25 Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Turkey Breast

Turkey breast is an excellent choice when you don’t need a whole bird—perfect for small gatherings, weeknight dinners, or whenever you want delicious leftovers. But what truly completes a turkey meal are the side dishes. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, the right sides elevate a turkey breast into a memorable meal. Below are a variety of tried-and-true side dishes to pair with turkey breast, organized by category for easy planning.

Traditional Sides for Turkey Breast

Classic sides are comforting and familiar—perfect for holiday dinners or any time you want a traditional spread.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a must. Try them with roasted garlic, buttermilk, or baked for a twist. Instant Pot mashed potatoes are fast and fluffy, while buttermilk adds a tangy richness. Pick your favorite method and make them extra creamy.

Baked Mashed Potatoes

Baked mashed potatoes with cream cheese, sour cream, chives, and paprika for extra flavor and creaminess.

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Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Silky smooth mashed potatoes with tangy buttermilk for depth of flavor.

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Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlicky, buttery mashed potatoes made quickly in the Instant Pot, the perfect crowd-pleaser.

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Sweet Potato Casserole

Creamy sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy oat and pecan topping—sweet and satisfying. You can also top sweet potatoes with marshmallows for a nostalgic, gooey finish.

Sweet Potato Crunch Casserole

A classic holiday side with creamy sweet potatoes and a brown sugar pecan praline topping.

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Sweet Potato Fluff

Fluffy sweet potatoes topped with golden marshmallows for a sweet, crowd-pleasing side.

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Candied Sweet Potatoes

Candied sweet potatoes are a rich, buttery option sweetened with brown sugar—comforting and indulgent.

Cornbread Dressing

A Southern classic that pairs beautifully with turkey—savory, slightly sweet cornbread combined with herbs, celery, and onion.

Southern Cornbread Dressing

A comforting blend of sweet cornbread, savory sausage, celery, onion, and creamy binder—perfect for Thanksgiving or any turkey dinner.

Cornbread Dressing Recipe

Green Bean Casserole

Classic green bean casserole delivers creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions for contrast—an essential on many holiday tables.

Classic Green Bean Casserole

Tender green beans in creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy onions—simple and crowd-friendly.

Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice

A bright, citrusy cranberry sauce made with orange juice adds freshness and balance to rich turkey and sides.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice

Fresh cranberries simmered with apples and orange juice for a brighter, tastier sauce than canned options.

Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Vegetable Side Dishes

Roasted vegetables and simple, flavorful salads add color, texture, and balance to your plate. Here are vegetable ideas that pair well with turkey breast.

Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Roasted until crispy outside and tender inside, tossed with maple and balsamic for a sweet-tangy finish. Add bacon if you like a savory contrast.

Roasted Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (with Bacon)

A four-ingredient side with sweet and tangy flavors—perfectly roasted and irresistible.

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Garlic Butter Green Beans

Fresh green beans quickly sautéed with garlic and butter—simple, bright, and ready in minutes.

Sautéed Garlic Green Beans

A quick and healthy side with lemon and garlic—perfect for weeknights and holidays alike.

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Southern Collard Greens

Slow-cooked collard greens with bacon or ham for a smoky, savory side that pairs well with roasted turkey.

Southern Collard Greens

Slow-simmered greens with bacon, onions, and a ham hock for deep, comforting flavor.

Collard Greens Recipe

Glazed Carrots

Carrots cooked slow and low in honey and brown sugar, or quickly prepared in an Instant Pot for bright, sweet-tender results.

Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots

Brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon give these carrots a warm, comforting glaze.

Glazed Carrots Recipe

Instant Pot Glazed Carrots

Quick, buttery glazed carrots that come together in minutes in the Instant Pot.

Glazed Carrots Recipe

Roasted Asparagus

Simply seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and lemon for a bright, slightly crisp side that balances richer dishes.

Lemon Roasted Asparagus

Crisp, lemony asparagus roasted with garlic—quick, fresh, and flavorful.

Lemon Roasted Asparagus Recipe

Creamed Corn

Comforting and creamy, creamed corn can be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

Sweet corn slow-cooked with cream cheese and butter for rich, silky creamed corn.

Creamed Corn Recipe

Garlic Roasted Cauliflower

Crispy, caramelized cauliflower with garlic—roast florets or a whole head for a striking, flavorful side.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon and Garlic

A buttery, lemony roasted cauliflower head that can be a show-stopping side or a healthy complement to turkey.

Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

Bread and Pasta Sides

Breads and pastas round out the meal, providing comforting starches that are perfect for mopping up gravy and sauces.

Cornbread

Buttery and slightly sweet corn bread is ideal with turkey. Choose classic Southern cornbread or a sweeter skillet version—either complements the meal beautifully.

Southern Cornbread

Made with yellow cornmeal and buttermilk, often baked in a cast iron skillet for crisp edges and tender crumb.

Southern Cornbread Recipe

Dinner Rolls

Soft, fluffy dinner rolls are a holiday staple—perfect for sandwiches with leftover turkey.

1-Hour Light and Buttery Dinner Rolls

A quick one-bowl roll recipe that yields soft, tender dinner rolls in about an hour.

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Garlic Parmesan Orzo or Rice

Creamy, cheesy orzo or garlic parmesan rice makes a comforting, quick side—ideal for weeknight turkey breast dinners.

Garlic Parmesan Orzo

Tender orzo tossed in a light, cheesy cream sauce—ready in one pot in about 20 minutes.

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Garlic Parmesan Rice

Creamy, flavorful rice with caramelized garlic—an easy and comforting side in about 30 minutes.

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Mac and Cheese

A kid-friendly favorite—rich, cheesy macaroni that’s always a hit at the table.

The Ultimate 6-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese

A decadent mac and cheese layered with multiple cheeses for maximum richness and comfort.

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Light and Fresh Salad Sides

Fresh salads add a bright contrast to richer sides and are a great way to include lighter options on your table.

Apple, Pecan, and Arugula Salad

Crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and peppery arugula tossed in a light dressing—for a refreshing side that complements turkey.

Apple Pecan Arugula Salad

A light, crunchy salad with apple, pecans, and a bright lemon vinaigrette.

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Arugula Salad with Pears, Gorgonzola, and Walnuts

Sweet pears, tangy Gorgonzola, and crunchy walnuts over peppery arugula with a lemon vinaigrette—elegant and flavorful.

Arugula Salad with Pears, Gorgonzola, Cranberries, and Walnuts

A balanced salad with fruit, nuts, and cheese—brightened by a zesty vinaigrette.

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House Salad

A simple house salad with fresh greens, chopped vegetables, and a homemade dressing makes a fast, healthy side.

Simple House Salad

Fresh greens and vegetables tossed with a quick homemade dressing—ready in minutes.

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Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Earthy roasted beets with tangy goat cheese and crunchy pistachios add a refined touch to any meal.

Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Pistachios

A restaurant-style beet salad featuring goat cheese, pistachios, and peppery arugula.

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Brussels Sprouts Slaw

A crunchy, tangy slaw with a hint of sweetness—great for adding texture and brightness to the table.

Honey Mustard Brussels Sprout Slaw

A tangy honey-mustard dressing with toasted almonds and dried cherries for crunch and sweetness.

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More Decadent Side Dish Recipes

For celebrations or when you want something extra special, consider these richer, show-stopping sides.

Au Gratin Potatoes

Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce—an indulgent addition to any special meal.

Gratin Dauphinois (Creamy Potato and Cheese Casserole)

Rich gruyere and a silky sauce combine with thinly sliced potatoes for a decadent au gratin.

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Sweet Potato Stacks

Individual sweet potato stacks baked in a muffin tin create an elegant and attractive side dish.

Sweet Potato Stacks

Baked individually for a pretty, flavorful side—ideal for holiday dinners or special occasions.

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Stuffed Mushrooms

Cheesy, herb-filled stuffed mushrooms are great as an appetizer or a decadent side.

Easy Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms

Melty cheeses and fresh herbs make these stuffed mushrooms a hit for entertaining.

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Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

A simple yet flavorful presentation—crispy bacon adds texture and umami to tender asparagus.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

An easy, crispy side that turns simple asparagus into an irresistible treat.

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Whether you’re assembling a full holiday spread or choosing a few easy sides for a weeknight turkey breast dinner, these recipes offer a wide range of flavors and textures to complete your meal. Prepare a couple of classics—like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole—alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetable to balance the plate.

For easier prep and extra flavor, have turkey stock or broth on hand to use in gravies, stuffing, or sauces.