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64 Kid Friendly Thanksgiving Side Dishes (Perfect for Picky Eaters!)

November 21, 2022 by Bethany Galloway Leave a Comment

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Make your next holiday meal a breeze with these Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes! These Thanksgiving side dishes feature everything from Cheesy Green Beans to a sweet cranberry sauce that has no sugar. Make this holiday season delicious for even your pickiest eaters!

A collage of 4 images with a banner saying "60+ kid friendly thanksgiving side dishes (perfect for picky eaters!)"
Contents hide
1 ❤️ Why you will love these recipes
2 🍠 Sweet Potato Recipes
3 💚 Green Bean Recipes
4 🥔 Potato Side Dishes
5 🍎 Fruit Side Dish Recipes
6 🍞 Gluten-Free Stuffing & Bread Recipes
7 🥗 Tasty Salads
8 🥕 Other Vegetable Side Dishes
9 🥚 Meat & Deviled Egg Side Dishes
10 😋 More Thanksgiving feast recipes you will love

❤️ Why you will love these recipes

  • Easy: These kid-friendly Thanksgiving sides are all pretty simple to make. It’s a great way to get your little helpers into the kitchen!
  • Delicious: Kids need food to taste delicious, especially on a busy day like Turkey Day! These delicious recipes are sure to be gobbled up by the whole family.
  • Kid-Approved: Many of these recipes have been tried and tested by the food blogger’s own kids. My child can vouch for the Gallaxy Gastronomy recipes for sure!

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🍠 Sweet Potato Recipes

1

Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

Prep Time 2 minutes Total Time 22 minutes

Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries are fast, easy, and absolutely delicious! With practically no prep, this easy side dish recipe is perfect for a busy Thanksgiving. I guarantee the kids will eat these up!

2

Pumpkin Pie Sweet Potato Casserole with Coconut Pecan Crumble

Photo Credit: kitskitchen.com

Imagine pumpkin pie and sweet potato casserole all in one with a crunchy, irresistible topping. SO good!! It’s gluten-free and can easily be made dairy free.

3

Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Photo Credit: www.fromvalerieskitchen.com

These Maple Syrup Glazed Sweet Potatoes are all dressed up for the holidays with a dusting of cinnamon and a sweet and creamy maple glaze. This easy sweet potato recipe is the perfect choice for your Thanksgiving menu, and is great for picky eaters!

4

Sweet Potato Soup Recipe (Vegan + Gluten-free)

Photo Credit: www.sunglowkitchen.com

This Sweet Potato Soup recipe is loaded with warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cumin. It's thick and creamy from the coconut milk, which makes it the ultimate fall food!

5

Candied Yams Recipe

Photo Credit: www.dinneratthezoo.com

These candied yams are sweet potatoes tossed in brown sugar, butter, and spices, then baked until caramelized. Add a sprinkle of marshmallows and you've got the perfect holiday side dish with minimal effort!

6

Easy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Photo Credit: veganpunks.com

Baked sweet potato slices are easily baked and ready within 60 minutes and are so delicious. They need just four ingredients and are perfect for Thanksgiving!

7

Whipped Vanilla Sweet Potatoes

Photo Credit: www.sumptuousspoonfuls.com

This is a super simple recipe with just a few ingredients that kids love. It’s not over-the-top sugary like some sweet potato recipes are, but it’s got enough sweet from the brown sugar and vanilla to make it taste just lovely.

8

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Recipe

Photo Credit: healthyrecipes101.com

If you’re craving a sweet, rich, and tender side dish, we have just the thing for you. This Instant Pot Sweet Potato recipe makes four delicious servings that can be enjoyed with your favorite main meal!

9

Apple Sweet Potato Bake

Photo Credit: allnutritious.com

This sweet potato apple bake is naturally sweet and spiced. A perfect side dish for Thanksgiving the kids will just gobble up!

💚 Green Bean Recipes

1

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Prep Time 20 minutes Total Time 45 minutes

Extra, extra cheesy, this Green Bean Casserole recipe is the creamy, dreamy casserole the traditional one dreams of being! With cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese plus bacon and a hint of those classic "crispy fried onions" on top, this green bean casserole is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eater. There's no going back to canned soup now! Perfect for Holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, plus Sunday lunches or potlucks anytime!

2

Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans

Photo Credit: moonandspoonandyum.com

Air Fryer Frozen Green Beans are the perfect healthy side dish and a great alternative to the traditional dish. They’re a one-bowl treat that is just perfect when paired with a hint of zesty lemon. Ideal if you’re catering for gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian diets.

3

Healthy Green Bean Casserole

Photo Credit: glowinghealthynutrition.com

No one will ever know this healthy green bean casserole is healthy! Lightened-up with a delicious cashew cream sauce and crunchy onion topping, the textures and flavors will have you coming back for seconds and thirds. Read on through the post to see my secret ingredient in this recipe!

4

20-Minute Green Beans with Bacon and Garlic

Photo Credit: oursaltykitchen.com

Pan-seared green beans with bacon and garlic is the perfect quick and easy side dish for everything. Fast enough for weeknight dinners, and crowd-pleasing enough for celebrations like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. This recipe is so fast, so flavorful, and SO EASY. Plus it's got bacon – what more could you want in a side dish?!?

🥔 Potato Side Dishes

1

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Prep Time 10 minutes Total Time 25 minutes

Healthy Mashed Potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to epic dinners, whether it’s the holidays or just a regular Tuesday evening. These Whole30 Creamy Potatoes are loaded with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil. You won’t miss the cream!

2

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes (Easy, Crispy, Fluffy!)

Photo Credit: www.sunglowkitchen.com

Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes are simple and easy to make, with just 5 pantry ingredients! They're crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with garlic flavor!

3

Easy Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli

Photo Credit: livglutenfree.com
These roasted potatoes and broccoli are an easy and nutritious way to get a side dish on the table with just 10 minutes of hands-on prep. Pair with chicken, or steak, or enjoy as the main event. Gluten-free, nut-free, and easily dairy-free or vegan.
4

Oven Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes

Photo Credit: biteswithbri.com

Oven Roasted Yukon Gold Potatoes are a delicious Thanksgiving side dish!

5

Irresistibly Delicious Creamy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Photo Credit: allweeat.com

The perfect side dish for kids and adults alike is this creamy, cheesy, scalloped potatoes dish. It's made with a creamy sauce and the perfect dish to replace mashed potatoes!

6

Potato Leek Gratin

Photo Credit: wholesomemadeeasy.com

This luscious but lightened up Potato Leek Gratin is a delicious choice for your holiday menu. Whole milk is used in place of heavy cream to create this comforting potato side dish.

7

Potato Skins Recipe

Photo Credit: healthyrecipes101.com

Potato skins are a thing, and they're amazing. Our Potato Skins recipe cooks four potatoes, all tender from the inside out and downright delicious.

8

Crispy Sautéed Potatoes with Garlic

Photo Credit: cookingorgeous.com

These perfectly Crispy Sauté Potatoes with Garlic are the perfect accompaniment to steak, fish, meatballs, or any creamy dish. It takes less than half an hour to make and is full of flavor thanks to garlic and rosemary.

9

Baked Healthy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Photo Credit: thecleaneatingcouple.com

The Best Healthy Mashed Potatoes Recipe! These low-calorie mashed potatoes are delicious, filling, and the perfect healthy holiday side dish!

10

Creamy Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes with Chives

Photo Credit: drivemehungry.com

Sour cream mashed potatoes are creamy, buttery, and the perfect side for Thanksgiving or any family meal. They're made with sour cream, chives, and Yukon gold potatoes for a rich and creamy flavor!

11

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes (Easy, No Drain Method)

Photo Credit: thefeatherednester.com

This easy Instant Pot recipe uses unpeeled potatoes and a foolproof, no-drain method to make the easiest, fluffiest mashed potatoes every time. And, these potatoes are made with wholesome ingredients like real cream and butter to ensure that you’ll have the most flavorful potatoes possible.

