Pass the green bean casserole! These Midwestern Thanksgiving side dishes prove that there's even more to enjoy from the breadbasket region.
35 Midwestern Thanksgiving Side Dishes You Can’t Miss
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
The Best Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
What makes this the best out of all the scalloped potatoes recipes out there? I slice them extra thin and toss them in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Then, to make them the best ever, I sprinkle homemade bread crumbs on top—they get nice and crispy in the oven. Make room for these at all your family get-togethers. —Aria Thornton, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
1/35
2/35
Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
13 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While I love stuffing, my family wasn't that fond of it—that is, until I found this recipe. I added a few touches of my own and now they gobble it up. Cranberries and pork really make it something special. —Robin Lang, Muskegon, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 219 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
3/35
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever I serve this easy mash, the bowl is always scraped clean. Before holiday feasts, I make it early and keep it warm in a slow cooker so I can focus on last-minute details. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 185 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 318mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
4/35
Carrot Soup with Orange & Tarragon
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A pretty orange color, a delicious hint of citrus and a garden-fresh flavor make this soup a requested dish at my many celebrations. Try sprinkling individual bowls with fresh tarragon before serving. —Phyllis Schmalz, Kansas City, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 117 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
5/35
Grandma’s Cranberry Stuff
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
What could taste better than turkey and cranberry on Thanksgiving Day? My grandmother's classic recipe makes the best cranberry stuff to share with your family and friends this holiday. —Catherine Cassidy, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 148 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
6/35
Sweet Potato Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Prepare this comforting side dish with the popular marshmallow topping or choose from streusel, fruit or crunchy toppings. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 282 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
7/35
Maple & Bacon Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For special meals, here’s a fantastic side dish that even children will love. The sweet maple syrup and smoky bacon complement the Brussels sprouts perfectly. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 273 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein.
8/35
Carrot, Parsnip and Potato Gratin
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Thanks to a challenge in the TOH online community a few years back, my husband and I tried parsnips and discovered that we liked them! In fact, I started growing them in my garden and have been trying new things with them, including this recipe. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 141 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
9/35
Sausage & Rice Stuffed Pumpkins
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My children often request this dish. It also adds a great "wow" factor to a festive buffet table.—Andria Peckham, Lowell, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 pumpkin and 2/3 cup rice: 204 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 high-fat meat.
10/35
Fall Garden Medley
Total Time
5 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make this recipe in the fall and winter for special occasions because it's very colorful, tasty and healthy. It's a hearty side that complements many different meat dishes. —Krystine Kercher, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 83 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 633mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
11/35
Vegan Green Bean Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Now everyone can enjoy this classic Thanksgiving side. Just a few small tweaks make this a vegan green bean casserole, but no one will taste the difference! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 327 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 944mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
12/35
Best Ever Crescent Rolls
Total Time
50 min
Servings
32 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter and I have cranked out dozens of these homemade crescent rolls. It’s a real team effort. I cut the dough into pie-shaped wedges; she rolls them up. —Irene Yeh, Mequon, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 104 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
13/35
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Total Time
25 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Treat your sweet-salty tooth! Sweet potatoes dressed with buttery, herby, garlicky goodness make for a stunning, delicious side dish. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 hasselback sweet potato: 333 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 620mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein.
14/35
Hot Spinach Apple Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With a light sweet-tangy dressing, the spinach doesn’t wilt and the apples retain their crunch. We serve this salad with homemade bread. —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 117 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
15/35
Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With a maple syrup and brown sugar glaze, this squash becomes pleasantly sweet. This is comfort food—easy to prepare and a tasty pairing with a pork entree. —Nancy Mueller, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 each: 251 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (43g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
16/35
Pumpkin & Cauliflower Garlic Mash
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted healthy alternatives to my family's favorite recipes. Pumpkin, cauliflower and thyme make an amazing dish. You'll never miss those plain old mashed potatoes. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 87 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
17/35
Badger State Stuffing
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Your family will love the contrasting sweet, savory and slightly tart flavors in this spin on a Thanksgiving classic. Feel free to use your favorite beer or dried fruit to make the dish your own. —Andrea Fetting, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 271 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
18/35
Pressure-Cooker Cinnamon Applesauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings (8 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade applesauce is a breeze in an electric pressure cooker. A few minutes of prep and a short cook time put this treat on the table very quickly! —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 101 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 25mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 3g fiber), 0 protein.
