Great side dishes to go with smoked turkey are the ideal way to enhance the main course of a holiday meal. Although turkey is traditionally served for Thanksgiving, it also makes a delicious meal any other time of year. The best part is that there are usually lots of leftovers.
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My favorite side dishes are simple and quick, ideal for busy cooks who want a delicious meal without spending half the day in the kitchen. When you switch up the side dishes for leftover smoked turkey, you change up the entire meal, which doesn’t feel like leftovers!
Turkey is fantastic with a dry rub, but adding flavor with a brine enhances the flavor even further. There is no wrong way to smoke a turkey. Now, I buy extras during the holidays, so I have extra turkeys to smoke later in the year!.
Smoked turkey is a versatile and flavorful dish that deserves equally delicious side dishes. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, there are countless options to choose from.
This guide will explore some of the best sides to pair with smoked turkey, drawing inspiration from two popular culinary sources: Hot Pan Kitchen and That Guy Who Grills.
Classic Sides with a Twist
Hot Pan Kitchen offers a delightful selection of classic side dishes with a modern twist perfect for complementing the smoky flavor of the turkey. Here are some highlights:
- Gluten-Free Stuffing: This classic Thanksgiving staple gets a makeover with gluten-free bread, sausage, cranberries, apples, and fresh herbs. It’s a crowd-pleaser that even those with dietary restrictions can enjoy.
- Cranberry Sauce: This tangy and sweet sauce is a must-have for any turkey dinner. Hot Pan Kitchen’s version uses only three ingredients and cooks up in less than 20 minutes.
- Green Salad with Pears: This light and refreshing salad provides a welcome contrast to the richness of the smoked turkey. The pears add a touch of sweetness, while the hazelnuts and pomegranate seeds provide a satisfying crunch.
- Honey Butter Roasted Carrots: These glazed carrots are a simple yet elegant side dish. The honey butter adds a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the turkey.
- Banana Cream Pie Cups: For a lighter dessert option, try these individual banana cream pie cups. They’re easy to make and offer a delicious way to end the meal.
Smoky and Savory Sides
That Guy Who Grills takes a more rustic approach to smoked turkey sides, focusing on bold flavors and smoky goodness. Here are some of their standout options:
- Smoked Green Bean Casserole: This elevated version of the classic dish features green beans that are smoked to perfection, adding a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Smoked Potato Salad: This creamy and flavorful potato salad is perfect for summer gatherings. The smoked paprika adds a unique twist that complements the smoked turkey beautifully.
- Smoked Loaded Cheesy Potatoes: This decadent dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of smoked potatoes, cheese, and sour cream is simply irresistible.
- Smoked Cream Cheese: This versatile spread can be used on everything from crackers to sandwiches. It adds a smoky and creamy flavor that elevates any dish.
- Creamy Smoked Macaroni and Cheese: This classic comfort food gets a smoky upgrade with the addition of smoked cheese. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.
Additional Considerations
When choosing side dishes for smoked turkey, consider the following factors:
- Seasonality: Opt for seasonal ingredients whenever possible. This will ensure that your side dishes are fresh and flavorful.
- Dietary restrictions: Be mindful of any dietary restrictions your guests may have. Offer a variety of options to ensure everyone can enjoy the meal.
- Personal preferences: Ultimately, the best side dishes are the ones that you and your guests enjoy the most. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.
With so many delicious options to choose from, finding the perfect side dishes for smoked turkey is easy. Whether you prefer classic comfort food or bold and smoky flavors, there’s something for everyone. So fire up the grill, smoke that turkey, and get ready to enjoy a feast that will leave your guests wanting more.
The Best Leftover Smoked Turkey Recipes:
My favorite way to repurpose leftover smoked turkey is to make pot pies, soups, casseroles, and more! The possibilities are endless! Check out all of my tried-and-true leftover turkey recipes – I even use my Pit Boss Grills and Blackstone griddle to make leftover dishes!
Best Smoked side dishes for smoked turkey:
Smoked Green Bean Casserole– Green bean casserole is probably the most popular side dish for turkey. Smoking gives a leveled-up smoky flavor to the entire meal. It’s unnecessary to save this delicious plate for Turkey Day, either. Enjoy it any day you’d like!.
Sweet Potatoes – The old lady’s favorite. Sweet potatoes are a great way to have a healthier side dish, whether you serve them with baked sweet potatoes, sweet potato casserole, or leftover turkey. Additionally, I promise you should try the amazing smoked sweet potato casserole, which cooks alongside the turkey.
Smoked Potato Salad: When serving turkey breast in the summer, nothing goes better with it than a good smoked potato salad! You can even make it even more delicious by chopping up some leftover turkey while it’s still cold or even at room temperature and adding it to the salad.
Smoked Loaded Cheesy Potatoes– This is one of the best side dishes to serve with red meats. One of my favorite uses for this is smoked brisket; it has sour cream, just like a loaded baked potato!
Smoked Cream Cheese: Definitely more of a “accessory” than a side dish, but once you try it, you’ll want to put it on everything! This incredibly tasty and addictive condiment enhances the flavor and creamy texture of turkey.
Creamy Smoked Macaroni and Cheese: Suffice it to say, this dish is even creamier thanks to the heavy cream and melting cheese with a hint of smoke.
Smoked Loaded Baked Beans– This is the ultimate side dish or dish to take to a tailgating party. Allow this to slow smoke on your smoke in a cast iron Dutch Oven. Add in a bit more bacon grease for more flavor.
AWESOME Smoked Turkey Recipe For Beginners!
FAQ
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