Transform your Canadian Thanksgiving feast with these crowd-pleasing side dishes that perfectly complement your turkey dinner

As Canadian Thanksgiving approaches in early October, families across the country begin planning their festive menus. While the turkey may be the star of the show, it’s the supporting cast of side dishes that truly makes a Thanksgiving meal memorable. The right combination of sides can transform a simple dinner into an extraordinary feast that brings everyone together around the table.

Creating the perfect Thanksgiving spread doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With thoughtful planning and these tried-and-true recipes, you can craft a meal that balances flavours, textures, and colours while accommodating different dietary preferences and family traditions. From creamy gratins that bubble with golden cheese to vibrant roasted vegetables that celebrate autumn’s harvest, these 21 side dishes will help you create a Thanksgiving table that’s both delicious and visually stunning.

Planning Your Perfect Thanksgiving Menu

Strategic Side Selection

When choosing your Thanksgiving sides, aim for variety in preparation methods, flavours, and textures. Include a mix of:

  • Creamy dishes (mashed potatoes, gratins)
  • Fresh elements (slaws, salads)
  • Roasted vegetables (root vegetables, Brussels sprouts)
  • Bread or grain-based sides (biscuits, dressing)
  • Something sweet (glazed carrots, butternut squash)

Timeline and Preparation Tips

Many Thanksgiving sides can be prepared partially or completely ahead of time. Make-ahead components like chopped vegetables, assembled gratins (before baking), and even some fully cooked dishes that reheat well can save precious time on Thanksgiving Day. Plan your oven space carefully, considering which dishes can share oven time and temperatures.

Indulgent Potato and Grain Dishes

Bacon Cauliflower Gratin with Cheddar and Fontina Cheese

This show-stopping gratin combines the comfort of creamy cheese sauce with the smoky richness of bacon and the nutritional benefits of cauliflower. The golden, bubbling top gives way to tender cauliflower florets enrobed in a luxurious blend of sharp cheddar and mild fontina cheese.

Why it works: Cauliflower’s mild flavour absorbs the cheese sauce beautifully, while bacon adds a savoury depth that makes this dish irresistible even to vegetable skeptics. The two-cheese blend provides both sharpness and creaminess.

Make-ahead tip: Assemble the gratin up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Hasselback Potatoes

These accordion-style potatoes are as beautiful as they are delicious. The multiple cuts create extra surface area for maximum crispiness while keeping the interior fluffy and tender. A sprinkle of breadcrumbs adds textural interest and golden colour.

Technique tip: Use wooden spoons or chopsticks on either side of the potato while slicing to prevent cutting all the way through. This creates the signature fan effect while keeping the potato intact.

Flavour variations: Brush with herb butter, sprinkle with parmesan cheese, or add a drizzle of maple syrup for a Canadian twist.

Tarragon Mashed Potatoes

Elevate classic mashed potatoes with the sophisticated flavour of fresh tarragon and a splash of pastis (or white wine). This French-inspired side dish is elegant enough for special occasions yet comforting enough for family dinners.

Chef’s secret: The key to perfect mashed potatoes is using the right potato variety (Yukon Gold works beautifully), not overmixing, and adding warm milk gradually.

Bacon Mashed Red Potatoes with Buttermilk

These rustic mashed potatoes celebrate the creamy texture of red potatoes while leaving the skins on for added nutrition and visual appeal. Buttermilk provides tangy flavour while keeping the dish lighter than traditional cream-laden versions.

Health benefit: Buttermilk is lower in fat than heavy cream but still provides the tangy flavour and creamy texture that makes mashed potatoes irresistible.

Fresh and Vibrant Vegetable Sides

Cranberry, Pumpkin Seed & Almond Slaw

This festive slaw brings bright, fresh flavours to balance the richness of traditional Thanksgiving dishes. The combination of crunchy vegetables, tart cranberries, and toasted nuts creates a perfect harmony of flavours and textures.

Seasonal spotlight: This slaw showcases classic fall flavours while providing a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes. The vibrant colours add visual appeal to your holiday table.

