It’s not a proper Thanksgiving if the sides don’t spark a few heated debates, and this collection of 35 recipes is built for just that. These dishes aren’t afraid to be the main event, even with someone brandishing a ladle nearby. Each recipe offers a new way to rethink what belongs next to the turkey, no drowning required. Brace yourself for guests who may reconsider their loyalty to gravy.

Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Among the choices that outshine classics, Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin stands out for its comfort and ease. This smooth, velvety soup relies on canned pumpkin to save you time without losing any flavor. Paired with a touch of cream and subtle spices, it provides a warm alternative to traditional starters at your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin

Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

While many side dishes cater to rich and heavy flavors, Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon brings balance with tang and a touch of smokiness. The combination of red cabbage, bacon pieces, and vinegar offers a vibrant burst that contrasts nicely with heavier staples. Its lively color and crisp-tender texture make it hard to ignore on any table spread.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Sour Red Cabbage with Bacon

Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Potato dishes have steep competition, and Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes easily rival anything topped with sauce. The potatoes absorb aromatic rosemary and plenty of garlic as they simmer gently, producing deeply infused flavor in every bite. Their irresistibly soft texture offers a welcome alternative to standard mashed or roasted styles.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Smoked Tomatoes

Enhancing your table with Smoked Tomatoes introduces an understated yet powerful layer of flavor. Smoking tomatoes transforms their natural sweetness and delivers a gentle complexity that suits many main courses. Their subtly charred taste stands firmly on its own, requiring little in the way of embellishment.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomatoes

Easy German Potato Salad

When you’re looking to skip the heaviness of gravied dishes, Easy German Potato Salad delivers a lighter but bold-tasting alternative. Tossed with vinegar, mustard, and crisp onions, it presents a tangy profile without extra cream or butter. The addition of bite-sized potatoes ensures it’s familiar but never dull, making it an appealing option for all ages.
Get the Recipe: Easy German Potato Salad

Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Going beyond common steamed versions, Smoked Brussels Sprouts offer a deeper, richer taste. Smoking infuses each sprout with woodsy notes that can compete with heartier elements at your meal. Their tender inside and charred outside contrast beautifully on the plate. Switching to this recipe lets you celebrate vegetables in a way that doesn’t need extra sauces poured over top.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

Simple to prepare and appealing to many, Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer make a practical and crowd-pleasing addition. Using the air fryer delivers crisp edges while keeping the insides soft and naturally sweet. Minimal oil is needed, so the natural flavor of sweet potato comes through without extra heaviness.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

Polenta with Mascarpone

Instead of relying on tradition, Polenta with Mascarpone brings creamy texture and a rich finish that pairs well with many main dishes. The mascarpone adds a silkiness that lingers without being overpowering. As a base or a dynamic side, it has enough character to be remembered well after the meal. Consider offering this if you want to provide an unexpected but welcome pairing for other courses.
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone

Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Classic mashed potatoes take a back seat to Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese, which delivers fluffiness and a rich, smooth flavor in every forkful. Cream cheese brings a mild tang that enhances the potato without overwhelming it. This extra creaminess makes them a standout alternative to traditional versions.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

With texture and spice, Grilled Elote Corn Ribs stand out as a fun and hands-on alternative. Each rib is coated with seasonings and grilled, offering caramelization and a gentle smoky note. Finished with a creamy topping and spices, these corn ribs provide an engaging contrast to overly sauced fare. They’re perfect for those who enjoy a little crunch and boldness in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Shirazi Salad

Light and refreshing, Shirazi Salad offers sharpness and vibrancy that challenge often heavy side dishes. Made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant herbs, it brings brightness to any plate. A squeeze of lemon ties everything together and highlights the freshness of the produce. This option fits perfectly if you’re seeking to refresh your palate between richer courses.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Classic Corn Pudding Casserole

