Updated on Nov 25, 2024 at 12:10 PM
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to try out some fun, new recipes. And while there are tons of traditional Thanksgiving classics like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, there are a lot of unique Thanksgiving side dish ideas out there too.
Whether you’re in the mood to try something new or you just can’t stomach your aunt’s hefty green bean casserole another year, these Thanksgiving side dish ideas are sure to reinvigorate your upcoming Thanksgiving spread and appetite. Plus, they can even be used as a Friendsgiving food idea too. (Just don’t forget general Friendsgiving etiquette, and make sure to coordinate what you’re bringing with the host or other guests.)
From a refreshing take on cornbread to vegan-friendly dishes like sourdough stuffing, there’s a unique Thanksgiving side dish idea here for everybody. If you need more Thanksgiving inspiration, feel free to consider this cinnamon-butter Thanksgiving carrots recipe or even these chocolate-covered strawberry turkeys instead.
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Half Baked HarvestUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole With Bacon and PecansGive the classic sweet potato casserole a makeover with this buttery bourbon sweet potato casserole with bacon and pecans. Rich bacon pecans are layered on top of hearty potatoes, meaning your taste buds will get the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
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Alexandra’s KitchenUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Butternut Squash LasagnaButternut squat is a traditional Thanksgiving side, but lasagna? Not so much. This creative butternut squash lasagna will surprise the whole family with its complex and savory flavor, thanks to mushrooms, Swiss chard, mozzarella, and parmesan.
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Cooking For KeepsUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Pumpkin and Cheddar Scalloped PotatoesScalloped potatoes are a classic, and this recipe incorporates pumpkin, which makes it that much more perfect as a Thanksgiving side dish idea. With every bite of these pumpkin and cheddar scalloped potatoes, you’ll get notes of sweet pumpkin puree and creamy cheddar cheese.
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PS Photography | Nicole PerryUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Ina Garten’s Make-Ahead Goat Cheese Mashed PotatoesIf we didn’t have you at “goat cheese” and “mashed potatoes,” get this: these rich and velvety spuds are made with just a few staple ingredients and can be prepped up to three days ahead of time. You can thank culinary queen Ina Garten for this genius make-ahead goat cheese baked mashed potatoes recipe.
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A Cozy KitchenUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Twice-Baked Acorn Squash With Maple Butter and PecansYou’ve heard of twice-baked potatoes, but have you heard of twice-baked acorn squash? These cute little cups are filled with all the best flavors of the season along with creamy maple butter and crunchy pecans. Make these twice-baked acorn squash with maple butter and pecans for a fall dinner or as a unique Thanksgiving side dish.
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PS Photography | Brandi MilloyUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes With Thyme and Blue CheeseIf you have a slow cooker, these slow-cooker sweet potatoes with thyme and blue cheese will be your new favorite Thanksgiving side dish. Blue cheese lends a sharp, pungent tang to the naturally sweet potatoes, and the thyme gives a fresh, earthy flavor to this tasty recipe. Even better, since these are made in a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it — giving you more time to focus on other important Thanksgiving prep.
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PS Photography | Nicole PerryUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Brussels Sprout, Beluga Lentil, and Cranberry Holiday SaladFresh, light, and bright, this Brussels sprout, beluga lentil, and cranberry holiday salad will be a gift to your taste buds. Nutritious kale, Brussels sprouts, and glossy black beluga lentils provide its wholesome base, while dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and clusters of clementine wedges are a festive nod to the season.
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Show Me the YummyUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Slow-Cooker Corn PuddingYou can never have enough corn (especially on the Thanksgiving table!), and this slow-cooker corn pudding recipe will prove why. With sweet corn, sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar, and more, it’s effortlessly rich and hearty.
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Half Baked HarvestUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Buttery Herbed Mashed PotatoesCream, fresh herbs, garlic, and crème fraîche work together to make these buttery herbed mashed potatoes the best of all time. Feel free to add as much gravy as you please.
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PS Photography | Nicole PerryUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Wild Rice Stuffing With MushroomsWild rice might not be quite as popular a stuffing base as cubes of a crusty boule or tender cornbread, but don’t discount it quite yet. Made with wild rice, brown rice, mushrooms, and just enough butter and olive oil to make it crave-worthy, this wild rice stuffing with mushrooms is a worthy contender for your holiday table this year.
