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Thanksgiving Side Dishes NOT cooked in the oven!

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Perfectly roasted, moist and delicious this is my go-to recipe for Thanksgiving!
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Oven space is always a premium around the holidays. That big turkey takes up all the room! Here at 50+ Thanksgiving Side Dishes NOT cooked in the oven. I know you’ll find a new favorite so many amazing holiday side dishes to choose from! PLUS I’m sharing my best tips for stress-free holiday entertaining!

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Turkey and Thanksgiving Side Dishes on table
Homemade Roasted Turkey – Thanksgiving Dinner with all the sides.

Thanksgiving Side Dishes NOT cooked in the oven!

Thanksgiving without a doubt is my favorite holiday. I love family time. Watching sports with my brother, giggling with the girls and talking cameras with Dad.

Hanging out and enjoying family and friends.

What does Thanksgiving mean to you?

For me, it is about family and camaraderie. It’s about reconnecting with those you love and giving thanks. Having extra time to spend with Dan.

Personally, I LOVE to cook Thanksgiving dinner. But I also recognize that isn’t for everyone!

If cooking for a crowd is stressful here are some tips!

  • Go out to a great restaurant – pick your favorite, something everyone would enjoy!
  • Order take-out, it’s ok! Order enough for dinner and a bit extra. That way when you’re looking for leftovers you’ll still have a great late-night snack in the refrigerator.
  • Grocery stores offer a complete Turkey dinner – turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy for about fifty bucks! Ham & prime rib meals are also available. You will need to pre-order so check your local store for availability and prices.

Here’s the bottom line…. don’t stress – make it fun for everyone, including YOU!!!

So… having said that – if you are cooking Thanksgiving this year there is always so much happening in the kitchen, especially in the oven..

What about the side dishes? Is there enough room to cook them in the oven?

What’s a gal/guy to do when everything needs to be done at the same time?

Don’t use the oven of course!

Today I wanted to share with you some great Thanksgiving Side Dishes that aren’t cooked in the oven! You’re going to find at least one (probably more!!) new recipes everyone will love!

Thanksgiving Side Dishes always include candied sweet potatoes
Be sure to make plenty, because these are the BEST Candied Sweet Potatoes!

Holiday Side Dishes – Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Rutabagas

One of our favorites Thanksgiving Side Dishes NOT made in the oven is Candied Sweet Potatoes – another must-have on our table. This recipe has been in our family for over 100 years!

One of the BEST parts is that it only takes four ingredients! AND it can be made ahead, up to three days ahead. The only problem with that is they may disappear from the refrigerator before Thanksgiving Day! 😋

Candied Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Candied Yams are a family favorite. This recipe has been in our family for years – it’s sweet and decadent and always served on special occasions. I hope you love this recipe as much as we do!
Check out this recipe
Candied yams in a white bowl.

Potatoes are traditional AND delicious! Here are my favorite recipes!

Pressure Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Creamy delicious mashed potatoes with homemade gravy all made in the pressure cooker! You'll love this easy side dish!
Check out this recipe
A blue casserole dish filled with Mashed Potatoes made in Instant Pot
Pressure Cooker Baked Potatoes
Fluffy baked potatoes, perfectly cooked every time! Baked potatoes are made quick and easy your pressure cooker!
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot baked potatoes in a bowl topped with butter, sour cream and chives.
Mashed Potatoes with Cauliflower
Silky smooth, creamy mashed potatoes with cauliflower is an updated version of an old classic!
Check out this recipe
Casserole dish filled with potatoes with a butter melting in the center.
Southern Rutabaga Recipe a traditional Holiday Side Dishes
Southern Rudabaga Recipe with milk and butter.

Have you tried Rutabagas before? They are my favorite side dish – hands down! I know… you think I’m crazy right? BUT they are so good!

Buttered Rutabagas
Buttered Rutabagas are a staple on the holiday table. Simple to make they are boiled until tender, drizzled with milk or cream and topped with rich, creamy butter.
Check out this recipe
Buttery Rutabagas in white casserole dish topped with butter.
Thanksgiving Side Dishes - Swiss chard
I know you’re going to love this veg! Once you know how to make Swiss chard you’ll be enjoying this often!

BEST Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Greens, Peas, Green Beans and more!

Pass on the traditional green bean casserole dish. Instead, consider serving sauteed or pan-fried greens. A light side dish helps balance the heavy meal.

