Give your holiday table a refresh with these non-traditional Thanksgiving sides, which combine old-school recipes with new ideas for a memorable feast.
1/28
Apple Sausage Stuffing
From the Recipe Creator:
Coming from an Italian family, I like to use lots of herbs and seasonings in my cooking. This treasured stuffing features Parmesan cheese, apples and walnuts. —Pamela Hewitt, Laguna Niguel, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 358 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 785mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
2/28
Cranberry Fluff
From the Recipe Creator:
This fluffy fruit salad gets its sweet-tart flavor from cranberries and whipped cream. We like it because it's not as sweet as many other 'fluffs.' I'm often asked for the secret to this luscious holiday salad. —Lavonne Hartel, Williston, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 264 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
3/28
Carrots Lyonnaise
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe from a junior high home economics class was brought home by my sister Laurie. My family liked it so much that it became a part of our Christmas dinner tradition. —Elizabeth Plants, Kirkwood, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 128 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 423mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
4/28
Granny’s Apple Scalloped Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
This scalloped potatoes with apples dish is delicious with baked breaded pork chops, which you could cook at the same time in another cast-iron pan. We are retired, so it’s just the two of us, but you could easily double the recipe to serve a crowd. —Shirley Rickis, The Villages, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 376 calories, 25g fat (15g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 651mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
5/28
Creamed Pearl Onions
From the Recipe Creator:
When our children were small, we always celebrated Christmas at our house. This was one of many recipes I relied on that could be prepared a day in advance, which gave me more time to spend with guests. Everyone expected to see this vegetable dish on the table every year. —Barbara Caserman, Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 151 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 440mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
6/28
Oyster Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came from my mother. She made it every Thanksgiving for my father, who absolutely loved it. —Amy Daniels, Brodhead, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 228 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
7/28
Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
From the Recipe Creator:
I always loved Brussels sprouts growing up, so I decided as an adult to bring them home to our family table. I've been making them ever since. —Brenda Washnock, Negaunee, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 253 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.
8/28
Wilted Lettuce Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
When we were kids, my sister and I would prepare the freshly picked lettuce for this wilted lettuce salad recipe, rinsing it several times and carefully drying it. As we did so, we quibbled about the portions we'd each have. Somehow, it seems she always managed to get more! We still can't get enough of this salad. —Doris Natvig, Jesup, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 118 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
9/28
Rosemary Beets
From the Recipe Creator:
For a simple side dish, I use a slow cooker and let the beets mellow with rosemary and thyme. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 200 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 511mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 fat.
10/28
Herbed Accordion Dinner Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
To dress up everyday dinner rolls, brush herbed butter over the dough, then form accordion rolls. The aroma from the oven is incredible! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 186 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
11/28
Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
From the Recipe Creator:
I took my mother's delicious sweet potato casserole and gave it a new twist by adding the tempting taste of orange—a fruit very abundant in our state. The flavors are wonderful together and make this dish a family favorite. —Norma Poole, Auburndale, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 312 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
12/28
Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
With a maple syrup and brown sugar glaze, this squash becomes pleasantly sweet. This is comfort food—easy to prepare and a tasty pairing with a pork entree. —Nancy Mueller, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 each: 251 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
13/28
Wild Rice Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
The wild rice adds a wonderful flavor to this casserole. I like to serve it on special occasions. —Jann Marie Foster, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 318 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
14/28
Cauliflower Gratin
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It's so creamy and delicious! If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top for the last five minutes in the oven. —Mary Zinchiak, Boardman, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 196 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
15/28
Cranberry Waldorf Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Cranberries grow in the coastal area about 50 miles from our home. When they become available, I always make this creamy salad. —Faye Huff, Longview, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 226 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
16/28
Herbed Pecan Stuffing
From the Recipe Creator:
