Thanksgiving 2024: Side Dish Trends for Your Table

Elevated Classic Vegetables

While mashed potatoes and green beans will never go out of style, 2024 is all about taking these classic vegetables to the next level. Think roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with crispy pancetta, or mashed potatoes whipped with roasted garlic, cream cheese, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Incorporating unique ingredients like truffle oil or smoked paprika can also add depth and sophistication to your veggie sides.

Trendy Take:

Parsnip and Carrot Puree: A creamy, slightly sweet alternative to mashed potatoes, with a vibrant orange hue that adds color and texture to your plate.

Smoked Cauliflower: Try smoking cauliflower florets tossed with tahini, lemon, and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a rich, earthy flavor.

Root Vegetables in Focus

Root vegetables are making a comeback in a big way this year. These hearty, earthy vegetables not only bring a beautiful, rustic aesthetic to your Thanksgiving spread, but they also offer a satisfying, slightly sweet flavor profile that pairs well with everything from turkey to cranberry sauce.

Trendy Take:

Roasted Root Vegetable Medley: A colorful mix of sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, and turnips, roasted to perfection with olive oil, honey, and a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Caramelized Onion & Potato Gratin: Layers of thinly sliced potatoes and onions, baked with rich cream and Gruyere cheese for a decadent side dish that's bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Global Flavors

While Thanksgiving is steeped in American tradition, many families are embracing global flavors and fusion recipes. Whether it's a Mediterranean-inspired couscous salad, a tangy kimchi slaw, or a savory Indian-spiced cauliflower dish, bringing in international elements can introduce exciting new tastes to the holiday table.

Trendy Take:

Za'atar Roasted Vegetables: A Middle Eastern-inspired side featuring eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes, tossed with za'atar spice mix, olive oil, and fresh herbs.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Chimichurri: A vibrant Argentinean twist on the classic, with potatoes crisped to perfection and topped with a fresh, herbaceous chimichurri sauce.

Health-Conscious Sides

In recent years, many Thanksgiving menus have started to include lighter, plant-based, and gluten-free options. As people become more health-conscious, they opt for dishes that are both delicious and nutritious without sacrificing flavor.

Trendy Take:

Butternut Squash & Kale Salad: Roasted butternut squash, leafy kale, toasted pecans, and a tangy maple vinaigrette provide a colorful, nutrient-packed option.

Quinoa and Pomegranate Pilaf: A protein-rich, gluten-free alternative to traditional stuffing, this pilaf combines quinoa, pomegranate seeds, fresh herbs, and toasted nuts for a satisfying and visually stunning side.

Plant-Based, Vegan & Vegetarian Options

With plant-based eating on the rise, vegan and vegetarian side dishes are taking center stage this Thanksgiving. These dishes not only cater to different dietary preferences but also bring creative and delicious options to the table that everyone can enjoy.

Trendy Take:

Vegan Green Bean Almondine: Fresh green beans sautéed in olive oil with garlic, almonds, and a squeeze of lemon for a light yet flavorful dish.

Mushroom Wellington: A rich and savory mushroom filling wrapped in flaky puff pastry—perfect for a vegetarian alternative to traditional sides.

Homemade Bread and Rolls

No Thanksgiving table is complete without a basket of warm bread or rolls. While store-bought options are convenient, there’s something special about serving homemade bread at your holiday meal. This year, people are looking for breads that are a little different from the usual dinner rolls—think honey butter cornbread, rosemary focaccia, or soft, buttery whole wheat n honey dinner rolls with a flaky sea salt finish.

Trendy Take:

Rosemary Garlic Focaccia: A fragrant, slightly chewy bread topped with fresh rosemary, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s perfect for mopping up gravy or dipping into olive oil.

Pumpkin Cornbread: A slightly sweet, moist cornbread made with pumpkin puree, perfect for pairing with both savory and sweet sides.

Wrapping Up

Thanksgiving 2024 is all about mixing time-honored favorites with exciting new flavors and textures. Whether you’re opting for global influences, healthier sides, or creative takes on old classics, there’s a trend to suit every palate. So, when planning your Thanksgiving menu this year, remember that side dishes are a great way to showcase your culinary creativity and elevate the holiday meal experience for your guests, friends and family.

Happy cooking, and here's to a Thanksgiving full of delicious new traditions and memories! Head to the kitchen! It's your turn! You got this!