How to Make Swiss Chard 
How to Braise Chard – The combination of greens and garlic is tantalizing. Braising the greens and garlic together makes the vegetables so delicious and savory. 
Check out this recipe
White bowls filled with cooked vegetables.
Steamed Brussels sprouts
Steamed vegetables are a great way to serve a healthy side dish, without adding additional calories or heavy sauces. Delicious too – steaming keeps them bright green and fresh.
Check out this recipe
Steamed brussels sprouts
Southern Style Collard Greens
Southern-Style Collard Greens recipe is a simple side dish full of savory flavor. A classic dish is easy to make and delicious the perfect side dish for any meal!
Check out this recipe
Leftover ham and collard greens in white bowl.
Instant Pot Green Bean Recipe
Instant Pot Green Bean Recipe with salty bacon, onions and garlic. Southern-style green beans using your pressure cooker. A simple and flavorful side dish that takes only minutes to make!
Check out this recipe
String Beans in bowl with fork.
3 Ingredient Steamed Green Beans
Steamed Green Beans are a super easy, super delicious side dish taking just minutes to make. They are perfect when paired with rich heavy meals and leftovers become a yummy snack or an ingredient for a great soup!
Check out this recipe
Steamed green beans on a white platter sitting on a black table.

And a few more recipes that sound delicious!

Holiday Side Dishes - Southern Style Collard Greens
Easy to make Southern Style Collard Greens

Pan-Roasted Vegetables

Great tip to keep the side dishes warm? Line your cooler with foil. Wrap the heated side dish(s) in a towel and stack them in the cooler. Close the lid tightly.

Deb Clark

Traditional Mashed Potatoes AND Gravy – all made in the pressure cooker, let me tell you it doesn’t get any either then this!

Pan Roasted Vegetables
Fresh crisp vegetables lightly sautéed in butter and olive oil until caramelized and sweet. Adding tomatoes at the end makes a delicate light sauce. An easy lightened up side dish that only takes 15 minutes to make!
Check out this recipe
Pan Roasted Vegetables on green platter
Sautéed Brussel Sprouts
Sautéed Brussel Sprout Recipe cooked in butter and olive oil seasoned simply with salt and pepper! A sprinkle of pomegranate arils brightens the flavors of this side dish!
Check out this recipe
sautéed Brussel sprouts topped with pomegranate arils
  • Maple Glazed Carrots will have even your pickiest eaters looking for seconds! That sweet glaze is just so delicious!
  • An easy light veg is Pan-Roasted Asparagus – quick to make and only four ingredients – YUM!
Navy Bean Salad in a white bowl surrounded by tomatoes and parsley.
Navy Bean Salad from Healing Tomato

Easy Side Dishes – Salads

Salads are always great on the buffet – often made ahead they are a super simple side dish that everyone enjoys!

Macaroni Pasta Salad Recipe
Crunchy vegetables and salty bacon are loaded into this Easy Macaroni Pasta Salad! Topped with coleslaw salad dressing, this is SO GOOD and so easy!!
Check out this recipe
Macaroni and Cheese Pasta Salad Recipe in orange bowl.
Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipes
Bow Tie Pasta Salad Recipe – Crunchy with lots of delicious Italian seasonings no mayo, it’s perfect for a cookout, barbecue or potluck!
Check out this recipe
Bow Tie Pasta Salad in a white bowl on a black table.
Mediterranean White Bean Salad
Yummy deliciousness and creamy crunch in this Mediterranean White Bean Salad – you’re going to love everything about this one – you can serve it cold or room temperature. Perfect for a buffet or light lunch!
Check out this recipe
Ham Pasta Salad
Ham Pasta Salad is easy to make and a real crowd pleaser! Salty ham and feta cheese mixed with bright, crunchy vegetables and pasta.
Check out this recipe
Green bowl filled with Pasta Salad with Cheese, Ham and vegetables.
  • If you like bacon and cheese, then you will certainly love this Broccoli Salad!
  • This Broccoli Salad has crunchy apples, chopped nuts, applewood bacon – but there’s no doubt broccoli is the star!
Cooking the Cranberry Sauce!

Holiday Side Dishes – Cranberry Sauce

Your holiday table is not complete without Cranberry Sauce! You can always serve canned, but homemade is so much better!

