What To Serve With Smoked Turkey (25 Yummy Ideas You’ll Love)

AndrewByAndrew Updated on

The first time I ever smoked a turkey for Thanksgiving, I was nervous. I wasn’t sure what to serve as a side dish, so I asked my friends and family for their recommendations.

Some people suggested mashed potatoes, while others said that I should go with a salad.

In the end, I decided to try all the recommendation to have a full table. Of course, I wanted to share what I learned with all of you.

So, without further ado, here it is!

What To Serve With Smoked Turkey

  1. Roasted Root Veggies
  2. Mashed Potatoes
  3. Grilled Asparagus
  4. Arugula Salad
  5. Green Bean Casserole
  6. Potato Salad
  7. Baked Beans
  8. Sweet Potato Casserole
  9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  10. Mashed Cauliflower

Roasted Root Veggies

Roasted root vegetables make a delicious and healthy side dish for smoked turkey. Root vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and turnips, are packed with nutrients and offer a variety of health benefits.

They are low in calories and fat, and they are a good source of fiber. Root vegetables are also high in antioxidants, which can help to protect against chronic diseases.

When roasted, root vegetables take on a sweet and nutty flavor that pairs well with the smoky taste of smoked turkey.

To roast root vegetables, simply toss them in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Then bake in a preheated oven until tender.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a side dish that can be used with smoked turkey. They help to absorb the smokey flavor of Smoked Turkey and make it more palatable.

The benefits of using mashed potatoes as a side dish are that they are low in calories and fat, and they help to mask the smokey flavor of the turkey.

Mashed potatoes are also a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C. The best recipes for mashed potatoes are those that use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, as they have a higher starch content and will result in a creamier mashed potato.

When using mashed potatoes as a side dish, it is important to add salt and pepper to taste, as well as some chopped fresh parsley or chives for color.

Mashed potatoes can be served alongside smoked turkey, roasted chicken, or grilled steak. They can also be used as a base for soups or stews, or as a topping for shepherd’s pie or fish pie.

In comparison to other side dishes, mashed potatoes are relatively simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time. They can also be easily reheated if necessary.

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus makes an excellent side dish for smoked turkey.

The smoky flavor of the turkey is complemented perfectly by the slightly charred asparagus, and the creamy texture of the asparagus helps to balance out the leaner turkey.

Additionally, grilled asparagus is a very versatile dish – it can be served hot or cold, and it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Arugula Salad

Arugula salad is a perfect side dish for smoked turkey. It is also a great option for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to traditional mayonnaise-based salads.

The peppery flavor of the arugula pairs well with the smoky flavor of the turkey and the addition of fresh herbs and lemon juice brightens up the dish.

Arugula salad is also a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and antioxidants. It is also low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option for those watching their weight.

In terms of preparation, arugula salad is very easy to make. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix them. For best results, let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving, so that the flavors have a chance to meld together.

Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole is a classic side dish that can be paired with a variety of main courses, but it is especially delicious when served with smoked turkey.

The smokiness of the turkey compliments the creamy texture of the casserole, and the green beans add a welcome pop of color to the plate. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it ideal for busy holiday gatherings.

Additionally, Green Bean Casserole is relatively inexpensive to make, so it is a great option for budget-minded cooks. While this dish is traditionally made with canned green beans, fresh green beans can also be used. Simply blanch the beans in boiling water for three to four minutes before adding them to the casserole.

For an extra special touch, top the casserole with crispy fried shallots or onions just before serving.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a great side dish for smoked turkey. It can help to round out the meal and add some extra flavor and texture. There are a few benefits to using potato salad as a side dish.

First, it can help to absorb some of the smoky flavors from the turkey. Second, the potatoes will help to add some bulk and substance to the meal. And third, the salad dressing will add some moisture and counterbalance the dryness of the smoked turkey.

When selecting a recipe for potato salad, it is important to choose one that will complement the flavors of the smoked turkey.

A more traditional potato salad with mayonnaise and pickles would be a good choice. Or, for a more unique flavor, try a potato salad with bacon and blue cheese dressing.

Baked Beans

One of my favorite side dishes to pair with smoked turkey is baked beans. Not only are they classic comfort food, but they also complement the smoky flavor of the turkey perfectly.

Beans are also very versatile, so they can be used in a variety of recipes. For example, if you want a more traditional dish, you can simply bake them with some brown sugar and bacon.

Or, if you’re looking for something a little lighter, you can try my recipe for white bean and kale salad.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is a fantastic side dish for smoked turkey. It’s a great way to add some extra vegetables to your meal, and the sweetness of the potatoes pairs well with the smoky flavor of the turkey.

Plus, the casserole is easy to make and can be scaled up or down to serve as many people as you need. To make sweet potato casserole, simply bake two pounds of sweet potatoes until they’re soft, then mash them with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Spread the mixture into a baking dish and top with pecans or marshmallows, if desired. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is browned and bubbly. Serve alongside your smoked turkey for a delicious and complete meal.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels Sprouts make an excellent side dish for smoked turkey. There are several reasons why this is so. First, the Brussels sprouts themselves are very healthy. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals, and they are also low in calories.

Second, the roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts, which pairs well with the smoky flavor of the turkey.

Finally, the roasting process also helps to firm up the Brussels sprouts, so they hold up well when sliced and served as a side dish.

Mashed Cauliflower

There are many reasons to consider mashed cauliflower as a side dish for smoked turkey. For one, it is a healthy alternative to mashed potatoes. It is also lower in carbs and calories, making it a good choice for those watching their weight.

Additionally, mashed cauliflower has a similar texture to mashed potatoes, so it can be used as a swap in many recipes. For example, you could use mashed cauliflower in a Thanksgiving stuffing recipe or as a base for gravy.

Finally, mashed cauliflower pairs well with smoked turkey because the two flavors match each other nicely. The smokiness of the turkey is offset by the creamy, flavorful mashed cauliflower.

Commonly Asked Questions When Choosing What To Serve With Smoked Turkey

What are some other options when choosing what to serve with smoked turkey?

  1. Mac N’ Cheese
  2. Coleslaw
  3. Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
  4. Smoked Corn On The Cob
  5. Syrup
  6. Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes
  7. Buckwheat With Collard Greens And Mushrooms
  8. Smoked Barbecue Creamy Corn
  9. Cornbread
  10. Rice
  11. Fruit Tray
  12. Barbecue Cranberry Sauce
  13. Mushroom And Leek Bread Pudding
  14. Smoked Zucchini
  15. Scalloped Potatoes
  16. Vegetable Medley
  17. Kale Salad
  18. Baked Lobster Tails
  19. Broccoli Apple Salad
  20. Thai Noodle Stir Fry

What are some tips when choosing what to serve with smoked turkey?

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing what to serve with smoked turkey.

First, consider the overall flavor of the dish. What flavors will complement the smoky taste of the turkey?

Second, think about texture. What textures will contrast well with the tenderness of the turkey?

Finally, consider how easy or difficult the dish is to make. Some side dishes, like mashed potatoes, are very simple to make. Others, like Thai noodle stir fry, take a bit more time and effort.

Always remember that you should choose a dish that fits your schedule and cooking abilities.

Conclusion

No matter what you choose to serve with your smoked turkey, it’s sure to be a delicious and memorable meal.

With a little planning and thought, you can easily find the perfect side dishes to complement your turkey.

So get creative, experiment, and have fun in the kitchen!

Andrew

Chef