5 Savory Side Dishes to Cook on Your Grill This Thanksgiving

You've got the turkey commanding the main stage, but what about the dressing, the casseroles, the pies? This year, there's a better way. By moving your side dishes to the grill, you not only free up precious oven real estate—you unlock incredible smoky, charred flavors that will make your Thanksgiving feast truly unforgettable. These aren't just ordinary sides with a hint of smoke; they're dishes where the grill is an essential co-star, bringing depth and character that your oven simply can't match.

Why Grill Your Thanksgiving Sides?

Grilling your sides does more than solve logistical problems. The live fire adds a dimension of flavor that complements the rich Thanksgiving spread perfectly. That subtle smokiness cuts through the richness of the turkey and gravy, while the high heat of the grill creates beautiful caramelization and texture you can't achieve in an oven. Plus, there's something deeply satisfying about having multiple components of your feast cooking in the open air, filling your backyard with that incredible holiday aroma.

1. Smoked Gouda & Bacon Mac and Cheese

This isn't your childhood mac and cheese. This is a rich, smoky, sophisticated version that might just upstage the turkey.

What You'll Need:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni

• 4 cups shredded smoked Gouda

• 2 cups sharp cheddar

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

• 4 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1/2 cup flour

• 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

The Method:

1. Cook pasta al dente, drain, and set aside

2. In a large cast iron skillet, make a roux with butter and flour

3. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened

4. Stir in cheeses until melted and creamy

5. Fold in cooked pasta and bacon

6. Top with panko mixed with thyme

7. Place on grill over indirect heat at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden

Pro Tip: Use our Olive Wood Utensil Set for stirring your cheese sauce—the long handles keep your hands safe from the heat, and the wood won't scratch your cast iron.

2. Maple-Glazed Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Forget the marshmallow-topped casserole. These sweet potatoes celebrate the vegetable's natural sweetness enhanced by smoky caramelization.

What You'll Need:

• 4 large sweet potatoes, sliced 1/2-inch thick

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 2 tbsp bourbon (optional)

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp cayenne

• Salt and pepper to taste

The Method:

1. Toss sweet potato slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper

2. Grill over direct medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side

3. Whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, cinnamon, and cayenne

4. Brush glaze on potatoes during last 2 minutes of cooking

5. Serve sprinkled with flaky sea salt

Pro Tip: A sharp knife is essential for even slices. Our Special Edition Cleaver makes quick work of slicing through dense sweet potatoes, ensuring they cook evenly on the grill.

3. Grished Green Beans with Garlic and Almonds

These aren't your grandmother's mushy green beans. They're crisp-tender, smoky, and packed with flavor.

What You'll Need:

• 2 lbs fresh green beans, trimmed

• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Zest of one lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste

The Method:

1. Toss green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper

2. Place in grill basket over direct medium heat

3. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking occasionally

4. Add garlic and almonds during last 2 minutes

5. Finish with lemon zest and additional olive oil

Pro Tip: Use a grill basket to prevent small pieces from falling through the grates. The constant tossing ensures even charring without burning.

4. Smoke-Infused Cornbread Dressing

This dressing captures the essence of Thanksgiving with a smoky twist that will have everyone asking for your secret.

What You'll Need:

• 8 cups cubed cornbread

• 1 lb sausage, casings removed

• 2 cups diced celery

• 2 cups diced onion

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

The Method:

1. Cook sausage in cast iron skillet on grill until browned

2. Add celery and onion, cook until softened

3. Combine with cornbread, herbs, broth, and eggs

4. Press into skillet and place on grill over indirect heat

5. Cook at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until set and golden

Pro Tip: The MWTP Apron is essential for managing multiple dishes on the grill—those splatters are no match for its waxed cotton protection.

5. Charred Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta

These Brussels sprouts will convert even the most stubborn skeptics. The char brings out their natural sweetness while the smoke adds complexity.

What You'll Need:

• 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, halved

• 8 oz pancetta, diced

• 3 tbsp balsamic glaze

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

The Method:

1. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper

2. Cook pancetta in cast iron on grill until crispy

3. Add Brussels sprouts to the skillet

4. Cook over direct medium heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally

5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving

Pro Tip: For perfect halves every time, use a sharp knife. Our Damascus Cleaver provides the precision needed to split Brussels sprouts evenly, ensuring consistent cooking.

The Grilled Side Dish Advantage

Cooking your sides on the grill does more than create incredible flavor—it transforms your Thanksgiving cooking experience. You'll have more space to work indoors, less stress about timing, and the satisfaction of serving dishes that surprise and delight your guests. The smoky elements in these sides create a common thread that ties your entire meal together, making each bite part of a cohesive, memorable feast.

Your Thanksgiving Game Plan

1. Two Days Before: Make cornbread for the dressing

2. Morning Of: Prep all vegetables and make mac and cheese sauce

3. 3 Hours Before Serving: Start grilled sides in order of cooking time

4. While Turkey Rests: Finish any last-minute grilling and bring everything to the table

Remember: The key to successful grilled sides is organization. Have all your ingredients prepped and within reach before you fire up the grill.

Transform Your Thanksgiving Spread

This year, give your Thanksgiving sides the attention they deserve by letting the grill work its magic. These five dishes represent just the beginning of what's possible when you embrace outdoor cooking for your holiday feast. Each bite will carry the subtle whisper of wood smoke and the perfect char that only live fire can provide.

Get Ready for Your Best Thanksgiving Yet

Explore our complete collection of premium outdoor cooking tools designed to make your holiday cooking seamless and spectacular. 
Shop All to discover everything you need for grilling perfection and don't miss our Black Friday Sale for exceptional deals on the tools that make outdoor feasts unforgettable. From versatile cleavers to essential utensils, we have everything you need to make this your most flavorful Thanksgiving ever.