8 Last Minute Thanksgiving Sides

Guys, the turkey is totally not the star of the show on Thanksgiving. Anyone who tells you different is trying to sell you turkey. It’s the side dishes that are my absolute favorite part of the big day. Stuffing, mashed potatoes, biscuits, perfectly prepared veggies—yum! Every year I try new side dishes and the ones that wow my guests the most earn a place on my menu year after year. Just in case you’re looking for a last-minute crowd pleaser here’s a list of my go-to side dishes. They’re so yummy I make them year round!

Mashed Sweet & Russet Potatoes with Herbs. The perfect combo of sweet and savory, this recipe is my little brother’s all time favorite. He requests it every year. I love the fresh herbs and roasted garlic!

Bacon Butternut Squash Risotto. Yes. This is fall in a dish. I’ve been craving all the butternut squash and you’ve got a perfect pairing with the bacon. The parmesan and sage are added bonuses.

Green Bean Casserole with Fried Shallots. This may spark some debate, but cream of mushroom soup dumped on green beans is not green bean casserole. This recipe is full of real, quality ingredients and has flavor to spare.

Braised Swiss Chard with Bacon and Hot Sauce. Swiss chard is awesome and so versatile, it’s definitely not as bitter as collard greens or escarole. The sauce in this recipe is sweet, savory and spicy.

Roasted Cauliflower Gratin with Tomatoes and Goat Cheese. The goat cheese and tomatoes help keep this feeling light instead of overly decadent.

Warm Mushroom Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette. What a way to get your greens! I love salads that are both warm and cold. Use oyster mushrooms in this or chicken of the woods and it will be a knockout.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Grapes with Walnuts. Roasted grapes taste amazing when paired with roasted Brussel sprouts.

Pan-Roasted Carrots with Miso-Butter. A simple side that’s a twist on classic roasted carrots, the miso glaze is outstanding.

Happy Thanksgiving! We’re thankful for you (and side dishes) this year.