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PS Photography | Anna Monette RobertsUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Curried Pumpkin SoupRich in flavor yet light on the butter and cream, this curried pumpkin soup is an easy seasonal starter or side dish that can be stored in the fridge and reheated when you need it. This particular pumpkin soup has a twist with the addition of ginger, curry powder, and coconut milk.
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Cooking ClassyUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: White Cheddar Cauliflower GratinSwap out the potatoes for some healthy healthy cauliflower in this mouthwatering recipe for white cheddar cauliflower gratin. If your family doesn’t care for veggies but you’d like to get some more on your Thanksgiving table, this is a perfect way in.
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Dinner at the ZooUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Loaded Corn CasseroleTake your basic corn casserole up a notch with all the fixings in this loaded corn casserole recipe. This easy Thanksgiving side dish combines the best of a creamy casserole and cornbread to satisfy both cravings in one.
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PS Photography | Nicole PerryUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Stuffing MuffinsSavory, comforting, and craveably carb-heavy, these stuffing muffins are flat-out adorable. Not sold on the cute factor? No matter; stuffing muffins are also pre-portioned, easier to serve, have more of those delectable crispy edges, and if — and that’s a big if — you have leftovers, they’re easy to pop in the freezer to keep fresh for days down the line.
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Averie CooksUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Cranberry Baked BrieGive your Thanksgiving feast a touch of elegance with cranberry baked Brie. It also works well as an appetizer, if you can’t wait until the main course to enjoy.
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Damn DeliciousUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Butternut Squash Mac and CheeseIf your family loves having mac and cheese on the Thanksgiving table, but you want to give it a seasonal twist, try this recipe for butternut squash mac and cheese. Just be warned; this side dish will go fast.
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Dishing Out HealthUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: 5-Ingredient Tahini-Thyme Brussels SproutsGive your go-to sprouts new life with this easy recipe for tahini-thyme brussels sprouts. They’re a creative and nutritious side dish for Thanksgiving that even the anti-veg will love.
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Dinner at the ZooUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Cranberry RelishCanned cranberry sauce is a classic, but if you want to showcase the real flavor of this holiday fruit, try this recipe for cranberry relish. With just four ingredients, it mixes fresh cranberries, apple, orange, and sugar to make a must-have Thanksgiving condiment that’s refreshingly tart.
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Foxes Love LemonsUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Rice Pilaf With Cranberries and PearsWhen it comes to carbs for your Thanksgiving dinner table, think beyond bread and potatoes. Try this nutritious rice pilaf with cranberries and pears that offers a pop of tart sweetness and fruity flavor.
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Spicy Southern KitchenUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Deep-Fried StuffingIf your family is the type that loves fried food, this recipe for deep-fried stuffing is for you. You can also use leftover stuffing to make this as a fun next-day meal.
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Well Plated by ErinUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Brussels Sprouts Mac and CheeseWhat’s better than plain Brussels sprouts? Brussels sprouts mac and cheese. Cheesy, savory, and full of different textures, this Thanksgiving side dish is sure to be a win.
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Cookie and KateUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Quinoa Stuffed Acorn SquashInstead of serving plain roasted acorn squash this Thanksgiving, try this ntritious quinoa stuffed acorn squash as a non-traditional Thanksgiving side.
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Damn DeliciousUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Baked Asparagus FriesRoasted asparagus is a great Thanksgiving side dish on its own, but when you turn this veggie into fries, it’ll really impress. For a fun, unique Thanksgiving side dish this year, try these backed asparagus fries.
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Izy Hossack – Top With CinnamonUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Simple Garlicky Vegan Sourdough StuffingBoxed stuffing has a quintessential Thanksgiving taste, but once you try this upgraded garlicky vegan sourdough stuffing, you’ll never go back. This recipe includes leeks, mushrooms, soy sauce, and sourdough bread, to give it tons of umami flavor.
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Sweet Peas and SaffronUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Brussels Sprouts Gratin With Butternut SquashInstead of making separate Brussels spouts and butternut squash dishes, combine the two classics to make a one-and-done unique Thanksgiving side. An easy way to do it is with this cheesy Brussels sprouts gratin with butternut squash recipe.
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Creme de la CrumbUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Chopped Autumn Salad With Apple Cider DressingThis chopped autumn salad with apple cider dressing is sweet, tangy, and savory, with crunchy apples, pears, and candied pecans, plus savory bacon and feta cheese. Just a few minutes of easy chopping yields a healthy Thanksgiving side anyone will love.
