What to Serve with Thanksgiving Turkey (Smoked or Roasted)

Side Dishes and Pairings for Smoked or Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

What to Serve with Thanksgiving Turkey (Smoked or Roasted) is one of the biggest questions people have once the bird is handled and they realize the rest of the plate still needs a plan. Whether your turkey is slow-smoked on a pellet grill or roasted in the oven, the sides, sauces, breads, and desserts you serve with it will determine if the meal feels ordinary or truly special.

This guide walks through classic Thanksgiving sides, BBQ-inspired dishes, bright and fresh options, sauces, breads, desserts, and even a few must-have tools. Along the way, we’ll highlight helpful products from our Thanksgiving Day Picks collection at DDR BBQ Supply so you can simplify prep, boost flavor, and serve a complete meal that works for both smoked and roasted turkey.

Jump to:

• Classic Comfort Sides for Turkey
• BBQ-Inspired Thanksgiving Sides
• Fresh & Bright Sides for Balance
• Sauces, Glazes & Condiments
• Breads, Stuffing & Other Carbs
• Desserts That Pair with Smoked or Roasted Turkey
• What to Drink with Smoked vs Roasted Turkey
• Helpful Gear for Serving Thanksgiving Turkey
• Related Thanksgiving Guides
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Classic Comfort Sides for Turkey

Classic comfort sides for Thanksgiving turkey are the dishes everybody expects to see when they sit down at the table in Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, Pea Ridge, Garfield, Bella Vista, or anywhere else you’re serving a holiday meal. These staples work whether your turkey is smoked with a hint of wood or roasted in the oven with herbs and butter.

Mashed potatoes (and why smoked turkey loves them)

Mashed potatoes are the ultimate “flavor sponge.” They soak up turkey drippings, gravy, and any smoky notes from a pellet or offset cooker. For smoked turkey, a slightly richer potato—made with butter and cream—helps balance the light smokiness.

• Make them smooth and buttery for roasted turkey.
• Add roasted garlic or chives to stand up to smoke from a pellet or offset cooker.
• Use a good stainless steel mixing bowl to mash and hold them warm.

Traditional stuffing or dressing

Stuffing or dressing bridges everything on the plate together. With roasted turkey, classic sage and onion stuffing is hard to beat. With smoked turkey, you can lean a bit more savory and slightly less smoky in the stuffing itself to avoid overwhelming the plate.

• Add celery, onions, and poultry seasoning for a traditional flavor profile.
• For smoked turkey, consider mixing in sautéed mushrooms or leeks for extra depth.
• Use turkey drippings or a good poultry stock to keep it moist.

Green beans or green bean casserole

Green beans—either roasted with garlic or baked into a classic casserole—add a little green and a break from all the carbs. Smoked turkey benefits from a slightly brighter green bean, while roasted turkey pairs nicely with creamy casseroles.

• Roast fresh green beans with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic.
• For casseroles, add crispy onions on top for texture.
• Use a high-quality olive oil like Sola Stella Extra Virgin Olive Oil for roasting vegetables.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes can go heavily sweet (marshmallows, brown sugar) or more savory (herbs, a little heat). With smoked turkey, a savory-leaning sweet potato works especially well so you’re not stacking sweet on sweet.

• For roasted turkey: sweet potato casserole with brown sugar and pecans.
• For smoked turkey: roasted sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika.

BBQ-Inspired Thanksgiving Sides

BBQ-inspired Thanksgiving sides for smoked or roasted turkey give you a way to lean into the grill or smoker while still feeling like a holiday meal. These are perfect if your turkey is coming off a pellet grill, offset smoker, or ceramic cooker and you want the rest of the table to match the vibe.

Smoked mac and cheese

Smoked mac and cheese brings creamy, cheesy comfort with just enough smoke to stand next to a smoked turkey without competing with it.

