If youre planning to serve these flavorful bites at your next gathering, you might be wondering which side dishes would pair well with them.
Here you can find 16 delicious side dishes that will complement your turkey wings and make for an unforgettable meal.
The best side dishes to serve with turkey wings are mashed potatoes, coleslaw, baked mac and cheese, cheese curds, onion rings, goat cheese dip, stuffed mushrooms, sweet potato fries, cornbread, stuffed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, crispy green beans, and garlic herb rice.
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with turkey wings. The creamy and smooth texture of mashed potatoes contrasts nicely with the crispy wings, providing a comforting and satisfying accompaniment to your meal.
Onion rings are a crispy and flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with turkey wings. The crunchy battered onions provide a delicious contrast to the tender meat of the wings, making them an irresistible addition to your meal.
Cheese curds are a delightful snack that can also serve as a tasty side dish for turkey wings. These small, bite-sized pieces of cheese are lightly breaded and fried, offering a deliciously gooey and crunchy accompaniment to your savory wings.
Coleslaw is a crunchy and refreshing salad made with shredded cabbage and carrots in a tangy dressing. This cool and crisp side dish is a great way to balance the flavors of savory turkey wings, adding a light and zesty touch to your meal.
Turkey wings make for a delicious, juicy and flavorful meal. Their rich, savory taste pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that can take your dinner to the next level. In this article, I’ll recommend 20 of my favorite side dish ideas to serve with turkey wings for a mouthwatering spread.
An Overview of Turkey Wings
Turkey wings come from the wing sections of the turkey and include part of the drumette the wingette (or flat) and the wing tip. They consist mostly of skin tender and juicy dark meat, cartilage, bone and connective tissue.
Turkey wings have a deep, rich turkey flavor and become meltingly tender when cooked low and slow through methods like baking, braising, grilling or deep frying. A sauce or dry rub gives them even more robust, finger-licking flavor.
With their large size, turkey wings take center stage as the star of the meal. And since they have so much skin and connective tissue, you’ll want sides with contrasting textures and bright, fresh flavors to balance their richness.
20 Tasty Side Dishes for Turkey Wings
Here are 20 of my top recommendations for phenomenal sides to pair with turkey wings:
1. Macaroni and Cheese
A creamy, cheesy pasta bake is comfort food heaven. The classic and kid-friendly mac and cheese pairs perfectly.
2. Coleslaw
Cool, crunchy coleslaw with a tangy dressing is a refreshing balance to rich turkey wings.
3. Creamed Spinach
Silky creamed spinach makes a decadent indulgent side dish. The creaminess contrasts the crispy skin.
4. Cornbread
Moist, sweet cornbread is ideal for soaking up any sauces or juices. Serve it warm with butter.
5. Potato Salad
A mayo-based potato salad with hard-boiled eggs, onion and celery offers great flavor and texture contrast.
6. Collard Greens
Slow-cooked, tender collard greens seasoned with smoked turkey give a soul food flair.
7. Rice Pilaf
Fluffy rice pilaf with onion, carrots and peas makes a simple and satisfying side.
8. Roasted Vegetables
Roast cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots or other veggies for a pop of color.
9. Baked Beans
Sweet, saucy baked beans – homemade or canned – pair perfectly with savory wings.
10. Macaroni Salad
Chilled macaroni salad with mayo or vinaigrette dressing adds nostalgic flavor.
11. Corn on the Cob
In summer, grill corn on the cob slathered in butter and spices.
12. Glazed Carrots
Roasted carrots glazed with brown sugar or maple make a naturally sweet side.
13. Fried Okra
For Southern flair, fry okra tossed in cornmeal for a crispy, addictive crunch.
14. Fruit Salad
A fresh fruit salad with berries, melon and citrus adds brightness.
15. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, smooth garlic mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food.
16. Fried Green Tomatoes
For something different, fry green tomato slices in buttermilk and breadcrumbs.
17. Cucumber Salad
A simple cucumber salad in a tangy vinaigrette cools things down.
18. Baked Sweet Potato
Baked sweet potatoes make a hearty, healthy accompaniment. Top with butter.
19. Cornbread Dressing
Thanksgiving-style cornbread dressing brings traditional flavors.
20. Fried Pickles
For a fun twist, fry pickle slices in crunchy breading.
Cooking Methods for Juicy Turkey Wings
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Bake low and slow at 300°F for 2-3 hours until fall-off-the-bone tender.
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Braise in flavorful liquid like broth, barbecue sauce or hot sauce on the stovetop or in the oven.
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Deep fry at 350°F for 7-10 minutes for crispy, juicy wings (be careful of hot oil).
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Grill or smoke on low heat for 1-2 hours with lots of basting for maximum juiciness.
Create a Show-Stopping Turkey Wing Dinner
Turkey wings deserve side dishes just as bold, comforting and crave-worthy. By combining complementary flavors, colors and textures, you can craft a mouthwatering meal that satisfies. So the next time turkey wings are on the menu, reference this list of 20 sensational sides to make it a dinner to remember.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a healthy and versatile side dish that can be customized to suit your taste. The caramelized flavors of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini, pair nicely with the savory turkey wings, adding color and nutrition to your plate.
Green beans is a simple yet elegant side dish made with fresh green beans . The crunchiness of the beans and panko crumbs complements the tender turkey wings, adding a touch of sophistication to your meal.
Garlic Herb Rice
Garlic herb rice is a fragrant and flavorful side dish that pairs well with turkey wings. The aromatic garlic and herbs add depth to the rice, creating a delicious base that complements the meaty and savory taste of the wings.
A creamy goat cheese dip adds a tangy and rich element to your meal when served with turkey wings. This smooth and flavorful dip is perfect for dipping your wings or spreading onto crusty bread or crackers as an additional side dish.
Stuffed mushrooms are a savory and satisfying side dish that complements turkey wings. Filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, cheese, and herbs, these delectable bites add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your meal, making it even more enjoyable.
Grilled asparagus is a simple yet delicious side dish that pairs well with turkey wings. The charred and smoky flavor of the asparagus adds a touch of elegance to your meal, while the tender-crisp texture complements the meatiness of the wings.
Baked beans are a hearty and flavorful side dish that goes great with turkey wings. The sweet and tangy sauce of the beans adds a nice contrast to the savory wings, making it a mouthwatering and filling accompaniment.
Smothered Turkey Wings | Soul Food Turkey Recipe
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