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.
For the holidays, smoking turkey is a great way to cook the bird. But what should you serve with smoked turkey? This list has over 20 great ideas, from starters to traditional sides and even desserts.
This list has some traditional Thanksgiving recipes, some takes on conventional classics, and some healthier options too. All of them don’t have gluten, many don’t have dairy (or are easy to make dairy-free), and some are even low carb. 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.
Don’t forget that you can use leftovers in fun ways! For example, I like to make mashed potato pancakes with them and orange cranberry muffins with my cranberry sauce. And there are lots of ways to repurpose leftover turkey too (like my turkey and rice soup).
Turkey breast is a lean, versatile poultry option that can be served year-round. From roasted whole turkey breast at Thanksgiving to grilled turkey cutlets in the summer, the mild flavor of turkey breast makes it a perfect canvas for all kinds of delicious sides.
But with so many potential options, what are the best side dishes to serve with juicy, delicious turkey breast? I’ll walk through 15 amazing sides that pair perfectly with turkey breast From classics like mashed potatoes and stuffing to lighter options like salads and fresh veggies, you’ll find easy and delicious recipe ideas here
The Classic Turkey Sides
Some traditional Thanksgiving favorites pair so well with turkey breast that they’ve stood the test of time. Here are some classics you can’t go wrong with:
Mashed Potatoes Creamy, butter mashed potatoes are an essential side for soaking up turkey juices and gravy. For extra richness use milk and butter or fold in roasted garlic or cheese.
Bread Stuffing: Also called dressing, bread-based stuffing is a must for absorbing all those tasty pan drippings. Herb stuffing, cornbread stuffing, or wild rice stuffing are all excellent choices.
Turkey Gravy: Is it really turkey without the savory gravy? Make it ahead using the pan drippings for maximum flavor.
Cranberry Sauce: The bright, tangy flavor beautifully balances the other hearty sides. Make your own or use canned for easy convenience.
Green Bean Casserole: This combo of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions is a retro classic for good reason!
Seasonal Fall and Winter Veggies
In addition to green bean casserole, roasted and pureed veggies make fantastic fall and winter sides for turkey breast. Here are some delicious options:
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Brussels Sprouts: Roast halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper for caramelized, crisp sprouts.
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Honey Glazed Carrots: Roasted carrots glazed with a bit of honey become sweet and caramelized.
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Butternut Squash: The natural sweetness of butternut squash complements turkey perfectly. Roast cubed squash or puree into a silky mash.
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Roasted Root Veggies: Toss carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets in olive oil and roast for a colorful, seasonal side dish.
Comfort Food Favorites
Some hearty, indulgent sides pair wonderfully with lean turkey breast. Here are some comfort food favorites:
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Scalloped Potatoes: Sliced potatoes layered with cream and cheese for the ultimate creamy dish.
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Sweet Potato Casserole: A Southern tradition of mashed sweet potatoes topped with a brown sugar and pecan streusel.
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Creamed Corn: The creaminess balances the turkey beautifully, especially when topped with cheese and baked.
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Mac and Cheese: A baked mac and cheese with a crispy topping can’t be beat alongside turkey. Add cooked turkey to take it over the top.
Fresh and Light Sides
Contrast the heavy comfort foods with some lighter, fresher sides as well. Bright flavors and textures complement the rich dishes.
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Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing touch. Spinach and kale also work nicely.
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Waldorf Salad: Chopped apple, celery, walnuts, and a mayo dressing make this salad a crunchy classic.
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Cranberry Pecan Salad: Mix greens, dried cranberries, pecans, feta, and balsamic vinaigrette for a fall flavor.
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Roasted Veggie Quinoa Salad: Toss quinoa with roasted cauliflower, butternut squash, and kale for a hearty but healthy salad.
Breads and Rolls
Round out your meal with some fresh breads right from the oven:
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Dinner Rolls: Fluffy rolls are perfect for dipping in the gravy and turkey pan drippings. Keep them warm in a towel-lined basket.
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Cornbread: A wedge of freshly baked cornbread with turkey and stuffing is divine. Bonus if you add corn kernels to the batter!
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Cranberry Walnut Bread: Quick bread made with dried cranberries and walnuts makes a festive and delicious side.
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Rosemary Focaccia: Flavorful rosemary and garlic focaccia bread makes an impressive accompaniment to any meal.
Putting Together a Menu
When planning your entire turkey dinner, go for balance and variety in flavors, textures, colors, and nutrition. Aim for a mix of classic comfort foods, fresh vegetarian sides, hearty starches, and colorful veggies.
Some balanced turkey breast dinner menu ideas:
- Turkey breast, mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls
- Turkey breast, stuffing, green bean casserole, garden salad, gravy
- Turkey breast, mac and cheese, glazed carrots, cornbread, green salad
The possibilities are endless when pairing sides with juicy, delicious turkey breast. Use these suggestions to inspire your next tasty turkey dinner!
Is it better to smoke a turkey fast or slow?
If you want the smoky flavor, it’s better to smoke your turkey slow. If you want to cook your bird more quickly, you can smoke it at a higher temperature. I have done both and both ways taste great.
FAQ about smoked turkey
You’ll want between 1. 25 and 1. 5 pounds of turkey per person, depending on how much turkey people will eat. If you want to make sure you have leftovers, figure more like 1. 75 to 2 pounds per person.
Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
FAQ
What is a popular accompaniment for turkey?
What is a dish that is served alongside turkey?
What to serve with turkey breast?
The best side dishes to serve with turkey breast are mashed potatoes and gravy, candied sweet potatoes, honey roasted carrots, and cranberry cornbread. For something a little different, try celeriac puree or ratatouille. And for an easy fresh side, you can’t beat a tossed salad. Ready? Let’s jump right in.
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.
Can you make turkey breast side dishes ahead?
You can make ahead pretty much any of these turkey breast side dishes. Cover and refrigerate. Check each individual recipe for make ahead instructions. To reheat, do so in a microwave, air fryer or on the stove. Please check each recipe for detailed instructions how to reheat.
Is turkey breast a good choice?
The flavor of turkey breast is relatively mild, so it’s a good option for those who don’t want a strong flavor profile. It’s also a good choice for those watching their sodium intake, as turkey breast is relatively low in sodium. When cooking turkey breast, you’ll want to make sure that it’s cooked all the way through.
What goes well with turkey breast risotto?
Pumpkin risotto is a creamy and comforting side that pairs wonderfully with turkey breast. Arborio rice cooked with pumpkin puree, broth, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and savory dish with a hint of sweetness. The creamy texture and warm flavors of the risotto complement the tender turkey, adding a luxurious and seasonal touch to your meal.
Do mashed potatoes go with turkey breast?
Mashed potatoes are a must-have with turkey breast. Creamy and smooth, they’re the perfect comfort food. Boil potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, milk, and a touch of salt. The soft, buttery texture of mashed potatoes goes wonderfully with the tender turkey, and they’re fantastic for soaking up gravy.