Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls will always have their place, but let’s be honest… they’re not the dishes anyone is still talking about next week. The sides that stand out are the ones with a little twist, something unique, unusual, or just plain fun.

This list pulls together 29 Thanksgiving sides you haven’t seen a hundred times already. They’re colorful, full of flavor, and a whole lot more exciting than another scoop of canned cream-of-something. Try one or two this year, and you might just start a new family tradition.

Stuffing Muffins

All the cozy flavor of classic stuffing, baked into individual muffin cups. They’re easy to serve, look cute on the table, and make great leftovers for breakfast the next morning.

How to Use This List

You do not need to swap out every classic side. Keep the mashed potatoes or green bean casserole your family expects, then add one or two new dishes from this list. That way the table still feels like Thanksgiving, but there is something fresh to talk about.

With 29 sides to choose from, it helps to sort them into groups. Pick one from two or three different groups and the plate will have a nice mix of colors and textures.

• Stuffing remixes: Stuffing Muffins, Stuffing Balls, Cheesy Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms, and the Stuffed Crescent Roll Wreath.
• Sweet potato twists: Sweet Potato Nachos, Mini Loaded Sweet Potatoes, and Sweet Potato Hash.
• Squash and roasted veggies: Parmesan Roasted Acorn Squash Rings, Stuffed Delicata Squash Boats, Maple Roasted Parsnips with Thyme, Maple Roasted Carrot Fries with Spiced Yogurt Dip, Cabbage Steaks with Garlic Butter and Parmesan, and Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini and Pomegranate.
• Pastry and bread: Sausage and Cranberry Puff Pastry Rolls, Caramelized Onion and Sage Puff Pastry Twists, Butternut Squash and Blue Cheese Galette, Roasted Butternut Squash Bruschetta, and Jalapeño Cornbread Casserole.
• Creamy and cozy: Pumpkin Mac and Cheese, Creamy Pumpkin Sage Risotto, Roasted Fennel and Apple Gratin, and Parsnip Mash with Brown Butter and Crispy Shallots.
• Fresh and bright: Butternut Squash and Kale Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette, Cranberry Apple Chutney, and Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf.
• Crispy bites: Brussels Sprout Latkes with Maple Sour Cream, Cranberry and Rosemary Corn Fritters, and Crispy Polenta Stacks with Cranberry Relish.

Planning Around a Busy Oven

The turkey takes up the oven for most of the day, so choose at least one side that does not need it. The chutney, wild rice pilaf, sweet potato hash, and kale salad can all be made on the stove. The chutney can even be made up to five days early and kept in the fridge.

Roasted vegetables like the carrot fries, parsnips, cabbage steaks, and acorn squash rings all cook at a high heat, around 400°F to 425°F. Put them in once the turkey comes out to rest. A turkey needs about 30 minutes of rest time, which is enough for most of them to finish.

Fried sides like the latkes and corn fritters taste best right out of the pan. Pick only one of those so you are not stuck at the stove while everyone else eats.

Unique Thanksgiving Sides FAQ

Which sides are vegetarian?
Most of them. The squash dishes, cauliflower, cabbage steaks, parsnips, carrot fries, chutney, salad, latkes, and fritters have no meat. Skip the bacon on the sweet potato dishes and leave out the sausage rolls and crescent wreath for vegetarian guests.

How many sides do I need?
For 8 to 10 people, four or five sides is plenty. Plan on about half a cup of each side per person.