Smoked turkey is a versatile and flavorful main course, perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive holiday gatherings. But what side dishes should you serve to complement and enhance the smoky, juicy flavors of this delectable protein?
This comprehensive guide explores a diverse range of side dishes that pair perfectly with smoked turkey, offering a variety of options to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
Classic Side Dishes for Smoked Turkey:
- Classic Stuffing: This traditional favorite, made with bread, celery, onions, and herbs, is the ultimate comfort food that pairs wonderfully with smoked turkey.
- Mashed Potatoes: Rich and creamy, garlic mashed potatoes offer a flavorful and comforting side that perfectly complements the smoky notes of the turkey.
- Green Beans: Fresh green beans sautéed with butter and garlic add a delightful crunch and vibrant color to your meal, balancing the richness of the smoked turkey breast.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: A medley of roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets brings a natural sweetness and earthy flavor to the table, contrasting with the smoky taste of the turkey.
- Cornbread: A southern classic, cornbread adds a touch of sweetness and a crumbly texture that pairs exceptionally well with the tender, smoky turkey.
- Cranberry Sauce: Tangy and sweet, cranberry sauce is a traditional accompaniment to turkey dishes. Its bright flavors contrast beautifully with the smoky and savory notes of the smoked turkey breast.
Additional Side Dish Ideas:
- Creamed Corn: Rich, creamy, and slightly sweet, creamed corn adds a touch of indulgence to your meal and is a perfect companion to the smoky turkey.
- Grilled Asparagus: Simple yet elegant, grilled asparagus offers a charred, smoky flavor that enhances the smoked turkey breast’s taste while adding a fresh and vibrant element to the plate.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: With its natural sweetness and smooth texture, sweet potato casserole offers a delightful balance to the savory smoked turkey breast.
- Mac and Cheese: A crowd-pleaser, macaroni and cheese brings a rich, creamy, and cheesy side dish that complements the smoky flavors of the turkey breast while satisfying your guests’ cravings.
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: The combination of tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon offers a delightful contrast to the smoked turkey breast, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Quinoa Salad: A light and refreshing quinoa salad, filled with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a zesty dressing, provides a healthy and flavorful side dish that complements the smoky, savory notes of the turkey.
- Baked Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts: This creamy, gooey baked brie dish is elevated with the addition of tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, creating a luxurious side that pairs wonderfully with smoked turkey breast.
- Cauliflower Gratin: The combination of tender cauliflower florets baked in a creamy cheese sauce creates a satisfying and comforting side dish that balances the flavors of the smoked turkey breast.
- Pear and Gorgonzola Salad: This elegant salad combines the sweetness of ripe pears, the tanginess of Gorgonzola cheese, and the crunch of mixed greens and nuts, offering a unique and delicious contrast to the smoky turkey.
Additional Considerations for Pairing Side Dishes with Smoked Turkey:
- Seasonality: Consider the season when choosing side dishes. For example, roasted root vegetables are a perfect choice for fall and winter, while grilled asparagus is ideal for spring and summer.
- Dietary Restrictions: Be mindful of any dietary restrictions among your guests. Offer a variety of options to accommodate different dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan options.
- Personal Preferences: Ultimately, the best side dishes for smoked turkey are the ones that you and your guests enjoy the most. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new combinations to find your favorites.
With this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped to create the perfect side dish pairings for your smoked turkey, ensuring a delicious and memorable meal for any occasion. Whether you choose classic favorites like stuffing and mashed potatoes or explore new options like quinoa salad and baked brie, there’s a side dish for every taste and preference
AWESOME Smoked Turkey Recipe For Beginners!
FAQ
What goes with smoked turkey in the summer?
The best side dishes to serve with smoked turkey breast are classic stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted root vegetables, cornbread, cranberry sauce, creamed corn, grilled asparagus, sweet potato casserole, and mac and cheese.
Is cooking with smoked turkey healthy?
Though smoked chicken and turkey can still create HCAs and PAHs, they are, overall, heathier choices than red meat. Go lean. Next in line after poultry are lean cuts of pork (like pork loin, tenderloin and center cut chops).