The Thanksgiving Side Dish Everyone Will Actually Eat

Okay, hear me out… Brussels sprouts can totally be the hero of your Thanksgiving table. I know they get a bad reputation, but when you dress them up a little, they turn into pure comfort food magic. And this dish? Oh my goodness. It’s cozy, creamy, and has that salty little crunch from pancetta that makes everyone go back for seconds.

If you’re looking for a side dish that feels fancy but is secretly super easy, this is it. It comes together fast, tastes like something from a restaurant, and looks so pretty next to all the Thanksgiving classics.

Why This Dish Works for Thanksgiving and Christmas

These holidays are all about warm, comforting flavors, right? This dish brings all of that in the best way:

The Boursin makes everything silky and flavorful without needing a ton of ingredients.
Pancetta adds little pops of savory goodness.
Mushrooms add that earthy depth that just screams fall.
And the Brussels sprouts soak it all up like little flavor sponges.

It’s one of those sides that looks impressive but takes barely any effort, perfect when the oven is full of turkey drama or you’re juggling a dozen other dishes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch for your holiday table:

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
150g Boursin herbed cream cheese
4 oz pancetta, diced
Olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

How to Make Creamy Brussels Sprouts

This is one of those cook-it-all-in-one-pan miracles that make cleanup just a tiny bit easier. Here’s how it goes:

1. Heat a splash of olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the pancetta and cook until it’s crispy and smells amazing.

3. Toss in the mushrooms and cook for about 3–4 minutes until they soften.

4. Add the Brussels sprouts and let them cook for 5–7 minutes until they start to soften and get a little golden.

5. Stir in the Boursin. It melts quickly and turns everything super creamy.

6. Season with salt and pepper. Easy!

And that’s seriously it. A few steps, all in one pan, and suddenly your kitchen smells like a holiday dream.

Tips to Make It Even Better

Want to level it up a bit? Here are some ideas:

Add a sprinkle of parmesan on top before serving for an extra cheesy moment.
Pop it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to brown the top.
Add toasted breadcrumbs if you like a bit of crunch.
Swap pancetta for bacon if that’s what you have on hand.

Why Your Guests Will Love It

You know how Thanksgiving tables or party spreads can get a little… beige? This dish brings gorgeous color and rich flavor without stealing the spotlight from the turkey. It fits right in with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and all the classics, but it also gives your guests something a little new and exciting.

Even the kids might give it a try, especially after seeing the crispy pancetta bits. In my house, that’s the magic ticket.

Make It Ahead

If you’re juggling a dozen dishes, you can cook this earlier in the day. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life. It still tastes amazing.

If you want to add one new dish to your party menu this year, this is the one. It’s quick, creamy, flavorful, and once you make it, you’ll probably bring it back for Christmas too!

View More Side Dish Recipes