Side Dishes That Steal the Show: Elevate Your Thanksgiving Table
by Laura McManus, President of Mackenzie Limited and Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes & More
Crowd-Pleasing Sides for Every Table
Thanksgiving is all about sharing food and creating memories, and while the turkey often takes center stage, the right sides can truly elevate the meal. The best Thanksgiving side dishes provide variety, color, and flavor that keep guests coming back for more. From golden Corn Soufflé Casserole to decadent Sweet Potato Casserole and silky Creamed Spinach, each side dish can feel like a little celebration on its own. Let your personality shine here and don't be afraid to include something you've never tried, with a variety of side dishes on the table, you'll get to hear feedback on what worked and possibly what didn't.
Many of these gourmet sides can be prepared ahead of time, making your hosting experience much smoother. Using pre-prepared, ready-to-bake side dishes from Mackenzie Ltd. not only saves time but also ensures consistent, restaurant-quality flavor. For example, the Corn Soufflé or Truffle Mac can be popped in the oven while you focus on appetizers or spending time with guests, helping you keep Thanksgiving stress-free. My favorites include our Cranberry Orange Relish, Homestyle Turkey Gravy, and Mashed Potatoes, but I always include a tray of Hasselback Potatoes as they are so unusual.
ProTip: When I serve the Hasselback Potatoes, I make them my own arranging in a casserole dish, tucking shredded Cheddar cheese and chopped pre-cooked bacon inside the potato slices, and heating until golden, bubbly, and brown. You can use blue cheese and scallions, or get creative with your favorite cheese!
Classics with a Twist
Traditional Thanksgiving sides are beloved for a reason, but adding small twists can make them truly memorable. Creamed Spinach shines with an extra sprinkle of nutmeg, roasted Brussels sprouts are hearty enough to cook with pancetta, or sweet potatoes finished with maple syrup and a generous handful of toasted, chopped pecans add layers of flavor that surprise and delight.
For an extra touch of elegance without extra prep, consider a few gourmet ready-to-serve side dish options from Mackenzie Limited. These make it simple to impress guests with indulgent, crowd-pleasing dishes while keeping your kitchen calm. Subtle variations like blue cheese infused mashed potatoes or seasonal vegetable gratins can feel luxurious yet require minimal effort.
Balance and Variety on the Table
When planning your side dishes, aim for balance: a mix of creamy and crunchy, rich and fresh, warm and cool. For Thanksgiving side dishes, I do usually consider that the ever-popular Turkey Gravy will likely get poured on top, so take that into consideration.
Visual variety also makes the table feel festive: stacked serving platters, colorful garnishes, and seasonal accents like cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and roasted vegetables elevate even simple side dishes to gourmet.
To keep the meal flowing smoothly, have serving utensils and dinner plates ready, pre-plate where possible if you prefer that, and assign a spot for each dish so guests can help themselves without congestion. Incorporating a few ready-to-bake or pre-prepared gourmet sides from Mackenzie Limited streamlines the meal and lets you enjoy your guests instead of running back and forth in the kitchen.
ProTip: When I'm serving over 12 guests, I find it very hard to get all the dishes passed around the table. I set up a buffet style right in the kitchen, that way guests can mingle around while preparing their plates, and it gets done fairly quickly, ensuring that the dinner is still hot when its ready to eat.
Make-Ahead Tips and Stress-Free Prep
Many of the best Thanksgiving side dishes benefit from being made ahead, which allows flavors to develop and reduces stress on the big day. From creamy gratins to savory soups, assembling dishes in advance—or using a few pre-prepared items—makes hosting more manageable.
Even just a couple of ready-to-bake sides from Mackenzie Limited can free hours, ensuring your kitchen remains calm and you remain fully present with family and friends. If you do decide to order some prepared sides to simplify your preparation, make sure to plan for extra time for then to arrive by ordering early. Also, check the preparation to ensure you know if a side dish needs to be thawed in advance, or can cook from frozen. That way your Thanksgiving day celebration will be stress-free.
Final Thoughts
The humble side dish might not always get the spotlight, but to me they indeed have the power to make your Thanksgiving meal unforgettable. Choosing crowd-pleasing classics, adding subtle twists to make each one your own, and including a few gourmet ready-to-serve side dishes allows you to create a table that’s both beautiful and stress-free. Thoughtful planning, a mix of flavors and textures, and a few simple shortcuts ensure your Thanksgiving is effortless, elegant, and memorable for everyone.
Have fun with your menu, and most of all -- savor every moment with your guests!
Next Up: Desserts That Delight: Sweet Finishes for Your Thanksgiving Feast
