Spicy Thanksgiving sides to heat up your holiday
Incorporating a touch of spice into your Thanksgiving menu is a great way to add flavor and excitement to the holiday meal. By adding a bit of heat, you can elevate traditional side dishes, giving them a new twist that will delight your guests.
Here, we’ll explore several spicy side dish recipes that will make your Thanksgiving feast memorable.
Incorporating spicy foods into your Thanksgiving meal
Thanksgiving is often associated with rich, comforting flavors. However, adding spice can enhance these flavors, bringing out the best in each dish. While not everyone may enjoy a lot of heat, you can adjust the spiciness to suit different palates.
The recipes included here range from mild to medium heat, making them suitable for most guests. If you have a preference for more heat, you can easily adjust by adding extra chili powder, fresh chilis, or hot sauce. Just be sure to label any dishes that are spicy, so guests can make informed choices.
1. An elevated charcuterie board with peach habanero jam
A charcuterie board is a versatile and engaging side dish that can be easily tailored to your Thanksgiving menu. By adding a homemade peach habanero jam, you introduce a sweet and spicy element that pairs well with a variety of cheeses and meats. The habanero’s fruitiness complements the sweetness of the peaches, creating a balanced jam with a gentle heat. This jam can also be used as a spread for bread or as a glaze for roasted meats, making it a multipurpose addition to your holiday table.
2. Sweet and spicy baked delicata squash
Delicata is one of my favorite winter squashes, and its natural sweetness beautifully contrasts the heat of chili powder.
This recipe enhances the squash’s flavor with chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon, adding a warm, spicy kick to the dish. The combination of these spices with the squash’s inherent sweetness creates a well-rounded side dish that’s both flavorful and comforting. The level of heat can be adjusted to your liking by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder.
3. Jalapeño deviled eggs
Is it even Thanksgiving without deviled eggs?
Deviled eggs are a staple at many holiday gatherings, and this version adds a spicy twist with the inclusion of candied jalapeños. The sweetness of the candied jalapeños balances the richness of the egg yolks and mayonnaise, while also providing a mild heat that enhances the overall flavor. This recipe stays true to the classic deviled egg while offering a new flavor dimension that’s sure to be a hit with your guests.
4. Honey Sriracha brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a common Thanksgiving side dish, but adding honey and Sriracha takes them to the next level. The sweetness of the honey and the spiciness of the Sriracha create a glaze that enhances the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts. This recipe is simple yet effective, turning a standard vegetable side dish into something special.
Can’t find Sriracha? I’ve ranked 10 alternatives to help you find the perfect substitute.
5. Spicy roasted vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a traditional side dish at Thanksgiving, but they can sometimes lack excitement. This recipe adds cayenne powder to the mix, bringing warmth and spice to a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions. For those who prefer more heat, fresh chili peppers can be added to the roasting pan. This dish is easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite vegetables.
6. Cheddar jalapeño cornbread pudding
I’ll be the first to admit that I could contentedly eat boxed stuffing any time of the year, but this recipe elevates it to a whole new level.
Cornbread is a classic Thanksgiving dish, but this recipe takes it up a notch by adding sharp cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños. The result is a rich, savory pudding that has just the right amount of heat. The combination of the creamy custard, spicy jalapeños, and tangy cheddar makes this dish a standout on any holiday table. It’s a hearty side that pairs well with a variety of main dishes.
7. Sweet and spicy cranberry chutney
Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving essential, but this chutney offers a spicier alternative. Made with fresh cranberries, black mustard seeds, green chilis, and turmeric, this chutney has a vibrant, savory profile with a balanced kick of heat. It’s a great accompaniment to roasted turkey and other meats, adding a bold flavor that complements the meal. This chutney can also be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to develop fully before serving.
8. Spicy Asian cucumber salad
To balance out the heavier dishes typically served at Thanksgiving, consider adding a light and refreshing spicy Asian cucumber salad. This dish uses gochugaru, a Korean red pepper, to add spice to thinly sliced cucumbers. The salad is quick to prepare and provides a crisp, tangy contrast to the richer foods on the table. Its bright flavor and visual appeal make it a great addition to any holiday spread.
9. Jalapeño mac and cheese
You’re missing out if mac and cheese isn’t part of your Thanksgiving lineup.
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food favorite, and this version with jalapeños adds a spicy twist. The creamy cheese sauce is infused with the heat of fresh jalapeños, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. This recipe is designed for the crockpot, making it easy to prepare without taking up valuable oven space. It’s a versatile side that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
10. Jalapeño cheese buns
Move aside, traditional bread rolls—make room for jalapeño cheese buns that bring both flavor and excitement to the table.
The sharpness of cheddar cheese and the tangy heat of pickled jalapeños are combined in these soft, buttery buns. They’re a flavorful alternative to standard rolls and are sure to be a hit with your guests.
11. Cranberry jalapeño dip
This cranberry jalapeño dip is a fresh and vibrant take on a Thanksgiving staple. The tartness of the cranberries is balanced by the creaminess of cream cheese and the heat of raw jalapeños. It’s a bold and pungent dip that makes a great appetizer or side dish, offering a surprising twist on traditional flavors.
12. Ejotes a la Mexicana
For a spicy twist on green beans, try Ejotes a la Mexicana, which are green beans cooked in a fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños. The raw jalapeños add a bright, spicy bite to the dish without overwhelming heat, making it a flavorful side that pairs well with the other dishes on your Thanksgiving table.
Adding spice to your Thanksgiving side dishes is an easy way to introduce new flavors to your holiday meal. Whether you prefer a mild kick or something with more heat, these recipes offer a variety of ways to incorporate spice into your Thanksgiving menu. By including a few of these dishes, you can create a memorable meal that will leave your guests talking long after the holiday is over.
