Farm-Fresh Flavors for Your Holiday Feast

November 8, 2024

By Lydia Zerby

Thanksgiving in Iowa is all about gathering around the table to enjoy comforting, home-cooked dishes that celebrate the season’s harvest. From hearty casseroles to sweet-and-savory stuffings, Iowa’s agricultural bounty provides the perfect ingredients for delicious side dishes. We explore some of the best Thanksgiving side dish recipes that highlight locally produced meats and seasonal produce, adding a fresh twist to your holiday feast. Whether you're looking for traditional favorites or new ideas to impress your guests, these Iowa-inspired sides are sure to make your table shine!
 
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Sausage Stuffing | Iowa Pork Producers Association

This stuffing recipe is a savory, hearty twist on a classic favorite, ideal for fall gatherings or holiday dinners. Made with tasty pork sausage, toasted bread cubes and a medley of herbs like sage and thyme, it offers a rich, comforting depth of flavor. Mixed with onions, celery and garlic for added texture and warmth, this stuffing is baked to golden perfection, making it an irresistible side dish for roasted meats or poultry. Enjoy the recipe here.
 
Photo credit: Iowa Pork Producers Association
 

Roasted Autumn Vegetables With Harissa Yogurt Dip | Midwest Dairy

Create a vibrant celebration of fall's best produce with this delectable dish. It features an array of seasonal vegetables like beets, carrots and Brussels sprouts, roasted until tender and caramelized. Paired with a tangy, mildly spicy harissa-infused yogurt dip, this dish offers a delicious balance of sweet and smoky earthiness. Find the easy-to-make recipe here.
 
Photo credit: Midwest Dairy
 

Puffy Corn Pudding | Iowa Egg Council

This light and fluffy dish combines the natural sweetness of corn with the richness of eggs for a comforting, satisfying treat. Baked until golden and puffed and with a delicate, soufflé-like texture, this pudding is an elegant side dish for fall gatherings or holiday meals. The creamy corn and egg mixture is subtly seasoned, letting the corn shine through in every bite. Start cooking here.
 
Photo credit: Iowa Egg Council
 

Beef Stuffing With Apples and Cranberries | Iowa Beef Industry Council

Treat your taste buds to a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together savory and sweet notes. Ground beef is combined with bread cubes, tart cranberries and juicy apples, creating a deliciously balanced stuffing. Enhanced with herbs and spices, this unique stuffing offers a rich, meaty base with bursts of fruit, making it a perfect complement to roasted meats or a festive addition to holiday tables. Find the recipe here.
 
Photo credit: Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner
 

Crumble-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole | The Soyfoods Council

Discover a creamy and comforting dish with a delightful crunchy topping. Sweet potatoes are mashed with silken tofu, eggs, cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a smooth and flavorful base. The topping, made from brown sugar, soybean oil and flour, adds a crumbly layer that bakes to a golden finish. Great for holiday dinners or cozy fall meals, this casserole offers a balance of sugar and spice. Get the plant-based recipe here.
 
Photo credit: The Soyfoods Council
 

Turkey and Jalapeno Poppers | Iowa Turkey Federation

Two tasty variations give a twist to the classic jalapeño popper. You can use seasoned turkey tenderloin or turkey Lil’ Smokies, stuffing them into halved jalapeños, then wrapping them in turkey bacon. The poppers are baked until the peppers are tender and the filling is juicy and savory. Creamy cheese adds decadence, balancing the heat from the jalapeños. These poppers are perfect for gatherings or a fun snack, offering a delicious blend of spicy, tangy and salty turkey flavors in every bite-sized treat. Find the recipe here.
 
Photo credit: Iowa Turkey Federation