55 Thanksgiving Sides for Kids: Easy Ideas For Little Ones

As we gear up for the holiday season, creating a Thanksgiving feast that caters to EVERY family member (talking about the little ones here) can be a tad challenging, right? If you’re wondering how to make this year’s Thanksgiving dinner not only delicious but also kid-friendly—arguably the best part—you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, let’s explore 55 Thanksgiving sides for kids that are sure to add a touch of YUM to your holiday table! From enticing sweet potatoes to crispy fried onions, these amazing recipe ideas will make your little one excited about the big holiday meal.

55 Delicious Thanksgiving Sides For Kids

These kid-friendly Thanksgiving side dishes are not only tasty but also sure to bring a smile to your kiddo around the holiday table!

1. Sweet Potato Pops

Turn those sweet potatoes into fun, bite-sized popsicles for a quirky twist!

2. Cheesy Green Bean Bites

Because everything is better when it’s covered in gooey cheese, even green beans!

3. Maple Glazed Veggie Wands

Make veggies magical by turning them into sweet, maple-glazed wands for your little wizards.

4. Skewer Brussels Sprouts

Stack those little cabbages on a stick – suddenly, they’re way more interesting!

5. Crock-Pot Mac ‘n’ Cheese

The slow cooker isn’t just for grown-ups or big kids; let it work its magic as the ultimate comfort food for toddlers.

This recipe is one of my son and nephew’s favorites for Thanksgiving!

6. Sweet Potato Tots

Tiny sweet potato tots are a great way to sneak in those nutritious bites.

7. Crispy Onion Confetti

Sprinkle crispy fried onions on everything; it’s like confetti, but tastier!

8. PB&J Cranberry Sauce

Give the classic cranberry sauce a kid-friendly twist with a hint of peanut butter and jelly sweetness. You can always opt for a sugar-free cranberry sauce a healthier and equally delicious alternative.

9. Parmesan Pumpkin Wedges

Arrange pumpkin wedges into a heart shape and sprinkle with parmesan for a dash of love!

10. Turkey Stuffing Muffins

Because even stuffing is more fun when it’s tiny enough for little hands to hold.

11. Fruit Turkey Tails

Stick fruit slices in the shape of a turkey tail, because why not make fruit festive too?

12. Mashed Potato Cupcakes

Top mashed potatoes with a dollop of sour cream for frosting – savory cupcakes for the win!

13. Veggie Christmas Tree

Even though it’s Thanksgiving, get into the Christmas spirit with a Veggie Christmas Tree.

Arrange broccoli florets with other veggies (like bell peppers and cucumbers) on a crescent roll to create an adorable veggie Christmas tree.

14. Pumpkin Pie Popsicles

Freeze pumpkin pie filling into popsicles – a chilly twist on a Thanksgiving classic.

15. Turkey and Cheese Quesadillas

Turn traditional flavors into a kid-friendly hand-held delight.

16. Apple Cider Slushies

Freeze apple cider into slushies – a refreshing treat that screams fall.

17. Mini Pumpkin Pies

When it comes to Thanksgiving desserts, mini pumpkin pies are a crowd pleaser for little ones. These small pies make the perfect fall season treat. For an added bonus, serve with a side of vanilla ice cream!

18. Cranberry Orange Salsa

Dice cranberries and oranges for a tangy salsa that’ll add zing to the table.

19. Pizza-Stuffed Mushrooms

Hide veggies inside mushrooms stuffed with pizza flavors – a sneaky win!

20. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a kid hit! You can even stack them into a tower for a visually impressive side dish.

21. Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Bites

Transform butternut squash into bite-sized delights with a hint of cinnamon sweetness. Psst, this makes a great dish that babies love mashed up. 😉

22. Turkey Trail Snack Mix

Mix together nuts, pretzels, and Reese’s Pieces for a crunchy turkey-themed trail mix.

23. Pecan Pie Energy Bites

Capture the essence of pecan pie in healthy, kid-sized energy bites.

24. Cranberry Turkey Wraps

Roll up turkey, cream cheese, and cranberry sauce for a handheld Thanksgiving delight.

25. Popcorn Cranberry Garland

This makes a fun activity to get little helpers involved! String together popcorn and cranberries for a festive and edible garland.

26. Pumpkin Spice Popcorn Balls

Kids go crazy over this one! Create bite-sized pumpkin popcorn balls sprinkled in kid-friendly goodies for a fall-flavored snack.

27. S’mores Sweet Potato Casserole

Thinking of this recipe makes my mouth water 😛

Layer sweet potatoes, marshmallows, and chocolate for a campfire-inspired twist.

28. Maple Acorn Squash

Roast acorn squash halves with a dash of maple syrup for added sweetness.

29. Pumpkin Pudding Cups

Create pumpkin pudding cups by layering pumpkin-flavored pudding with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers. It’s a delicious and seasonal dessert that’s easy for little ones to eat.

30. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Turkeys

Turn strawberries into turkeys with a dip in melted chocolate.

31. Creamy Cheddar Cheese Soup

This simple recipe is a good one to add to your Thanksgiving menu. Kids love the creamy, cheesy goodness that turns every spoonful into a comforting and irresistible bite. Serve with homemade rolls for dipping pleasure!

32. Sweet Corn Popsicles

Freeze corn on the cob into popsicles for a playful take on a classic side.

33. Cheesy Pretzel Bites

Stuffed cheese pretzel bites have kids googly eyed to eat them. Plus, it makes a fun Thanksgiving side!