Bringing classic comfort, Classic Corn Pudding Casserole features tender corn baked into a soft, slightly sweet custard. This dish has just enough structure to make each slice delicious while remaining soft and spoonable. Corn’s natural sweetness is balanced with a gentle creaminess, making it a welcome addition to any festive plate.
Get the Recipe: Classic Corn Pudding Casserole

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Without taking up oven space, Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans deliver well-seasoned beans with a lovely texture. Traditional Southern flavors are achieved with slow-cooked onions and smoky bits of ham or bacon nestled among the beans. They develop flavor over several hours, allowing each bite to showcase the careful cooking process.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Pickled Yellow Beans

For those seeking a break from heaviness, Pickled Yellow Beans provide crisp texture and bright acidity that refresh the palate. Their tang comes from a quick pickling process that highlights the beans’ natural sweetness. These make an ideal palate cleanser when served alongside richer choices. Add them to your table for a pop of color and a welcome tart contrast.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Yellow Beans

Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Adding depth to a classic favorite, Smoked Sweet Potatoes offer rich flavor from a gentle smoking process. The natural sugars in sweet potatoes react beautifully with smoke, producing a unique taste that stands apart. Slicing into these reveals tender interiors that don’t need extra embellishment. Impress your guests by bringing a new version of a well-loved dish to the table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

With smooth texture and lush flavor, Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone transforms bare spinach into a show-stealer. Mascarpone adds creaminess and a slight tang, giving the greens a luxurious finish. This approach avoids heaviness from excessive cream, keeping the focus on spinach’s flavor. Try this side when you need something that both supports and uplifts richer main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!)

If you want a blend that’s more than mashed, Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!) mixes soft potatoes and tender cabbage for a comforting side. Unlike the traditional dish, this version keeps the elements distinct, providing more variety in each forkful. The cabbage adds gentle sweetness and a different texture to familiar potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!)

Smoked Cauliflower

Going beyond simple steaming or roasting, Smoked Cauliflower brings a subtly complex taste to the humble vegetable. Light smoking intensifies the flavor while maintaining a tender bite. Its mild taste acts as a perfect canvas for spices or herbs, but it’s strong enough to hold its own. Add this to your set of sides to see how a smoky note can rival even the richest sauces.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower

Ukrainian Potatoes

Combining rustic appeal and straightforward seasoning, Ukrainian Potatoes feature pan-fried potatoes seasoned with fresh herbs. Each bite is packed with earthy flavor and slightly crispy edges, thanks to their unique preparation style. They offer a different approach compared to creamy or heavily buttered potato dishes. This recipe adds variety and soul to your spread with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes

Mediterranean Rice

Those looking for fragrant grains may reach for Mediterranean Rice, which is packed with herbs, vegetables, and a touch of spice. Each grain stays separate, providing a fluffy texture that pairs well with many main dishes. The inclusion of lemon and fresh herbs brightens every bite. Opt for this when you want a lighter grain-based dish that easily competes with heavier features.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Subtle and clean flavors come together in Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill, making each bite refreshing. Steamed or lightly blanched, the cauliflower soaks up the citrus and herbal elements without losing its natural snap. This dish is an easy way to add brightness and a little crunch to your selection. It works beautifully as a palate cleanser between richer options.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Mexican Black Beans

Bold flavors and plenty of seasoning make Mexican Black Beans a stand-out at any meal. Slow simmering with spices yields tender beans and a thick, robust sauce. This side not only adds color to the table but also delivers fiber and protein, letting you offer a nutritious choice. Pass these beans alongside heavier options to show how a humble ingredient can earn the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans

German Yellow Beans

For a twist on green beans, German Yellow Beans bring a slight sweetness and tang, often dressed with vinegar and herbs. Their unique color is eye-catching, while their tender texture offers a change from standard greens. This option is a practical way to introduce variety to the plate. Consider serving these when you need a subtle but memorable side.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans

Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

When you’re keen on a bolder option, Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers bring heat and richness under a smoky blanket. Tasty pork is packed into jalapeños, then gently smoked until the flavors meld together. The result is a combination of spice, smoke, and juicy filling. These poppers give you a reason to skip heavier baked sides and reach for something with a kick.
Get the Recipe: Pork Stuffed Smoked Jalapeno Poppers

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Crisp on the outside and infused with citrus, Greek Lemon Potatoes are oven-roasted and soaked in a lemony broth. Their bright, aromatic quality cuts through the richness found in many traditional meals. Each bite delivers both tang and a fluffy interior that sets them apart from standard roast potatoes. This side easily competes for attention on a crowded plate.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes

Bacon Fried Corn

Amplifying the natural sweetness of corn, Bacon Fried Corn uses bits of smoky bacon and fresh corn kernels to create an irresistible blend. The bacon fat delivers subtle depth, while a quick fry gives the kernels a bit of caramelization. This dish adds a delicious pop and a little crunch to your array of sides. Pass this around when you want to highlight veggies in a new light.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

Instead of heaping on gravy, Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon win hearts with a creamy topping and smoky, crisp bacon. The sour cream gives each bite tang and smoothness, making this dish feel rich without being overwhelming. As a crowd-pleasing classic, it works well for casual get-togethers or special gatherings. Add this to your lineup for a sure-fire conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

Smoked Spaghetti Squash

Taking a nontraditional route, Smoked Spaghetti Squash stands apart with its stringy texture and lightly smoky scent. Simple seasoning lets the squash flavor come forward while mild smoke weaves through every bite. It makes a nutritious, lower-carb alternative that doesn’t shy away from attention. This dish pairs well with a wide variety of proteins, or if you’re after something different.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Spaghetti Squash

Sweet Potato Casserole

Often seen as a treat, Sweet Potato Casserole brings together creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery topping. Marshmallows or pecans are often included for added contrast, making it a crowd favorite among kids and adults. It’s a comforting option that can easily be mistaken for a dessert but holds its place among main-course companions.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

If you’re pressed to move beyond plain sprouts, Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds deliver a nutty, rich taste with added crunch. The brown butter brings toasted notes and deepens the flavor, while the almonds add texture. This recipe transforms Brussels sprouts into a favorite rather than an afterthought. It brings a lot of character to the sides’ lineup without needing gravy at all.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

Combined textures and familiar flavors make Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli a staple that easily draws attention. Fresh broccoli and fluffy rice are baked with a creamy sauce to hold everything together. Every serving feels hearty, practical, and never too heavy. This dish pairs well with nearly any main and doesn’t need gravy to be enjoyed fully.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

For a high-impact, lower-fat side, Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon provides tang, sweetness, and a bit of tasty crunch. Apples and bacon balance the fermented sharpness that makes sauerkraut stand out. Each forkful brings complexity using simple ingredients. Serve it for interest and texture that will surprise your guests compared to traditional casseroles.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Corn Fritters

Tantalizing the senses with crispy texture, Corn Fritters feature sweet corn enveloped in a tender batter and quickly fried. The exterior is golden and light, while the inside remains moist. These bite-sized cakes work well as finger food or a side that doesn’t depend on sauce or gravy. Add them to your spread for a change from baked or steamed sides.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

Baked Spanish Rice

With layers of tomato, garlic, and just the right amount of herb, Baked Spanish Rice brings a vibrant flavor and fluffy texture to your meal. Baked instead of simmered, the rice absorbs more flavor and holds its shape. This dish brings a lively color and taste that contrasts with any rich main course. It’s a practical choice if you’re seeking a grain-focused side that stands tall on its own.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Modern and convenient, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes present a crisp exterior with a tender inside, achieved with very little oil. The small pieces ensure quick, even cooking, letting the sweet potato flavor remain front and center. Their bite-sized shape makes them easy for guests to sample alongside more substantial dishes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes