Are your kids picky eaters? Do you stress about what to make for Thanksgiving besides the turkey – side dishes that they’ll actually eat? No fear, sister! Here are 35 choices that are absolute crowdpleasers!
What is Thanksgiving Kid-Friendly?
Now that is the million dollar question, friends, isn’t it? If you’re a mom, you know the STRUGGLE of holidays (or maybe any meal? Hand raised!) of having a picky eater.
Factor in family, friends, chaos, and don’t you just feel the anxiety creeping up? Sometimes these special occasions don’t feel so special, right? On top of trying to time everything just right (FYI – grab this Thanksgiving Meal Planning sheet here if you need some help with that – a lifesaver!), it’s agonizing over the inevitable fights between you and your kids about their eating habits that just puts you over the edge.
In our house, I have twin boys who are the pickiest eaters ever. While I’m usually a fan of the traditional Thanksgiving sides (and honestly, my husband says the simpler, the better), sometimes you need a little finesse in preparing them for your Thanksgiving table in way that the kids actually will eat them.
My goals aren’t too lofty for Thanksgiving dinner – I’ve set a pretty low bar and have minimal expectations (I’d encourage you to the same!).
In addition to the turkey, I’m just looking for options that both adults can and kids will eat – my kids in particular. I’m not looking to create a Thanksgiving meal that Martha Stewart would approve of. With kids in in the mix, that is a kind a torture I want no part of.
A healthy spread isn’t necessarily my goal; I’m after just a day of no fights over food. If the food choices are healthy, great – but it’s just one day of the year. They’ll all be just fine.
35 Thanksgiving Side Dishes for Picky Eaters
Here is a list of 35 side dish options for kids.
Disclaimer – a handful may seem not so traditional and a few more may appear to be Thanksgiving desserts rather than sides.
But remember, we are keeping a low bar: we just want the kids to EAT, right?
So, the best part about this list is that you have lots of options to choose from that your kids will probably eat. ALL of them can jive with a Thanksgiving turkey dinner in some way or other. And several are suitable if you want to have little helpers involved in the preparation (which often helps them to want to eat it as well).
There are also many options that are suited for toddlers, and if you have a Friendsgiving date with the kids, these are perfect for the crowd of littles as well!
OK, let’s go. On to the inspiration.
Slow Cooker Honey Cinnamon Carrots
Honey and cinnamon is the perfect combination to brighten up carrots for Thanksgiving! Kids might not even realize they're healthy!
Easy Carrot Souffle
This is another yummy choice with enough of the yummy ingredients (butter, vanilla, brown sugar) to appeal to the young children.
Crockpot Cheesy Corn Recipe
Corn is no stranger to Thanksgiving dinner, but serving it as a cheesy corn side will be a hit with everyone!
Nantucket Corn Pudding
A little more decadent than slow cooker cheesy corn, this is another way to serve corn that the kids will love!!
Baked Broccoli Bites
Here's a great way to get in a healthy green veggie on turkey day!
Broccoli Mac and Cheese Bites
If you need to be more secretive about sneaking in broccoli on Thanksgiving Day for the picky eaters, try these delicious broccoli-mac-and-cheese bites!
Baked mac and cheese
If you think you WON'T be able to fool your kids with broccoli mac and cheese, this recipe sans broccoli is totally acceptable to serve as well! This easy recipe - just 15 minutes has all the delicious cheddar cheese flavors to compliment a turkey dinner!
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Browned Butter
Mashed potatoes are always popular, but mashed sweet potatoes truly is a crowd pleaser!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Streusel
While this sweet potato casserole is more like a dessert than side dish, the brown sugar streusel is the secret ingredient that makes this so appealing to the whole family. Sweet potato foil packs are also another fun alternative for kids as well!
Fried Sweet Potato Pies
Can you ever have too many ways to serve sweet potatoes? It's not your classic pumpkin pie, but these are a great hand-held treat that works as both a side or dessert.
Country Mashed Potatoes {Grandma's Secret Recipe}
Mashed potatoes is a can't-lose choice for both kids and adults alike. The cream cheese in the recipe puts is over the top. The best comfort food choice that goes perfectly with juicy turkey breasts.
Loaded Tater Tot Skewers Recipe
Probably not one of your traditional potato side dishes for Thanksgiving, but this familiar food for the kids should guarantee they'll eat something!