12

Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Photo Credit: www.primaverakitchen.com

This Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe is the best mashed potato recipe you’re ever going to make. Not just for holidays, this mashed potato recipe goes with everything!

13

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes

Photo Credit: ifoodreal.com

Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes are a delicious regular mashed potatoes substitute! It is a low-carb side dish, and just as smooth and creamy. Cauliflower taste is 1 out of 100, I promise!

14

Instant Pot Mashed Red Potatoes

Photo Credit: thefeatherednester.com

Make the creamiest, richest, most delicious Instant Pot mashed red potatoes with only 4 ingredients. This easy recipe takes under 30 minutes to make and you don’t even need to peel the red potatoes! Simply pressure cook, drain, and mash with butter and cream cheese for a delicious Instant Pot red skin mashed potatoes side dish.

🍎 Fruit Side Dish Recipes

1

Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes Total Time 25 minutes

Both tart and sweet, this Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce is so easy to whip up! Bursting with seasonal flavors like orange and clove, this holiday sauce will go perfectly with your Christmas holiday table or Thanksgiving dinner. With just 6 ingredients and less than 5g net carbs, this low-carb cranberry sauce will keep the big day merry and bright for paleo, vegan, and low-carb dieters!

2

Maple Glazed Squash and Apples

Photo Credit: nibbleanddine.com

Butternut squash, apples and onions are roasted in a sweet and slightly tangy maple butter glaze. You can make this side dish with only 8 ingredients!

3

Vegan Sautéed Cinnamon Apples

Photo Credit: www.plantpowercouple.com

These vegan sauteed cinnamon apples are made on the stovetop and are the best fall topping for fresh pancakes or waffles. They’re also fantastic with thanksgiving desserts, on vanilla ice cream, or perfect all on their own with dinner. These dairy-free sauteed apples are gluten-free, include a low-sugar option, and taste like warm apple pie filling with just 5 simple ingredients. Our favorite way to use up excess apples!

4

Roasted Butternut Squash and Apples

Photo Credit: wholesomemadeeasy.com

Sweet and savory Roasted Butternut Squash and Apples is a deliciously simple side dish for a holiday menu but easy enough for any night of the week. This fun spin on traditional roasted butternut squash is loaded with fall flavors.

5

Baked Apples with Cinnamon

Photo Credit: www.sunglowkitchen.com

These baked apples with cinnamon will be your new favorite cozy dessert or side dish! They turn out perfectly sweet and caramelized, and can be made with just 6 ingredients!

6

Tostones with Pink Sauce

Photo Credit: cookinginthekeys.com

Tostones are sliced plantains that are pan fried, smashed with the bottom of a glass and fried again. Kids live to make them and always happy to eat them. They are served with a mayonnaise based tangy pink sauce.

🍞 Gluten-Free Stuffing & Bread Recipes

1

Easy Stuffing with Sausage

Prep Time 10 minutes Total Time 40 minutes

Take your family dinners to the next level with this easy Grain-Free Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe. It's loaded with sausage, herbs, & kale that turns crispy!

2

Classic Gluten-Free Stuffing

Photo Credit: livglutenfree.com
This gluten-free bread stuffing is easy to make and delicious to enjoy at Thanksgiving or the holidays. Baked in a casserole dish or stuffed into your turkey, this cozy herb stuffing is gluten-free and easily dairy-free for all to enjoy.
3

Gluten Free Stuffing with Sausage and Apples

Photo Credit: www.thisvivaciouslife.com

Our gluten-free stuffing with sausage and sage has great flavor and is reminiscent of a breakfast sandwich! The kiddos will love this one.

