What to Serve with Turkey (23 Best Side Dishes)

Wondering what to serve with turkey to make a good meal an extraordinary one?

Read on to discover some mouthwatering options to make your next turkey dinner an unforgettable feast.

20+ Best Turkey Side Dishes

Turkey is a staple of many holiday meals, but it’s the side dishes that can make all the difference between a good meal and a great one.

From classic stuffing and cranberry sauce to mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, the possibilities are endless.

If you want to take your Thanksgiving feast to the next level, be sure to check out this collection of what to serve with turkey!

1. Green Bean Casserole 

Green beans are the ultimate sidekick for turkey.

Not only are they delicious and nutritious, but they also add a burst of vibrant color to your plate. 

This casserole’s creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions add a savory crunch and a burst of flavor.

This perfectly complements the juicy turkey. 

Plus, it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. No wonder this classic side dish has been a holiday staple for generations! 

2. Sausage and Herb Stuffing

Sausage and herb stuffing recipe is an indulgent side dish that can transform your turkey dinner into a flavor explosion. 

This delicious stuffing is packed with juicy sausage combined with savory herbs and spices, and baked to perfection. 

Its hearty texture and rich flavor complement the tender and juicy turkey meat.

It’s guaranteed to impress your guests and make your Thanksgiving dinner an unforgettable feast!

3. Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are already a classic side for turkey.

But when you add ooey-gooey cheese and crispy bacon bits, you take it to a whole new level of yum. 

I mean, it’s cheese and bacon over potatoes, so how can you go wrong?

The savory flavors and contrasting textures of this dish make it a great complement to tender turkey meat. 

4. Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a tasty and healthy side dish that can add a pop of color to your turkey dinner. 

When roasted to crispy perfection, these little veggies become irresistible with their nutty flavor and tender texture. 

They offer a fresh and light component to your rich and savory turkey dinner. 

5. Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Baked mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can turn any turkey dinner into a cozy feast. 

The combination of tender pasta and ooey-gooey cheese baked to crispy perfection is simply irresistible!

Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love. 

6. Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert. So naturally, it pairs well with turkey!

The rich and creamy filling, with its excellent blend of spices and sweetness, is a great ending to a savory feast. 

Plus, its iconic autumnal flavor and aroma evoke all the comforts of the season. 

Whether topped with whipped cream or served à la mode, pumpkin pie is a classic dessert that always hits the spot.

7. Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

These candied sweet potatoes are the ultimate dessert that brings a touch of Southern hospitality to your turkey feast. 

These tender and caramelized sweet potatoes, with their warm and comforting flavor, are a delightful alternative to traditional pies. 

Whether served as a side or a dessert, these sweet potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.

8. Pinwheel Sandwiches

Pinwheel sandwiches are a fun and tasty side dish that can add a fresh and colorful touch to any meal. 

These tasty snacks are bursting with flavor.

They feature a variety of fresh veggies, deli meat, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla that’s smeared with cream cheese and ranch.

Their bite-sized and easy-to-eat nature makes them the perfect complement to a full turkey dinner. 

Plus, they’re versatile and customizable, so you can easily tailor them to your guests’ preferences. 

9. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are the perfect side dish to add a touch of classic elegance to your dinner.

These little bites are both delicious and easy to prepare, with creamy egg yolks blended with tangy mustard, mayonnaise, and spices. 

Their versatility allows you to experiment with different flavors and toppings. Plus, they’re always a hit at parties! 

10. Fresh Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce and turkey are the ultimate power couple of the holiday season! 

The tart and tangy flavor of cranberry sauce perfectly complements the rich and savory taste of turkey.

Together, they create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors. 

Plus, cranberry sauce adds a pop of vibrant color to your plate, making it a festive and visually appealing addition to your meal. 

11. Creamed Corn Casserole

Creamed corn casserole is the unsung hero of the Thanksgiving table.

Creamy and decadent, this side dish goes perfectly with turkey. 

Its comforting and nostalgic flavor evokes all the warmth and coziness of the holiday season.

It’s a familiar comfort food that’ll keep you coming back for more. 

