Thanksgiving may be a very American celebration, but if you want to try something new this year, why not make room for some European Thanksgiving side dishes? Across Europe, autumn cooking brings together many of the same ingredients we associate with the holiday: potatoes, pumpkins, chestnuts, mushrooms, and root vegetables, prepared according to centuries-old regional traditions.

So for this Thanksgiving, you can try a French potato gratin next to the roasted turkey, Italian vegetables with seasonal herbs, or a Romanian red pepper salad that will bring something unexpected, tasty, and tangy to the celebration.

If you’re looking for Thanksgiving side dishes that feel a little different while still being warm, seasonal, and comforting, here are nine ideas worth trying.

1. Gratin Dauphinois / Potato Gratin – France

Originating in the Dauphiné region of southeastern France, gratin dauphinois is made with thinly sliced potatoes slowly baked with cream, garlic, and seasoning until tender and golden. Unlike some American potato casseroles, traditional gratin dauphinois doesn’t necessarily contain cheese. Its rich texture comes from the combination of cream and potatoes. It’s an excellent Thanksgiving side because it pairs beautifully with roast turkey and can be partially prepared in advance.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Chestnuts – France and Britain

Brussels sprouts have long been associated with winter holiday meals in parts of Europe, particularly Britain. For a more interesting version, roast them until their edges are golden and slightly crisp, then toss them with cooked chestnuts, butter, nuts for extra crunchiness,  and fresh herbs. The chestnuts add a delicate sweetness and soft texture that complements the Brussels sprouts’ slightly bitter flavor. A little lemon zest can bring freshness to the finished dish.

3. Italian Pumpkin Risotto –  Italy

Pumpkin and squash appear in many northern Italian autumn dishes, making pumpkin risotto a natural addition to a Thanksgiving menu. Risotto alla zucca combines Arborio or Carnaroli rice with pumpkin or winter squash, broth, butter, and Parmesan. The result is creamy, comforting, and full of autumn flavor. For a more sophisticated finish, add fried sage leaves or a little browned butter.

4. Braised Red Cabbage with Apples – Germany

Sweet-and-sour red cabbage is a traditional accompaniment to roasted meats in several Central European cuisines, including German cooking. Slowly braised with apples, vinegar, onions, and warming spices, it develops a deep purple color and a wonderfully balanced flavor. The acidity helps cut through the richness of turkey, gravy, and potato dishes. It’s also one of the best sides to prepare ahead, as the flavors often improve after resting overnight.

5. Romanian Roasted Peppers Salad – Romania

In Romania, roasted pepper salad, or “salată de ardei copți”, is a simple but flavorful dish made with roasted sweet peppers, vinegar, oil, and salt. The peppers are roasted until their skins blister, then peeled and dressed with a light (or not so light) vinaigrette. Served at room temperature, the salad is refreshing alongside heavier holiday dishes.It’s also a wonderful example of how a few simple ingredients can create something memorable.

6. Green Beans Almondine – France

Green beans almondine, inspired by the French dish *haricots verts amandine*, offers a lighter alternative to the traditional American green bean casserole. Tender green beans are tossed with butter, toasted almonds, and a little lemon juice. The almonds provide crunch, while the lemon brightens the flavor. This is a particularly good choice if your Thanksgiving menu already includes several rich casseroles.

7. Roasted Root Vegetables with Thyme – European Countryside Cooking

Carrots, parsnips, turnips, and other root vegetables have been essential ingredients in European autumn and winter cooking for centuries. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and creates beautifully caramelized edges. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, thyme, rosemary, and sea salt before roasting. For a finishing touch, add a little honey or balsamic vinegar.

8. Savory Mushroom Tart – France

A rustic mushroom tart makes a lovely addition to a Thanksgiving table, particularly if you’re hosting vegetarian guests. Use buttery pastry as the base and fill it with sautéed mushrooms, shallots, thyme, and a little crème fraîche or cheese. Bake until golden and serve in small slices alongside the other side dishes. Wild mushrooms can make the tart feel particularly seasonal, but a combination of cremini and shiitake mushrooms works beautifully too.

9. Cauliflower Cheese – Britain

Cauliflower cheese is a classic British comfort food that deserves more attention outside the United Kingdom. Tender cauliflower florets are covered in a creamy cheese sauce and baked until bubbling and golden. A little mustard in the sauce adds depth, while breadcrumbs can create a crisp topping. It’s rich and comforting, but different enough from the usual Thanksgiving dishes to feel like a welcome discovery.

Thanksgiving is all about bringing people together, and sometimes a new dish is enough to make the celebration even more memorable. Whether you choose a French gratin, an Italian risotto, or a Romanian roasted pepper salad, these European-inspired sides bring fresh flavors and a little culinary discovery to the holiday table.