Cranberry Sauce can be made ahead and frozen – take out of the freezer two days before to thaw.

Deb Clark
Cranberry Sauce
Sweet, tart and crunchy this homemade Cranberry Sauce is a staple on our holiday table!
Check out this recipe

There are many variations of sauce too!

  • Cranberry Cherry Apple Sauce – The addition of apples and cinnamon sounds like such a beautiful combination. I bet it’s really fragrant too, mmm!!
  • Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce – Subtle hints of rosemary and orange zest that infuse the sauce. It’s a little sweet and a little tart!

Holiday Hint!

Set the table the day before – one less thing to do on Thanksgiving Day.

Deb Clark

Now we have more yummy Thanksgiving Side Dishes – all made on the stovetop or an electric skillet!

  • Sharon’s Special Sticky Rice – pure comfort food! Each bite has tender morsels of glutinous sweet rice and savory nibbles of salty Chinese sausage. Is your mouth watering yet? Mmm…. mine is!
  • Sausage Stuffed Potato Dumplings – pillows of goodness I say, YUM! Or, if you don’t make them for Thanksgiving, they could also be made with leftover mashed potatoes, turkey and stuffing, shape them and fry.
  • Mashed Rutabagas – creamy and delicious, I know there wouldn’t be any leftovers in our home!

Cast Iron Skillet Cranberry Stuffing – perfect for a simple side dish, fancy enough for your holiday meal!

No room in the oven? Then fire up the grill! That’s a great resource also!

I have a whole post with 40+ side dishes made in the pressure cooker – click here to find a new favorite recipe!

Creamed corn in green bowl with spoon.
This corn is so creamy and ridiculously easy to make!
Crockpot Cream Corn
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn – Easy to make this buttery, rich and creamy corn is the perfect holiday side dish!
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn in green bowl with spoon
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Sweet, juicy corn on the cob ready in minutes! No need to get a steamer basket or special accessories either. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to make Instant Pot Corn on the Cob.
Check out this recipe
A white platter filled with corn cooked in a pressure cooker.

Is the Thanksgiving meal too much work? This year, make it a potluck! Everyone always brings their best dishes, cook the turkey and let others fill in with great sides.

Deb Clark

Pasta is always a wonderful side dish. It’s affordable and easy to make. If you’re looking for a meat-free side, here are some options. The Chili Mac does have beef, but you could always substitute with a vegetarian option.

Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese
Drool-worthy comfort food just got that much easier! Ditch the box and make your own creamy, cheesy mac n cheese in minutes in your pressure cooker!
Check out this recipe
A white bowl filled with pasta.
Pasta Puttanesca
Pasta Puttanesca is a delicious dish that uses simple pantry ingredients to an incredible meal! It’s a quick, easy, budget-friendly meal that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Check out this recipe
Pasta in white bowl, twirled with a fork
Chili Mac and Cheese
Love chili? Love Mac ‘n Cheese? Well combine the two and you’ll have the MOST delicious comfort food!
Check out this recipe
Lemon Pasta Recipe
Creamy Lemon Pasta has a light sauce made with lemons, garlic, parmesan cheese, cream, olive oil and spices. The lemon spaghetti recipe is bright and tangy. It is a quick and easy meal to make!
Check out this recipe
A platter of pasta with lemon cream sauce on white plate.

Want a stress free Thanksgiving – make the gravy a day (or two!) ahead. Just reheat prior to serving!

Deb Clark
A fresh green salad recipe topped with homemade vinaigrette!
The creamy vinaigrette takes this garden salad right over the top! Don’t you want to dig right in?

Green Salad Holiday Side Dishes

A Thanksgiving table deserves to have a salad – but not any old salad, season it up with something special!

