The best way to elevate the main course of a holiday meal is with delicious side dishes that pair well with smoked turkey. 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.
(I have included affiliate links to products I love. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. In addition, I will get a tiny commission if you use the affiliate links in this post to shop online.
My favorite side dishes are easy and quick to prepare, making them perfect for cooks on the go who want a tasty meal without having to spend a full day in the kitchen. The entire meal is transformed when you substitute leftover smoked turkey for the side dishes, so it 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 breast is a versatile and flavorful main course that can be enjoyed for any occasion. But what should you serve alongside it to create a truly memorable meal? Worry not, fellow foodies, for I’ve compiled a list of 17 delectable side dishes that will perfectly complement your smoked turkey breast.
1. Fresh Kale Salad:
This vibrant salad offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the turkey. Toss together kale, oranges, and a tangy vinaigrette for a burst of citrusy goodness.
2, Roasted Asparagus with Garlic and Parmesan:
The smokiness of the turkey contrasts nicely with the caramelized flavors of the roasted asparagus. The addition of garlic and parmesan adds a layer of savory complexity.
3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
This classic comfort food is a perfect match for the tender turkey. Load up on the butter, cream, and cheese for ultimate indulgence.
4. Wild Rice Pilaf with Dried Cranberries and Pecans:
This flavorful pilaf adds a touch of sweetness and crunch to your meal The combination of wild rice, cranberries, and pecans creates a symphony of textures and flavors
5. Green Bean Almondine:
Toasted almonds and lightly sautéed green beans add a crunchy, nutty touch to the dish. This simple yet elegant side dish is sure to impress your guests.
6. Maple-Glazed Carrots:
The flavors of the turkey and the carrots are enhanced by the natural sweetness of maple syrup. This easy recipe is a great way to highlight the bright flavors of fresh veggies.
7. Buttery Dinner Rolls:
These fluffy and buttery rolls are the perfect vehicle for savoring the delicious juices from the turkey. They’re also great for soaking up any leftover gravy.
8. Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables:
This healthy and flavorful salad combines the nutty goodness of quinoa with the smoky goodness of roasted vegetables. Choose your favorite veggies for a customized and delicious side dish.
9. Cranberry Sauce:
The tangy and sweet flavors of cranberry sauce pair perfectly with the smoky meat. This classic condiment adds a festive touch to any meal.
10. Creamed Spinach:
This decadent side dish adds richness and a pop of vibrant green color to your plate. The creamy spinach pairs beautifully with the savory turkey.
11. Roasted Sweet Potatoes:
The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the smoky flavors of the turkey. This versatile side dish can be enjoyed plain or topped with your favorite toppings.
12. Classic Stuffing:
This holiday favorite brings a comforting and savory element to your meal. Choose from a variety of stuffing recipes to find the perfect one for your taste.
13. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Brown Sugar:
The combination of Brussels sprouts and smoky bacon is a match made in side dish heaven. The addition of brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness and caramelization.
14. Collard Greens:
These hearty and nutritious greens are the ultimate comfort food. Simmered in a savory broth, they offer a rich and flavorful accompaniment to the turkey.
15. Sweet Potato Casserole:
This creamy and sweet casserole brings a delightful sweetness to your meal. The combination of sweet potatoes, marshmallows, and pecans is a classic holiday favorite.
16. Green Bean Casserole:
This classic casserole is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy fried onions, creamy mushroom sauce, and tender green beans is sure to satisfy your guests.
17. Cornbread Stuffing:
This southern-inspired side dish is a perfect combination of sweet and savory. The crumbled cornbread adds a delightful crunch and a burst of extra flavor to your meal.
With these 17 delicious side dishes, you’re sure to find the perfect complement to your smoked turkey breast. So get cooking and enjoy a memorable meal with your loved ones!
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. Served with baked sweet potatoes, sweet potato casserole, or leftover turkey, sweet potatoes make a delicious and nutritious side dish. Additionally, I promise you should try the amazing smoked sweet potato casserole, which cooks alongside the turkey.
Nothing pairs better with a turkey breast served in the summer than a delicious smoked potato salad! You can even up the flavor of this dish by chopping up some leftover turkey that has been refrigerated 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. This works really well for smoky brisket—it tastes like a loaded baked potato with sour cream!
Smoked Cream Cheese: This extremely tasty and addictive condiment enhances the flavor and creamy texture of turkey. It’s definitely more of a “accessory” than a side dish, but once you try it, you’ll want to put it on everything!
Creamy Smoked Macaroni and Cheese: Let’s just say that the combination of melting cheese and heavy cream with a hint of smoke makes this dish even creamier.
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.
The Best Leftover Smoked Turkey Recipes:
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! My favorite way to use leftover smoked turkey is to make pot pies, soups, casseroles, and more! The options are endless!
How to Smoke Turkey Breast: Only FOUR INGREDIENTS (Texas Style Recipe)
FAQ
What pairs well with smoked turkey?
What to do with an already smoked turkey breast?