19/35
Party Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These creamy, tasty potatoes can be made the day before and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to pop them in the oven (I often do that). The garlic powder and chives add zip, and the shredded cheese adds color. —Sharon Mensing, Greenfield, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 207 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
20/35
Triple Cranberry Sauce
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Cranberry fans will ask for this sauce again and again. It's loaded with their favorite fruit—in fresh, dried and juice form. Orange and allspice make it awesome. —Arlene Smulski, Lyons, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 113 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 0 protein.
21/35
Scalloped Corn
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This comforting casserole features sunny corn kernels tucked into a creamy custard. My mom got this recipe and many other excellent ones from her mother. By the time this crowd-pleasing corn dish left the table, my father, sister, brothers and I would have almost scraped it clean. —Sandy Jenkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 236 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
22/35
Rosemary Root Vegetables
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This heartwarming side dish is sure to get rave reviews! Although the ingredient list may look long, you’ll soon see that this colorful fall medley is a snap to prepare. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 78 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 137mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
23/35
Northwoods Wild Rice Salad
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my Minnesota version of a vintage German slaw that’s popular at church suppers. The wild rice has a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with tangy sauerkraut. —Jeanne Holt, St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 290 calories, 17g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 747mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
24/35
Savory Stuffing Bread
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 loaves (16 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Poultry seasoning and celery salt make this hearty loaf taste like just like stuffing. It's the perfect bread to serve with turkey during the holidays, and it's nice for making sandwiches with the leftovers. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 102 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 127mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
25/35
Apple Stuffing
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I found my stuffing recipe in a magazine years ago and made a few tweaks. I took out the pork sausage, and everyone likes the simpler version that features fruit and veggies. —Jeanne Horn, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 144 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 256mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
26/35
Quick Green Beans with Bacon
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Green beans with bacon and onions makes such an easy side dish. Fresh beans lend a crisp, bright flavor to any meal. They're best when served hot. —Mari Anne Warren, Milton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 62 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 177mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
27/35
Savory Sausage Stuffing
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I used to make the same old dressing every year for Thanksgiving. About 10 years ago, I decided to jazz up my recipe by adding pork sausage. Now everyone requests this dish for all our holiday meals. —Ursula Hernandez, Waltham, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 261 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 446mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
28/35
Buttermilk Cornbread
Total Time
30 min
Servings
9 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The tattered recipe card for this buttermilk cornbread proves it's been a family favorite for years. It's my daughter's top request. —Judy Sellgren, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 390 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
29/35
Sweet Potato Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this classic every Thanksgiving, but I also have been known to serve it with meat loaf and even grilled meat. —Eleanor Sherry, Highland Park, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 445 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein.
30/35
Quick Golden Squash Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (1-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This delectable soup feels like fall! Its golden color and rich, satisfying flavor have made it a favorite of mine—which is really amazing because I was convinced I didn't like squash until I tried this recipe. —Becky Ruff, Monona, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 294 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 922mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
31/35
Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We look forward to fall in anticipation of making these spicy pumpkin seeds. I often put some in a decorated jar to give as a gift. —Carolyn Hayes, Johnston City, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 103 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
32/35
Roasted Honey Sweet Potatoes
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cinnamon and honey bring out the natural earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes in this simple, elegant side dish. —Laura Mifsud, Northville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 165 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
33/35
Corny Green Bean Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Crushed crackers and french-fried onions create this fast and flavorful topping for this home-style corn and green bean casserole. It’s a terrific dish. —Dorothy Bahlmann, Clarksville, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 315 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 477mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
34/35
Cranberry Fluff
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fluffy fruit salad gets its sweet-tart flavor from cranberries and whipped cream. We like it because it's not as sweet as many other "fluffs." I'm often asked for the secret to this luscious holiday salad. —Lavonne Hartel, Williston, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 264 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
35/35
Icebox Rolls
Total Time
45 min
Servings
36 rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
I remember my mom making these rolls almost every Saturday so they'd be ready to bake on Sunday for company or someone just dropping by. Although they take a little time to prepare, they're really not all that difficult to make. And there's nothing in the stores that can compare to them! —Jean Fox, Welch, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 162 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
