Forgotten Thanksgiving Sides You’ll Wish You Tried Sooner

When you think of Thanksgiving, the classics always come to mind turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. But tucked away in old cookbooks and family memories are side dishes that once graced the holiday table and then quietly slipped out of style. These dishes may not be trending on Pinterest today, but they bring warmth, nostalgia, and a touch of history to any Thanksgiving feast.

This year, why not surprise your guests with a few forgotten side dishes? They’re simple, comforting, and guaranteed to spark conversation (and maybe a few childhood memories!).

Why We Forget Certain Thanksgiving Dishes

Thanksgiving recipes often evolve with the times. Some dishes fade because trends shift (goodbye, 1950s Jell-O salads), while others get pushed aside by new favorites (mashed potatoes easily outshined rutabaga mash). But “forgotten” doesn’t mean outdated these recipes were beloved for a reason, and reviving them adds depth and tradition to your meal.

Forgotten Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Try

Creamed Onions

A true New England classic, creamed onions were once a Thanksgiving staple. Tender pearl onions in a rich, velvety cream sauce this dish is simple yet elegant. It pairs beautifully with turkey and gravy, bringing a mellow sweetness that balances heavier sides.Simple Ingredients

Simple Ingredients

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley at the end adds a pop of color and brightness.
• Pearl onions: These little onions are sweet and mild perfect for soaking up all that creamy goodness. You can use fresh or frozen, which makes this recipe super flexible.
• Butter: Butter is the base of your roux and brings richness to the sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Flour helps thicken the cream sauce, giving it a smooth and luscious texture.
• Whole milk: Warm milk keeps the sauce from clumping and creates a classic creamy base.
• Heavy cream: Just a splash adds extra richness and that luxurious mouthfeel.
• Salt & pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the natural sweetness of the onions.
• Nutmeg (optional): Adds a warm, subtle spice that complements creamy sauces beautifully.

Get the full recipe for my classic creamed onions right here on OvenSpot.

Scalloped Oysters

Popular in coastal communities and the Midwest, scalloped oysters were the “fancy” dish of their day. Layers of briny oysters, buttery breadcrumbs, and cream baked into golden perfection. Even if oysters aren’t your everyday pick, this retro side is worth trying for a special holiday touch.

Corn Pudding

Corn pudding has deep roots in Southern and early American cooking. It’s warm, custardy, slightly sweet, and almost like a cross between cornbread and creamed corn. If you’re looking for cozy comfort in a baking dish, this is it.

Jell-O Salad

From cranberry molds to ambrosia salads, no mid-century Thanksgiving table was complete without one. While it might feel kitschy, a colorful Jell-O salad adds a fun, retro vibe and makes a great conversation starter. Plus, kids usually love it!

Glazed Carrots with Brown Sugar & Butter

Simple but often overlooked, glazed carrots bring a pop of color and natural sweetness to the Thanksgiving spread. Simmered with butter, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon or orange zest, they’re a nostalgic throwback to Grandma’s table.

Simple Ingredients

These few ingredients come together to create something truly magical:

• Carrots: Naturally sweet and vibrant, carrots are the perfect base for this glaze. Slicing them evenly helps them cook perfectly.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter gives this dish richness and helps create that irresistible caramelized glaze.
• Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar adds depth and sweetness, balancing the earthy flavor of the carrots.
• Salt: Just a touch of salt brings everything into balance and enhances the natural flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon (optional): Cinnamon adds a subtle warmth and coziness especially nice around the holidays.
• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds freshness and color for the perfect finishing touch.

Get the full recipe for glazed carrots right here on OvenSpot.

Waldorf Salad

Invented in the 1890s, the Waldorf salad was once a Thanksgiving favorite. Apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts tossed in a creamy dressing bring a crisp, refreshing break from all the heavy sides.

Sweet Potato Puffs

Think of these as the fun cousin of candied yams. Sweet potato mash is shaped into little mounds with a marshmallow surprise in the center, then baked until golden. They’re retro, whimsical, and always a hit with kids.

Simple Ingredients

Here’s what makes these sweet potato puffs so flavorful and family-friendly:

• Sweet potatoes: Naturally sweet and creamy, they’re the star of the show and give these puffs their soft, pillowy texture.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bring out the sweet and savory flavors of the potatoes.
• Brown sugar (optional): For a little extra sweetness especially great if you’re making these for dessert.
• Cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and depth to each bite.
• Nutmeg (optional): Just a pinch gives a slightly spiced holiday flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Brings all the flavors together with a subtle sweetness.
• Salt: Essential for balancing out the sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor.
• Egg (optional, for brushing): Gives the tops a beautiful golden finish when baked.
• Honey or maple syrup: The final drizzle makes these puffs totally irresistible.

Get the full recipe for sweet potato puffs right here on OvenSpot.

Rutabaga Mash (or Turnip Mash)

Before potatoes became the star, rutabagas and turnips were mashed and served at the holiday table. Earthy, peppery, and hearty, they’re a rustic side that pairs wonderfully with gravy.

Fresh Cranberry Relish (No Cooking Required)

Long before canned cranberry sauce ruled the table, fresh cranberry relish was the go-to. Hand-chopped cranberries, apples, and orange zest create a zippy, refreshing side that brightens the meal.

Tips for Reviving Forgotten Recipes

• Stay true to tradition: Use the original ingredients when you can.
• Add subtle modern twists: Fresh herbs, lighter creams, or creative plating make retro recipes feel new again.
• Mix and match: Add one or two forgotten sides alongside your modern favorites for the best of both worlds.

Thanksgiving is all about family, gratitude, and, of course, food. This year, bring back a taste of the past with one of these forgotten side dishes. Whether it’s creamy onions, corn pudding, or a fun retro Jell-O salad, you’ll be adding more than just flavor to your table you’ll be adding history.

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!