34. Apple Pie Quesadillas

Yes, adults can salivate over this one too! Fold apple pie filling and cheese into tortillas for a sweet and savory fusion.

35. Sweet Potato Sailboats

Sail into Thanksgiving by carving sweet potatoes into sailboat shapes for a whimsical touch. Sprinkle with brown sugar for happy taste buds. 😊

36. Pumpkin Pancakes

Stack pumpkin pancakes (you can even shape them into pumpkins) for a festive and tasty breakfast side. Garnish with a dollop of whip cream!

37. Pumpkin Soup

Serve a creamy and mild pumpkin soup as a starter for your toddler. It’s a delightful way to introduce them to the flavors of the season and keep them warm during the holiday meal.

38. Pumpkin Smoothies

Blend pumpkin puree with yogurt, a touch of honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon to make a delicious pumpkin smoothie.

39. Pumpkin Pie Parfait

Layer pumpkin pie filling, yogurt, and granola for a parfait that tastes like the real deal.

40. Apple Pie Bites

Bake mini apple pie bites using pre-made pie crust and apple pie filling.

41. Cinnamon Applesauce

Homemade cinnamon applesauce is a nutritious and a delicious side dish little ones adore. It pairs well with many Thanksgiving dishes and can be served warm or cold.

42. Chocolate Turkey Pretzels

Dip pretzels in chocolate and arrange cute turkey shape faces at the top made out of chocolate and candy corn.

43. Cornucopia Crescent Rolls

Shape crescent rolls into mini cornucopias filled with your favorite toppings.

44. No Bake Pecan Pie Dip

Create a dip with all the flavors of pecan pie – perfect for pairing with apple slices. For picky eaters or if your little one has nut allergies, you can opt for no nuts!

45. Cranberry Turkey Sandwich

Layer turkey, cream cheese, and cranberry sauce between slices of bread for a festive sandwich.

46. Cranberry Orange Popsicles

Blend cranberries and oranges into popsicles for a refreshing dessert-like side.

47. Cinnamon Sugar Toast Bites

Prepare cinnamon toast bites by spreading a mixture of butter and cinnamon sugar on small pieces of toast.

48. Mini Corn Dogs

Mini corn dogs are a kid-favorite side that can be served with ketchup, mustard, OR zesty ranch.

49. Turkey Brownies

Who can resist a sweet turkey-shaped brownie? 😉

50. Sweet Dinner Rolls

Dinner rolls are a Thanksgiving staple and with a touch of sweetness, EVEN better. The warm, fluffy rolls with butter are sure to be a hit with your kiddo!

51. Mini Cornbread Muffins

Everything is cuter in mini form, especially when it’s golden-brown cornbread.

52. Corn Pudding

Introduce a touch of sweetness with corn pudding, a yummy and kid-friendly Thanksgiving side.

53. Kid-Friendly Pasta Salad

This pasta salad recipe, a perfect choice for kids, is brimming with a variety of fresh vegetables, creating a nutritious, satisfying, and vibrant dish.

54. Pumpkin Rice Krispies

Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats are a tasty and easy recipe dessert kids adore!

55. Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole

No Thanksgiving is complete without the beloved Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole, a side dish the whole family can enjoy. This recipe keeps it classic but with the added convenience of the slow cooker.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are some easy Thanksgiving sides for kids that won’t take forever to prepare?

For a quick and easy option, consider sweet potato pops, cheesy green bean bites, or turkey stuffing muffins. These recipes are not only delicious but also kid-friendly and time-efficient for busy holiday preparations.

How can I make Thanksgiving sides more appealing to picky eaters?

Sneak in veggies creatively! Brussels sprout skewers, crispy onion confetti, and maple acorn squash offer unique presentations that might entice even the pickiest eaters. Playing with shapes and incorporating familiar flavors can make a BIG difference.

Are there healthy Thanksgiving side options for kids that they’ll actually enjoy?

Absolutely! Try cinnamon roasted butternut bites, veggie Christmas trees, or apple cider slushies for a healthier spin. These options prioritize nutrition without sacrificing the deliciousness that kids crave.

Can I involve my kids in the preparation of Thanksgiving sides?

Of course! Many of these recipes are designed for little hands to help. Let them join in creating turkey-shaped fruit kabobs, sweet potato sailboats, or mini cornbread muffins. Involving kids in the kitchen can turn meal preparation into a fun family activity.

Are there options for Thanksgiving sides that cater to food allergies or dietary restrictions for kids?

Certainly! Pumpkin pie energy bites and cranberry orange popsicles provide delicious alternatives for kids with dietary restrictions. Always be mindful of individual allergies and adjust recipes accordingly for a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving meal.

To Wrap It Up

As we wrap up our journey through these 55 scrumptious Thanksgiving sides for kids, these easy ideas are not just recipes; they’re an invitation to create cherished moments with your family around the Thanksgiving table.

From sweet potato tots to turkey-shaped fruit kabobs, we’ve explored a world of creativity and flavor that will make this Thanksgiving a memorable one for your little one!

Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving filled with lots of love and amazing memories! 🦃

Which of these sides are you most excited to try? Has your little chef joined you in the kitchen? I’d LOVE to hear about your experiences and see photos of your festive creations. Share your thoughts, stories, and pictures in the comments below. 👋⬇️

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About The Author

Linds is the proud mom of two little miracles, Mono Mono twin girls, and one AMAZING older brother! She is the founder and content creator of Mono Mono Twins, Intensive Therapy for Kids, and Co-Founder of The LENN Foundation, a 510c3 that helps children with cerebral palsy receive grants for intensive therapies to thrive. ♥

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