What to Eat with Turkey Wings: 12 Delicious Side Dish Ideas

Turkey wings are an underrated delicacy that deserve a spot on your dinner table. These juicy, flavorful cuts contain a high ratio of skin to meat, which means when cooked properly, they become ultratender and packed with rich, savory flavor.

While wings make a satisfying entree when roasted, fried, or braised, coming up with accompaniments can be tricky. You want sides that complement the wings without overpowering their taste.

After cooking many turkey wing dinners for my family, I’ve settled on 12 of my favorite side dishes to serve with these succulent bites. I’ve outlined my top recommendations below, along with tips to help you pull off the perfect turkey wing meal.

The Best Side Dishes for Turkey Wings

1. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are my go-to for serving with turkey wings. Their smooth texture contrasts nicely with the crispy skin and moist meat of the wings. I prefer using Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, but mixing in roasted garlic, sour cream, or cream cheese amps up the flavor. A sprinkling of crispy fried shallots or chives on top adds a lovely crunch.

2. Coleslaw

Cool, crisp coleslaw made from shredded cabbage and carrots dressed in a zesty vinaigrette balances the rich savoriness of turkey wings beautifully. I love the interplay of textures between the tender meat and the crunchy slaw. For extra zip, I add shredded apple and toasted almonds.

3. Mac and Cheese

What comfort food goes better with turkey wings than ooey-gooey mac and cheese? Making it from scratch lets you customize the cheeses – I like using a blend of cheddar and Gruyère or Gouda. Topping with buttery toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon takes it over the top.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Believe it or not, Brussels sprouts make an amazing accompaniment for turkey wings. Tossed in olive oil, salt and pepper then roasted, they take on an almost nutty, sweet flavor. Their petite size allows them to soak up all the delicious drippings at the bottom of the pan too.

5. Cornbread Stuffing

Also called dressing, cornbread stuffing becomes ultra moist and flavorful when cooked inside the turkey or alongside it. I love how the corn and sage add comforting flavor that pairs so nicely with the wings. For extra richness, I’ll add cooked sausage, dried cranberries or oysters.

6. Collard Greens

Slow braised collard greens have an irresistible velvety texture and earthy, almost nutty taste. Their slight bitterness cuts through the richness of turkey wings beautifully. For extra depth, I recommend cooking them with a smoked turkey neck bone or ham hock.

7. Baked Beans

Down home baked beans kissed with molasses and studded with smoky bacon make a hearty, satisfying accompaniment for turkey wings. I prefer mine on the saucy side with a mixture of navy and pinto beans. The sweetness balances the savory wings splendidly.

8. Cranberry Sauce

What’s turkey without the requisite tangy cranberry sauce? The bright, tart flavor cuts through the unctuousness of the wings perfectly. I prefer to make mine fresh with cranberries, orange zest, honey and ginger. Chilling it helps the sauce hold its shape.

9. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Slice sweet potatoes into thick rounds, coat them with brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg, then roast until caramelized. Their natural sweetness and subtle spice are delicious foils for turkey wings. A pat of butter on top as they bake amps up the richness.

10. Cornbread Muffins

Warm cornbread muffins fresh from the oven beg to be served alongside turkey wings. I can’t resist slathering mine with honey butter for extra decadence. Their slightly sweet, crumbly texture soaks up any sauce or drippings flawlessly.

11. Green Bean Casserole

This Thanksgiving classic partners wonderfully with wings thanks to its medley of tender green beans, creamy mushroom soup and crunchy fried onions. I make mine from scratch but a quality store-bought version works too. Just bake it until the beans are heated through and the topping is crispy.

12. Potato Salad

Cool, creamy potato salad loaded with diced spuds, chopped celery, red onion, fresh dill and a tangy dressing is a classic accompaniment for turkey wings. I love the interplay of temperatures and textures. The acidity of the vinegar-based dressing cuts the richness perfectly.

Tips for the Best Turkey Wing Meal

• Choose plump, meaty wings and pat them dry before seasoning liberally with salt, pepper and your favorite spices.

• Roast the wings at 400°F on a parchment lined baking sheet until golden brown and cooked through, about 40 minutes.

• Make the sides ahead of time so they just need a quick reheating before serving.

• Offer a variety of dips and sauces like barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard or blue cheese dressing for the wings.

• Set out wet wipes and extra napkins – wings are notoriously messy!

• Offer a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette to balance the rich food.

With so many tasty sides to choose from, you can serve up turkey wings on the regular without getting bored. Just add some buttery biscuits or cornbread and you have a mouthwatering, soul-satisfying supper ready in no time. Now pass me a stack of those napkins – I’m ready to dig in!