Introduction
Thanksgiving is a time for comforting food, and I think noodles deserve a place alongside the traditional mashed potatoes, stuffing, and vegetable casseroles. They are filling, easy to prepare, and can be made in so many delicious ways. From buttery egg noodles to creamy pasta bakes, there is something for every noodle lover.
If you are planning a Thanksgiving menu and want to try something different this year, these recipes are worth exploring. You will find cheesy noodles, garlic butter pasta, creamy mushroom noodles, sesame noodles, and even traditional Pennsylvania Dutch bridled noodles.
I especially love how simple ingredients like butter, Parmesan, garlic, fresh herbs, and cream can turn ordinary noodles into a delicious holiday side. Whether you are preparing a big family dinner or bringing a dish to a Thanksgiving potluck, these noodle ideas will give your menu a little extra comfort and variety.
16 Thanksgiving Noodle Side Dish Recipes
1. Bridled Noodles
If you are looking for a traditional holiday noodle dish, these Pennsylvania Dutch bridled noodles are a wonderful choice. The recipe combines wide egg noodles with buttery breadcrumbs, creating a comforting baked side dish with a lovely texture.
What makes this recipe special is its traditional way of serving it with turkey gravy. I love the idea of bringing an old-fashioned family recipe like this to Thanksgiving dinner because it pairs so naturally with roasted turkey and other holiday favorites. Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen
2. Buttered Noodles
Sometimes, a simple bowl of buttery noodles is all you need to complete a comforting holiday meal. This recipe combines pasta with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, herbs, and a little lemon juice to create a deliciously creamy coating.
The ingredients are simple, but they bring plenty of flavor to every bite. This is a great option if you want an easy noodle side that both adults and children can enjoy without adding another complicated dish to your Thanksgiving preparation.
3. Sesame Noodles
Want to add something different to your Thanksgiving menu? These sesame noodles are tossed in a delicious Asian-inspired peanut dressing made with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. The combination creates a wonderful balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
I especially like that this dish can be served warm or at room temperature. It is also convenient for holiday gatherings because you can prepare it ahead of time and finish it with crunchy peanuts and sesame seeds before serving.
4. Creamy Skillet Noodles with Peas
These creamy skillet noodles are a lovely choice when you want a comforting side dish without spending too much time in the kitchen. The recipe combines egg noodles with butter, olive oil, chicken broth, heavy cream, and green peas to create a rich and flavorful dish.
One thing I like about this recipe is that everything comes together in one skillet. The green peas also add a little color and texture, making it a lovely addition to a Thanksgiving table filled with rich holiday dishes.
5. Garlic Mushroom Noodles
Mushrooms and garlic are a wonderful combination, especially when tossed with tender noodles. This recipe brings together silky egg noodles, sautéed mushrooms, and golden garlic in a flavorful sauce that coats every strand.
The mushrooms add an earthy taste, while the garlic gives the dish a lovely aroma. I think this is a great option for anyone who enjoys savory side dishes and wants something a little different from traditional buttered noodles.
6. Egg Noodles with Peas and Mushrooms
Here is another delicious way to combine noodles with vegetables. This recipe brings together wide egg noodles, sautéed mushrooms, sweet shallots, and green peas for a simple but flavorful side dish.
The butter gives the mushrooms a rich taste, while the peas add a little sweetness and color. I love how this combination feels both comforting and balanced, making it a lovely choice for a Thanksgiving meal alongside turkey or roasted chicken.
7. Cold Noodle Salad
If your Thanksgiving menu already includes several warm and creamy dishes, a cold noodle salad can be a refreshing addition. This recipe combines lo mein noodles with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a flavorful dressing that brings everything together.
The fresh ingredients give the dish plenty of color and crunch, making it look beautiful on a holiday buffet. It is also versatile because you can serve it as a side dish or add chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it more filling.
8. Garlic Noodles
Garlic lovers will definitely enjoy these flavorful noodles. The recipe combines pasta with butter, plenty of garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and fish sauce to create a rich, savory coating.
Parmesan cheese and sliced scallions add even more flavor and color to the finished dish. I think these noodles would be a fun addition to Thanksgiving dinner if you want to introduce something with a slightly different flavor profile from the usual holiday sides.
9. Cacio e Pepe Udon Noodles
This recipe gives traditional Italian cacio e pepe a fun twist by using thick and chewy udon noodles. The noodles are coated in a creamy sauce made with butter, Parmesan cheese, white miso, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
The result is rich, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors. I love this idea because it is a little different from ordinary pasta dishes and can be a wonderful conversation starter when served at a Thanksgiving gathering.
10. Garlicky Brown Butter Parmesan Noodles
If ordinary buttered noodles sound a little too simple, this recipe takes them to another level. It combines pasta with nutty brown butter, toasted garlic, and plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to create a deliciously rich side dish.
