Well, there are only two days left for the festive Thanksgiving. We understand that you have been planning it for weeks, preparing and deciding the right appetizers to serve before the meal. And, of course, you’d be busy looking for a perfect turkey recipe and yummy pies and cakes. We’re sure you must have put up a delicious menu for the big feast. But what if a few extra guests arrive on Thanksgiving day? In this case, you need to save yourself with a few last-minute Thanksgiving side dishes.
Making something that is super easy to whip up and delicious is quite hassle-free than you may imagine. All you need is some extra ingredients lying in your refrigerator to quickly prepare some side dishes.
Here we share with you some stress-free last-minute side dishes to help you complete your Thanksgiving meal or simply serve them to your extra guests. No matter the situation, we are certain that everyone will love to take a bite of these following dishes.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Every Thanksgiving table would look perfect with instant pot mashed potatoes. It is super quick to make, as it’s prepared in an Instant Pot. Moreover, it needs only five ingredients from your kitchen. So, you don’t even have to run to a grocery store to buy anything specific. Here is the full recipe.
Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Pear and blue cheese salad is another simple recipe to try this Thanksgiving for last-minute guests. Top this crunchy, watercress, pear, and arugula salad with some roasted pecans, walnuts, cashews, or almonds. Here is the full recipe.
Creamy Spinach-Bacon Dip
This palatable creamy spinach-bacon dip will instantly get your guests in the food for yummy food. The best part is that you can prepare it in just one skillet. So, cleanup is also quite minimal. Here is the full recipe.
Romano Cheese Crisps
These Romano cheese crisps are delicious atop a salad—but they’re great on their own, too. Liven up your cheese board with these crunchy bites for an appetizer that’s sure to wow everyone. Here is the full recipe.
Sauteed Green Beans
Sauteed green beans are a super fresh vegetable side dish to add some vibrant touch to your holiday table. These are healthy and very tasty! Just take out some green beans from your fridge and you are all set for preparation. Here is the full recipe.
Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is one good side dish for a formal Thanksgiving dinner. You may serve it as an appetizer too. Even the assembly is quite quick. And, its flavor is very refreshing and light. Here is the full recipe.
Wedge Salad
Wedge salad consists of iceberg lettuce for some crispiness. It is full of delicious ingredients, like bacon, blue cheese, and tomatoes. No other basic side salad can compete with a big bowl of wedge salad of lettuce along with yummy toppings. Here is the full recipe.
Also Read: Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Baked Sweet Potatoes
You won’t miss marshmallows with these baked sweet potatoes. You may add a toasty, crisp pecan crumble along with fresh herbs over the ginger-flavored cream layer of sweet potatoes. Here is the full recipe.
Oven Garlic Bread
Oven garlic bread is incredibly tasty and can be made with two methods. One is for those who like soft garlic bread and the other is for those who like crispy ones. You simply require garlic powder, French bread, and butter for preparation and making restaurant-like garlic bread in the comfort of your home. Here is the full recipe.
Baked Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Baked bacon wrapped asparagus is a wonderful gourmet side dish or appetizer that one can create with little fuss. It tastes amazing thanks to salty, crispy bacon. Here is the full recipe.
Butternut Squash With Thyme and Brown Butter
Butternut squash with thyme and brown butter is good to make on a stovetop if you fear overcrowding your oven with almost every festive meal. Here is the full recipe.
Candied Yams
Candied yams are easier to prepare, as it involves only six ingredients. It takes less than 30 minutes to make the classic candied yams. It’s most likely to impress guests who are a fan of old-school holiday recipes during a festive holiday. Here is the full recipe.
Cranberry Relish
You don’t need any cooking to prepare yummy cranberry relish on Thanksgiving day. It also makes an ideal sidekick for your main course meals. It’s likely to become your guests’ favorite dish alongside your turkey. Here is the full recipe.
Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is a comforting side dish that also needs just a few ingredients for preparation. Of course, it requires fresh corn. However, you may go for frozen corn if fresh ones are not available. Here is the full recipe.
Honey Chipotle Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Add some creative flair to your holiday table with tasty honey chipotle roasted brussels sprouts. It has some unexpected flavor combinations that are similar to conventional brussels sprouts. Hence, it’s likely to wow your guests at the dining table. Here is the full recipe.
Jeweled Carrot Salad With Apple and Pomegranate
Need a simple seasonal salad for your Thanksgiving table? Try making this jeweled carrot salad with apple and pomegranate. It will save your day when you are running short on time. You need to grab some pre-shredded carrots and some packaged pomegranate seeds. Here is the full recipe.
Roasted Broccoli With Parmesan
Roasted broccoli with parmesan is another delightfully tasty side dish. It includes all wonderful garlic flavors along with rich Parmesan cheese toppings. Moreover, roasting will bring out a distinct broccoli flavor to this treat. All broccoli lovers are going to enjoy this dish. Here is the full recipe.
Also Read: Thanksgiving Tablescape Ideas
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Garlic butter mushrooms are tender yet savory with the goodness of garlic butter. These are decadently flavorful and can be prepared only in 10 minutes with proper sauteing. Here is the full recipe.
Microwave Acorn Squash
You can make microwave acorn squash in no time at all. Plus, the cooking method will yield properly tender acorn squash. All you need to do is load up your favorite filling, such as the classic combination of brown sugar and butter. The final dish will impress everyone at the table, be it kids or the elderly. Here is the full recipe.
