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Unlocking Flavor: What Goes Good with Smoked Turkey?
There’s nothing quite like the rich, smoky aroma and succulent taste of a perfectly smoked turkey. Whether it’s the centerpiece of your holiday feast or a delightful weekend meal, the right side dishes can elevate your experience from good to absolutely unforgettable. Smoked turkey, with its deep flavors, is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide array of accompaniments. But with so many options, how do you choose? Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through some fantastic pairings that will complement your smoky bird beautifully.
From comforting classics to fresh and vibrant choices, we’ll explore ten amazing side dishes that answer the question: what goes good with smoked turkey? Get ready to inspire your taste buds and create a meal that truly shines!
Classic Comforts: Potato & Vegetable Sides
When thinking about what goes good with smoked turkey, hearty potato and vegetable dishes often come to mind first. They provide a satisfying base and absorb the delicious turkey juices, making every bite a delight.
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
You simply can’t go wrong with this timeless favorite. Silky, buttery mashed potatoes are a quintessential companion to almost any roasted or smoked meat. Their smooth texture and subtle flavor provide a wonderful contrast to the smoky turkey, making them an ideal canvas for gravy or simply enjoying as is. For an extra touch of richness, consider adding a hint of roasted garlic or fresh chives.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
If you’re looking for a side that brings a touch of sweetness and vibrant color, roasted sweet potatoes are a fantastic choice. Their natural sugars caramelize beautifully when roasted, creating a delicious counterpoint to the savory turkey. You can season them simply with salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil, or get creative with spices like cinnamon, paprika, or a hint of maple syrup for an even more festive feel. They add a lovely warmth and depth to your plate.
3. Green Bean Casserole
This iconic dish is a must-have for many holiday meals, and for good reason! The creamy mushroom sauce, tender green beans, and crispy fried onions create a symphony of textures and flavors that harmonize wonderfully with smoked turkey. It’s a nostalgic and comforting option that truly feels like a special occasion side. It’s also a great way to incorporate a vegetable that even picky eaters often enjoy.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For a side that offers a slight bitterness and a delightful crunch, roasted Brussels sprouts are an excellent choice. When roasted until tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, they develop a nutty flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the richness of smoked turkey. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of crumbled bacon can take them to the next level, adding layers of flavor that complement the smoky notes of the turkey without overpowering them.
Hearty Grains & Stuffings
No grand meal is complete without a delicious stuffing or dressing to soak up all those incredible flavors.
5. Classic Herb Stuffing/Dressing
Whether you bake it inside the bird or in a separate dish, a traditional herb stuffing or dressing is a beloved companion to turkey. Made with bread, savory herbs like sage and thyme, celery, and onion, it’s designed to absorb the delicious juices and aromas of the main course. Its comforting, herbaceous profile perfectly complements the deep, smoky flavors of your turkey, making it a cornerstone of a satisfying meal.
Fresh & Light Accompaniments
To balance the richness of smoked turkey, incorporating lighter, fresher sides can create a more well-rounded and delightful dining experience.
6. Cranberry Sauce
A bright and tangy cranberry sauce is an absolute essential for smoked turkey. Its vibrant tartness cuts through the richness of the meat, offering a refreshing palate cleanser with every bite. You can go for a classic jellied version, but a homemade sauce with whole cranberries, a hint of orange zest, and a touch of spice provides a truly exceptional flavor that elevates the entire meal. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and tart.
7. Apple and Walnut Salad
A fresh, crisp salad can be a wonderful counterpoint to a heavy main course. An apple and walnut salad, featuring crisp apple slices, crunchy walnuts, dried cranberries, and a light vinaigrette, offers a fantastic combination of textures and flavors. The sweetness of the apples, the nuttiness of the walnuts, and the tang of the dressing provide a refreshing contrast that makes each bite of turkey feel fresh and exciting.
8. Cornbread
Warm, fluffy cornbread, perhaps with a touch of sweetness or even a hint of jalapeño, is an excellent choice for what goes good with smoked turkey. It’s fantastic for soaking up gravy or simply enjoyed with a pat of butter. The slightly coarse texture and comforting flavor of cornbread provide a rustic charm that perfectly matches the hearty nature of smoked turkey, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Sauces & Other Enhancements
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-chosen sauce or a unique side dish to complete your smoked turkey feast.
9. Glazed Carrots
Sweet, tender glazed carrots add a touch of elegance and a lovely pop of color to your plate. Carrots cooked until just tender and then coated in a light glaze – perhaps with brown sugar, butter, and a touch of fresh dill or parsley – offer a sweet and earthy flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the smoked turkey. They’re simple, wholesome, and incredibly delicious.
10. Creamed Spinach
For a truly decadent and satisfying green vegetable side, creamed spinach is an excellent choice. Rich, creamy, and wonderfully savory, it offers a luxurious texture and deep flavor that complements the smoky turkey without competing. It’s a fantastic way to elevate a simple vegetable into something truly special, making your meal feel even more indulgent.
Putting It All Together
Choosing what goes good with smoked turkey is all about balance. Think about contrasting textures (creamy mashed potatoes with crispy Brussels sprouts), flavors (tangy cranberry sauce with rich turkey), and colors to create an appealing and satisfying spread. Don’t be afraid to mix and match from these suggestions to craft your perfect menu. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional spread or something a little more adventurous, these side dishes are sure to make your smoked turkey meal a triumph.
Enjoy your delicious smoked turkey and all the wonderful flavors that come with it!