Heading to a Thanksgiving potluck? Friendsgiving? Family cook-off? If any of your Thanksgiving plans involve making festive side dishes, you might be sick of the same old thing. There’s no need for the typical mac and cheese you’ve made 100 times, and you’d rather not whip up another bowl of mashed potatoes. We get it. That’s why we’ve pulled together some of our favorite Thanksgiving side dishes to land you that potluck gold medal.
Related: Depression-Era Thanksgiving Recipes That Are Actually Delicious
Pull-Apart Sour Cream & Chive Rolls
Everybody loves a Parker House roll, so why not kick it up a notch? The extra tang from the sour cream and chives will do just that.
Recipe: Bon Appétit
Related: Thanksgiving Recipes for a Small Gathering
Spicy Lamb Meatballs with Green Goddess Dip
Beef meatballs are a thing of the past. We all know lamb makes a heck of a meatball, and alongside this green goddess dip, they’re gonna sing.
Recipe: Food & Wine
Related: Ways to Spice Up Thanksgiving Leftovers
Sausage Apple Stuffing in Pancetta Cups
One sure-fire way to make a dish more fun? Serve it out of a cone made of pork. No notes.
Recipe: Recipe Tin Eats
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Aloo Tikki with Hari Chutney
There isn’t a lot in this world better than a hot, spicy, crunchy, salty snack. These potato fritters will be a hit, especially as they’re dipped into that herbaceous Hari chutney.
Recipe: Bon Appétit
Honeynut Squash Galette with Goat Cheese & Fresno Chilies
Salt, fat, acid, heat. This recipe from Old Growth has it all, and the autumnal flavors of the honeynut squash will make this dish an easy winner.
Recipe: Old Growth
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Kimchi & Squash Mac
Are you going to roll into this Thanksgiving party with a boring, classic mac and cheese? Or are you going to show up with the fermented beauty of kimchi? The choice is yours.
Recipe: Bon Appétit
Vegan Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream
This vegan pumpkin pie ice cream is a unique double-whammy: Satisfy the vegans, satisfy the sweet-toothed. Satisfy ’em all.
Recipe: Minimalist Baker
Crunchy Stuffed Mushrooms
Here’s a nice step-by-step look at some crunchy stuffed mushrooms. You’ve got the sleeper hit of the potluck on your hands with this one.
Recipe: Old Growth
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Twice-Baked Acorn Squash
Grab a seat near the fireplace and enjoy the deep, roasted flavors of twice-baked acorn squash with maple butter and pecans. Compliments will be flying your way.
Recipe: A Cozy Kitchen
Wild Rice Dressing
People correctly referring to this dish as dressing: You love to see it (it ain’t stuffing unless it’s stuffed inside the turkey). This one is full of bountiful wild rice and bright, acidic orange.
Recipe: Bon Appétit
Sparkling Negronis
You gotta drink something, right? If the host is still struggling to get appetizers out on time, you’ll feel like a hero delivering some sparkling treats to your fellow guests.
Recipe: Food52
Red Hot Oyster Kimchi Dressing
The brininess of the sea! The fermentation of Korean cuisine! The heartiness of Thanksgiving! This looks like a stunner.
Recipe: Lady & Pups
Stovetop Spinach & Artichoke Dip
The warming beauty of a chain restaurant appetizer can be alive at your T-Day party, and if you can manage to get a giant bread bowl involved … well done.
Recipe: Bon Appétit
Delicata Squash Bake with Tahini Sauce
Yeah, yeah, a lot of squash-based recipes here. You’re welcome — squash is a perfect fall food. Delicata, named for the fact that the skin is tender enough to eat, is a great vessel for tahini.
Recipe: Minimalist Baker
Citrus Pomegranate Relish
Oh, somebody else brought cranberry sauce? How embarrassing for them. You brought the citrus cranberry relish, full of the delicious acidity that your Thanksgiving turkey desperately needs.
Recipe: Bon Appétit
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