Ranch Cheese Ball
Want to make another creative and colorful side dish for your Thanksgiving meal? Try making this ranch cheese ball. It includes cheddar cheese, cream cheese, chives, crispy bacon, and flavorful ranch seasoning. When you try it, it will become your go-to appetizer for every upcoming holiday party. Here is the full recipe.
Sweet Corn Soufflé
This sweet corn soufflé couldn’t be easier to make. Just add fresh herbs to the recipe to bring out the coziest flavor. It is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish or even on a cold evening when you want something cozy. Here is the full recipe.
Ina Garten’s Roasted Broccolini
Ina Garten’s roasted broccolini recipe is one of the heartiest side dishes you can whip up quickly for last-minute Thanksgiving food prep. Here is the full recipe.
Maple-Roasted Carrots
Try this ever-classic maple-roasted carrot recipe for hearty fall festivity meals. The sweet-hot root vegetable complements everything from lamb to ham to green beans. Here is the full recipe.
Winter Squash Agrodolce
Winter squash agrodolce is a warm side dish perfect for your fall holidays as it has a vinegar and chile glaze that brings out the flavor of assorted roasted squashes. Here is the full recipe.
Creamed Pearl Onions
The creamed pearl onions recipe makes for a quick and delicious Thanksgiving side dish you can find. The heavy cream gives a smooth consistency to the butter sautéed pearl onions and can be served immediately. Here is the full recipe.
Braised Chard With Dried Cranberries
Given the season of leaf and root vegetables, this braised chard with dried cranberries is the perfect last-minute side dish you can serve to your party, especially if you have a kitchen garden lush with leafy greens. Here is the full recipe.
Brown Butter Roasted Pumpkin
This is the perfect time for a brown butter roasted pumpkin and celebrate the bounties of the season. Here is the full recipe.
Fall Farmers Market Salad
Fall farmers market salad is loaded with persimmon and pomegranate, leafy greens, goat cheese, and walnuts to offer a power-packed delicious side dish. Here is the full recipe.
Squash and Lentil Salad
This squash and lentil salad is another recipe that you can whip up in the last-minute meal prep. Seasoned with garam masala and sprinkled with dates, this salad is an ideal chilly day meal. Here is the full recipe.
Shaved Apple and Fennel Salad
You may not realize but salads make for an easy and quick Thanksgiving side dish recipe and this shaved apple and fennel salad is simply marvelous. Here is the full recipe.
Roasted Red Pepper Couscous
Roasted red pepper couscous is a lifesaver when you need something flavorful in minutes. Just toss cooked couscous with jarred roasted peppers, herbs, and a quick lemon dressing. It’s light, colorful, and instantly brightens the Thanksgiving table. Here is the full recipe.
Warm Garlic Herb Chickpeas
Warm garlic herb chickpeas are surprisingly hearty and take barely any time to make. A quick sauté with butter, rosemary, and thyme transforms canned chickpeas into a cozy side dish. It’s a simple way to add warmth and earthiness to your feast. Here is the full recipe.
Whipped Feta With Olive Oil
Whipped feta with olive oil is incredibly delicious and takes just a few minutes in the food processor. Spread it on a platter, drizzle some honey, and top with crushed nuts. It pairs beautifully with crackers, veggies, or whatever you already have on hand. Here is the full recipe.
Skillet Lemon Butter Zucchini
Skillet lemon butter zucchini is a refreshing addition to any Thanksgiving spread. It cooks fast, thanks to its thin slices, and the lemon butter gives it a bright and delicate flavor. It’s perfect when you need something light and fresh at the last minute. Here is the full recipe.
Crispy Smashed Baby Potatoes
Crispy smashed baby potatoes are another easy side that requires very little effort. Boil, smash, drizzle with olive oil, and roast until golden and crisp. These little bites bring texture and comfort to the table without any fuss. Here is the full recipe.
Also Read: 15-Minute (or Less) Thanksgiving Recipes and Centerpieces
Maple-Glazed Parsnips
Quick maple-glazed parsnips are a sweet-and-savory treat ideal for a fall celebration. They caramelize beautifully in the pan with just butter and maple syrup. This dish adds a subtle sweetness that pairs well with hearty Thanksgiving mains. Here is the full recipe.
Pan-Fried Halloumi Bites
Pan-fried halloumi bites are perfect when you want something indulgent but fast. The salty cheese becomes golden and crisp in minutes, needing only a drizzle of hot honey or herbs. It’s a great last-minute addition that guests always notice. Here is the full recipe.
Herbed Couscous-Stuffed Mini Peppers
Herbed couscous-stuffed mini peppers require almost no cooking. Just fill the colorful pepper halves with warm, seasoned couscous and a sprinkle of feta. They’re festive, crunchy, and look bright and inviting on a full Thanksgiving spread. Here is the full recipe.
Balsamic Mushrooms
Quick balsamic mushrooms are an instant hit when you need a warm, savory side. Sauté mushrooms with balsamic vinegar and garlic until they turn glossy and tender. They add a rich, earthy flavor that works well with any Thanksgiving main course. Here is the full recipe.
Apple Cinnamon Slaw
Simple apple cinnamon slaw is a refreshing, no-cook dish you can throw together in minutes. Thinly sliced apples, cabbage, and a creamy cinnamon dressing make it a crowd-pleasing combination. It’s crisp, sweet, and adds a satisfying crunch to the holiday table. Here is the full recipe.