Prep advantage: Unlike traditional coleslaw, this version actually improves after sitting for a few hours as the flavours meld together.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Almond Slivers

Transform Brussels sprouts from a dreaded vegetable into a crowd favourite with this elegant preparation. Thinly shaved sprouts cook quickly and have a milder flavour than whole Brussels sprouts, while toasted almonds add richness and crunch.

Conversion technique: This raw preparation eliminates the bitter, sulphurous flavours that develop when Brussels sprouts are overcooked, making them appealing even to traditional Brussels sprouts avoiders.

Almond Butter Green Beans

Capture all the elegance of green beans almondine with minimal effort. This simplified version uses almond butter to coat tender-crisp green beans, creating a dish that’s both sophisticated and approachable.

Time-saver: Using almond butter eliminates the step of toasting and chopping almonds while still providing rich, nutty flavour throughout the dish.

Spectacular Roasted Vegetable Medleys

Easy Root Vegetable Roast

Celebrate autumn’s harvest with this colourful medley of roasted root vegetables. The high heat of roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, creating deep, complex flavours.

Shopping shortcut: Save prep time by purchasing pre-cut root vegetables from the grocery store’s fresh produce section. They’ll roast just as beautifully as vegetables you cut yourself.

Seasoning suggestions: Toss with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or add warming spices like cumin and paprika for extra depth.

Maple Roasted Carrots and Parsnips with Pine Nuts

This quintessentially Canadian side dish showcases the natural sweetness of root vegetables enhanced by pure maple syrup. The addition of pine nuts provides richness and textural contrast.

Maple syrup tip: Use pure Canadian maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for authentic flavour and better caramelization during roasting.

Make-ahead strategy: This dish can be roasted in advance and reheated, making it perfect for busy Thanksgiving Day schedules.

Sweet Spiced Baby Carrots

Transform simple baby carrots into an elegant side dish with warming spices and a touch of sweetness. This recipe proves that sometimes the simplest preparations are the most satisfying.

Spice blend ideas: Experiment with combinations like cinnamon and ginger, or try Middle Eastern-inspired spices like cumin and coriander for an unexpected twist.

Comforting Squash and Gourd Creations

Brown Sugar Butternut Squash

This recipe takes advantage of pre-diced butternut squash and canned sweet potato to create a fast and flavourful side dish. The brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the squash while adding caramel-like depth.

Time-saving tip: Look for pre-cut fresh butternut squash in the produce section, or use frozen butternut squash for even more convenience.

Butternut Squash & Apple Mash

Combine two autumn favourites in this smooth, naturally sweet mash that serves as a lighter alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. The apple adds subtle sweetness and helps create a silky texture.

Apple selection: Choose apples that break down easily when cooked, such as McIntosh or Cortland varieties, for the smoothest mash.

Roasted Squash Wedges

Kid-friendly and visually appealing, these roasted squash wedges are perfect for families with picky eaters. The natural sweetness of roasted squash appeals to children while providing excellent nutrition.

Variety options: Try different winter squashes like acorn, delicata, or kabocha for variety in flavour and appearance.

Elegant Grain and Bread Accompaniments

Winter Vegetable Croustade au Gratin

This sophisticated dish layers winter vegetables in a golden, bubbly gratin that’s both hearty and elegant. The French-inspired preparation elevates humble vegetables into something special.

Layering technique: Alternate different coloured vegetables for the most attractive presentation, and ensure even thickness for consistent cooking.

Cheddar Herb Buttermilk Biscuits

These flaky, flavourful biscuits are perfect for sopping up gravy and make excellent leftover turkey sandwiches the next day. The combination of sharp cheddar and fresh herbs creates irresistible savoury flavour.

Biscuit success tips:

  • Keep ingredients cold for the flakiest results
  • Don’t overwork the dough
  • Use a sharp cutter and press straight down without twisting

Cornbread and Andouille Dressing

Bring Southern comfort to your Canadian Thanksgiving with this spicy, flavourful dressing. The combination of cornbread, andouille sausage, and aromatic vegetables creates a side dish with serious personality.

