While the smoked turkey is the crowning glory of the holiday table, you need some equally impressive side dishes to round out the festive feast.
From the old favorite vegetables like potatoes, beans, and corn to the slightly more adventurous salads, and the tasty sauces and gravies, the options are endless.
Below are my favorite sides to serve with smoked turkey!
Table of contents
Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes for Smoked Turkey
It doesn’t matter if you’re going all out and smoking a turkey electric smoker or just smoking turkey breast, you need sides! Here are some of our favorites!
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and this smoked version will surely be a big hit for adults and kids alike.
Mix it up a little with different pasta and cheese or bulk it out with some added extras like bacon, peas, broccoli, and bell peppers. This also goes well with smoked turkey legs.
Find the recipe for Smoke Mac and Cheese here
Cornbread Dressing
This cornbread dressing recipe combines moist and flavorful cornbread with Italian sausage, crunchy celery and onion, and aromatic herbs. It’s a delicious and easy side dish with a crispy, golden crust, perfect for your Thanksgiving table.
Carrots in Brown Butter
Prepare to surprise your guests with a new side dish! Throw your carrots on the smoker for that extra flavor, and then top it with brown butter.
Find the recipe here: Carrots in Brown Butter
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
Calling all pickle lovers! This tangy, creamy, and crunchy pasta salad is bursting with flavor. Packed with dill pickles, red onion, and a creamy dill dressing, it’s a unique and refreshing side dish that will add a fun twist to your Thanksgiving feast.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Looking for a delicious low-carb alternative to potatoes? Turnips au gratin is the answer! This cheesy baked turnip dish is creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly satisfying. It’s a perfect side dish for those watching their carbs or simply looking for something different.
Fresh Green Bean Casserole
A healthier take on a classic green bean casserole, made with fresh ingredients and a creamy roux.
Shredded Brussels Sprouts with Prosciutto and Cranberries
This dish takes Brussels sprouts to a whole new level! Shredded for quick cooking, the Brussels sprouts become tender and slightly sweet. Crispy prosciutto adds a salty and savory element, while dried cranberries bring pops of tartness.
Smoked Brussel Sprouts
You can easily elevate a classic by throwing it in the smoker. Want to impress your guests even more? Add some crispy bacon on top.
Find the recipe here: Smoked Brussel Sprouts
Oven Roasted Vegetables With Maple Mustard Sauce
Enjoy a vibrant and delicious combination of winter root vegetables roasted in a delightful maple-mustard sauce with fresh rosemary! This colorful side dish is packed with flavor and makes a perfect accompaniment to your turkey.
Smoked Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your mashed potatoes with smoke! Smoking adds a unique depth of flavor that takes them to the next level. It’s a simple yet impressive twist on a classic Thanksgiving side dish.
Recipe: Smoked Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, Pecans and Hot Honey
: Sweet, tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of hot honey create a symphony of flavors and textures in this roasted Brussels sprouts dish. The rich and contrasting flavors perfectly complement savory turkey, making it a must-have on your table.
Want some more ideas for smoked side dishes?
There are dozens here for you to try. It doesn’t matter if you’re having beef, chicken, duck, or pork—we have them all covered!
Turnips Au Gratin
Looking for a delicious low-carb alternative to potatoes? Turnips au gratin is the answer! This cheesy baked turnip dish is creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly satisfying. It’s a perfect side dish for those watching their carbs or simply looking for something different.
Smoked Corn on the Cob
What could be better than corn dripping in butter? Smoked corn! It’s easy to throw when your turkey is cooking. All you have to do is cover it with butter, and you have a side done.
Find the recipe here: Corn on The Cob
Cheesy Spinach Souffle
Looking for a light and elegant side dish? This cheesy spinach souffle is the answer! Packed with fresh spinach and creamy cheese, it’s a flavorful and impressive dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Smoked Zucchini
Have you ever tried smoking zucchini? When done right, it takes on a deliciously deep smoky flavor, which goes perfectly with turkey.
Find the recipe here: Smoked Zucchini.
Easy Hash Brown Casserole with Corn Flakes
Calling all comfort food lovers! This easy hash brown casserole is cheesy, flavorful, and topped with a crunchy cornflake crust. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, or pork.