• Cook the mac and cheese in a pan on your smoker for 30–45 minutes to pick up color and smoke.
• Use a mild wood (like pecan or apple) so it doesn’t get aggressive.
• Finish with a light sprinkle of a poultry-friendly BBQ seasoning like Myron Mixon Honey Money Cluck BBQ Seasoning on top before serving.

Jalapeño cornbread

Jalapeño cornbread is a natural partner for smoked turkey. The gentle heat and sweetness play well with smoke and fattier sides like mac and cheese.

• Use a mix like Old School Brand Jalapeño Cornbread Mix to shortcut your prep.
• Serve with honey or butter at the table for guests who want it richer.
• Pair with smoked or roasted turkey alike; it adds personality either way.

Cornbread variations for different crowds

Cornbread is one of the easiest ways to customize your Thanksgiving menu for different tastes.

• For traditional plates, go with Old School Brand Cornbread Mix .
• For a slightly sweeter, more dessert-like option, try Old School Brand Sweet Cornbread Mix .
• For guests who like a kick, that Jalapeño cornbread fits right in with smoked turkey.

Smoked Brussels sprouts and other veggies

Smoked or roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, and root vegetables bring color and texture to the plate. They’re especially good with smoked turkey because they echo the same live-fire flavor.

• Toss vegetables in Sola Stella Extra Virgin Olive Oil and season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
• For extra richness, finish with a spoonful of American Wagyu Beef Tallow right after they come out of the oven or smoker.

Fresh & Bright Sides for Balance

Fresh and bright sides for smoked or roasted Thanksgiving turkey keep the meal from feeling too heavy. When you have rich gravy, buttery potatoes, and sweet casseroles, a few sharp, crunchy, or acidic sides help reset the palate.

Cranberry sauce or cranberry relishes

Even if you are not normally a cranberry person, a little brightness goes a long way with smoked or roasted turkey. You can serve classic canned cranberry sauce, homemade cranberry-orange relish, or even a pepper jelly or fruit glaze on the side.

If you like a sweet-heat note, you can also set a small bowl of Rib Candy from the Texas Pepper Jelly Rib Candy collection on the table as a drizzle for guests who want a fruit-forward kick with their turkey.

Simple salads and slaws

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or a shaved Brussels sprout slaw offers crunch and acidity. That contrast is especially helpful when you are serving smoked turkey with richer sides.

• Use a base of mixed greens, shaved Brussels sprouts, or cabbage.
• Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a touch of honey or apple cider vinegar.
• Top with nuts or dried cranberries for extra texture.

Pickles and quick-pickled vegetables

A small tray of pickles or quick-pickled onions, carrots, or cucumbers can help cut through the richness on the plate. This is a nice touch if you’re serving a very rich smoked turkey or deep gravy.

Sauces, Glazes & Condiments

Sauces, glazes, and condiments for Thanksgiving turkey are where you can lean into flavor without adding a lot of extra prep. Both smoked and roasted turkey benefit from moisture and a bit of acidity or sweetness in each bite.

Classic gravy for both smoked and roasted turkey

Gravy is the anchor that ties the whole plate together. For roasted turkey, traditional pan drippings and a roux-based gravy are perfect. For smoked turkey, you can blend pan drippings with a lighter stock and a little butter for a silky finish that does not overpower the smoke.

Brines and injections that affect the flavor of the plate

What you do before the cook will change the taste of everything on the plate. A good brine or injection makes turkey juicier and more flavorful, which means your sides and sauces do not have to work as hard.

• Kosmos Q Turkey Brine is a great option if you want a proven brine that keeps turkey moist and flavorful whether you smoke or roast.
• Meat Church Turkey Brine Bird Baptism is another favorite when you want a robust, competition-style brine.
• SuckleBusters Area 51 Bird Brine Kit is a solid choice if you like well-seasoned turkey with a traditional profile.
• Double Dun Ranch BBQ Turkey Rub works as a dry seasoning layer after the brine or injection for extra flavor and color.
• For injecting, a tool like the DDR BBQ Supply Meat Injector Syringe makes it easier to get seasoning deep into the turkey breast and thighs.