I updated a basic stuffing recipe by using wholesome multigrain bread in place of customary white bread. It adds a hearty, crunchy taste to this Thanksgiving side. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 255 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 564mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
17/28
Grandma’s Cranberry Stuff
From the Recipe Creator:
What could taste better than turkey and cranberry on Thanksgiving Day? My grandmother's classic recipe makes the best cranberry stuff to share with your family and friends this holiday. —Catherine Cassidy, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 148 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
18/28
Creamed Spinach
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother made a variety of spinach dishes when I was growing up. This rich, delicious creamed version is the only one that stayed with me through the years. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 129 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
19/28
Marmalade Candied Carrots
From the Recipe Creator:
My favorite way to make baby carrots is to steam them, then drizzle with an orangey glaze that makes them candy-sweet. —Heather Clemmons, Supply, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 211 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
20/28
Country Turnip Greens
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’ve never tried making turnip greens, this recipe is an easy, tasty way to start. Pork and onions give the fresh greens wonderful flavor. —Sandra Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 317 calories, 28g fat (10g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 622mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
21/28
Creamy Polenta
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve this side with roasted chicken or grilled pork instead of potatoes or rice. Dress up the polenta by topping it with sauteed mushrooms, onions and spinach. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 196 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 491mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
22/28
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
From the Recipe Creator:
For a flavorful side dish, try this fried cabbage and bacon. It's not only delicious, but fast to fix when you need to get dinner on the table quickly. —Lori Thompson, New London, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 93 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 465mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
23/28
Ambrosia Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Because it’s so simple to make, this tropical fruit medley is great as a last-minute menu addition. Plus, this ambrosia salad requires just five ingredients. —Judi Bringegar, Liberty, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 247 calories, 14g fat (10g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 67mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
24/28
Cranberry-Apple Red Cabbage
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was looking for something new, I started playing with flavors and came up with this very tasty dish. My German grandmother would be impressed, I think! The colorful side dish is just right with pork. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 131 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
25/28
Favorite Marinated Mushrooms
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a nice way to serve mushrooms as an appetizer, and it also makes a great side dish for any type of meat. Sometimes I add these marinated mushrooms to salads for extra flavor, too. —Brenda Snyder, Hesston, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 166 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
26/28
Sweet Potato Stuffing
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom likes to make sure there will be enough stuffing to satisfy our large family. For our holiday gatherings, she slow-cooks this tasty sweet potato dressing in addition to the traditional stuffing cooked inside the turkey. —Kelly Pollock, London, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 212 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 459mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
27/28
Scalloped Cranberries
From the Recipe Creator:
This warm cranberry casserole is a nice substitute for traditional cranberry relish. It’s been one of my staple Thanksgiving side dishes ever since my aunt gave me the recipe many years ago. —Ellan Streett, Clear Spring, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 388 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 246mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (55g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
28/28
Caraway Rye Dinner Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
Caraway seeds give these rye dinner rolls a delicate nutty flavor. Denser than most, these onion-infused buns are ideal for dipping in hearty holiday stews. —Deborah Maki, Kamloops, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 152 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Sides FAQ
What are some non-traditional Thanksgiving side dishes?
Roasted beets, crispy Brussels sprouts, fried cabbage and candied carrots may not be the most common choices for Thanksgiving side dishes, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be delicious next to turkey and stuffing. The added sweetness, char or crunch of these non-traditional Thanksgiving sides offer balance against rich mashed potatoes and gravy.
What can I serve instead of stuffing for Thanksgiving?
Instead of the usual bread-based stuffing, try a wild rice casserole, skillet cornbread or a roasted vegetable medley. You can include similar herbs and seasonings as a stuffing or go in a totally different direction with chiles, citrus or less-expected spice blends. For gluten-free needs, make a big batch of creamy polenta or a pot of beans flavored with herbs and garlic.
What are the best vintage side dishes for Thanksgiving?
Vintage Thanksgiving side dishes like marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, scalloped potatoes, creamed spinach and a layered gelatin salad are nostalgic and delicious options. Their timeless appeal explains why they’ve lingered in family recipe boxes for decades.
