10 Unique Thanksgiving Side Dishes by Region: A Culinary Journey

Turkey typically rules the roost on Thanksgiving, but don't overlook the special Thanksgiving side dishes that vary by region. This year, add something different to your holiday menu with these 10 favorite Thanksgiving sides from across the country for a meal you won't forget.

Thanksgiving Side Dishes Across the Country

Why not celebrate Thanksgiving with a culinary homage to a region you love or a destination you plan to visit? From the East Coast to the West Coast, these delicious regional traditions will enhance your Thanksgiving feast.

Classic East Coast Side Dishes

The Eastern Seaboard is known for its distinct Thanksgiving flavors. Try these traditional favorites to complement your main meal:

1. Sauerkraut

This tangy side dish has roots in German and Eastern European traditions and pairs well with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons turkey or chicken drippings (or olive oil)
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 to 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups chopped cabbage
• 2 cups turkey or chicken broth (divided)
• 2 ½ cups shredded sauerkraut (rinsed and drained)

Directions:

1. Heat butter and drippings/oil in a large pan. Sauté onion until softened.
2. Add paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add cabbage and 1 cup of broth. Partially cover and cook until cabbage wilts.
4. Transfer to a baking dish, cover, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, then uncover and bake for 15 more minutes.

2. Creamed Onions

A New England classic, creamed onions have graced Thanksgiving tables for generations.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups water
• 2 ¾ tablespoons coarse salt (divided)
• 2 bags (10 ounces each) unpeeled pearl onions
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 4 sprigs fresh sage (about 16 leaves)

Directions:

1. Boil onions in salted water for about 12 minutes, then drain and cool.
2. Pop onions from skins and dry.
3. Melt butter, whisk in flour, then add milk and bring to a boil.
4. Stir in salt, nutmeg, and sage. Cook until thickened, then add onions.

Mouthwatering Midwest Favorites

The Midwest is known for its hearty casseroles. Add these classics to your table:

3. Green Bean Casserole

A holiday staple that's both easy and delicious, this version uses fresh green beans.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans (trimmed)
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups fried onions (divided)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook green beans in boiling salted water for 3-5 minutes; drain.
3. Mix beans with soup, milk, soy sauce, pepper, and 2/3 cup onions.
4. Spread in a casserole dish and bake for 25 minutes. Top with remaining onions and bake until golden brown.

4. Wild Rice Casserole

A favorite cultivated by Native Americans, this dish showcases the abundance of wild rice.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 cups chicken broth (reserve 1 cup)
• 1 ½ cups wild rice (well washed)
• 1 ½ cups diced celery
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced mushrooms
• Butter for sautéing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Sauté vegetables and mushrooms in butter.
3. Combine everything in a casserole dish, cover tightly, and bake for 1.5 hours.

Sassy Southern Sides

Southern cuisine pairs perfectly with deep-fried turkey. Try these delightful side dishes:

5. Butter Beans

These buttery beans are a staple on Southern tables.

Ingredients:

• 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen lima beans
• 8-10 slices raw bacon (diced)
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• ½ cup celery (chopped)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• Dash of Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook lima beans in salted water for 15 minutes; drain.
3. Fry bacon and cook onion and celery in bacon grease until softened.
4. Mix all ingredients and transfer to a greased casserole dish. Bake for 20 minutes.

6. Corn Spoon Bread

This fluffy and creamy cornbread variation is a Southern favorite.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup cornmeal
• 2 cups hot milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 egg yolks
• 4 egg whites

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Cook cornmeal in milk until thickened. Cool and mix in butter and salt.
3. Fold in egg yolks and beaten egg whites. Bake for 45 minutes until browned.

Special Southwest Sides

Add a Southwestern twist to your Thanksgiving feast with these unique dishes:

7. Frogs Eye Salad

A classic sweet salad popular in the Southwest.

Ingredients:

• 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple tidbits (drained)
• 1 (10-ounce) can crushed pineapple (drained)
• 1 cup reserved pineapple juice
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ cup acini de pepe noodles
• 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin oranges (drained)
• ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 banana (sliced)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Prepare pineapple juice mixture and cook until thickened.
2. Combine cooled noodles with pineapple and fruit; fold in whipped cream before serving.

8. Flavorful Empanadas

These delightful pastries can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients.

Pumpkin Filling:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¾ cup dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Empanada Dough:

• 3 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup shortening
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk

Directions:

1. Prepare filling and chill.
2. Make the dough, roll out, fill, seal, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Wow with These West Coast Sides

The West Coast boasts Thanksgiving side dishes that reflect its diverse culinary landscape:

9. Mushroom Gravy

A must-have side for any Thanksgiving table, especially with mushrooms from the Pacific Coast.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broth or stock
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon miso paste
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3-4 cups mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 shallot (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 3 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Simmer broth and water; add miso.
2. Sauté mushrooms and shallot in butter; add garlic and thyme.
3. Thicken with flour, then add broth and simmer.

10. Pineapple Roasted Acorn Squash

Combine tropical pineapple with acorn squash for a unique side dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 acorn squash (halved)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 (8.5-ounce) can crushed pineapple (drained)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 tablespoons salted butter
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
• Pomegranate arils (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare baking dish.
2. Halve squash, season, and roast with pineapple and spices for 30 minutes covered, then 30 minutes uncovered.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what brings us together, and these distinctive side dishes celebrate our regional flavors. Whether you stick with traditional favorites or venture into new territory, these recipes will add excitement to your holiday table.

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