In this post I present to you 10 Easy & Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dishes that can be made in the pressure cooker, oven, or stovetop. Good for any holiday dinner, these versatile dishes are quick to make, easy to double, and most importantly, they are HEALTHY. Most of these can me made ahead and re-heated for your holiday meal.
My family loves Thanksgiving. More than the turkey, we are big fans of all the side dishes, appetizers, and desserts.
We start making the sides a week or two earlier and eat them for various "regular" meals or we take them for sharing to holiday dinners through November and December. This way we get to enjoy all our favorite Thanksgiving recipes throughout the holiday season 🙂
Sharing some of our favorites with you all, I hope you enjoy them as much as my family does! If you're looking for Vegan Thanksgiving sides, Vegetarian Thanksgiving sides or Gluten-free Thanksgiving sides, you'll find plenty of choices in this post!
Most of these recipes can be made or prepped ahead in the Instant Pot, or Mealthy Multipot, Oven or stovetop.
Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
I add parmesan cheese to this classic dish that forms a delicious crust on these parmesan roasted potatoes. They are crispy on the outside, light and creamy on the inside. Herbs like basil and oregano add a nice earthy flavor to the potatoes. This recipe is Veg + Gluten-Free.
Green Beans Almondine
This green bean almondine recipe is a great lighter alternative to the green bean casserole. You simply sauté fresh crisp string beans with olive oil, butter, seasoning, garlic and balsamic vinegar. Finish by topping with toasted almond chips. This recipe is Veg + Gluten-Free. To make it Vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
These crisp, tender and citrusy-sweet Honey Glazed Carrots are a delicious and colorful side, fit for any occasion. Steamed carrots are sautéed in ginger infused orange juice, till they form a sweet floral glaze all over. This recipe is Veg + Gluten-Free. To make it Vegan, substitute the honey with maple syrup.
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread Muffins
A combination of sweet and savory, this cheesy Jalapeños Cheddar Cornbread is the perfect balance of moist and crumbly. This recipe is an all jazzed-up version of my favorite store-bought cornbread mix.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Sweet, tart and extremely delicious, this Cranberry sauce is a jam-like sauce or relish made by cooking down cranberries with sugar. Making cranberry sauce at home takes just 15-20 minutes, but completely elevates your turkey. I make this sauce in the summer and freeze it. We then use it on cheese plates throughout the year. This recipe is Vegan + Gluten-Free.
Peach Chutney
Checkout this tasty alternative to Cranberry sauce! If you're never tried Peach Chutney with turkey or ham, you're in for a treat! This delicious condiment is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy and compliments many holiday entrees. Enjoy this versatile chutney on any occasion using this easy Instant Pot or Stovetop recipe. No pectin used!
Garlic Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
This creamy garlic cauliflower mashed potatoes is simply magical. It’s like mashed potatoes met cheese fondue! I add some goat cheese, which adds a tanginess that cuts through the richness, and balances this sauce perfectly. Parmesan cheese compliments the goat cheese and makes this sauce absolutely delicious. This recipe is Veg + Gluten-Free.
Cranberry Orange Cornbread
The flavor combination of cranberries, orange, and cornbread was just meant to be. The orange compliments the subtle sweetness in the cornmeal and the cranberries’ tartness provides a nice contrast and balance to the cornbread. This result in a well balanced, moist and flavorful Cranberry Orange Cornbread, which smells of orange and cornmeal.
Pumpkin Spice Cornbread
In this pumpkin spice cornbread recipe, the earthy and sweet cornbread mix meets creamy and moist homemade pumpkin puree. The result is a soft, moist, delicious Pumpkin Spice Cornbread that is a great side and can also be used in stuffing.
Broccoli Cheddar Pasta
Mac'n'Cheese got a brand new makeover in this creamy and incredibly easy to make Broccoli Cheddar Pasta. It works as a great side and pairs beautifully with all the holiday entrees. Make it in the Instant Pot or stove, this side is sure to please kids and adults alike!
Bonus Thanksgiving Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole:
French Toast Casserole
This Cinnamon Raisin French toast casserole is everything you love about a French toast, just more delicious and way more convenient! It is an ideal make-ahead breakfast casserole that you can make on Thanksgiving night for the morning.
Sweet cinnamon raisin bread soaked in custard, baked till it’s soft and gooey on the inside and crispy and caramelized on the outside! A slice of this feels like a treat!
I hope you enjoy these easy thanksgiving side dishes. If you make any of them, please do post a picture on your favorite social media and tag #SpiceCravings. Enjoy! Spice Cravings wishes you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!
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