If you’re anything like us, you can agree that Thanksgiving side dishes make the meal. Sure, we love turkey, but you have to admit that those side dishes occupy our thoughts the most! And why not? They are super delicious, homemade, decadent, and truly the most comforting of all comfort foods.
The best part about Thanksgiving dinner is, hands down, the side dishes. Regardless of the size of the gathering, it’s customary to have at least 4-6 side dishes in addition to the turkey. They include classics like green bean casserole, sausage stuffing, and cranberry sauce, as well as Southern favorites like Texas creamed corn and loaded sweet potatoes. Don’t forget about dessert! Sweet morsels like pumpkin and pecan pie grace thousands of American tables each year. We have all of these and more for you to try. If you’re in the midst of building your Thanksgiving menu, we’ve got you covered!
While most of these recipes are cooked on the grill or smoker, you can easily use your stovetop or oven to cook them. So buckle up, and let’s get started!
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
This creamy, delicious twice-baked potato casserole is out of this world. Think of it as upgraded mashed potatoes. It is a great comfort food item that also makes the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving feast! Serve with turkey and a generous helping of gravy.
Smoked Green Bean Casserole
This smoked green bean casserole recipe combines the goodness of fresh green beans nestled in a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy french fried onions. But it doesn’t stop there. This green bean casserole gets a light kiss of smoke, taking it from good to amazingly delicious!
Smoked Sausage Stuffing
This easy, homemade smoked sausage stuffing is the perfect savory side dish for your Thanksgiving meal! The best part, besides the incredible flavor, is that this one pan meal that goes from the stovetop to smoker, and then right to the table. Easy, convenient, and oh so delicious!
Chipotle Cranberry Sauce
This must-try smoky chipotle cranberry sauce is perfect for Thanksgiving and special occasions. Whether you plan to cook a whole turkey or just the breast, this sauce will take your holiday meal to the next level. Sweet and tart with a splash of spice and earthiness, this chipotle cranberry sauce will amp up the flavor of poultry, pork roasts, and venison. It’s also great on pan-seared duck breasts!
Smoked Butternut Squash
This Smoked Butternut Squash recipe is super delicious and easy to make! It calls for a few simple ingredients, a pellet grill or smoker, and before you know it, you’ll have a succulent, smoked side dish fit for festive meals and comforting Sunday suppers.
Texas Creamed Corn
If you’ve ever lived in Texas, then you know that Texas creamed corn is a big deal. Why wouldn’t it be? It’s rich with a creamy texture, but has the sweet crunch of corn. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, you need to add this creamed corn recipe to you menu!
Smoked Pumpkin Pie
We first developed this smoked pumpkin pie recipe some years ago by smoking pumpkins and using the pureed flesh for these amazingly delicious pies. It was a huge hit! Smoking the pumpkins adds a new level of amazing flavor! Top this smoked pumpkin pie with sweetened whipped cream and a little caramel sauce for the perfect Thanksgiving dessert!
Loaded Sweet Potatoes
One of the most common side dishes at Thanksgiving is the marshmallow sweet potato casserole. Some of us loved it, some of us didn’t. However, our smoked loaded sweet potatoes take this traditional holiday staple to a whole new level. These sweet potatoes are smoked then topped with a delicious butter spice mixture and marshmallows at the end of cooking time. The hint of smoke sets this dish apart from its predecessor! What’s even better? They are the perfect individual portion!
Smoked Au Gratin Potatoes
There are few things better than creamy au gratin potatoes, but placing this popular comfort food into the smoker increases the flavor tenfold. We were impressed with the light smokiness, crisped edges, and all that cheesy, buttery goodness. Serve it with smoked or roasted turkey or ham.
Easy Smoked Turkey Gravy
We know you’re super busy preparing for the big day, and this is why we created this simple gravy solution! Instead of going through all the hassle of smoking a turkey wings solely for the purpose of making gravy, we use a store-bought smoked turkey leg (drumstick) instead. No need to collect turkey drippings from the pan!
Texas Pecan Pie
When it comes to dessert, Texas Pecan Pie holds a special place in our hearts. This sweet pecan dessert is a staple at holiday gatherings and potlucks across the Lone Star State.
Grilled Carrots with Maple Glaze
Looking for an easy side dish? Get ready to fire up the grill. These grilled carrots with a maple syrup glaze will have your taste buds begging for more! This is the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, and picky eaters love them too!
Skillet Gochujang Brussels Sprouts
Time to eat your vegetables! This easy, homemade brussels sprouts recipe combines the earthy flavors of gochujang with honey, bacon, and a hit of smokiness. Look no further if you’re searching for a new holiday side dish or meal prep idea! These skillet gochujang brussels sprouts are a hit at our gatherings, and we think you’ll love the too!
Smoked Sweet Potato Pie
Nothing screams Fall like a freshly made pie with creamy sweet potatoes, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flaky crust. The best part is that cooking sweet potatoes in a smoker is so easy! Especially if you’re using a pellet grill. Set it and forget it; let the sweet potatoes cool, and you’ll have slightly smoky, fresh sweet potato flesh to make your filling.
Chive and Cheddar Corn Pudding
Corn pudding is a Southern baked dish made of whole kernel corn (and sometimes fresh, creamed, canned, or frozen corn), a binding agent, milk, and cheese. This savory pudding originated in Appalachia and has made its rounds in the rest of the nation. Corn pudding is easy to make, is a great side dish for Thanksgiving, and you can serve it hot or cold.
Smoked Hasselback Potatoes
These smoked Hasselback potatoes, also known as accordion potatoes, are incredibly delicious and so easy to make! Skip the oven and place them right into the smoker. In 2 hours, you’ll have the perfectly tender smoked potatoes to pair with your turkey.
Skillet Cornbread
A delicious homemade Southern comfort food staple. Make this Easy Skillet Cornbread in no time at all and have it on your Thanksgiving table hot and ready to eat!
Hot Cheeto Queso Mac and Cheese
As Texans, we feel that queso is the best cheese sauce on earth. Not only does it make a memorable dip, but it’s great on tacos, potatoes, and even macaroni and cheese. Queso, coupled with hot Cheetos, is a Southwest, Tex-Mex dream come true. Serve this macaroni and cheese recipe at Friendsgiving (or Thanksgiving).
Easy Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
These grilled cauliflower steaks pair perfectly with smoked turkey or ham. But even better, they can stand alone as a main course. If you have a vegan, vegetarian in you group, this recipe a great option.
Garlic Cheese Bread
Ditch the rolls and serve this instead! This homemade cheesy garlic bread is one of the easiest side dishes you can prepare on your grill. The melted cheese and garlic butter goodness is simply delectable! You’ll want to make up more than one loaf. It’ll be gone before you know it.