12. Turkey Gravy

I like to think of gravy as the glue that holds the turkey feast together. 

This savory and rich sauce adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture to every bite of turkey meat. 

Whether you prefer it smooth or chunky, gravy is the ultimate finishing touch that brings the whole meal together.

13. Rice Pilaf with Peas and Carrots

I’m always on the hunt for recipes with frozen peas (because I always seem to have a bunch in the freezer!).

And this fluffy and fragrant rice pilaf studded with sweet and tender peas and carrots is just the thing.

Its subtle and delicate flavor pairs perfectly with the bold taste of turkey, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. 

Plus, it’s hearty, and its vibrant and festive colors add a beautiful pop to your plate. 

14. Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Cranberry quinoa salad is the healthy and delicious side dish your turkey dinner has been missing! 

This flavorful salad features a mix of nutrient-packed quinoa, hearty kale, crunchy veggies, sweet cranberries, and toasty almonds.

It’s all tossed in a zesty mustard balsamic vinaigrette. 

Its fresh and bright flavors perfectly balance the richness of turkey, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal. 

15. Pecan Tartlets 

Pecan tartlets are a decadent bite-sized dessert that adds a touch of indulgence to any celebration.

These delectable treats feature a buttery and tender shortcrust pastry, filled with a luscious and nutty pecan pie filling. 

Their rich and indulgent flavor creates a satisfying and memorable end to your Thanksgiving feast. 

Plus, their charming appearance makes them a hit among all ages.

16. Dinner Rolls

These soft and fluffy rolls provide a light and airy contrast to the rich and filling flavors of turkey and its side dishes. 

They serve as a practical way to soak up any leftover gravy or sauces on your plate. 

Plus, they’re an excellent vehicle for making mini turkey sandwiches the next day with all those leftovers!

17. Ratatouille

Ah, ratatouille! The name might sound a bit fancy, but this classic French vegetable stew is anything but stuffy. 

Ratatouille is a colorful medley of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.

It’s all slow-cooked to perfection in a fragrant blend of herbs and spices. 

This hearty and nutritious dish is perfect for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

It’s a great way to add some variety and pizzazz to your turkey dinner. 

18. Cauliflower Cheese

Cauliflower cheese is the dish that makes cauliflower finally feel like it’s part of the cool kid’s club. 

It’s hard to resist the lure of tender cauliflower florets, smothered in a creamy cheese sauce that oozes around them like a warm hug. 

And if you’re looking for the perfect pairing for your cauliflower cheese, look no further than turkey. 

The mild flavor of turkey is the perfect complement to the rich, cheesy goodness of cauliflower cheese.

19. Buttermilk Cornbread

Buttermilk cornbread is a Southern classic that never disappoints.

Its delicious blend of tangy buttermilk and sweet cornmeal creates a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. 

It’s an ideal accompaniment for turkey. It’s so delicious but also absorbs all the gravy and sauces on your plate. 

20. Garden Salad 

Get your tastebuds ready for a refreshing and healthy treat: the garden salad! 

This colorful medley of crisp lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy onion, sweet carrots, spicy radishes, and refreshing cucumber is a feast for the senses. 

And the best part? You can customize it with your dressing of choice for the perfect flavor explosion.

Serve up this garden salad with some juicy turkey for a hearty yet healthy meal.

21. Honey Roasted Carrots

These golden and tender roasted carrots are coated in a sticky glaze made of honey and olive oil.

The dish creates a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Pairing this side dish with turkey is a great idea, as the sweetness of the carrots complements the savoriness of the turkey.

22. Celeriac Puree

This creamy and garlicky puree made from celery root is the perfect addition to any special meal. 

It’s a wonderful alternative to potatoes, and it’s so delicious you’ll wonder why you never tried it before.

And when it comes to pairing celeriac puree with turkey, the answer is a resounding yes!

Its nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the savory bird. 

23. Au Gratin Potatoes

Au gratin potatoes are a favorite for good reason. They’re creamy, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying. 

Made with thinly sliced potatoes and a cheesy sauce, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday gatherings.

Serve this side dish alongside roasted turkey and all the fix-ins for a memorable Thanksgiving feast.