4

Gluten-Free Crescent Rolls

Photo Credit: www.thisvivaciouslife.com
These fluffy gluten-free crescent rolls are a thanksgiving dream! They will be a hot and nobody will know they are gluten-free

🥗 Tasty Salads

1

Pickled Beet Salad

Prep Time 5 minutes Total Time 5 minutes

Ready in just 5 minutes, this quick and easy Pickled Beet Salad is perfect for the holidays! It's sweet, tart, creamy, and an easy last-minute side dish to throw together for a busy Thanksgiving dinner. Double or triple the recipe if you have more mouths to feed!

2

Waldorf Salad

Photo Credit: www.fromvalerieskitchen.com

This is a sweet and delicious take on classic Waldorf Salad. It will add a fresh, crisp element to your holiday menu. Always a crowd-pleaser!

3

Fruit Salad with Cool Whip

Photo Credit: fantabulosity.com

This fruit salad with cool whip (aka Ambrosia Salad) is always a hit with guests young and old. It only takes five minutes to make, and is perfect as a side dish or a dessert!

4

Vegan Olivier Salad

Photo Credit: earthtoveg.com

Olivier salad is a spin on regular old potato salad, with savoury chunks of sausage mixed with peas and carrots. Kids will love the creaminess of this Thanksgiving side and you will love the healthy veggies it’s packed with!

🥕 Other Vegetable Side Dishes

1

Mashed Swede

Prep Time 10 minutes Total Time 25 minutes

This simple and quick Mashed Swede recipe is buttery, bright, and comforting! With just 3 ingredients this side dish is so easy to make, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Perfect for most diets: vegan + keto + whole30 & paleo option.

2

Parsnip & Red Chili Puree

Prep Time 5 minutes Total Time 15 minutes

This Parsnip & Red Chili Puree is melt-in-your-mouth rich, sweet and spicy! This 4 ingredient recipe is a easy, 20 minute vegan side dish option for all occasions. Gluten free + Dairy Free + Whole30 + Paleo.

3

Air Fryer Carrots

Prep Time 10 minutes Total Time 25 minutes

Smothered in butter and honey, these easy Air Fryer Carrots are gluten free, and can easily be made vegan, paleo, whole30 and low carb.

4

Easy Whole30 Coleslaw Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes Total Time 7 minutes

Easy, fast and so delicious, this Whole30 Coleslaw is exceedingly creamy! It's low carb, paleo, gluten & dairy-free with a vegan & keto option.

5

Bruschetta with Avocado

Prep Time 10 minutes Total Time 50 minutes

This easy Bruschetta with Avocado is the ultimate healthy appetizer! Made with vegetables instead of crostini or baguette, this easy bruschetta recipe is loaded with healthy fats thanks to the avocado. It’s naturally gluten-free and low carb, and can easily be made paleo, whole30 friendly, or vegan.

6

Honey Glazed Carrots

Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com

Honey Glazed Carrots are the perfect holiday and dinnertime side dish. Super easy to make and incredibly delicious, they’re a perfect combination of sweet and savory and made with a handful of simple ingredients.

7

Keto Stuffed Mushrooms with Spinach and Artichoke

Photo Credit: iheartumami.com
These stuffed keto mushrooms are loaded with artichoke and spinach. Air fryer and oven instructions included!
8

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots (with Parmesan Cheese)

Photo Credit: hellofrozenbananas.com

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots (with Parmesan Cheese) are so crispy and tasty! These veggies are made using just one sheet pan.

9

Gluten-Free Cauliflower Mac & Cheese

Photo Credit: realfoodrn.com

This mac & cheese will be a dish kids and adults alike will love. And mamas will really love it because it has extra veggies in it. Delicious comfort food made healthy!

10

Best Ratatouille Recipe

Photo Credit: www.lowcarbspark.com

This is the best Ratatouille that’s loaded with fresh vegetables, perfect for a meatless meal that’s super quick to make. Make a delicious and healthy vegetable stew for a quick delicious summer meal that everyone loves.

