12 Thanksgiving recipes side dishes spinach

Spinach is one of the most versatile ingredients you can serve on Thanksgiving.

It adds freshness, nutrition, and vibrant color to your feast.

Whether you love creamy, cheesy, or fresh dishes, these 12 spinach side dishes will fit right into your Thanksgiving menu.

1. Creamed Spinach

A rich and creamy classic that pairs perfectly with turkey and mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh spinach

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan

Instructions:

  1. Sauté spinach in butter until wilted.

  2. Stir in cream and Parmesan.

  3. Cook for 3–4 minutes until creamy.

2. Spinach and Artichoke Casserole

A warm, cheesy casserole everyone will love.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups spinach

  • 1 can artichoke hearts (chopped)

  • 1 cup cream cheese

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella

Instructions:

  1. Mix spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, and mozzarella.

  2. Spread in a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.

3. Spinach Salad with Cranberries

A light and refreshing side to balance rich Thanksgiving dishes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups spinach leaves

  • ¼ cup dried cranberries

  • ¼ cup feta cheese

  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette

Instructions:

  1. Toss spinach, cranberries, and feta together.

  2. Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve.

4. Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

Bite-sized savory appetizers full of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 12 large mushrooms

  • 1 cup chopped spinach

  • ¼ cup cream cheese

  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

  1. Mix spinach, cream cheese, and breadcrumbs.

  2. Fill mushroom caps and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.

5. Garlic Sautéed Spinach

Simple, healthy, and flavorful.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups spinach

  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil and sauté garlic.

  2. Add spinach and cook until wilted.

  3. Season with salt and serve warm.

6. Spinach Gratin

Creamy spinach topped with a crispy, cheesy crust.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups spinach

  • 1 cup cream

  • ½ cup shredded Gruyère

  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

  1. Mix spinach and cream in a baking dish.

  2. Sprinkle cheese and breadcrumbs on top.

  3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.

7. Spinach and Sweet Potato Bake

A colorful and hearty side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups spinach

  • 2 sweet potatoes (sliced)

  • ½ cup shredded cheese

  • ½ cup milk

Instructions:

  1. Layer sweet potatoes and spinach in a dish.

  2. Pour milk and top with cheese.

  3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.

8. Spinach Quiche

A flaky, cheesy dish perfect for brunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pie crust

  • 2 cups spinach

  • 3 eggs

  • ½ cup milk

  • ½ cup cheese

Instructions:

  1. Mix spinach, eggs, milk, and cheese.

  2. Pour into crust and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes.

9. Spinach and Rice Pilaf

A hearty and comforting side to pair with turkey or ham.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice

  • 1 cup spinach

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • 1 garlic clove (minced)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté garlic in butter, add spinach until wilted.

  2. Stir in rice and mix well.

Read More: 12 Thanksgiving cookies recipes

10. Spinach and Berry Salad

A fresh mix of greens and fruits for a sweet, tangy touch.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups spinach

  • ½ cup mixed berries

  • ¼ cup pecans

  • 2 tbsp honey mustard dressing

Instructions:

  1. Combine spinach, berries, and pecans.

  2. Toss with dressing before serving.

11. Spinach Mashed Potatoes

A twist on classic mashed potatoes with added greens.

Ingredients:

  • 3 potatoes (boiled)

  • 1 cup spinach

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • ¼ cup milk

Instructions:

  1. Mash potatoes with butter and milk.

  2. Stir in wilted spinach and mix until smooth.

12. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Pastries

Flaky, cheesy, and great as a side or appetizer.

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry

  • 2 cups spinach

  • ½ cup feta cheese

  • 1 egg (beaten)

Instructions:

  1. Mix spinach and feta.

  2. Fill pastry squares and seal edges.

  3. Brush with egg and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.


These 12 spinach side dishes are flavorful, colorful, and easy to prepare — a great way to add something green to your Thanksgiving spread.

From creamy casseroles to fresh salads, each recipe brings a unique twist to your table.

Scroll to Top