5 Delicious Italian Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Thanksgiving is generally an American holiday where you eat foods like turkey, mashed potatoes, and pie. On the other hand, Italians are known for their amazing cuisine, beloved by many Americans. Luckily, you can have the best of both worlds by combining all of your favorite foods for one giant Thanksgiving feast. We’ve put together a list of Italian dishes that will pair perfectly with your traditional holiday dishes, while allowing your love of Italian cuisine to shine through. Your juicy holiday turkey will pair perfectly with these 5 Italian Thanksgiving side dishes. 

Butternut squash ravioli with white-wine sauce

Dating back to the 14th century, ravioli is among the most classic of Italian dishes. This butternut squash variation is the perfect complement to your salty turkey. Topping it with a white wine sauce adds a tangy element to the dish, elevating your dinner’s flavor profile even further. To make this dish, you simply need to roast hazelnuts, make the butternut filling, and fill the noodles, (or for a quicker solution, use wonton wrappers instead). It’s delicious and easy to prepare, making it the perfect dish for a big feast. 

Italian style stuffing

Many people look forward to eating Thanksgiving stuffing all year. To add to the excitement this year, try an Italian style stuffing that will make your mouth water. The secret is in using ciabatta bread, Italian sausage, and parmesan cheese. Despite the altered regional influence, this stuffing will go wonderfully with turkey and gravy. Adding in Italian seasonings finishes the dish, creating an exciting take on a family favorite.

Italian charcuterie board

Charcuterie boards are the latest food fad, and for good reason. They are very customizable, making them the perfect side dish for an Italian inspired Thanksgiving. To add a Mediterranean twist, try using your favorite cheeses such as asiago, gorgonzola, or fontina. Prosciutto and capicola are also delicious meats to consider using.

Don’t forget olives, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes to add that perfect finishing touch to your charcuterie board. For an added flare to the presentation, consider garnishing with basil and rosemary. This is a beautiful, tasty, and colorful side dish that will impress all of your holiday guests. 

Italian beer bread and sundried tomato butter

Warm rolls and bread are a big part of many Thanksgiving dinners. To make your rolls unique, try baking some beer bread instead. You can do this with any of your favorite beers, to add the perfect personalized touch. Adding in Italian seasonings and parmesan completes the loaf, and then it’ll be ready to bake. To really add that last Italian touch, add sundried tomato to your butter spread. It creates a tart and garlicky flavor that will go great with the turkey. 

Baked burrata

No Thanksgiving would be complete without fresh vegetables. The best Italian take on vegetables is a baked burrata. After roasting tomatoes, they take on an exceptional sweet flavor that provides a welcome change from the traditional sides we are used to. Adding a creamy cheese and vinaigrette mix on top of the roasted baby tomatoes make a delectable salad. This is an elegant touch to any Thanksgiving feast, sure to be a hit with your family and friends. 

Adapt your favorite cuisine for any holiday

The left-overs from your Thanksgiving feast will be even more appealing when you put together a delicious, Italian meal. Whether you are from Italian descent, or you just love the cuisine, you can’t go wrong with an Italian Thanksgiving feast with your friends and family. 

Interested in trying Italian inspired food at the Albert? Book your reservation here.