Trending Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Try in 2025

When planning your Thanksgiving menu, think about adding some new and exciting side dishes. This year, impress your guests with the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes. They mix classic flavors with modern twists, perfect for your Thanksgiving recipes.

These trending side dishes use unique ingredients and creative cooking methods. They will make your holiday side dishes stand out and make your Thanksgiving celebration special. With so many options, you can find the perfect dishes to complement your Thanksgiving recipes and make the holiday more enjoyable for everyone.

The Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dishes in 2025: A Modern Take on Traditions

When planning your Thanksgiving menu, think about the latest trending foods and culinary trends. This year, it’s all about updating traditional side dishes. This way, you can impress your guests with something new.

There’s been a big change towards healthier and more sustainable eating. This change is seen in the culinary trends today. They focus on fresh, local ingredients and creative takes on old recipes. To keep up, try new ingredients and cooking methods in your classic dishes.

Why Traditional Sides Are Getting an Upgrade

Traditional side dishes are getting a fresh look. This change is because of the trend towards healthier, more sustainable eating. Many cooks want to make delicious meals while being kind to the planet.

What Makes a Side Dish Trending

A side dish is trending if it uses fresh, seasonal ingredients and new cooking methods. It should also mix classic and modern flavors well. Trends include ancient grains, plant-based foods, and spices from around the world.

How to Balance Classic and Contemporary

To mix classic and modern flavors in your side dishes, follow these tips:

• Start with a traditional recipe and add a modern twist, such as a new ingredient or cooking method.
• Experiment with different flavors and spices to add depth and complexity to your dishes.
• Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try new, unconventional ingredients and cooking techniques.

Truffle-Infused Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Garlic

To make your Thanksgiving side dishes special, use seasonal ingredients and advanced cooking methods. Truffle-infused mashed potatoes with caramelized garlic are a perfect example. This dish is both earthy and sweet, making it a great choice for your holiday table.

For this dish, choose the best ingredients. Use freshly harvested potatoes and truffle oil for a deep, earthy taste. To balance the richness, caramelize some garlic for a sweet and savory touch.

Some important cooking techniques to remember include:

• Choose the right potatoes: High-starch potatoes like Russet or Idaho make the best-mashed potatoes.
• Cook the potatoes right: Boil them until tender, then mash with butter and milk.
• Caramelize the garlic: Cook it over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring often, until it’s sweet and golden.

By using seasonal ingredients and advanced cooking techniques, you’ll make a unique and delicious side dish. Truffle-infused mashed potatoes with caramelized garlic are a perfect choice for Thanksgiving. They offer a rich, earthy flavor and a sweet, caramelized garlic taste.

Ingredient	Quantity
Potatoes	4-5 large
Truffle oil	2 tablespoons
Garlic	4-5 cloves
Butter	1/4 cup
Milk	1/2 cup

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Maple Bacon Glaze

Finding the right mix of healthy and indulgent is key for holiday side dishes. Air fryer Brussels sprouts with maple bacon glaze are perfect. They make your Thanksgiving table shine with both nutrition and taste.

First, you need to get your air fryer temperature just right. This ensures your sprouts are crispy and caramelized, not deep-fried. Here are some tips:

Perfect Temperature Settings

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for the best results.
• Adjust cooking time based on sprout size and quantity.
• Shake the basket halfway to ensure even browning.

After mastering the air fryer settings, it’s time for the sauce. The maple bacon glaze makes this dish stand out. Its sweet and smoky taste is a hit in many recipes.

Sauce Preparation Tips

To make the glaze, cook crispy bacon and mix it with maple syrup and Dijon mustard. Brush it over your sprouts in the last few minutes. They’ll turn into a dish that wows everyone.

Ancient Grain Stuffing with Wild Mushrooms

This Thanksgiving, try something new with ancient grains and wild mushrooms. This recipe is not only healthy but also adds a rich flavor to the classic dish. It’s a great way to use seasonal ingredients and follow the latest culinary trends.

To make this ancient grain stuffing, you will need:

• 1 cup of ancient grains, such as quinoa or farro
• 2 cups of wild mushrooms, such as shiitake or cremini
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Using seasonal ingredients and following culinary trends makes this stuffing both healthy and tasty. The ancient grains give a nutty taste, while the wild mushrooms add an earthy flavor. This combination works well with the other ingredients.

Remember, Thanksgiving is about sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. This ancient grain stuffing is a special dish that will become a family favorite.

Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Honey-Harissa Glaze

To make a stunning side dish, focus on mastering certain cooking techniques. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural flavors. Carrots become tender and caramelized, making them a hit in trendy foods.

Choose carrots in different colors for a rainbow effect. This adds visual appeal and variety in flavors and textures. To enhance your dish, create a custom spice blend with cumin, coriander, and paprika. These spices complement the carrots’ sweetness and add depth to the flavor.

Selecting the Perfect Carrots

For the best results, pick firm, blemish-free carrots. Use orange, yellow, red, and purple carrots for a colorful mix. ‘Little Finger’ and ‘Danvers Half-Long’ are popular varieties.

