This list of delicious sides gives you some great ideas for what to serve with smoked turkey. These recipes work whether you’ve got a smoked turkey leg, a smoked turkey breast, or a whole bird. From green beans to mashed potatoes to cornbread, you can’t go wrong with any of these side dishes.
You can cook your Thanksgiving turkey a lot better by smoking it, but what about the sides? This list has over 20 delicious suggestions that range from traditional sides to appetizers and desserts.
This list has some traditional Thanksgiving recipes, some takes on conventional classics, and some healthier options too. They are all free of gluten, many of them are dairy-free (or easily made that way), and a few of them are even low in carbohydrates. But all of them are truly delicious recipes your family will love. I have made side dishes on this list time and time again and they are indeed crowd pleasers.
Remember that you can also make delicious things with leftovers! For example, I like to use my cranberry sauce to make orange cranberry muffins and use leftover mashed potato pancakes. And there are lots of ways to repurpose leftover turkey too (like my turkey and rice soup).
Ah, turkey legs – those juicy, flavorful giants that scream comfort food. But what to serve alongside them? Fear not, fellow foodies, for we’ve compiled a list of 16 delectable side dishes that will elevate your turkey leg experience to new heights.
1. Mashed Potatoes: A Classic Comfort
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a timeless companion to turkey legs. Their smooth texture and rich flavor perfectly complement the meat’s savory goodness. Whip them until they’re light and fluffy, add a touch of cream and butter, and season to taste. This classic side is not just delicious but also great for soaking up any sauce or juices from the turkey.
2. Cornbread: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Cornbread, with its sweet and savory notes, is an excellent choice Its slightly crumbly texture and hint of sweetness offset the richness of the turkey legs. Bake it until golden and serve it warm It’s not just a tasty addition but also adds a traditional touch to your meal.
3. Mac and Cheese: A Creamy and Indulgent Treat
Mac and cheese is a comforting and indulgent side. Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, it complements the meaty turkey legs well. Use a blend of cheeses for depth of flavor and bake until bubbly and golden. This dish adds a rich and satisfying element to your meal.
4. Green Bean Casserole: A Comforting Classic
Green bean casserole is a comforting classic, perfect alongside turkey legs. It’s made by blending tender green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch. The creamy texture and savory flavor of the casserole complement the rich, meaty turkey legs, while the crispy onions add an enjoyable textural contrast. It’s a dish that brings warmth and heartiness to your meal
5. Blooming Onion: A Show-Stopping Appetizer
A blooming onion is an eye-catching and flavorful side. It’s a whole onion cut to bloom open, battered, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Served with a spicy or creamy dipping sauce, its crispy, savory layers are fun to pull apart and eat. The contrast between the crispy onion and the tender turkey legs makes for an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.
6. Coleslaw: A Refreshing and Tangy Addition
Coleslaw is a classic side that adds a crunchy and refreshing element to the meal. Made with shredded cabbage and carrots, tossed in a creamy or vinegar-based dressing, it offers a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. The crisp texture of the coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the juicy turkey legs, balancing out the richness of the dish with its light and cool taste.
7. Garlic Bread: A Simple and Flavorful Staple
Garlic bread is a simple yet universally loved side. Crusty bread slathered with a mixture of butter, garlic, and sometimes cheese, then toasted until golden, offers a delightful combination of flavors. The buttery, garlicky taste is a perfect match for the savory turkey legs, and the crisp texture of the bread is great for soaking up any juices or sauces, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your meal.
8. Cheese Dip: A Creamy and Indulgent Treat
Cheese dip is a creamy and indulgent side that pairs wonderfully with turkey legs. Its rich, cheesy goodness can be used as a dip for the meat or as a topping. You can make it easily by melting a mix of your favorite cheeses with some milk and spices. This dip adds a fun and deliciously gooey texture to the meal.