Fall Harvest Salad
This beautiful salad is very simple and uses great fall harvest fruits and vegetables – butter lettuce, roasted butternut squash, Fuyu persimmons, red onions, and a handful of micro-greens – that’s it! Topped with a creamy homemade salad dressing it’s a perfect light lunch on a beautiful fall day!
Check out this recipe
Fall Harvest salad with persimmons and roast squash on white plate with fork.
Iceberg Wedge Salad Recipe
Wedge salad is a favorite and something we enjoy quite often. This is an easy salad, so simple to put together!
Check out this recipe
Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Salad on platter.
Steakhouse Salad Recipe
The big bold flavors in this steakhouse salad will compliment your steak perfectly! Blue cheese, marinated artichokes and hearts of palm pair perfectly with the sweet homemade vinaigrette. 
Check out this recipe
A green salad in a bowl with a jar of salad vinaigrette being added to the salad.
Honey Glazed Orange Salad with Pistachios
Honey Glazed Orange Salad is light, bright and delicious, simple and amazing. This is a perfect side salad and a celebration of winter flavors – enjoy!
Check out this recipe
This orange salad is full of crunchy, sweet deliciousness!
Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe is packed crunchy greens and tangy brussels and is topped with bright fresh fruit. Dress your salad with creamy or tangy balsamic dressing for a great side salad or an easy lunch for any time of the year!
Check out this recipe
Hand holding green bowl filled with shaved Brussels sprout salad topped with fruit
Cinnamon Honey Butter in a brown bowl.
  • Soft pillowy rolls are always on the table, right? Dress them up with some creamy Cinnamon Honey Butter from An Affair from the Heart!
  • Cowboy Butter – you can top off just about anything with this! Of course, it’s delicious on bread and rolls, but steamed or roasted vegetables – delicious! Also consider making this and spreading it under the skin of your bird – fabulous!

Another great tip – don’t make everything yourself.  Ask each guest to bring a dessert and set up a sweets buffet. Desserts are done!

Deb Clark
Turkey isn't complete without great Thanksgiving Side Dishes
My favorite Roast Turkey Recipe!

Do you have a wonderful side dish that is NOT cooked in the oven? Email me the link for your original recipe and I will happily add it to this blog to share for next year!

If you would like to try a great recipe for roast turkey, here’s mine. Your turkey will be the star of the show, moist, delicious and perfectly done every time. This is my go-to recipe for Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Turkey Close-up
Print Recipe
5 from 15 votes

Thanksgiving Side Dishes and Roasted Turkey

Perfectly roasted, moist and delicious this is my go-to recipe for Thanksgiving!
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time4 hrs
Total Time4 hrs 20 mins
Course: Poultry
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Christmas, Holiday Dinner, Thanksgiving
Servings: 12 Servings
Calories: 830kcal
Author: Deb Clark
Cost: $20
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 1 18-20 lb Turkey
  • 6 cups root vegetables – I use onion, carrots and butternut squash
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 4 tablespoons softened butter
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 500 degrees
  • Clean & chop the root vegetables into large pieces. Put them into a large roasting pan and put the turkey on top.
  • Mix together the butter and spices – salt, pepper, cloves & nutmeg. With clean hands, run the butter spice mixture all over the turkey, inside & out. Separate the skin from the breast meat and get it in there also.
  • Mix together the wine and chicken broth and pour it over the turkey. Cover the turkey very tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 500 degree oven as follows;
  • First half hour: 500 degrees
  • Second half hour: 450 degrees
  • Third half hour 400 degrees
  • Turn heat down to 350 and continue cooking for one hour. Remove the foil. Baste turkey as it continues to cook. It will take about 1 1/2 hours more for a 20 lb. turkey.
  • Allow to rest for at least a half hour, covered with aluminum foil. Remove the root veggies from the pan and you have a delicious side dish! Carve the turkey & enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 830kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 113g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 377mg | Sodium: 1373mg | Potassium: 1380mg | Fiber: 3g | Vitamin A: 5025IU | Vitamin C: 12.2mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 5.4mg

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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Liza

    5 stars
    Wow, Debra,
    These are the life-savers ( for the busy folks like me)! Thanks for posting them!! 🙂

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      So many wonderful recipes from our amazing colleagues – thanks Liza, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

      Reply

  2. Sandhya Hariharan

    Really a fab handy guide Debra !! Sometimes we just need to step out from our traditional recipes and make our life easier too .

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      I so agree Sandhya, it’s always fun to try new things!!

      Reply

  3. Sarah

    What an awesome idea for a recipe collection and talk about a life saver! I feel like there’s never enough time…but mores…there’s never enough room in the oven!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      So true Sarah – never enough room in the oven!! Thank you!!