Roasted Asparagus
Delicately seasoned with fresh lemon juice, black pepper, and sea salt, this roasted asparagus is a simple yet vibrant addition to any meal. The perfect way to bring a touch of spring to your holiday table.
Candied Yams
Sweet and satisfying, these candied yams are a Thanksgiving staple. Made with warm spices and a caramelized sauce, they’re a delicious and easy side dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Easy Broccoli Casserole (with French’s Fried Onions)
This easy broccoli casserole is packed with flavor and texture. Featuring creamy mushroom soup, cheese, and crunchy French’s fried onions on top, it’s a comforting and nostalgic Thanksgiving side dish that the whole family will love.
Smoked and Baked Potato With All The Trimmings
There is nothing like a classic baked potato! They are easy to throw in the smoker with your turkey. Then, just serve them with a few different toppings, like sour cream, green onions, and crispy bacon.
Find the recipe here: Pit Boss Baked Potato
Delicious Herb Sourdough Stuffing
A twist on a traditional stuffing recipe packed with fresh herbs for an extra flavorful Thanksgiving side.
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy potatoes, perfect for any occasion, not just Thanksgiving.
Roasted Butternut Squash With Bacon And Sage
An easy side dish with fantastic flavors that will appeal to everyone.
Thanksgiving Rice with Apples and Cranberries
A unique pilaf bursting with fall flavors like apples, cranberries, and herbs.
7 Layer Salad
A colorful salad with layers of cheddar cheese, homemade dressing, bacon, and your favorite veggies.
Smoked Macaroni and Cheese
Mac and cheese gets a smoky upgrade! This recipe features a creamy cheese sauce and a crunchy panko crumb topping, all infused with a subtle smoky flavor that will take your taste buds on an adventure.
Recipe: Smoked Mac and Cheese
Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes
Crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, these air fryer parmesan potatoes are ridiculously easy to make. They’re a delicious and convenient side dish perfect for Thanksgiving or any weeknight meal.
Fennel And Orange Salad
A simple yet flavorful salad made with just a few ingredients.
Creamy Green Bean Casserole From Scratch
This homemade version takes your green bean casserole to the next level. Loaded with onions, mushrooms, green beans, and creamy Gruyere cheese, it’s a decadent and flavorful twist on a classic smoked turkey side.
Scalloped Potatoes with Mushroom Soup
This recipe offers a shortcut to creamy scalloped potatoes. Using a can of condensed mushroom soup adds richness and depth of flavor, making it a quick and easy side dish perfect for busy holidays.
Mom’s Sausage Stuffing
Packed with flavorful sausage, veggies sauteed in butter, and warm spices, Mom’s Sausage Stuffing is a hearty and comforting side dish that perfectly complements your smoked turkey.
Slow Cooker Herbed Baby Potatoes
Free up your oven space with this hands-off slow cooker recipe for herbed baby potatoes. Packed with fresh herbs and cooked to tender perfection, they’re a delicious and stress-free side dish for your turkey feast.
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Looking for a creamy and hassle-free mashed potato recipe? This slow cooker version is the answer! Simply add cut potatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings, and let the slow cooker work its magic. Perfect for busy holidays.
Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Want to add a unique twist to your Thanksgiving spread? Try these smoked sweet potatoes! Smoking infuses them with a subtle smoky flavor that elevates their natural sweetness. They’re a simple yet impressive side dish perfect for those looking for something a little different.
Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Smoked Asparagus
Sick of the same old grilled asparagus? You must try smoking asparagus; this humble vegetable is delicious when smoked!
Find the recipe here: Smoked Asparagus.
Honey Glazed Parsnips
This honey-glazed parsnips recipe is a simple and delicious side dish that’s perfect for complementing any dinner. The sweetness of the honey perfectly balances the earthy flavor of the parsnips, making them a delightful addition to your table.
Lemony Roasted Potatoes And Brussels Sprouts
This two-in-one side dish is a dream come true for busy cooks! Crispy roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts are tossed together with a bright and tangy lemon dressing, creating a flavorful and satisfying side dish that’s easy to prepare.
