Hollywood Stars Share Their Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Thanksgiving brings families together to share gratitude and delicious meals across the United States. Hollywood stars often take a break from their busy schedules to enjoy traditional feasts with their loved ones. Many celebrities have shared their specific preferences for the accompaniments that sit alongside the turkey. These side dishes range from classic comfort foods to unique family recipes passed down through generations. The following list highlights the must-have items on the tables of twenty famous figures.

Dwayne Johnson

The actor famously allows himself massive cheat meals and Thanksgiving is no exception. He has expressed a strong love for sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows. Johnson considers the combination of savory tubers and sweet topping essential for the holiday feast. This dish provides the energy he needs while satisfying his substantial appetite.

Oprah Winfrey

The media mogul holds her cornbread dressing in high regard as a staple of her holiday table. She utilizes a recipe that includes sage and celery to enhance the savory flavor profile. Winfrey often speaks about the importance of tradition when preparing this dense and flavorful side. It remains one of her most requested dishes during family gatherings.

Chrissy Teigen

This cookbook author and model prefers scalloped potatoes over the more traditional mashed variety. Teigen combines thinly sliced potatoes with a rich cream sauce and plenty of cheese. She believes the crispy edges and creamy center offer a superior texture experience. Her recipe has become a favorite among her fans who follow her culinary adventures.

Taylor Swift

The pop superstar turns to a classic sweet potato casserole during the holiday season. Her version involves a generous topping of brown sugar and pecans rather than just marshmallows. Swift enjoys baking and often shares her culinary creations with friends and family. This dish reflects her appreciation for Southern-style comfort food with a sweet twist.

John Legend

The singer takes pride in his baked macaroni and cheese which acts as a hearty side dish. Legend uses multiple types of cheese and creates a garlic breadcrumb topping for added crunch. He considers this pasta dish a non-negotiable part of the meal that complements the turkey perfectly. His wife often praises his skill in perfecting this cheesy classic.

Reese Witherspoon

This actress leans into her Southern roots with a dish known as corn pudding. Witherspoon prepares the casserole with fresh corn and a custard base for a creamy consistency. She serves this savory yet slightly sweet side to guests at her holiday parties. It serves as a comforting reminder of her childhood dinners in Tennessee.

Mariah Carey

The singer is known for her festive spirit and insists on homemade cranberry sauce. Carey avoids the canned version in favor of simmering fresh berries with orange zest and sugar. She has even demonstrated her cooking process on television to show her dedication to the dish. Her recipe strikes a balance between tartness and sweetness that pairs well with poultry.

Gwyneth Paltrow

The lifestyle brand founder prefers a sophisticated stuffing made with oysters and artisan bread. Paltrow believes the brine from the oysters adds a unique depth of flavor to the traditional dressing. She focuses on high-quality ingredients to elevate the simple concept of stuffing into a gourmet experience. This dish reflects her generally health-conscious but indulgent approach to food.

Jennifer Garner

The actress creates a sweet potato pudding based on a recipe from her grandmother. Garner mashes the potatoes with spices and milk until they reach a smooth and airy texture. She often shares her cooking process on social media to encourage others to cook from scratch. This sentimental dish connects her to her family history every Thanksgiving.

Blake Lively

The actress enjoys a unique twist on traditional sides with a preference for brie and cranberry bites. Lively wraps the cheese and fruit in puff pastry for a decadent appetizer or side item. She enjoys experimenting in the kitchen and adding elegant touches to rustic meals. These bite-sized treats offer a different texture profile compared to standard casseroles.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

The star is a fan of simple yet effective sweet potato casserole topped with toasted marshmallows. Gellar involves her children in the preparation process to make the holiday a family affair. She believes the sweetness of the dish appeals to both kids and adults at the table. It stands as a consistent favorite in her household every November.

Kris Jenner

The reality TV matriarch serves a famous sweet potato soufflé that is rich with butter and sugar. Jenner ensures the dish is light and fluffy before serving it to her large family. Her recipe has been featured on television and is highly anticipated by her children. The dessert-like quality of this side makes it a standout on the table.

Mindy Kaling

The writer and actress adds spice to her meal with a cranberry chutney that includes chilies. Kaling prefers this zestier version over the traditional gelatinous sauce found in cans. She incorporates ginger and cumin to give the fruit a complex flavor profile. This side dish reflects her desire to fuse traditional American holidays with bold spices.

Gigi Hadid

The model focuses on roasted Brussels sprouts as her contribution to the Thanksgiving spread. Hadid cooks them until they are crispy and caramelizes them with balsamic glaze. She appreciates the earthy taste of the vegetable as a counterpoint to heavier dishes. This side offers a lighter and greener option amidst the carb-heavy feast.

Courteney Cox

The ‘Friends’ star loves a vegetable-forward side and often prepares roasted cauliflower or mashed potatoes. Cox seasons her vegetables simply with olive oil and sea salt to highlight their natural flavors. She occasionally shares her tips for achieving the perfect roast on her social media platforms. Her approach emphasizes fresh ingredients and minimal processing for a wholesome meal.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

The Duchess of Sussex prepares oven-roasted vegetables with a maple glaze for her holiday dinner. Markle selects a variety of seasonal root vegetables to create a colorful and nutritious platter. She uses maple syrup to enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots and parsnips. This dish aligns with her long-standing interest in healthy and sustainable eating habits.

Jessica Alba

The actress creates a savory turkey meatball stuffing that serves as a robust side dish. Alba mixes the meat with herbs and bread cubes to ensure the stuffing is moist and flavorful. She prefers cooking the stuffing outside the bird to achieve a crispy top layer. This recipe provides an extra dose of protein and savory goodness to the plate.

Dolly Parton

The country music legend considers chicken and dumplings a necessary side dish for her massive family gatherings. Parton makes the dumplings from scratch using a recipe she learned during her childhood in the Smoky Mountains. She believes the rich broth and doughy dumplings offer the ultimate comfort food experience. The dish is practically a requirement for any celebration hosted by the singer.

Kevin Hart

The comedian enjoys the addition of green bean casserole to his holiday menu. Hart likes the classic version made with cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions. He appreciates the contrast between the creamy sauce and the crunchy topping. This staple dish brings a sense of nostalgia and familiarity to his Thanksgiving dinner.

Stanley Tucci

The actor and food enthusiast includes a pasta bake alongside traditional American turkey sides. Tucci often prepares a lasagna or a timpano to honor his Italian heritage during the feast. He believes that pasta belongs on every celebratory table regardless of the specific holiday. This addition ensures that his family enjoys a blend of cultures during their meal.

Tell us which celebrity side dish you would most like to try in the comments.