11

Vegan Chickpea Patties

Photo Credit: www.myplantifulcooking.com
These chickpea patties have a crispy exterior and are moist and delicious on the insides. They are healthy and naturally gluten-free and vegan
12

Chickpeas in Tomato Sauce

Photo Credit: www.myplantifulcooking.com
This chickpea in tomato sauce is vibrant, rich, and incredibly flavorful. A healthier side that is easy to make and ready in 30 minutes.
13

Instant Pot Wild Rice Blend

Photo Credit: earthtoveg.com

Serve a vegan and gluten-free side that your kids will love! This nutty and flavourful wild rice blend is ready in less than an hour thanks to the Instant Pot. It’s hearty and healthy, perfect for fall.

14

Fritos Corn Salad

Photo Credit: thesaltymarshmallow.com

Fritos Corn Salad is a unique dish that can be used as a side or a dip! Packed with corn, black beans, peppers, onion, a blend of spicy and savory seasonings, and of course crunchy Fritos, this corn salad is perfect to bring to any potluck or BBQ. It’s so simple and quick to make, you’ll want to whip this up for every occasion!

🥚 Meat & Deviled Egg Side Dishes

1

Gluten Free Turkey Gravy Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes Total Time 5 minutes

This Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy Recipe requires just 3 ingredients and is paleo as well! It's ready in 5 minutes and goes perfectly with roasted turkey for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

2

Whole 30 Chicken Salad

Prep Time 15 minutes Total Time 15 minutes

Ready in less than 15 minutes, this Whole30 Chicken Salad is creamy, sweet and a little smoky! This effortless Whole30 recipe is simple, and addictive and can be served as a side dish or a main. It's also paleo, keto-friendly, gluten and dairy-free!

3

Best Deviled Eggs For Thanksgiving

Photo Credit: dancingthroughtherain.com

These Thanksgiving deviled eggs are little turkeys that everyone will love! Perfect for kids and adults alike, this is sure to be a holiday favorite!

4

Classic Deviled Eggs

Photo Credit: homanathome.com

Classic deviled eggs are a kid-friendly hit! With simple ingredients and classic flavors, these are a delicious side to your meal.

5

Turkey Avocado Patties For Baby (BLW) Toddlers, Kids

Photo Credit: thrivingnest.com

Make these mini turkey burger patties without egg and breadcrumbs but still with a soft texture due to avocado fat. They are great served with any mashed veggie or salad.

6

Easy Kid-Friendly Baked Chicken and Cheese Roulade

Photo Credit: allweeat.com
Kids aren't a fan of veggie side dishes, but one thing they are a fan of is cheese!
7

Spam fries (2-ingredients)

Photo Credit: www.greedygirlgourmet.com

These Spam fries will leave you wanting more and are bound to be a hit with the kids!

8

Healthy Stuffed Chicken Roll Ups

Photo Credit: healthytasteoflife.com

Rolled chicken breasts stuffed with veggies and cheese, then rolled up, baked in the oven and finished with a creamy sauce.

9

Prosciutto & Goat Cheese Wrapped Asparagus

Photo Credit: realfoodrn.com

How pretty is this lovely side vegetable option? It can also be served as little appetizers.

😋 More Thanksgiving feast recipes you will love

  • Juicy Thanksgiving Chicken Recipe
  • Keto Cheesecake Mini Pumpkin Pies
  • Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
  • Low Carb Apple Crisp
  • Vegan Whipped Cream (Paleo)
  • Air Fryer Candied Walnuts

Have you made any of these recipes? I’d love to know <3 Tag me on Facebook and Instagram, Pin it on Pinterest, and please leave a star rating review below! Don’t forget to subscribe to the email list (top right of this page) for sparkly new recipes in your inbox.

Filed Under: Autumn, Holidays, Round Ups, Side Dishes, Thanksgiving

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Nice to meet ya!

I’m Bethany! Thanks for visiting my little nook of the internet =] In my Gallaxy you'll find gluten-free recipes, digging into the Keto, Whole30 & Paleo diets, with a sprinkle of veganism here and there, plus a generous dollop of water fasting.

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