      Reply

  4. Laura | Wandercooks

    5 stars
    Oooh what an inspirational roundup of recipes! There’s almost no need to stress these days with the range of culinary creations and options we have available, especially when you’ve helped bring them all together into a neat collection too! Have to say, that turkey looks divine!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Thanks much Laura!! Good stuff here that’s for sure! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

      Reply

  5. Geoffrey @ Spoonabilities.com

    Great roundup of sides. Always looking for different side dishes. Love our you grouped them together too! Thanks!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Thanks so much Geoffrey, I appreciate you stopping by!!

      Reply

  6. Christina | Christina's Cucina

    These are great options to keep the oven saved for the turkey! Love all the different options!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Thanks so much Christina!!

      Reply

  7. Sandi

    5 stars
    OMG thank you for this. Our oven is small so holidays are often a struggle to get everything cooked. I love these ideas. I hope you remarket it in social media so people can find these great recipes.

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      You’re so welcome Sandi! I think I’m going to put out the word and add some new recipes to it. More soon!

      Reply

  8. Nettie Moore

    5 stars
    Thank you for including my recipes in your delicious post! Happy Thanksgiving! Nettie, Moore or Less Cooking

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      You’re so welcome Nettie – I really appreciate your contribution!!!

      Reply

  9. Sandi

    5 stars
    I love this recipe roundup! I am so glad that these recipes won’t need to go in the oven. Space is a premium in our oven on Thanksgiving. Also, thank you for sharing my rutabaga post. Sharing all around!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Your Rutabaga recipe looks amazing – we ALWAYS have them on our dinner table. More people should! Thank you for another delicious recipe!!!

      Reply

  10. Healing Tomato

    5 stars
    Thank you so much for including my Navy Beans salad in this wonderful collection. I see so many many great dishes in this collection and they are all very tempting.

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      You are very welcome! Your bean salad looks so delicious and would be an amazing salad for the buffet, I love it!

      Reply

  11. Karen (Back Road Journal)

    When the oven is “fully booked”, sides that can be made on the stovetop are indispensable. What a terrific list you’ve put together…very inspiring.

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Thanks Karen, I’m glad you’ve found this a great resource!

      Reply

  12. Megan @ Megunprocessed

    Side dishes are my favorite thing. Great options here.

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Thanks Megan!!!

      Reply

  13. Erin Clarkson

    What a great roundup!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Thank you Erin!

      Reply

  14. Richa Gupta

    5 stars
    I love that Navy Bean Salad and anything that involves potatoes!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Me too Richa – win, win!!

      Reply

  15. Carolyn

    This is perfect for the holidays!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Lots of great recipes from many food bloggers! Glad you found it helpful Carolyn!

      Reply

  16. michele

    5 stars
    So many great ideas … and with thanksgiving not using the oven is MAJOR helpful! Keeping this for thanksgiving!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Most definitely Michele!

      Reply

  17. debi at Life Currents

    5 stars
    Even with 2 ovens, when I cook Thanksgiving dinner I still need space. Thanks for these. I’ll definitely be using them.

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Same here, there’s never enough room in the oven!

      Reply

  18. Sandra Shaffer

    5 stars
    Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday too! I have two ovens, but it’s still not enough cooking space, so these side dishes are going to be handy to have. I’m eyeing the mac ‘n cheese recipes. What a great addition to a turkey feast!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Mmmm!!!! Mac ‘n Cheese! That has me drooling just thinking about it!!! Thanks Sandra!

      Reply

  19. Julie

    5 stars
    There are so many amazing recipes here! I love Thanksgiving and trying new dishes.

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Me too Julie and we always run out of room in the oven!

      Reply

  20. Kathy

    5 stars
    Thank you for so many wonderful recipe ideas! I am always looking for ways to minimize oven use during the holidays. This is perfect!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Fantastic Kathy! This is a fantastic reference for the holidays!

      Reply

  21. Angela

    5 stars
    I want them all!! These are so delicious looking and so helpful because man it really is a problem every year! These non oven dishes sure make life easier!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Exactly! There’s never enough room in the oven, right?!!

      Reply

  22. Michaela Kenkel

    5 stars
    I don’t need to go anywhere else!! Grab a turkey and I am all set!! Great ideas for Thanksgiving!

    Reply

  23. Lois

    5 stars
    These all look very good, I will pick out three of them to put wit our turkey and enjoy the day. Thank you

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Thank you! So many delicious choices!!!

      Reply

  24. Lois

    So many great ideas. Love them. Have made several myself

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      That’s great to hear, thank you for sharing!!

      Reply

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