9. Red Beans and Rice: A Hearty and Flavorful Choice
Red beans and rice is a hearty and flavorful side. It’s a combination of tender red beans, spices, and rice, often cooked with a bit of sausage or ham for extra flavor. This dish complements the turkey legs with its savory, slightly smoky taste and comforting, filling nature.
10. Honey Glazed Carrots: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Honey glazed carrots offer a sweet and slightly savory touch. Roast carrots with honey, butter, and a sprinkle of salt until tender and caramelized. Their natural sweetness and tender texture are a perfect match for the savory turkey legs, adding a bit of brightness to the meal.
11. Chili Cheese Fries: A Decadent and Satisfying Option
Chili cheese fries are a decadent and satisfying side. Top crispy fries with warm chili and melted cheese for a dish that’s full of flavor and texture. The spiciness of the chili and the creaminess of the cheese make for a great combination with the juicy turkey legs.
12. Baked Zucchini Slices: A Light and Healthy Choice
Baked zucchini slices are a light and healthy option. Slice zucchini, season with herbs and a bit of cheese, and bake until crispy. These slices offer a soft interior with a slightly crispy exterior, providing a nice contrast to the rich turkey legs and adding a fresh element to your meal.
13. Garden Salad: A Refreshing and Crisp Addition
A garden salad brings a crisp and refreshing balance. Combine mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of dressing. The salad’s lightness and freshness are a great palate cleanser, making it a perfect complement to the hearty turkey legs.
14. Baked Sweet Potatoes: A Simple and Delicious Option
Baked sweet potatoes are a simple yet delicious side. Bake them whole until they’re soft and caramelized. Their natural sweetness and soft texture pair wonderfully with the turkey legs, adding a wholesome and flavorful component to the meal.
15. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic: A Quick and Nutritious Choice
Sautéed spinach with garlic is a quick and nutritious side. Cook spinach with garlic and olive oil until just wilted. This dish adds a garlicky and earthy flavor, along with a tender texture that goes well with the turkey legs, providing a healthy and tasty addition to the plate.
16. Creamed Peas: A Classic and Comforting Side
Creamed peas are a comforting classic. Simmer peas in a creamy sauce with a hint of nutmeg for a velvety and slightly sweet side dish. They add a lovely creaminess and a pop of color, complementing the rich flavors of the turkey legs.
With these 16 delicious side dishes, your turkey leg feast is sure to be a memorable one. From creamy mashed potatoes to crispy blooming onions, there’s something for every taste and preference. So, fire up the oven, grab your favorite side dish, and get ready to enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal with your loved ones.
Should I wrap turkey in foil when smoking?
No, you do not need to wrap your turkey in foil when smoking.
How do you keep a smoked turkey moist?
To keep a smoked turkey moist, you want to prepare it right so it stays juicy when cooking. To do this, you’ll want to dry brine your turkey before smoking.
Steal The Show With 4 Fantastic Recipes (Holiday Sides w/ @SmokinandGrillinwithAB )
FAQ
What is traditionally served with turkey?
Are turkey drumsticks the same as turkey legs?
What to serve with turkey legs?
The flavors come together perfectly with garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil. This fresh salad is an elegant, tasty, and beautiful side dish to pair with turkey legs. It has a delightful fresh, fruity taste, thanks to the strawberries and basil. This sweet and savory salsa is great for topping grilled meats or as a dip.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
What side dish goes with smoked turkey legs?
Consider mac and cheese if you’re looking for a side dish to go with the smoked turkey legs. This filling side dish can help everyone stay full and keep them from overindulging on the turkey legs alone. You can serve macaroni and cheese alongside your smoked turkey legs with any sauce you choose.
What side dish goes well with Turkey?
Creamed corn casserole is the unsung hero of the Thanksgiving table. Creamy and decadent, this side dish goes perfectly with turkey. Its comforting and nostalgic flavor evokes all the warmth and coziness of the holiday season. It’s a familiar comfort food that’ll keep you coming back for more.