Hollywood Stars Share Their Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Thanksgiving is a time for families across the US to come together, share what they’re thankful for, and enjoy a big meal. Even Hollywood stars pause their busy lives to celebrate with loved ones and traditional food. Many celebrities have revealed their favorite side dishes to serve with turkey – everything from classic comfort foods to special family recipes. Here’s a look at what twenty famous people consider essential for their Thanksgiving tables.

Dwayne Johnson

The actor is well-known for indulging in big meals, and Thanksgiving is no different. He particularly loves sweet potatoes with marshmallows, considering it a must-have for his holiday dinner. He says this combination of savory and sweet gives him the energy he needs and really satisfies his large appetite.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey deeply cherishes her cornbread dressing as a must-have for every holiday meal. She makes it with sage and celery to give it a rich, savory taste. She often emphasizes how important it is to stick to tradition when making this hearty and flavorful side dish, and it’s always a favorite with her family.

Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy Teigen, a cookbook author and model, loves scalloped potatoes more than mashed. She makes hers with thinly sliced potatoes, a creamy sauce, and lots of cheese. She thinks the combination of crispy edges and a soft, creamy inside makes for a better texture. Her recipe is very popular with her followers who enjoy her cooking.

Taylor Swift

During the holidays, the famous singer loves making a sweet potato casserole. Instead of the usual marshmallow topping, she prefers a rich layer of brown sugar and pecans. She’s a keen baker and loves sharing her homemade treats with loved ones. This casserole showcases her fondness for classic Southern comfort food with a touch of sweetness.

John Legend

The singer is known for his amazing macaroni and cheese, which is a rich and satisfying side dish. He uses a blend of cheeses and tops it with garlicky breadcrumbs for extra texture. He believes it’s an essential part of the meal, especially when served with turkey, and his wife always compliments his recipe.

Reese Witherspoon

I’m such a fan of Reese Witherspoon, and I love how she always shares pieces of her life with us! She makes this amazing corn pudding that really feels like home to her – it’s a recipe inspired by her Tennessee childhood. Basically, it’s a creamy, custard-based casserole made with fresh corn, and she brings it to all her holiday parties. It’s savory, but has a little sweetness too, and honestly, it just sounds so comforting and delicious! It’s like she’s sharing a piece of her family with everyone.

Mariah Carey

The singer is famous for her cheerful personality and always makes cranberry sauce from scratch. She prefers to use fresh berries, orange zest, and sugar, rather than the store-bought kind, and has even shown viewers how to make it on TV. Her recipe is perfectly balanced – tart and sweet – and complements turkey and other poultry dishes beautifully.

Gwyneth Paltrow

The lifestyle entrepreneur loves a refined stuffing featuring oysters and high-quality bread. She feels the oysters’ salty liquid enhances the classic flavor of the dish. By using premium ingredients, she transforms a simple side into something special. This recipe embodies her overall approach to eating – healthy choices with a touch of luxury.

Jennifer Garner

The actress makes sweet potato pudding using her grandmother’s recipe. She blends the potatoes with spices and milk until it’s light and fluffy. She loves sharing how she makes it online, hoping to inspire others to cook homemade meals. This special dish reminds her of her family and traditions every Thanksgiving.

Blake Lively

The actress loves putting a special spin on classic side dishes, especially with combinations like brie and cranberries. She often wraps these ingredients in puff pastry to create a rich and flavorful appetizer or side. She’s passionate about cooking and likes to elevate simple, home-style meals with sophisticated details. These small bites offer a more interesting texture than typical casseroles.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

Let me tell you, this sweet potato casserole is a winner. It’s not fancy – just a classic, comforting dish with toasted marshmallows on top – and that’s exactly why I love it. The star herself makes it a real family event, getting her kids involved in the cooking, which is wonderful. She’s right, too – it’s a guaranteed hit with everyone, from the little ones to the adults. It’s a November tradition in her house, and I can totally see why – it’s a consistent crowd-pleaser!

Kris Jenner

Let me tell you, Kris Jenner knows her way around a kitchen! I recently got a taste of her famous sweet potato soufflé, and wow – it’s seriously decadent. Think tons of butter and sugar, but she somehow manages to keep it light and unbelievably fluffy. It’s a family favorite, and her kids were practically drooling waiting for it. Honestly, it’s so good it feels more like dessert than a side dish, and it completely steals the show on the dinner table. It’s no wonder the recipe’s been featured on TV – this soufflé is a winner!

Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling likes to add a kick to her Thanksgiving meal with a homemade cranberry chutney that includes chilies. She prefers this flavorful, spicy version to the typical canned cranberry sauce. She boosts the flavor even more by adding ginger and cumin, creating a complex taste. This dish shows her love of blending classic American traditions with bold, exciting spices.

Gigi Hadid

For Thanksgiving, Hadid is bringing roasted Brussels sprouts. She cooks them until they’re crispy and adds a sweet balsamic glaze. She loves how their slightly bitter, natural flavor balances out the richer dishes. It’s a fresh, lighter side dish to offer alongside all the heavier, starch-filled options.

Courteney Cox

Courteney Cox, known for her role on ‘Friends,’ enjoys making vegetable side dishes like roasted cauliflower or mashed potatoes. She prefers to keep the seasoning simple – just olive oil and sea salt – to let the natural flavor of the vegetables shine. She sometimes shares her roasting tips online, focusing on using fresh ingredients and keeping the preparation process simple for a healthy and delicious meal.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

For her holiday meal, Meghan Markle roasts a mix of colorful, seasonal root vegetables with a touch of maple syrup. She uses maple to bring out the natural sweetness of vegetables like carrots and parsnips, reflecting her commitment to healthy and eco-friendly eating.

Jessica Alba

The actress makes a delicious turkey meatball stuffing, perfect as a hearty side dish. She combines the turkey with herbs and bread to keep it moist and full of flavor. She likes to bake the stuffing separately from the turkey so the top gets nice and crispy. This recipe adds both extra protein and a lot of savory flavor to your meal.

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton, the iconic country singer, always serves chicken and dumplings when her large family gets together. She makes the dumplings herself, using a recipe from her childhood in the Smoky Mountains. She feels it’s the perfect comforting meal and considers it essential for any party she throws.

Kevin Hart

The comedian is happy to include green bean casserole on his holiday meal. He prefers the traditional recipe with cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions, enjoying how the smooth sauce complements the crunchy topping. It’s a classic dish that always reminds him of Thanksgiving and feels like home.

Stanley Tucci

The actor, who loves to cook, serves a pasta bake with the usual Thanksgiving turkey and sides. He often makes lasagna or a timpano to celebrate his Italian roots during the holiday. Tucci feels pasta should be part of every festive meal, no matter the occasion, bringing a mix of cultural traditions to his family’s table.

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

2025-11-28 15:16