Canadian adaptation: If andouille sausage isn’t available, substitute with any spicy smoked sausage or chorizo for similar flavour impact.

Creative Vegetable Preparations

Rapini with Olives & Bread Crumbs

Balance the sweetness of traditional Thanksgiving sides with this slightly bitter, intensely flavoured green vegetable. The olives and breadcrumbs add Mediterranean flair to your autumn feast.

Flavour balance: The slight bitterness of rapini provides a sophisticated counterpoint to sweet dishes like glazed carrots and mashed sweet potatoes.

Steamed Corn on the Cob

When corn is still in season during Canadian Thanksgiving, this elegant preparation with herbed butter makes the most of this summer-to-fall transition vegetable.

Presentation tip: The parchment paper wrapping not only steams the corn perfectly but also creates an impressive presentation that’s revealed at the table.

Cauliflower Gratin with Thyme and Hazelnuts

This refined gratin showcases cauliflower’s ability to absorb flavours while adding textural interest with crunchy hazelnuts and aromatic thyme.

Nut alternatives: If hazelnuts aren’t available or someone has allergies, try toasted pine nuts, sliced almonds, or simply omit nuts and add extra breadcrumbs for crunch.

Perfect Finishing Touches

Honey and Thyme Glazed Pearl Onions

These jewel-like onions become sweet and caramelized with minimal effort. The combination of honey and fresh thyme creates an elegant side that complements both turkey and ham beautifully.

Prep shortcut: Use frozen pearl onions to save the tedious task of peeling small fresh onions. They’ll taste just as good and save considerable prep time.

Perfect Gravy

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without gravy, and this foolproof recipe ensures smooth, flavourful results every time. The key is building flavour gradually and maintaining the right consistency.

Gravy troubleshooting:

  • Too thin? Mix flour with cold water to create a slurry, then whisk in gradually
  • Too thick? Thin with warm broth or pan drippings
  • Lumpy? Strain through a fine-mesh sieve

Make-ahead option: Gravy base can be made with chicken stock ahead of time, then enhanced with turkey drippings on Thanksgiving Day.

Three Days Before:

  • Shop for all ingredients
  • Prepare and freeze biscuits (unbaked)
  • Make breadcrumbs for gratins

Two Days Before:

  • Prep all vegetables (wash, peel, cut)
  • Make cranberry slaw (flavours improve with time)
  • Prepare cornbread for dressing

Day Before:

  • Assemble gratins (don’t bake)
  • Make butternut squash dishes
  • Prepare gravy base
  • Mix spice blends for vegetables

Thanksgiving Day Morning:

  • Roast root vegetables
  • Steam corn
  • Prepare mashed potatoes (keep warm)

Final Hours:

  • Bake gratins
  • Warm pre-made dishes
  • Make fresh gravy with turkey drippings
  • Prepare fresh herb garnishes

Dietary Considerations and Substitutions

For Vegetarian Guests:

  • Substitute vegetable broth for chicken stock
  • Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives
  • Replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavour

For Gluten-Free Needs:

  • Use gluten-free flour for gravies and biscuits
  • Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or nuts
  • Check that all seasonings and broths are gluten-free certified

For Dairy-Free Requirements:

  • Use coconut cream or cashew cream in gratins
  • Replace butter with vegan alternatives or olive oil
  • Nutritional yeast can provide cheesy flavour in some dishes

Creating Your Perfect Thanksgiving Feast

The key to a successful Thanksgiving lies not just in individual recipes, but in how all the elements work together. These 21 side dishes offer enough variety to please every palate while maintaining the comforting, celebratory spirit that makes Canadian Thanksgiving special.

Remember that Thanksgiving is about gratitude, family, and creating memories. Choose the sides that speak to your family’s preferences and traditions, and don’t feel pressured to make everything from scratch if time is limited. The most important ingredient in any Thanksgiving meal is the love and care you put into bringing people together.

Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving or you’re a seasoned holiday entertainer, these reliable, delicious side dishes will help you create a feast that celebrates the abundance of the season and the joy of gathering with those you love most.