Cheesy Potato Bites
This is another easy potato recipe made in muffin tins, so a brilliant, simple, non-messy way to serve the kids!
Zucchini Fries with Parmesan
Again, not necessarily a traditional side for Thanksgiving, but this is a finger food that is healthy and certainly should help the younger guests partake.
Green Bean Casserole Makeover
Another way to get the healthy greens in to the kiddos is with this green bean casserole! This recipe should get your kids to give it a try, even if they aren't a fan of green beans.
Brussels Sprouts Gratin Recipe
You've heard of potatoes au gratin before? Why not give it a try with brussels sprouts? This is a fabulous way to serve this vegetable for kids and adults alike!
Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Parmesan (Gluten-Free)
Here's another choice for brussel sprouts - the sweetness of the lemon flavor just may be the trick to appeal to kids.
Cheesy Garlic Butter Noodles
Can you ever go wrong with serving kids noodles? If you're Italian (hand-raised), it's not strange at all to serve pasta on Thanksgiving. But even if you're not, your kids will appreciate it anyway! This is delicious with garlic, cheese, butter, and fresh herbs sprinkled in!
Cranberry BBQ Meatballs
These are yummy finger foods made with cranberry sauce, for that little extra bit of sweetness just right for a Thanksgiving feast!
Deep-Fried Stuffing
Kids aren't typically fans of stuffing, but usually love anything deep fried! This just might be a way to get them to eat it!
Grandma Helen's Cornbread Stuffing
This stuffing is made with cornbread, so that little bit of extra sweetness should appeal to the hesitant eaters!
Butternut Squash Latke Recipe
Butternut squash is perfect food for Thanksgiving, but served pancake-style will definitely go a long way for the little ones!
Walnut Squash
Seriously, now! This is almost like a delicious dessert than a side dish, but just go with it!
Turkey Veggie Tray with Cheese Ball Dip
While this is an adorable appetizer, it is also cute enough to entice the little ones to dig into along side their turkey.
Cheese Tray Turkey
Here's another cute idea for kids that just might get them to grab a bit more protein, especially if they aren't a fan of turkey.
Best Deviled Eggs
Another cute way to possibly trick the kids into eating the healthy stuff?!?
Charcuterie Boards
Having an array of different foods for them to choose from just might do the trick to get them to eat. This post is not Thanksgiving specific, but gives lots of ideas of how to lay out a variety to ensure they eat something!
Cornmeal Pan Rolls
Have you ever seen a child turn down bread? This may seem like just filler, but it just may keep the picky eaters from going hungry.
Sweet Potato Sour Cream Cornbread Recipe
I love this combo of sweet potato, sour cream and cornbread! I don't think any child (or adult) can resist this!
Maple Bacon Monkey Bread
Monkey bread is always a hit, but this one is made with - get this - maple syrup AND bacon! C'mon, now!
Slow Cooker Applesauce
Applesauce is a staple food for kids, and the naturally sweet flavor of these apples not only taste amazing but will have your house smelling so good!
Southern Fried Apples
This is another way to serve the best fall fruit in a way that is easy and delicious.
Apple Pie Bites
This one appears to be more like a dessert, but it does have fruit in it, so it definitely passes for a side!
Cranberry Fluff
No one is going to pass this off as healthy necessarily.... but the sweetness is sure to be a crowd pleaser for your tiniest guests.
Pumpkin Bread
Can you even call it Thanksgiving without pumpkin bread?!? This one needs no explanation.
How great were those choices, right? I honestly think there is something for everyone without it being just total junk or filler food.
If you really want to include something healthy for the kids, here are some healthy & clean desserts you can serve also:
29 Healthy & Clean Pumpkin Desserts and Treats
30 Healthy & Clean Apple Desserts and Treats
And if you’re looking for activities for kids on Thanksgiving, scroll to the end of this post to find free Thanksgiving printables, with a super-fun options for kids!
More Thanksgiving Inspiration
If you want some more ideas to brighten up your Thanksgiving celebration, take a look here:
35 Psalms of Thanksgiving and Praise (with free printable)
Simple Thanksgiving Tablescape with Printable Menu and Place Cards
30 Rustic Thanksgiving Place Setting Ideas
And if you want some activities to do with the kids for Thanksgiving, check out this video below for 5 awesome activities from Somewhat Simple!
Thoughts? I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment below!
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