Fruit glazes and finishing touches

If you want a little sweet-heat shine on your turkey slices or leftover sandwiches, a light drizzle of fruit glaze works well. Instead of building one from scratch, you can warm a small amount of Rib Candy from the Texas Pepper Jelly Rib Candy collection and offer it at the table as a finishing drizzle for guests who want it.

Breads, Stuffing & Other Carbs

Breads, stuffing, and other carbs for Thanksgiving turkey help stretch the meal, fill the plate, and give everyone something to chase gravy with. Both smoked and roasted turkey feel more complete when there’s at least one type of bread and one starch on the table.

Rolls and biscuits

Soft dinner rolls or buttermilk biscuits are perfect for grabbing extra gravy, building mini turkey sandwiches, and filling out the plate. You can bake from scratch or lean on a high-quality mix or frozen dough if you’re juggling a smoker and an oven at the same time.

Cornbread variations (again) with gravy

Cornbread doesn’t just pair well with turkey on its own—it also loves gravy and cranberry sauce.

• Traditional Old School Brand Cornbread Mix keeps things anchored in Southern tradition.
• Old School Brand Kickin' Sweet Cornbread Mix brings a touch of sweetness that pairs nicely with roasted turkey and classic gravy.

Carby “supporting cast” for leftovers

Think beyond the main meal and plan for leftover turkey sandwiches, sliders, and breakfast plates. Extra rolls, cornbread, and even leftover stuffing can all be reworked with smoked or roasted turkey into next-day meals.

Desserts That Pair with Smoked or Roasted Turkey

Desserts that pair with Thanksgiving turkey should feel familiar but can still show off some of your pantry items from DDR BBQ Supply. Whether your main course was smoked or roasted, dessert is where you can lean sweet and comforting.

Pecan-forward desserts

Pecan-based desserts work especially well after smoked or roasted turkey because they bring a nutty richness that feels like part of the same meal.

• Use San Saba River Pecan Company Pecan Pie in a Jar to shortcut a pecan pie or as a topping for ice cream and pound cake.
• Pair with coffee or an after-dinner drink to round things out.

Fruit-based desserts

Apple crisps, cobblers, and pies feel right at home after a Thanksgiving meal. They also echo some of the apple and fruit notes you may have used in brines, glazes, or sides.

What to Drink with Smoked vs Roasted Turkey

What to drink with Thanksgiving turkey (smoked or roasted) doesn’t have to be complicated. You want beverages that keep people refreshed and complement the richness and smoke on the plate.

For smoked turkey

• Light to medium-bodied red wines (like Pinot Noir or Grenache).
• Amber ales, brown ales, or malty lagers that can stand next to smoke.
• Unsweet tea or lightly sweet tea for non-alcoholic drinkers.

For roasted turkey

• Dry white wines (like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay).
• Lighter beers, pilsners, or wheat beers.
• Flavored sparkling waters with citrus or berry notes.

Helpful Gear for Serving Thanksgiving Turkey

Helpful gear for serving Thanksgiving turkey makes carving cleaner, plating easier, and food safety less stressful. A few key tools from the Thanksgiving Day Picks collection can take some pressure off the cook.

Brining containers and bags

If you’re brining your turkey, you need a safe, sturdy place to hold it.

• A collapsible prep tub like the Drip EZ Collapsible Prep Tub works well for holding or transporting turkey before and after the cook.
• Turkey Brine Bags and Meat Storage – Set of 4 make it easier to handle large birds in the fridge without leaks.

Thermometers

Whether your turkey is smoked or roasted, an accurate thermometer is non-negotiable for safety and juiciness.

• For an instant-read option, look at the FireBoard Spark Instant Read Digital Waterproof Meat Thermometer .
• A simple instant-read like the DDR-branded thermometer or a digital probe can also get the job done as long as you trust it and use it correctly.

