Thanksgiving Seafood Side Dish Guide: Coastal Favorites to Elevate Your Holiday Feast

Thanksgiving is one of the most beloved holidays in America, steeped in tradition and rich with history. But have you ever considered what might have been on the table at that first Thanksgiving back in 1621? While we now associate the holiday with turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, the original feast was more likely an eclectic mix of local ingredients, including a bounty from the nearby Atlantic Ocean. In New England, this coastal abundance continues to influence holiday menus today, and there’s no better way to add something unique to your Thanksgiving table than by incorporating fresh, flavorful seafood.

This year, take your Thanksgiving meal up a notch with seafood side dishes from Lobsters Online. Whether you’re hosting a traditional feast or simply want to introduce some regional flair, these side dishes bring the ocean's richness and the charm of New England’s coast to your holiday celebration.

1. Wellfleet Oysters – Fresh from Cape Cod’s Finest Waters

Wellfleet, Massachusetts is renowned for its exceptional oysters, which have a balanced brininess and a hint of sweetness that make them perfect for any occasion, Thanksgiving included. Historically, oysters were likely part of the early colonists' diet and could well have appeared at that first Thanksgiving meal.

Consider serving a platter of Wellfleet Oysters as a refreshing, elegant appetizer for your guests. Served on the half-shell, these oysters can be paired with a classic mignonette or a squeeze of lemon, letting their fresh, briny flavor take center stage. They’re not only a delicious way to start the meal, but they also pay homage to New England’s coastal heritage.

Pro Tip: Add a touch of Thanksgiving warmth by topping each oyster with a cranberry relish or a hint of smoked paprika for a seasonal twist.

Recipe: Mac’s Oyster Mignonette

Buy: Wellfleet Oysters - Choose from 12, 30 or 100-count bags

2. Stuffed Quahogs – A Classic New England Staple

Stuffed quahogs, also known as “stuffies,” are a quintessential New England dish that combines chopped clams, breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices in a half shell. This savory side is perfect for Thanksgiving, as it brings the rich flavors of the Atlantic and adds a bit of heartiness to complement your meal’s lighter seafood options.

Serving Idea: Serve your stuffed quahogs warm, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a dollop of melted butter. Garnish with parsley for a bit of color and brightness.

Buy: Stuffed Quahogs (2-count)

3. Bacon-Wrapped Scallops – A Decadent Combination of Land and Sea

Few things can elevate the flavors of scallops like a smoky strip of bacon. This delicious combination creates a salty-sweet bite that’s as visually stunning as it is mouthwatering. Bacon-wrapped scallops are perfect for Thanksgiving, as they offer a rich, indulgent option that pairs beautifully with everything from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes.

Tip: Serve these on skewers or toothpicks for an easy, shareable side, and consider glazing with a maple-bourbon reduction for a festive finish.

Buy: Bacon Wrapped Scallops (25-Count)

4. Littleneck Clams – Versatile and Delicately Briny

Littleneck clams are smaller and more tender than their larger quahog cousins, making them a versatile addition to your Thanksgiving table. These clams are perfect for steaming, baking, or even grilling. They can be served on their own or used to enhance other dishes, such as stuffing or chowder.

Serving Suggestion: Steam the clams with a splash of white wine, garlic, and herbs for a flavorful side. For a bit more heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes and serve with crusty bread to soak up the broth.

Buy: Littleneck Clams - 12, 36 or 100 count

5. Cocktail Shrimp – A Classic, Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

Nothing says celebration quite like a classic shrimp cocktail. The simplicity of cold shrimp served with a tangy cocktail sauce offers a refreshing break from the heavier flavors of the Thanksgiving table. Plus, shrimp is a quick and easy option that can be prepared in advance, allowing you to focus on other parts of your holiday feast.

Serving Idea: Arrange the shrimp around a bowl of cocktail sauce garnished with fresh lemon wedges, or serve on a bed of ice with cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.

Buy: Cooked, Uncooked 16/20 Cocktail Shrimp and Sauce

6. New England Clam Chowder – A Warm and Comforting Start

Nothing says New England quite like clam chowder, and it’s a comforting way to start your Thanksgiving meal. Creamy, rich, and full of tender clams and potatoes, a bowl of New England Clam Chowder provides warmth and depth to your holiday spread.

Serving Tip: Serve in small bowls or mugs as an appetizer, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper. Add oyster crackers on the side for a delightful crunch.

Buy: 23.5oz Clam Chowder

7. Smoked Salmon – A Delicate and Elegant Addition

Smoked salmon is another New England favorite that adds a touch of elegance to your Thanksgiving spread. The delicate texture and smoky flavor are perfect for balancing the richer, heartier dishes at the table.

Idea: Consider adding a spread of cream cheese or crème fraîche and a sprinkle of fresh dill for a full flavor experience.

Buy: Smoked Salmon (2 lbs)

8. Smoked Bluefish Pâté – A Bold, Coastal Flavor

For a truly unique and robust New England flavor, smoked bluefish pâté is a must-have on your Thanksgiving menu. Bluefish, found along the Atlantic coast, has a slightly stronger flavor than other fish, but when smoked and blended into a creamy pâté, it becomes a rich, savory spread that’s perfect for pairing with bread or crackers.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with slices of baguette, crackers, or even sliced apples for a delightful combination of flavors. Garnish with chives or dill for a touch of color.

Buy: Bluefish Pate

Bringing New England’s Coastal Charm to Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the harvest and come together with loved ones, and what better way to honor that tradition than by incorporating the flavors of the New England coast? From creamy clam chowder to refreshing oysters and smoky bluefish pâté, these side dishes bring the Atlantic to your table, honoring both the past and the present of Thanksgiving.

With these seafood side dishes, you’re not only offering your guests a delicious variety but also inviting them to experience the unique, storied flavors of the New England coast. This Thanksgiving, celebrate with the ocean’s bounty and let Lobsters Online help you create a holiday meal to remember.

Enjoy creating a Thanksgiving meal filled with coastal charm, and may your holiday be as memorable as the first Thanksgiving by the Atlantic!