredients:

• 3 large turnips, peeled and cubed

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme or rosemary)

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Boil turnips until soft, about 20 minutes.

2. Mash with butter, garlic, and herbs.

3. Season and serve warm.

11. Honey Butter Roasted Corn

Golden roasted corn brushed with sweet honey butter for a rich, caramelized side.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups corn kernels

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp honey

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter and honey together.

2. Toss corn in the mixture.

3. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.

12. Smashed Baby Potatoes with Rosemary

Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these potatoes are infused with rosemary flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb baby potatoes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp rosemary

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until tender.

2. Smash lightly and drizzle with oil.

3. Sprinkle rosemary, roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes.

13. Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

A crisp, tangy slaw with apples, cabbage, and cranberries adds freshness to your meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage

• 1 apple, julienned

• ¼ cup dried cranberries

• 2 tbsp mayo

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

2. Mix until evenly coated.

3. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

14. Roasted Garlic Mushroom Medley

A savory mix of mushrooms roasted with garlic and herbs for a flavorful, earthy finish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed mushrooms

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp thyme

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Toss mushrooms with oil, garlic, and thyme.

2. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes.

3. Serve hot.

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These unique Thanksgiving side dishes bring creativity and variety to your holiday table.

Whether you prefer something savory, sweet, or refreshing, there’s a dish here to complement any main course and surprise your guests.