Smoked Cornbread
Take your cornbread to the next level with smoke! This recipe adds a delicious smoky depth of flavor to classic cornbread, making it a perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving turkey.
Recipe: Smoked Cornbread
Smoked Broccoli
Broccoli gets a smoky makeover! Smoking adds a unique depth of flavor that will appeal to those who love smoky BBQ flavors. It’s a simple yet delicious side dish perfect for any occasion.
Recipe: Smoked Broccoli
Maple-miso Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Short on oven space? No problem! These maple-miso glazed Brussels sprouts come together in a flash on the stovetop. They’re incredibly delicious with a unique sweet and salty flavor profile that will leave you wanting more.
Bacon Mac and Cheese
A classic favorite gets a salty upgrade! This recipe combines creamy cheese sauce, chewy pasta, and crispy bacon bits, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at your Thanksgiving table.
Recipe: Bacon Mac and Cheese
The Broccoli Salad
This healthy broccoli salad features a light and flavorful tangy dressing, along with dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and red onion. It’s a healthier take on classic broccoli salad, offering a comforting and delicious side dish perfect for any meal.
Green Beans and Potatoes
This classic combination gets a refreshingly simple treatment. Fresh green beans are cooked until crisp-tender, while potatoes are boiled or roasted until tender. A quick toss with a touch of butter, salt, and pepper brings out the natural flavors of the vegetables.
Pineapple Cheese Casserole
This unique casserole combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory cheese, creating a flavor profile that’s both unexpected and delightful. It’s a conversation-starting side dish that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes
If oven space runs short, try these scalloped potatoes in the slow cooker. This makes a great alternative to the usual baked potato or mashed potato.
Load all the ingredients into the slow cooker, and in a few hours, you’ll have wonderfully creamy potatoes with very little effort.
Find the recipe here: Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes
Sugar Roasted Sweet Potatoes And Squash
This simple side dish is packed with fall flavors. Sweet potatoes and squash are roasted together with a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon, creating a caramelized and delicious dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving.
Barbeque Cranberry Sauce
For something a little different this year, why not try this Barbecue Cranberry Sauce? It’s a delicious blend of sweet and savory and is a glorious condiment to slather over the smoked turkey or any other meat, for that matter!
It’s incredibly versatile and very easy to make.
Find the recipe here: Cranberry BBQ Sauce – The Mountain Kitchen
Buckwheat with Collard Greens and Mushrooms
Cooked buckwheat, fresh greens, and meaty mushrooms are the perfect healthy combination to balance the richness of the turkey and creamy dishes.
This simple dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. It will fill you up and leave you feeling extra healthy.
Find the recipe here: Buckwheat With Collards and Mushrooms
Roast Vegetable Medley with Honey and Balsamic Syrup
Of course, no popular holiday meal is complete without roast vegetables.
The options are limitless when it comes to vegetable selections, but the usual family favorites are potatoes, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, baby carrots, and parsnips.
Find the recipe here: Roast Vegetable Medley
Smoked BBQ Creamy Corn
Smoked cream corn is a beautiful mix of flavors and textures. The creamy base, combined with the extra texture and crunch of corn kernels, perfectly offsets the sweet and smoky flavor of the grilled corn.
Smoking the corn on a charcoal grill adds a flavor that is sure to make it a new favorite recipe.
Find the recipe here: Smoked Creamed Corn Recipe
Southern Style Green Beans
Southern-style green beans combine fresh green beans, cooked low and slow with salty bacon until they are tender, full of flavor, and melt in your mouth tasty.
The perfect side dish any time of the year! Combine with a cream of mushroom soup, and you’ve got a great green bean casserole.
Find the recipe here: Southern Style Green Beans Recipe | Yummly
Mushroom and Leek Bread Pudding
Bread puddings are a great alternative to stuffing; this one is no exception. The rich, mellow flavors of the mushroom and leeks are the perfect side to the smoked turkey.
The recipe can also be tweaked to be gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian.
Find the recipe here: Mushroom and Leek Bread Pudding Recipe
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
Hungry For More?
