What To Serve With Turkey Legs? 16 BEST Side Dishes

Turkey legs are a flavorful and hearty option for a satisfying meal. Known for their tender, juicy meat, they create a rustic and comforting dining experience. When it comes to pairing them with the right sides, you want dishes that complement their rich taste.

Here are 16 tasty side dishes that go perfectly with turkey legs, each bringing its own unique flavor and texture to the table.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with turkey legs are mashed potatoes, cornbread, mac and cheese, green bean casserole, blooming onion, coleslaw, garlic bread, cheese dip, red beans and rice, honey glazed carrots, chili cheese fries, baked zucchini slices, garden salad, baked sweet potatoes, and creamed peas.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs beautifully with turkey legs. Their creamy texture and buttery taste are the perfect match for the juicy, savory meat. Whip them until they're smooth, add a touch of cream and butter, and season to taste. This side is not just delicious but also great for soaking up any sauce or juices from the turkey.

2. Cornbread

Cornbread, with its sweet and savory notes, is an excellent choice. Its slightly crumbly texture and hint of sweetness offset the richness of the turkey legs. Bake it until golden and serve it warm. It's not just a tasty addition but also adds a traditional touch to your meal.

3. Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a comforting and indulgent side. Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, it complements the meaty turkey legs well. Use a blend of cheeses for depth of flavor and bake until bubbly and golden. This dish adds a rich and satisfying element to your meal.

4. Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a comforting classic, perfect alongside turkey legs. It's made by blending tender green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch. The creamy texture and savory flavor of the casserole complement the rich, meaty turkey legs, while the crispy onions add an enjoyable textural contrast. It's a dish that brings warmth and heartiness to your meal.

5. Blooming Onion

A blooming onion is an eye-catching and flavorful side. It's a whole onion cut to bloom open, battered, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Served with a spicy or creamy dipping sauce, its crispy, savory layers are fun to pull apart and eat. The contrast between the crispy onion and the tender turkey legs makes for an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

6. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a classic side that adds a crunchy and refreshing element to the meal. Made with shredded cabbage and carrots, tossed in a creamy or vinegar-based dressing, it offers a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. The crisp texture of the coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the juicy turkey legs, balancing out the richness of the dish with its light and cool taste.

7. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is a simple yet universally loved side. Crusty bread slathered with a mixture of butter, garlic, and sometimes cheese, then toasted until golden, offers a delightful combination of flavors. The buttery, garlicky taste is a perfect match for the savory turkey legs, and the crisp texture of the bread is great for soaking up any juices or sauces, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your meal.

8. Cheese Dip

Cheese dip is a creamy and indulgent side that pairs wonderfully with turkey legs. Its rich, cheesy goodness can be used as a dip for the meat or as a topping. You can make it easily by melting a mix of your favorite cheeses with some milk and spices. This dip adds a fun and deliciously gooey texture to the meal.

9. Red Beans and Rice

Red beans and rice is a hearty and flavorful side. It's a combination of tender red beans, spices, and rice, often cooked with a bit of sausage or ham for extra flavor. This dish complements the turkey legs with its savory, slightly smoky taste and comforting, filling nature.

10. Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey glazed carrots offer a sweet and slightly savory touch. Roast carrots with honey, butter, and a sprinkle of salt until tender and caramelized. Their natural sweetness and tender texture are a perfect match for the savory turkey legs, adding a bit of brightness to the meal.

11. Chili Cheese Fries

Chili cheese fries are a decadent and satisfying side. Top crispy fries with warm chili and melted cheese for a dish that's full of flavor and texture. The spiciness of the chili and the creaminess of the cheese make for a great combination with the juicy turkey legs.

12. Baked Zucchini Slices

Baked zucchini slices are a light and healthy option. Slice zucchini, season with herbs and a bit of cheese, and bake until crispy. These slices offer a soft interior with a slightly crispy exterior, providing a nice contrast to the rich turkey legs and adding a fresh element to your meal.

13. Garden Salad

A garden salad brings a crisp and refreshing balance. Combine mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of dressing. The salad's lightness and freshness are a great palate cleanser, making it a perfect complement to the hearty turkey legs.

14. Baked Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potatoes are a simple yet delicious side. Bake them whole until they're soft and caramelized. Their natural sweetness and soft texture pair wonderfully with the turkey legs, adding a wholesome and flavorful component to the meal.

15. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

Sautéed spinach with garlic is a quick and nutritious side. Cook spinach with garlic and olive oil until just wilted. This dish adds a garlicky and earthy flavor, along with a tender texture that goes well with the turkey legs, providing a healthy and tasty addition to the plate.

16. Creamed Peas

Creamed peas are a comforting classic. Simmer peas in a creamy sauce with a hint of nutmeg for a velvety and slightly sweet side dish. They add a lovely creaminess and a pop of color, complementing the rich flavors of the turkey legs.