Here at Bravado Spice, we operate on one core belief: Thanksgiving sides are the main event. While everyone else is worried about a dry turkey, we’re focused on the showstoppers that fill the rest of the plate. Forget the mushy, bland casseroles; we’re here for vibrant, balanced side dishes that bring heat, flavor, and personality to your table.
And let’s be honest, you know the truth: nobody’s talking about the turkey the next day. It’s that cheesy mac, those crispy bites, and the spicy little surprises that everyone remembers. This year, it’s time to build a feast that’s fearless, flavorful, and full of Bravado.
Get ready, we’re serving up nine sides so good, they might just start a family feud over the last bite.
Thanksgiving isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about celebrating flavor. Every side dish here was crafted with balance in mind: bold spice, real ingredients, and unexpected twists that elevate your classics. Think creamy meets fiery, crispy meets savory. These aren’t your grandma’s sides (no offense, grandma).
Each recipe below includes a perfect hot sauce pairing and a drink recommendation, allowing you to build your own unforgettable flavor lineup.
We take sides seriously. They’re the real stars of the holiday spread. Each one of these dishes has a story, a little attitude, and a Bravado-style twist that turns the traditional into something unforgettable. From comfort food classics to spicy surprises, this lineup will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds).
No Thanksgiving side dish spread is complete without a serious mac and cheese recipe. This isn't your boxed mac; we're talking about a rich, decadent, and ridiculously creamy mac and cheese with a subtle, warming heat. It's the kind of dish that gets scraped clean from the pan first. Maybe make a few batches.
Pairing: A nutty brown ale.
Sauce: Serrano & Basil.
Creamy, spicy, and dangerously addictive, this mac might just upstage your main course.
Move over, turkey. This roasted pork belly is the real star of the show. We cook it low and slow until it's impossibly tender, then blast it with high heat until you can hear that skin crackle. The result is a crispy pork belly that’s a pure textural masterpiece; a serious Thanksgiving main dish for a serious feast.
Pairing: A crisp, off-dry hard cider.
Sauce: Aka Miso Ghost-Reaper.
One bite in, and everyone will forget the turkey ever existed.
Whether you need a quick Thanksgiving appetizer or a smart way to use leftover ham, these ham sliders are the answer. The combination of savory ham, sweet pineapple, and a creamy habanero kick is a proven winner. These are the party sliders that keep your guests happy and grazing while you focus on that third cocktail.
Pairing: A dark rum cocktail.
Sauce: Pineapple & Habanero.
Warning: These sliders disappear faster than the dessert tray.
Dinner rolls are fine, but these savory cheddar scones are a game-changer for your Thanksgiving bread basket. They're flaky, cheesy, and have just enough spice to make things interesting. Serve them warm with a little butter and watch them vanish. They're a fantastic addition to the main meal or as a snack with soup.
Pairing: A classic pale ale.
Sauce: Arbol Chili & Garlic.
Soft, spicy, and outrageously good. Make extra, or prepare for side-eye from your guests.
Is it even a party without jalapeño poppers? This is the classic Thanksgiving appetizer for a reason; the combination of spicy jalapeño, creamy cheese, and salty bacon is basically bulletproof. They're the first thing to go on any snack table and the one thing everyone asks for year after year.
Pairing: A cold, crisp light beer.
Sauce: Arbol Chili & Garlic.
The ultimate crowd-pleaser, gone before the second round of drinks.
Forget the bland, watery versions you've had before. Our spinach artichoke dip is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, with a surprising warmth from the spices. This is an easy appetizer that always delivers. Serve this hot dip recipe straight from the oven with sturdy chips or toasted bread for dipping.
Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
Sauce: Arbol Chili & Garlic.
It’s the dip that makes people hover awkwardly near the snack table all night.
A good potato salad recipe belongs on every holiday table. The tangy, creamy dressing and hearty potatoes provide a welcome contrast to all the rich, savory dishes of the main feast. This is a classic, no-fuss holiday side dish that brings a bit of brightness to the celebration.
Pairing: A tall glass of fresh-brewed iced tea.
Sauce: Creamy Herb & Jalapeno.
Simple, satisfying, and secretly the dish everyone goes back for seconds of.
For a touch of elegance at the table, a creamy risotto is the answer. This mushroom risotto is rich in earthy, savory flavor; it's a deeply comforting and sophisticated Thanksgiving side dish. The key is patience and a lot of stirring. The final result is well worth the effort. Careful, this one has some heat.
Pairing: An earthy Pinot Noir.
Sauce: Black Garlic Carolina Reaper.
Rich, spicy, and silky smooth, this dish transforms dinner into a fine dining experience.
Pilgrims were known to love a good coleslaw. Don’t ask us how we know. This spicy slaw is the fresh, acidic counterpoint your Thanksgiving plate always asks for. Our coleslaw recipe is creamy but light, with a clean heat that cuts through the richness of everything else on the table. It's a non-negotiable part of a well-balanced holiday meal.
Pairing: A dry rosé wine.
Sauce: Ghost Pepper & Blueberry.
It’s bright, crunchy, and fiery, the perfect palate cleanser between bites of everything else.
This Thanksgiving, skip the same old comfort zone. Build your table with sides that bring flavor, heat, and a touch of attitude. Whether you’re serving pork belly instead of turkey or adding miso to your mac, each bite should tell a story.
Because here at Bravado Spice, we believe Thanksgiving isn’t about playing it safe; it’s about going all in.
So, grab your favorite Bravado hot sauces, gather your crew, and turn that classic holiday dinner into something unforgettable.
Looking for a gnocchi recipe that's anything but boring? Try this herby twist with Bravado Spice Creamy Herb & Jalapeño Hot Sauce. Also adds a little heat. Because if your gnocchi isn’t making you sweat a little, are you even living?
Not impressed? Then try out our original Serrano & Basil Gnocchi Recipe!
A spooky Halloween party appetizer with a spicy (but not scary!) twist. These easy to make dipping sauces are a fun addition to your menu!
Autumn vibes in a dip. Notes of cinnamon, ginger with the Tex-Cajun flavors of Bravado Spice Garlic & Árbol seasoning, this tasty dip is a fall menu must have.
