Top Side Dishes to Serve with Smoked Turkey

Fantastic side dishes for smoked turkey are the perfect complement to a holiday or everyday meal. Smoked turkey shines at Thanksgiving, but it also makes an outstanding dinner any time of year. One of the best parts is the abundance of leftovers, which can be transformed into new, exciting meals when paired with the right sides.

Three different plates of classic side dishes with smoked turkey

Changing the side dishes you serve with leftover smoked turkey can make the meal feel entirely new. My favorite sides are quick, simple, and flavorful—ideal for busy cooks who want a great meal without spending all day in the kitchen.

Smoked Turkey Recipes:

A dry rub delivers excellent flavor on its own, but combining a brine with a dry rub intensifies the taste and keeps the meat juicy. There’s no single “right” way to smoke a turkey—experiment and find what you like. I often buy extra turkeys during the holidays so I have birds to smoke later in the year.

Smoked Turkey With Brine Bomb

Tender, juicy, and full of smoke from a 24-hour brine bomb. Ideal for Thanksgiving, holiday dinners, or any backyard feast.

Check out this recipe

Brine Bomb Turkey smoking on a pit boss pellet grill
Smoked Turkey Brine Recipe

A flavorful brine, plus dry rub and butter injection, for moist, well-seasoned turkey.

Check out this recipe

Smoked Turkey Brine Recipe Plus Dry Rub And Butter Injection Cooked on cutting board
Smoked Turkey Recipe And Dry Rub Recipe

A straightforward smoked turkey with a classic dry rub—great for holidays or a weekend feast. Leftovers are versatile.

Check out this recipe

Smoked Turkey In Vertical Smoker
Smoked Coca Cola Turkey Brine Recipe

A sweet Coca-Cola brine with butter injection delivers a moist, flavorful turkey when smoked low and slow.

Check out this recipe

Smoked Turkey brine in coca cola on a pit boss pellet grill
Jack Daniels Turkey Brine Recipe

A Jack Daniels–infused brine paired with a butter injection for a flavorful holiday centerpiece.

Check out this recipe

Jack Daniels Brined Turkey Smoking on Pellet Grill
Apple Cider Vinegar Brine For Turkey

An apple cider vinegar brine that boosts flavor and keeps turkey moist—works for smoking or oven roasting.

Check out this recipe

Apple Cider Vinegar Brined Turkey on Pit Boss Pellet Grill
Bourbon Turkey Brine For Smoking Turkey!

A bourbon brine with fruit and butter injection for a rich, aromatic turkey perfect for special occasions.

Check out this recipe

Smoked Bourbon Brined Turkey Cooked on a platter
Smoked Turkey In Vertical Smoker

Best sides for smoked turkey

Classic Smoked Side Dishes

Smoked Green Bean Casserole – Green bean casserole is a classic pairing for turkey. Smoking the green beans and toppings adds depth and a welcome smoky note that elevates the whole meal. This dish is great year-round, not just on Turkey Day.

Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes are versatile and comforting. Serve them as fries, baked, or in a smoked sweet potato casserole. Smoked sweet potato casseroles are particularly satisfying and can cook alongside your turkey for convenience.

Smoked Potato Salad – For warmer months, smoked potato salad pairs beautifully with turkey breast. You can even fold in chopped leftover turkey for a hearty, protein-rich salad that works well at picnics or casual dinners.

Smoked Loaded Cheesy Potatoes – Rich and indulgent, loaded cheesy potatoes are a crowd-pleaser. They pair well with smoked meats and bring creamy, cheesy comfort to the plate.

Smoked Loaded Cheesy Potatoes smoking on pit boss pellet grill

Smoked Side Dishes

Smoked Cream Cheese – This smoky, spreadable cheese is an addictive accompaniment. Use it on crackers, bagels, or alongside turkey to add a creamy smoky element.

Creamy Smoked Macaroni And Cheese – Combining melt-in-your-mouth cheese with a hint of smoke, this mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and a favorite with both kids and adults.

Smoked Loaded Baked Beans – Slow-smoked baked beans, enriched with bacon or brisket bits, are a classic barbecue side that also complements smoked turkey. Cook them low and slow in a Dutch oven for the best depth of flavor.

Smoked Loaded baked beans in white bowl

Best Leftover Smoked Turkey Recipes

Leftover smoked turkey is incredibly versatile. Use it in pot pies, soups, casseroles, sandwiches, or salads. It reheats well and adapts to many recipes—great on a griddle or in a Dutch oven. Try different leftover recipes to keep meals interesting.

Pellet Smoker Recipes To Check Out

If you enjoy smoking, explore a wide range of smoker recipes beyond turkey: ham, macaroni and cheese, prime rib, and more. These recipes show the variety and flexibility of pellet and electric smokers.

  • Dutch Oven In The Smoker Recipes
  • Special Occasion And Holiday Recipes
  • Smoked Side Dishes
  • Smoked Deli Salads
  • Delicious Smoked Chicken Recipes

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