The brown butter gives the noodles a deeper flavor, while the garlic adds a wonderful aroma. I think this is a lovely option for a Thanksgiving menu because it feels comforting but still has something special about it.
11. Thai Noodle Salad
This Thai noodle salad is a colorful side dish packed with fresh vegetables and bold flavors. It combines linguine with carrots, bean sprouts, green onions, and a delicious dressing made with peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and ginger.
The slightly sweet and tangy dressing coats the noodles beautifully, while the vegetables add a refreshing crunch. It is a lovely choice if you want to bring a lighter, more colorful option to a Thanksgiving buffet.
12. Noodle Kugel
Noodle kugel is a traditional Jewish baked noodle dish that can make an interesting addition to a holiday menu. This recipe combines egg noodles with cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, eggs, and golden raisins to create a rich baked casserole.
It has a soft, creamy texture with a slightly sweet flavor that makes it different from savory pasta dishes. If you enjoy trying traditional recipes from different food cultures, this is a lovely one to explore for your Thanksgiving table.
13. Buttery Lemon Parsley Noodles
Fresh lemon and parsley give these buttery noodles a lovely light flavor. The recipe combines cooked pasta with melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and lemon juice to create a simple but delicious side dish.
I particularly like the freshness that lemon brings to this recipe because it helps balance the richness of other Thanksgiving foods. It is also an easy option when you want to prepare something flavorful without spending too much time in the kitchen.
14. Creamy Lemon Egg Noodles
These creamy lemon egg noodles are a lovely option if you prefer a smooth and delicate pasta side. The recipe combines tender egg noodles with crème fraîche, lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh chives to create a silky sauce.
Unlike heavy cheese-based pasta dishes, the lemon gives this recipe a refreshing finish. I think it would pair beautifully with roasted turkey, baked chicken, or other rich Thanksgiving main dishes.
15. Peanut Butter Noodles
If you enjoy Asian-inspired flavors, these peanut butter noodles are worth adding to your recipe collection. The creamy peanut sauce gives the noodles a rich, slightly sweet, and savory taste, while additional seasonings bring everything together.
You can also add vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or edamame to make the dish more colorful. I love this idea for a Thanksgiving potluck because it offers something different from the traditional buttery and cheesy noodle dishes.
16. Cabbage and Noodles
This cabbage and noodles recipe is a comforting side dish inspired by Polish and Hungarian cooking. It combines wide egg noodles with shredded cabbage, caramelized onions, green peas, butter, and olive oil to create a simple but satisfying combination.
The cabbage becomes tender and slightly sweet as it cooks with the onions, while plenty of black pepper adds a savory finish. I think this is a great choice if you want to include a hearty vegetable-and-noodle dish alongside your traditional Thanksgiving favorites.
Conclusion
Noodles can bring a different kind of comfort to your Thanksgiving dinner, especially when you want to add more variety to the traditional side dishes. From buttery egg noodles and creamy mushroom combinations to colorful noodle salads and cheesy baked casseroles, there are plenty of delicious ideas to explore.
I especially love the combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan, but the sesame and peanut noodle recipes are also interesting choices if you want something a little different. You can even prepare a few of these dishes ahead of time to make holiday cooking easier.
Pick your favorite noodle recipes and give them a place on your Thanksgiving table this year!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best noodle side dishes for Thanksgiving?
Some popular choices include buttered egg noodles, garlic Parmesan noodles, bridled noodles, creamy mushroom noodles, and baked noodle casseroles. They are comforting options that pair well with roasted turkey and other holiday foods.
2. Can I serve noodles instead of mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving?
Absolutely! Noodles are a delicious alternative to mashed potatoes. Buttered egg noodles, creamy pasta, and baked noodle casseroles are especially good options.
3. Can I prepare noodle side dishes ahead of time?
Yes! Some noodle salads can be prepared completely ahead of time, while baked noodle casseroles can be assembled in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. For buttered noodles, it is generally best to cook them closer to serving time.
4. What sauces go well with Thanksgiving noodles?
Butter sauce, garlic sauce, Parmesan cheese sauce, creamy mushroom sauce, sesame dressing, and peanut sauce are all delicious options. You can choose a sauce depending on whether you prefer a rich, savory, or slightly sweet flavor.
5. What noodles are best for Thanksgiving side dishes?
Egg noodles, fettuccine, spaghetti, udon, linguine, and wide pasta noodles are all great choices. The best option depends on the recipe and the texture you want.
6. What can I serve with noodles at Thanksgiving?
Noodles pair well with roasted turkey, baked ham, roast chicken, gravy, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole. They are also a great addition to a Thanksgiving potluck menu.