Spice Blend Recommendations

A good spice blend can elevate your roasted carrots. Consider these ingredients:

• Cumin
• Coriander
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Roasting Techniques

To roast your carrots perfectly, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the carrots with your spice blend, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and caramelized.

Carrot Variety	Cooking Time	Flavor Profile
Little Finger	20-22 minutes	Sweet and tender
Danver’s Half-Long	22-25 minutes	Earthy and slightly sweet

Plant-Based Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallots

Looking for a new holiday side dish? Try a plant-based green bean casserole. It’s great for vegetarians and vegans. You’ll need fresh green beans, crispy shallots, and a dairy-free cream sauce.

To make crispy shallots, slice them thin and separate them. Then, coat them in flour, salt, and spices. Fry them until crispy and drain on paper towels. For the cream sauce, use non-dairy milk and vegan cream cheese. Add sautéed mushrooms and garlic for more flavor.

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup non-dairy milk
• 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese alternative

When making this casserole, use seasonal ingredients and creative techniques. It’s a modern take on traditional holiday side dishes. With fresh, local ingredients and new flavors, you’ll make a memorable Thanksgiving side.

Sweet Potato Soufflé with Pecan Streusel

For a standout dish at your Thanksgiving, try making sweet potato soufflé. It mixes sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness with pecan streusel’s crunch. This soufflé is a hit, blending trendy foods with cooking skills to wow your guests.

Mastering temperature control is key for a great soufflé. Here’s how to get it right:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
• Use a thermometer for accurate readings
• Don’t open the oven door while it’s baking

Follow these tips and add trendy foods to your cooking. Your sweet potato soufflé will impress everyone. It’s a perfect mix of sweet and savory, ideal for the holidays. So, why not try it and make your Thanksgiving table unforgettable?

Preparation Timeline

Plan ahead for a perfect soufflé. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Peel and dice sweet potatoes a day before
2. Make the pecan streusel 2 hours early
3. Assemble and bake the soufflé just before serving

Cranberry-Pomegranate Relish with Fresh Herbs

When planning your holiday side dishes, think about adding a light and refreshing option. A cranberry-pomegranate relish with fresh herbs is a great choice. It’s not only a palate cleanser but also full of antioxidants and vitamins. This makes it a guilt-free choice for your holiday menu.

Seasonal ingredients like cranberries and pomegranates are perfect for this relish. Cranberries are full of antioxidants and may have health benefits. Pomegranates add a sweet and juicy touch. Mixing these with fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or basil balances the flavors and textures.

Here are some tips to make your cranberry-pomegranate relish a hit:

• Choose fresh and high-quality seasonal ingredients for the best taste and texture.
• Adjust the sugar to your liking, as cranberries can be quite tart.
• Adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice can enhance the flavors and keep the relish fresh.

Adding this relish to your holiday side dishes will refresh your Thanksgiving menu. It also gives your guests a nutritious and tasty option. So, why not try it and make it a new tradition for your holiday gatherings?

Ingredient	Quantity	Benefits
Cranberries	1 cup	High in antioxidants, may help reduce inflammation
Pomegranate	1/2 cup	Rich in vitamins and minerals, may help improve heart health
Fresh herbs	1/4 cup	Add flavor and freshness, may help reduce stress

Make-Ahead Tips for Your Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Preparing ahead for Thanksgiving can make your holiday side dishes easier. It reduces stress on the big day. Plus, it ensures your dishes are safe and delicious.

It’s key to follow storage and reheating tips for your side dishes. Cool them to room temperature within two hours. Then, refrigerate or freeze them right away.

Storage Guidelines

Use airtight containers for your side dishes. Label them with the date and what’s inside. For example, green bean casserole can stay in the fridge for a day or be frozen for three months.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat your side dishes to 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety. You can use the oven, microwave, or stovetop. Choose the method that works best for your dish and preference.

Food Safety Tips

Always check your side dishes for spoilage before serving. Look for off-smells or slimy textures. If unsure, it’s safer to throw it away.

By following these tips, you can have a stress-free Thanksgiving. Enjoy your time with loved ones and savor the delicious side dishes.

Side Dish	Storage Guidelines	Reheating Instructions
Green Bean Casserole	Refrigerate for up to a day or freeze for up to three months	Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes
Mashed Potatoes	Refrigerate for up to a day or freeze for up to two months	Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally

Conclusion:

When you’re planning your Thanksgiving menu, think about adding some trendy sides. These dishes can make your holiday table stand out. They’ll impress your guests and make the meal unforgettable.

Looking for something new or a twist on old favorites? This list has you covered. Try the Truffle-Infused Mashed Potatoes or the Roasted Rainbow Carrots. Each dish is chosen to enhance your Thanksgiving feast.

Remember to plan ahead and follow food safety tips. This way, you can relax and enjoy the holiday with your family. Your Thanksgiving table will be a mix of traditional and modern flavors.

Also Read: How to Maintain Metabolism in a Calorie Deficit

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