10 Last-Minute Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Country Living

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, but don't stress if you haven't started planning your menu beyond the turkey. We've got 10 great side dishes that might just steal the spotlight away from the main course superstar.


Plus: 50 Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes and 6 DIY Thanksgiving Table-Setting Ideas


1.Brandied Cranberry and Sweet Potato Stuffing

Brandied Cranberry and Sweet Potato Stuffing recipe from CountryLiving.com
Brandied Cranberry and Sweet Potato Stuffing recipe from CountryLiving.com



This isn't your average stuffing. Brandy, dried cranberries, and sweet potatoes offer the perfect contrast to the savory sausage and cornbread stuffing.

Get the recipe: Brandied Cranberry and Sweet Potato Stuffing


2. Buttermilk Cornbread

Buttermilk Cornbread from Country Living
Buttermilk Cornbread from Country Living



Rich and sweet with a tender crumble, buttermilk cornbread is an ideal side either on its own or dipped in homemade gravy.

Get the recipe: Buttermilk Cornbread


3. Acorn Squash

Acorn Square recipe from CountryLiving.com
Acorn Square recipe from CountryLiving.com



Bring fall's glorious colors and farm-stand flavors to your table in the form of roasted acorn squash brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with sage leaves and cinnamon.

Get the recipe: Acorn Squash


4. Cauliflower alla Parmigiana



This Italian-inspired side dish is exquisitely simple.

Get the recipe: Cauliflower alla Parmigiana


5. Cranberry-Ginger Sauce

Cranberry-Ginger Sauce recipe from CountryLiving.com
Cranberry-Ginger Sauce recipe from CountryLiving.com



Make fresh cranberry sauce in three easy steps.

Get the recipe: Cranberry-Ginger Sauce


6. French Green Beans with Butter Sauce and Crispy Leeks



Put a new spin on traditional green bean casserole with a rich butter sauce and crispy leeks.

Recipe: French Green Beans with Butter Sauce and Crispy Leeks


7. Tom's Perfect Mashed Potatoes



This simple, buttery, five-ingredient mashed potato recipe is inspired by New York City chef Tom Valenti.

Get the recipe: Tom's Perfect Mashed Potatoes


8. Pear, Chestnut, and Sage Dressing



Holiday flavors come together in a stuffing that features pears, chestnuts, and sage.

Get the recipe: Pear, Chestnut, and Sage Dressing


9. Creamed Pearl Onions



Lightly coated with a thyme-infused sauce, Creamed Pearl Onions are a satisfying side dish.

Get the recipe: Creamed Pearl Onions


10. Candied Yams with Apples



This scrumptious Southern side has three easy steps: chop, toss, and bake.

Get the recipe: Candied Yams with Apples



Get More Thanksgiving Ideas from CountryLiving.com:

101 Pie Recipes


How to Make the Kids Table Fun


10 Tasty Ideas for Leftover Turkey Sandwiches


The Beekman Boys' Thanksgiving


Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.