Carving tools and knives

A good carving setup helps you slice turkey cleanly without shredding the meat or fighting the bones.

• The Dalstrong Gladiator Series Carving Knife & Fork Set makes it easier to carve breast meat into even slices and keep everything stable.
• A large bread or slicing knife, like the Gladiator Series serrated bread knife, can help with crusty breads and rolls.
• Use a sturdy cutting surface and give your turkey time to rest before carving so the juices stay in the meat, not on the board.

Related Thanksgiving Guides

If you’re planning a big Thanksgiving meal and want more ideas, you can also check out our other holiday content, including:

• 10 Side Dishes That Perfectly Pair with Smoked Turkey
• Our turkey brining and turkey bag guides in the blog section for more help on prep, timing, and moisture.

FAQs

What to serve with smoked turkey vs roasted turkey?

Smoked turkey pairs especially well with BBQ-inspired sides like smoked mac and cheese, jalapeño cornbread, and roasted veggies finished with Wagyu tallow or good olive oil. Roasted turkey leans more naturally toward classic sides like mashed potatoes, traditional stuffing, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls. The good news is most sides play well with both—just be careful not to overload smoked turkey with too many heavily smoked sides.

How many side dishes do I need for Thanksgiving?

For most families, 4–6 side dishes is plenty: one or two potatoes or starches, one stuffing or dressing, one or two vegetable dishes, one bread, and at least one fresh or bright element like salad or cranberry sauce. If you’re serving a big crowd in Northwest Arkansas or beyond, you can add a second pan of something like mac and cheese or cornbread to make sure nobody goes hungry.

Can I serve BBQ-style sides with a traditional roasted turkey?

Yes—BBQ-style sides like smoked mac and cheese, jalapeño cornbread, and smoked Brussels sprouts work great with roasted turkey. Just keep the seasoning balanced so you don’t drown out the more delicate roasted flavors. Using products like Myron Mixon Honey Money Cluck BBQ Seasoning lightly on sides is a good way to bring a bit of BBQ personality into a more traditional dinner.

What desserts work best after smoked turkey?

After smoked turkey, desserts that have a nutty or fruit-forward profile work best—pecan pie, apple crisp, and cobblers are ideal. A product like Pecan Pie in a Jar makes it easy to build a pecan-themed dessert that feels right at home after a smoked or roasted turkey meal.

Do I have to brine my turkey?

You don’t have to brine your turkey, but it’s one of the easiest ways to add flavor and protect against dry breast meat—especially if you’re smoking the bird. Brines like Kosmos Q Turkey Brine , Meat Church Bird Baptism , or SuckleBusters Area 51 Bird Brine are designed to make that process more predictable and repeatable than guessing with salt and water alone.

Conclusion

What to Serve with Thanksgiving Turkey (Smoked or Roasted) really comes down to balance: rich and light, creamy and crunchy, traditional and fun. Smoked turkey loves BBQ-inspired sides like jalapeño cornbread, smoked mac and cheese, and roasted veggies finished with quality olive oil or Wagyu tallow. Roasted turkey feels at home next to classic mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and soft rolls. Both benefit from bright touches like cranberry sauce, crisp salads, and pickles to keep the plate from feeling too heavy.

Start by building a core menu of 4–6 sides, then layer in one or two BBQ-style dishes if you’re cooking on a smoker and want the whole meal to reflect that live-fire flavor. Use proven brines, rubs, and tools from the Thanksgiving Day Picks collection to simplify prep and keep your turkey juicy, safe, and easy to carve. Whether your bird comes off a pellet grill in Rogers, a ceramic cooker in Bentonville, or an oven in Fayetteville, the right mix of sides, sauces, breads, and desserts will turn it into a Thanksgiving feast people remember—and one you’ll actually enjoy cooking.

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