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Let These 7 Side Dishes Take Center Stage This Thanksgiving

From a beautiful bread cornucopia to adorable turkey cookies!

By Macaroni KID November 13, 2023

Move over turkey! This Thanksgiving, it's time to put the spotlight on the unsung heroes of the feast — the side dishes. 

From the beautiful bread cornucopia stuffed with fresh veggies to the rich and zesty Grand Marnier Stuffing or the savory and crisp Bacon & Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, our lineup of side dishes is here to elevate your Thanksgiving feast to a whole new level. And don't forget the Homemade Whole Cranberry Sauce, striking the perfect balance between sweet and tart, or the Simplified Corn Casserole that brings warmth and comfort to your holiday spread.

But it doesn't end there! We've also got an irresistible Pumpkin Torte, a heartfelt tribute to cherished baking memories with Grandma, and Turkey Sugar Cookies that will add a sprinkle of creativity and fun to your Thanksgiving celebration.

This year, let's give a round of applause to these side dishes that are bound to steal the limelight and make your Thanksgiving feast unforgettable. So, pull up a chair, grab your fork, and let the side dishes shine. Happy Thanksgiving!

Cornucopia Bread Basket


Charlotte Linde | Macaroni KID

Key Ingredients: Refrigerated soft breadstick dough, egg, Everything Bagel seasoning, non-stick cooking spray, heavy-duty tin foil, cut vegetables, fruit, and/or nuts.

Create a stunning centerpiece for your table with our Bread Basket, perfect for holding a variety of veggies, fruits, or nuts. This beautiful and easy-to-make "basket" is not only visually appealing but also a guaranteed hit at potlucks. Crafted from soft breadstick dough, it's a secret that this centerpiece is a breeze to prepare.

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Grand Marnier Stuffing


Macaroni KID

Key Ingredients: Grand Marnier, orange, butter, ground pork sausage, herb stuffing mix, chicken broth, celery, onion, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Elevate your Thanksgiving feast with this delectable Grand Marnier Stuffing. It combines the rich flavors of pork sausage, aromatic herbs, and the zesty kick of Grand Marnier-soaked oranges. 

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Jess Lessard Photography | Canva

Bacon & Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Key Ingredients: Fresh Brussels sprouts, olive oil, butter, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, chopped onion or shallots, dried cranberries, bacon, salt, and pepper.

Elevate your Brussels sprouts with our Bacon & Balsamic Brussels Sprouts recipe. This savory side dish features tender Brussels sprouts roasted to perfection, with the delightful addition of balsamic vinegar, crispy bacon, and sweet dried cranberries. 

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Homemade Whole Cranberry Sauce



 Professor25 | Canva

Key Ingredients: Fresh cranberries, 100% juice, sugar.

Discover the perfect balance of sweet and tart with our homemade cranberry sauce recipe. It uses 100% juice instead of water and less sugar for a healthier twist. You can customize the flavor with different juices, zest, and spices. 

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Savory Corn Casserole



Jennifer Hill | Macaroni KID

Key Ingredients: Boxed corn muffin mix, creamed corn, whole kernel corn, melted butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese (optional).

Simplify your Thanksgiving meal prep with our Easy Corn Casserole recipe. This savory side dish takes only 5 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your holiday feast. It's a year-round family favorite, and now you can share it with your loved ones. Mix corn muffin mix, creamed corn, whole kernel corn, melted butter, sour cream, and optional cheddar cheese for a delightful casserole. 

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Pumpkin Torte


Laura Miller | Macaroni KID

Key Ingredients: Flour, almond flour, butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, whipped topping, vanilla instant pudding, milk, pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, nutmeg.

This delightful Pumpkin Torte recipe is a heartfelt tribute to cherished memories of baking with Grandma. It features layers of decadent goodness, from a buttery crust to a creamy pumpkin filling, all crowned with whipped topping and a dusting of cinnamon. 

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Turkey Sugar Cookies


Leah Spencer | Macaroni KID

Key Ingredients: Round sugar cookies, chocolate icing, red cookie decorating icing, candy corn, candy eyes.

Gobble gobble! Add a sprinkle of creativity to your Thanksgiving celebration with our easy-to-make Turkey Sugar Cookies. These adorable treats are perfect for getting the kids involved in holiday preparations while making delicious memories. Decorate round sugar cookies with chocolate icing, candy corn feathers, candy eyes, and red icing accents. 

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Ready to raise your forks in honor of these amazing Thanksgiving side dishes? We certainly are! We hope you have a happy Thanksgiving ... and an amazing feast!