Thanksgiving Side Dishes: A Relaxed Guide
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without a table overflowing with delicious side dishes. While the turkey often takes center stage, it’s the vibrant array of sides that truly makes the feast memorable. From classic comfort foods to modern twists, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
1. Mashed Potatoes: A Thanksgiving Staple
Mashed potatoes are an absolute must-have at any Thanksgiving gathering. Creamy, buttery, and comforting, they’re the perfect accompaniment to the savory turkey.
Use the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for mashing due to their high starch content.
Don’t overcook the potatoes: Slightly undercooked potatoes will result in creamier mashed potatoes.
Add flavor with milk and butter: Use whole milk and high-quality butter for the richest flavor.
Consider adding garlic or herbs: A touch of garlic or fresh herbs like chives or parsley can elevate the flavor.
Add flavor with milk and butter: Use whole milk and high-quality butter for the richest flavor.
Consider adding garlic or herbs: A touch of garlic or fresh herbs like chives or parsley can elevate the flavor.
2. Stuffing/Dressing: A Matter of Debate
Stuffing or dressing – the debate rages on! Regardless of what you call it, this savory bread-based dish is a Thanksgiving staple.
Traditional Sage Stuffing: A classic for a reason, this stuffing is packed with savory sage, onions, and celery.
Cornbread Stuffing: Adds a touch of sweetness and a slightly crumbly texture.
Oyster Stuffing: For a truly decadent experience, add oysters to your stuffing for an extra layer of flavor.
Oyster Stuffing: For a truly decadent experience, add oysters to your stuffing for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and Tart Perfection
Cranberry sauce provides a much-needed touch of sweetness and tartness to balance the richness of the turkey and other savory dishes.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce: Easy to make and allows you to customize the sweetness and spice level.
Fresh Cranberry Sauce: Simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and orange juice for a simple yet flavorful sauce.
Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add a touch of heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a cinnamon stick.
Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Add a touch of heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a cinnamon stick.
4. Green Bean Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic
Green bean casserole is a quintessential Thanksgiving side dish. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy fried onions, it’s a crowd-pleaser for a reason.
Use fresh green beans: For the best flavor, use fresh green beans instead of frozen.
Creamy Sauce: Use a combination of cream of mushroom soup and milk for a rich and creamy sauce.
Crispy Topping: Don’t skip the fried onions! They add a delightful crunch.
Crispy Topping: Don’t skip the fried onions! They add a delightful crunch.
5. Sweet Potato Casserole: A Southern Favorite
Sweet potato casserole is a Southern Thanksgiving tradition that has gained popularity nationwide.
Classic Sweet Potato Casserole: Topped with marshmallows and baked to golden perfection.
Pecan-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole: Adds a nutty crunch and extra sweetness.
Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole: Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a warm and cozy flavor.
Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole: Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a warm and cozy flavor.
6. Macaroni and Cheese: A Kid-Friendly Favorite
Macaroni and cheese is a crowd-pleaser, especially with the younger members of the family.
Use high-quality cheese: A blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère will add depth of flavor.
Homemade Cheese Sauce: For the best flavor, make your own cheese sauce instead of using pre-made.
Add-ins: Get creative with add-ins like bacon, broccoli, or roasted vegetables.
Add-ins: Get creative with add-ins like bacon, broccoli, or roasted vegetables.
7. Brussels Sprouts: Roasted to Perfection
Roasted Brussels sprouts have become a Thanksgiving favorite in recent years.
Roast at high heat: High heat will caramelize the Brussels sprouts and bring out their natural sweetness.
Add flavor with balsamic glaze: Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and tanginess.
Season generously: Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Season generously: Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
8. Cornbread: A Southern Staple
Cornbread is a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with chili, soups, and stews.
Traditional Cornbread: Simple and flavorful, made with cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk.
Jalapeño Cornbread: Adds a touch of heat for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
Sweet Cornbread: Perfect for a touch of sweetness, often enjoyed with butter and honey.
Sweet Cornbread: Perfect for a touch of sweetness, often enjoyed with butter and honey.
9. Stuffing Balls: Bite-Sized Comfort
Stuffing balls are a fun and festive alternative to traditional stuffing.
Form into small balls: Use your hands to form the stuffing mixture into small, bite-sized balls.
Bake or pan-fry: Bake the stuffing balls until golden brown and crispy.
Serve with gravy: Drizzle with gravy for extra flavor.
Serve with gravy: Drizzle with gravy for extra flavor.
10. Green Bean Almondine: A French-Inspired Dish
Green bean almondine is a sophisticated and elegant side dish.
Fresh green beans: Use high-quality green beans for the best flavor.
Sliced almonds: Toasted almonds add a nutty crunch.
Butter and lemon: Butter and lemon juice create a rich and flavorful sauce.
Butter and lemon: Butter and lemon juice create a rich and flavorful sauce.
11. Glazed Carrots: Sweet and Savory
Glazed carrots are a simple yet elegant side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to the Thanksgiving table.
Honey-glazed carrots: Drizzle with honey and roast until tender and caramelized.
Brown sugar-glazed carrots: Toss with brown sugar and butter for a classic sweet and savory glaze.
Maple-glazed carrots: Use maple syrup for a touch of sophistication.
Maple-glazed carrots: Use maple syrup for a touch of sophistication.
12. Roasted Vegetables: A Colorful and Flavorful Option
Roasted vegetables are a versatile and healthy side dish option.
Roasted root vegetables: Roast carrots, parsnips, and beets for a colorful and flavorful combination.
Roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes: A classic and delicious combination.
Roasted broccoli and cauliflower: A simple yet flavorful option.
Roasted broccoli and cauliflower: A simple yet flavorful option.
13. Cranberry Orange Relish: A Festive Twist
Cranberry orange relish is a refreshing and festive alternative to traditional cranberry sauce.
Fresh cranberries: Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor.
Oranges: Add sweetness and citrusy flavor.
Sugar and spices: Customize the sweetness and spice level to your liking.
Sugar and spices: Customize the sweetness and spice level to your liking.
14. Apple Cider Glazed Yams: A Sweet and Savory Treat
Apple cider glazed yams are a decadent and flavorful side dish.
Sweet potatoes or yams: Cut into cubes or slices.
Apple cider: Adds a touch of sweetness and apple flavor.
Butter and brown sugar: Create a rich and flavorful glaze.
Butter and brown sugar: Create a rich and flavorful glaze.
15. Corn Pudding: A Creamy and Cheesy Dish
Corn pudding is a creamy and cheesy side dish that’s perfect for fall.
Corn: Use fresh corn kernels or canned corn.
Eggs, milk, and cream: Create a rich and creamy base.
Cheese: Add cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
Cheese: Add cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
Conclusion
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique Thanksgiving side dishes. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the cooking process and the time spent with your loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!