The Best 15 Non Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dishes to make this year

Do you have days or holidays where you do the same things each time? The same menu with the same side dishes? Or maybe the same activities in the same order?

Thanksgiving in our house is like that. We do nearly the same menu every. Single. Year. And the one time my mom tried to make a major change, I swear, most of the family nearly freaked out.

As a total side note, I can’t tell you how grateful I was that the family didn’t storm out of the house when I changed from making our traditional pumpkin pie to making these pumpkin pie bars.

I’m guessing that’s probably because they are so incredible!

The traditional Thanksgiving menu is full of heavy fat and carb-filled foods: green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and the list goes on.

BUT…for the last couple of years, we have been slowly trying to change things up. You know, add a little variety and lighten up the meal with some fresh options.

Three years ago, we added a fresh spinach salad. The entire family now loves having a fresh green salad as part of the meal. And I love how festive it looks with sliced apples and craisins on top 🙂

This year we are adding another veggie as well as a veggie tray appetizer (don’t worry – it will have a couple of different dips for yummy flavor) to the menu.

If you have a family that loves the traditional, my recommendation is to add new dishes sllloooowwwllyy. Traditions have their place, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t be adapted. It just takes a little time 🙂

Here is my list of simply amazing non traditional Thanksgiving side dishes that you have to try this year! Pick just one…if you can!

15 Amazing Non Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dishes You Have to Try

 

Roasted mushrooms by Foodie and Wine

 

Amish Potato Stuffing from Brooklyn Farm Girl

 

Mom Foodie’s Super Cheese Broccoli Casserole

 

Kale Mashed Potatoes from Foodal

 

 

Lavender & Macaroons’ Eggplant Gratin with Feta Cheese 

Mashed Turnip and Apple Casserole from Food Meanderings

Instant Pot Cinnamon Glazed Carrots from Simply Happy Foodie

Pull Apart Clover Rolls from Beauty and the Foodie

My Wife Can Cook’s Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto

Baked Pumpkin with Garlic and Sage from Slow the Cook Down

Tikkido’s Yorkshire Pudding

Stuffed Acorn Squash from A Clean Bake

Savory Simple’s Sweet Potato Biscuits

The Gracious Wife’s Southern Corn Pudding

Deviled Avocado Eggs from To Simply Inspire

 

Whether you are wanting to lighten up your Thanksgiving meal or just add some much-needed variety, these diverse non traditional Thanksgiving side dishes offer something for everyone in your family!

Go ahead…try one this year!

Tell us in the comments below: Do you make the same Thanksgiving dinner menu year after year? What’s on your menu and what would you like to change or try?

 

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