Setting a Thanksgiving spread at your beach house gives you a chance to blend classic holiday warmth with a coastal twist. You want side dishes that feel familiar and comforting—but when your guests step inside from the ocean breeze, they should see something fresh, sea-inspired, and intentional. A well-curated table of sides establishes the tone: not just turkey plus mashed potatoes, but an elevated lineup that complements surf views and shell-sleek décor. Begin with tried-and-true Thanksgiving staples—roasted vegetables, buttery biscuits, creamy gratins—but layer in salt, citrus, herbs, seafood, and tropical accents so the menu feels anchored in your coastal setting.
Whether your coast is the rocky crags of the Pacific Northwest or the marshy estuaries of the Gulf, you can choose sides that tie to local harvests (shellfish, citrus, tropical fruit, local herbs) while still honoring the season. Below are seven regionally inspired side dishes that will stand proudly next to your turkey or whatever you choose to serve at your seaside Thanksgiving table.
Savannah Seafood Stuffing
This beach-inspired stuffing (baked in a casserole) combines crab and shrimp accented with celery, onion, herbs, and a splash of sherry. Using both herbed and cornbread stuffing mixes, toss with seafood, aromatics, cream of mushroom soup, and broth, then bake until golden. The flavor is rich and buttery with subtle briny undertones, making it a perfect nod to the Chesapeake Bay or Carolina coastlines. This side dish pairs beautifully with roast turkey or a grilled local fish, balancing land and sea on one plate. Total preparation and baking time is approximately 50 minutes. For the recipe, visit Spicy Southern Kitchen.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Citrus-Maple Glaze
This delectable side dish combines creamy, caramelized sweet potato slices with a bright glaze that elevates a classic side dish into something coastal and modern. Begin by cutting sweet potatoes into half-moon slices, then toss them in olive oil and salt before roasting at high heat until the edges turn golden and the center is tender. Meanwhile, whisk together fresh orange juice, pure maple syrup, a bit of Dijon mustard, brown sugar, grated ginger, water, and a cornstarch slurry to thicken into a glossy glaze.
Once the potatoes are roasted, drizzle with maple glaze, and sprinkle with fresh parsley, orange zest, and a touch of flaky sea salt. The flavor is sweet and tangy with warm ginger-mustard notes and a subtle sea salt finish. The dish takes approximately 35 minutes to prepare (15 minutes of active preparation plus 20 minutes of roasting) and pairs exceptionally well with green salads and buttery biscuits. Visit Eating Well for the recipe.
Fennel, Blood Orange, & Avocado Salad with Roasted Cashews
This elegant salad layers thin ribbons of fennel, vibrant rounds of blood orange (and sweet orange), and creamy slices of avocado over a bed of greens or on its own, then crowns the composition with crisp roasted cashews and fresh dill. A drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper tie the flavors together while preserving the brightness of the ingredients. The contrast of crisp fennel, juicy citrus, and creamy avocado gives it both texture and balance, while cashews add a toasty crunch. It’s an ideal side to lighten a heavy holiday table, and it takes only about ten minutes to assemble.
In Gulf or Southeast homes, use Florida oranges or tangy grapefruit; along the Pacific coast, you might substitute local mandarins or tangerines. Nevertheless, the flavor profile is fresh, zesty, and texturally playful—perfect alongside richer mains or as a vibrant addition to your coastal Thanksgiving table. Visit Gather & Feast for the recipe.
Braised Butternut Squash in Spiced Coconut Gravy
In this inventive side, tender cubes of butternut squash are simmered in coconut milk infused with ginger, turmeric, chili, and garlic, then finished with lime juice and toasted almonds. The flavor profile is rich and aromatic, striking a beautiful balance between creamy sweetness and warm spice. The tropical note from coconut milk lends it a natural coastal connection, especially fitting for Gulf and Pacific kitchens, where Caribbean or Southeast Asian influences blend with local produce. The dish takes approximately 45–60 minutes to prepare and pairs exceptionally well with roasted poultry or seafood, adding both color and comfort to the table. Visit Epicurious for the recipe.
Pomegranate-Cranberry Citrus Relish
This jewel-toned relish combines fresh cranberries, pomegranate arils, honey, walnuts, orange juice, and orange zest, along with a touch of sugar, to create a vibrant, jewel-bright accompaniment to your Thanksgiving table. The cranberries provide tartness and structure as they collapse into a glossy sauce, while the pomegranate adds bursts of juicy texture and visual contrast. Sweet orange juice and zest complement the tartness with citrus brightness, resulting in a balanced flavor profile that combines sweet, tangy, and lively acidity.
The recipe calls for simmering the fruit mixture until it thickens, then chilling it before serving, which takes approximately 15–20 minutes, plus the chilling time. This relish shines beside turkey, roast pork, or richer sides—its tangy brightness cuts through heavier dishes. For regional flair, consider using Florida orange juice on the Gulf Coast or substituting a splash of Meyer lemon on the West Coast. For the recipe, visit Taste of Home.
Buttermilk Biscuits with Honey Butter
Enriched by cold butter and baked to golden perfection, these tender and flaky buttermilk biscuits are served with honey butter for an irresistible combination of savory and sweet. Begin by whisking together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and a bit of sugar, then cutting in cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk to form a soft dough, pat it into a thick round, cut the biscuits, and bake them until puffed and golden. Once out of the oven, spread the freshly baked biscuits with honey butter. The rich flavor and hint of warm honey emanates coastal hospitality.
These biscuits take around 25 to 30 minutes from start to table (including mixing, cutting, baking, and preparing the honey butter). They pair beautifully with your seafood stuffing or squash side, offering a comforting, homey counterpoint to more adventurous flavors. For a regional nod, brush the tops with melted butter mixed with chopped herbs (thyme, chives, or rosemary) or a tiny sprinkle of sea salt to echo your beachfront setting.
Seafood Potatoes Au Gratin
This decadent recipe melds the comfort of potatoes with the subtle character of seafood for a refined coastal-inspired side dish—or complete meal if you prefer. Thinly sliced Yukon Gold or red potatoes are layered in a baking dish with tender bits of cooked seafood (such as shrimp, scallops, or crab), minced garlic, shallots, and a creamy sauce made from milk (or half-and-half) seasoned with Dijon mustard, a touch of hot sauce, fresh thyme, and grated cheese. As the gratin bakes, the potatoes soften, the sauce thickens, and the seafood infuses a gentle briny whisper into the casserole. Once assembled, bake time is about 45 to 50 minutes. For regional flair, use local shrimp or crab (Gulf, Pacific Northwest, or Atlantic) to incorporate a nostalgic sense of place. Visit Coop Can Cook for the recipe.
A coastal Thanksgiving should feel timeless yet distinctly yours—anchored in local ingredients, reflective of nearby waters, and alive with vibrant flavors. With these seven dishes, your table will tell a story that spans coastlines and seasons—a celebration not only of gratitude but of the shore itself. For more inspired recipe ideas to live your best beach life, visit Beach Homes Lifestyles.