Let's be honest about Thanksgiving sides for a second. They're usually an afterthought. The turkey gets all the attention, all the planning, all the stress. Meanwhile, the sides? They're just... there. Green beans from a can. Mashed potatoes with nothing but butter. Sweet potatoes drowning in marshmallows because that's what we've always done. But here's the thing: your sides are where you can actually get creative without risking the main event. Nobody's going to revolt if you upgrade the green beans. But they WILL notice when suddenly the sides are the best part of the meal. Here are five Thanksgiving sides that are begging for a flavor upgrade – and exactly how to make it happen. 1. Green Beans (The Bland Standard-Bearer) The Problem: Green bean casserole from a can. Or worse, plain steamed green beans with a pat of butter. They're green. They're on the plate. That's about all you can say. The Upgrade: Roast your green beans at 425°F with olive oil, then hit them with Cajun Lemon Pepper while they're still hot. The citrus brightens them up, the Cajun spice gives them depth, and suddenly you've got a side dish people actually reach for. Pro Move: Add crispy bacon bits and toss everything together. The smokiness plays perfectly with the Cajun seasoning. 2. Mashed Potatoes (The Missed Opportunity) The Problem: Butter and milk. Maybe some garlic if someone's feeling adventurous. They're creamy, sure, but they're boring. And boring mashed potatoes are a crime when they could be legendary. The Upgrade: Before you add the butter and cream, fold in Soul Seasoning. It brings a savory depth that makes people wonder what your secret is. The umami-rich profile transforms standard mashed potatoes into something you'd order at a restaurant. Pro Move: Make a well in the center of your mashed potatoes and drizzle with melted butter mixed with a touch more Soul Seasoning. It looks impressive and tastes even better. 3. Sweet Potato Casserole (The Sugar Bomb) The Problem: It's dessert pretending to be a side dish. Marshmallows on top, brown sugar mixed in, basically a sweet potato cake. There's nothing wrong with sweet, but there's a whole other direction you could take this. The Upgrade: Skip the marshmallows. Roast your sweet potatoes with olive oil and Ultimate Gourmet Dry Rub instead. The smokiness and spice create this incredible savory-sweet balance that makes the natural sweetness of the potatoes shine instead of drowning it. Pro Move: Finish with a drizzle of hot honey (honey + a dash of Habanero Hot Sauce) for that perfect sweet-heat combo. 4. Stuffing (The One-Note Wonder) The Problem: Bread, herbs, broth. It's fine. It does its job. But it rarely makes anyone sit up and take notice. The Upgrade: When you're building your stuffing, work in Cajun Lemon Pepper with your herbs. It adds a brightness and complexity that standard stuffing just doesn't have. The lemon cuts through the richness, the Cajun spice adds layers. Pro Move: Add diced jalapeños and crumbled sausage seasoned with more Cajun Lemon Pepper. Now you've got stuffing with a personality. 5. Roasted Vegetables (The Forgettable Medley) The Problem: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, maybe some squash. All roasted together with olive oil and salt. They're healthy. They're colorful. They're utterly forgettable. The Upgrade: Different vegetables need different treatments. Toss your Brussels sprouts with Ultimate Gourmet Dry Rub before roasting – the char plays beautifully with the spices. Hit your carrots with Soul Seasoning for that earthy depth. Finish everything with a light drizzle of Ultimate Gourmet Wing Sauce right before serving for a tangy kick. Pro Move: Roast everything until it's actually caramelized and slightly charred. Undercooked roasted vegetables are sad. Properly caramelized vegetables with bold seasoning? That's the move. The Bottom Line Thanksgiving sides don't have to be boring supporting actors. With the right seasonings and a little creativity, they can steal the show. Your turkey will be great. But your sides? Your sides are about to be legendary. Ready to upgrade your Thanksgiving table? Shop Ultimate Gourmet Rub Get Cajun Lemon Pepper Try Soul Seasoning Find Local Stores About J-Boogie's Tasty Creations Mississippi-made, veteran-owned, and built on the belief that bold flavor should be accessible to everyone. From backyard BBQ to holiday tables, J-Boogie's brings authentic Southern flavor to every meal. What's your go-to Thanksgiving side? How do you make it stand out? Share your secrets in the comments or tag us on social @JBoogie1991