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PS Photography | Nicole PerryUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Blistered Green Beans With Mushrooms and Caramelized OnionsCaramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, a splash of sherry vinegar, and a toasted almond topping give unexpected flavor and texture to these simple blistered green beans. Make these for an easy, dairy-free green you can feel good about eating.
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PS Photography | Becky TaralaUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Cinnamon Butter Baked CarrotsThis cinnamon butter baked carrots dish looks like something you’d see at a restaurant, but it will be the easiest thing you make this Thanksgiving. Carrots are left whole, drizzled with a fragrant and simple mixture of butter and cinnamon, and baked until perfectly tender. They’re sure to disappear — even at the kids’ table.
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PS Photography | Anna Monette RobertsUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Pumpkin Cornbread Drop BiscuitsThese wholesome, cinnamony pumpkin cornbread drop biscuits satisfy a savory craving for pumpkin before dessert even makes it to the table. They’re also perfect for mini Thanksgiving sandwiches the next day (on the off chance that there are any leftovers!).
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Spicy Southern KitchenUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Grilled Garlic Parmesan CornWhile corn on the cob may be a primarily summer treat, this holiday is all about experimenting. Make this grilled garlic parmesan corn as a unique Thanksgiving side dish for your Friendsgiving or on the holiday itself. The buttery taste combined with the Parmesan cheese and hint of basil makes for the perfect veggie side.
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Simply Delicious FoodUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Crispy Salt and Pepper Smashed PotatoesNormal mashed potatoes are always good, but change things up with these salt and pepper smashed potatoes. They’re crispy and smooth at the same time, which is why they will be everyone’s favorite dish after just one bite.
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Averie CooksUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Slow-Cooker Sausage StuffingA few hours in the slow cooker brings out an unbelievable depth of flavor from rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley, and, of course, juicy sausage in this make-ahead slow-cooker sausage stuffing. While it hangs out in the slow cooker and makes your kitchen smell dreamy, you can prepare the rest of your feast in bliss.
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PS Photography | Camilla SalemUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Steamed Carrots With Olive Oil and LemonWant a super-simple dish? Look no further than these steamed carrots with olive oil and lemon. They’re tasty, delightful, and one of the easiest Thanksgiving side dishes on the menu.
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Half Baked HarvestUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Pull-Apart Garlic Butter Bread WreathAlmost everyone loves garlic bread, and it’s even better when it’s festive and easy to eat! This pull-apart garlic butter bread wreath is prefect for sharing and for avoiding a crumbly mess, whether presented as a Thanksgiving side dish or appetizer.
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Damn DeliciousUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Slow-Cooker Creamed CornIf corn is a non-negotiable on your Thanksgiving dinner table, give this slow-cooker creamed corn a shot. Not only is it easy to make, but it will also make everyone’s mouth water.
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Dinner at the ZooUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Bacon Green Bean BundlesSneak in vegetables and bacon at the same time by making these tasty bacon green bean bundles. They’re rich in flavor and have plenty of good-for-you nutrients, too!
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Cookie and KateUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Butternut TabboulehWith fresh mint, parsley, dried cranberries, and feta, this butternut tabbouleh pairs fall flavors with some unexpected twists — making it a great option for a unique Thanksgiving side dish. Even better, with veggies and whole grains, it packs tons of fiber and other important nutrients.
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Spicy Southern KitchenUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Pimento Cheese Creamed SpinachFull of cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream, this Pimento Cheese Creamed Spinach couldn’t get any richer. The flavors will balance out your Thanksgiving turkey and other sides perfectly.
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Cookies and CupsUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Creamy Cheesy CornbreadWhen is cornbread not the perfect side dish? This creamy cheesy cornbread is great on its own or can be eaten with other Thanksgiving sides, like gravy or cranberry sauce.
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Culinary HillUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Harvest Roasted VegetablesLooking for a healthier Thanksgiving side dish that will still steal the show? These harvest roasted vegetables are exactly what you’re looking for. Flavorful, in-season, and nutritious make the perfect combination.
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PS Photography | Kalea MartinUnique Thanksgiving Side Dish: Smashed BroccoliSmashing any vegetable is basically guaranteed to make it amazing, and smashed broccoli is no different. This viral recipe is beloved on TikTok, and it will be equally appreciated on your Thanksgiving table.
— Additional reporting by Taylor Andrews
Lisette Mejia was a former editor for PS News.
Taylor Andrews (she/her) is the balance editor at PS, specializing in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, travel, and more. With seven years of editorial experience, Taylor has a strong background in content creation and storytelling. Prior to joining PS in 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.