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There’s one truth that any Thanksgiving aficionado can tell you: The best part of Thanksgiving dinner has nothing to do with the turkey. Why settle for meat that’s usually dry as a bone (unless you rely on some never-fail turkey tips) when a selection of scrumptious sides awaits your taste buds?
That’s right, other than dessert (we’re team pie every time), side dishes are the true stars of this feast. They give us the opportunity to sample all sorts of flavors and textures, from creamy root vegetable gratin to refreshing pear and blue cheese salad. We make it a point to make more side dishes than it seems possible to finish. Because guess what? They get finished every year no matter how many we make. It’s also nice to have leftovers in the fridge all week.
Of course, these aren’t just any sides. They’re recipes from the Barefoot Contessa herself, Ina Garten. The television star and cookbook author (her most recent, Go-To Dinners, has become a fast favorite) is a pro at making simple vegetables and carbs taste like something from a 5-star bistro, and no one is better at putting a gourmet twist on home cooking. These memorable Thanksgiving recipes (paired with some must-have kitchen tool and ingredient suggestions) are no exception.
A version of this article was originally published November 2018. It was updated in November 2023.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
If you aren’t a big gravy fan, these rich, creamy garlic potatoes are a must-have on your Thanksgiving table. This recipe calls for olive oil instead of butter, which will make it much easier to make sure these potatoes are evenly mixed.
Get the recipe at Certified Pastry Aficionado.
Green Beans Gremolata
Thanksgiving dinner as a whole can be pretty heavy, so Ina Garten’s bright green, lemon-flecked green beans gremolata is a must-have for balancing out your plate. If you simply must have green bean casserole, make a double batch of these beans and use the leftovers in your casserole!
Get the recipe at Barefoot Contessa.
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Twice baked potatoes are already amazing, but Garten ups the ante with this recipe. Baked sweet potatoes are scooped, then the flesh is mixed with shallots, butter, thyme, and Taleggio cheese before getting stuffed back into the potato jacket. After another trip to the oven, the top is bubbly and golden brown, each bite full of savory and sweet flavors.
Get the recipe at Barefoot Contessa.
Butternut Squash & Apple Soup
If you want your meal to feel fancy, try serving it in courses, with bowls of Garten’s silky butternut squash and apple soup coming to the table first. It has a velvety texture but it’s actually cream-free, so the flavor of the squash and apples stays front and center.
Get the recipe at Barefoot Contessa.
Mushroom & Leek Bread Pudding
Stuffing is fine, but if you really want to go luxe, try serving your turkey with this custardy mushroom and leek pudding instead. It’s full of deep, savory, earthy flavors, and the texture is never dry like traditional dressing can be.
Get the recipe at Barefoot Contessa.
Parmesan-Thyme Crackers
Like a savory version of a shortbread cookie, these Parmesan-thyme crackers are the ultimate addition to your Thanksgiving appetizer tray.
Get the recipe at Dishing Up Delights.
Roasted Pear & Blue Cheese Salad With Grapefruit Vinaigrette
Inspired by Garten’s seasonal salad, this fresh dish is a welcome counterpart to the heavier sides on the table at your Thanksgiving feast. Oh, and don’t forget to pick up an oven-safe casserole dish before making this side dish. We — and Garten — recommend Le Creuset’s.
Get the recipe at Foolproof Living.
Caramelized Shallots
Caramelized shallots and Thanksgiving turkey are the perfact pair. These are quick and easy to make, but deliver big on flavor. And if you want your shallots to taste like Garten’s, you’ll need a Lodge cast-iron skillet.
Get the recipe at Leite’s Culinaria.
Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes
The crispy golden top; the buttery, creamy interior; the garlic and herb flavor — these mashed potatoes have it all. So, dust off that food mill because it’ll come in handy for this dish.
Get the recipe at The Bitten Word.
Baked Fontina Cheese Dip
You know what would be delicious dunked in this baked fontina cheese dip? Roasted sprouts and squash, freshly baked rolls, stuffing muffins and pretty much everything else on your Thanksgiving table. Add a dab of tart cranberry sauce to perk things up, and you and your guests will be in pure heaven.
Get the recipe at Dinner Then Dessert.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts become a holidayworthy dish when they’re roasted with crisp bits of pancetta and served in a chic serving dish.
Get the recipe at A Kitchen Muse.
Grown-Up Mac & Cheese
Made with smoky bacon and a blend of cheeses, this creamy macaroni is begging to be served alongside your turkey. And if you don’t already have a baking rack, you’ll need it to make this side dish.
Get the recipe at Spatulas, Corkscrews & Suitcases.
Caramelized Butternut Squash
Perfect butternut squash is all in the technique. Roast it, turning occasionally, in brown sugar and butter. The two form a glaze around the squash until it becomes golden-brown and caramelized. The kind of knife you use to cut the butternut squash is important, too; and we recommend the Mac Mighty knife.
Get the recipe at The Egg Farm.
Root Vegetable Gratin
A variety of seasonal root veggies impart a mix of textures and sweet-and-savory flavors to this creamy gratin.
Get the recipe at Smitten Kitchen.
Potato, Fennel & Gruyère Gratin
Is there anything better than a bubbling, crisp-around-the-edges potato gratin? One made with fennel and created by Ina Garten, of course!
Get the recipe at Scrumpdillyicious.
Cauliflower Gratin
When baked with plenty of cheese, cauliflower tastes creamy and downright indulgent.
Get the recipe at The Brook Cook.
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