Thanksgiving is a highly anticipated food-centered holiday where the side dishes often steal the show. Whether you’re looking for classic favorites or new and exciting recipes, we have a collection of delicious Thanksgiving side dishes that will impress your guests. From creamy mashed potatoes to flavorful roasted vegetables, these dishes are sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving feast.
Key Takeaways:
- Thanksgiving side dishes can make a big impact on your holiday feast.
- From traditional favorites to innovative recipes, there are options for everyone’s taste.
- Creating delicious side dishes doesn’t have to be complicated, with easy recipes available.
- Consider incorporating seasonal ingredients and flavors for a festive touch.
- Don’t forget to balance the flavors and textures of your side dishes to complement the main course.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Meringue
If you’re looking for a show-stopping Thanksgiving side dish, this Sweet Potato Casserole with Meringue is sure to impress. The combination of sweet potatoes and fluffy meringue creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. This recipe is easy to make and will add a touch of elegance to your holiday table.
To make this delicious casserole, start by baking the sweet potatoes until they are tender and easily mashed. Then, mix in the traditional ingredients like butter, brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The result is a creamy and flavorful sweet potato base that will have your guests asking for seconds.
But the real star of this dish is the meringue topping. Light and airy, the meringue is made from whipped egg whites and sugar, creating a sweet and cloud-like layer that is simply irresistible. Once the casserole is beautifully assembled, bake it until the meringue is golden brown and toasted.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional Thanksgiving side dishes or you’re looking to add some wow-factor to your holiday spread, this Sweet Potato Casserole with Meringue is a must-try. Its vibrant colors and delightful flavors will make it a standout on your Thanksgiving table.
Stovetop Broccoli Casserole
Looking for a quick and delicious Thanksgiving side dish? Our stovetop broccoli casserole is the perfect solution. This recipe saves oven space and is made entirely on the stove, making it a convenient option for your holiday feast.
The creamy and cheesy flavors of this casserole are a delightful complement to the turkey and other Thanksgiving dishes. The tender broccoli florets are coated in a rich cheese sauce, giving them a satisfying and indulgent taste. The dish is topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Whether you’re short on time or simply want to simplify your Thanksgiving meal prep, this stovetop broccoli casserole is a winner. It’s a quick and easy side dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture. Your guests will be impressed by this delicious addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
Green Beans with Bacon and Parmesan
When it comes to traditional Thanksgiving side dishes, green beans are a staple on many tables. But why settle for plain steamed green beans when you can elevate them with this delicious recipe? Green Beans with Bacon and Parmesan adds a savory twist to a classic dish, making it a standout addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
To make this flavorful side dish, start by cooking fresh green beans until they are tender yet still crisp. While the beans are cooking, fry up some crispy bacon in a skillet. The smoky and salty flavor of the bacon complements the freshness of the green beans perfectly. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
Next, sauté garlic in the bacon drippings until fragrant and golden. Add the cooked green beans to the skillet and toss them in the garlic-infused oil. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the green beans and stir until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed. Crumble the crispy bacon on top of the beans, adding a crunchy and savory element to every bite. Serve the Green Beans with Bacon and Parmesan hot, and watch as your guests go back for seconds.
With its combination of fresh green beans, crispy bacon, and flavorful Parmesan cheese, this dish will add a touch of indulgence to your Thanksgiving meal. Give it a try and impress your guests with this delicious twist on a traditional favorite.
Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
When it comes to traditional Thanksgiving side dishes, mashed sweet potatoes are a classic that never fails to impress. This recipe takes it up a notch with the addition of brown butter, which adds a rich and nutty flavor to the dish. The creamy texture of the mashed sweet potatoes combined with the irresistible taste of brown butter creates a perfect balance of sweetness and depth. It’s a side dish that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Making brown butter mashed sweet potatoes is easier than you might think. Simply peel and boil the sweet potatoes until tender, then drain and mash them. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until it turns a golden brown color and releases a nutty aroma. Be sure to keep a close eye on the butter as it can quickly go from brown to burnt. Once the butter is browned, pour it over the mashed sweet potatoes and mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme.
“The nutty flavor of the brown butter pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the potatoes, creating a rich and elegant side dish for your Thanksgiving feast.”
Table: Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed | 1. Boil the sweet potatoes until tender. Drain and return to the pot |
| ½ cup unsalted butter | 2. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns a golden brown color |
| Salt and pepper to taste | 3. Pour the browned butter over the mashed sweet potatoes and mix until well combined |
| Fresh herbs for garnish | 4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs |
These brown butter mashed sweet potatoes are a delightful twist on a Thanksgiving classic. The nutty flavor of the brown butter adds depth to the sweet potatoes, creating a side dish that will elevate your holiday meal. With its creamy texture and rich taste, this dish is sure to become a new favorite at your Thanksgiving table.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Upgrade your traditional mac and cheese with the rich and earthy flavors of butternut squash. This comforting and delicious side dish combines the creamy and cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the autumnal sweetness of butternut squash. It’s the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast, adding a unique twist to a classic favorite.
To make this butternut squash mac and cheese, start by roasting the butternut squash until it’s tender and caramelized. Then, blend it into a smooth puree and combine it with a creamy cheese sauce. The result is a velvety and luscious mac and cheese that is both satisfying and flavorful.
Not only does this dish taste amazing, but it also adds a pop of vibrant color to your Thanksgiving table. The golden hue of the butternut squash is visually appealing and will impress your guests. Serve it alongside your turkey and other side dishes for a truly memorable holiday meal.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
When it comes to Thanksgiving side dishes, it’s important to strike a balance between delicious and healthy options. That’s where these roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze come in. Not only are they packed with flavor, but they also offer a nutritious addition to your holiday table.
Brussels sprouts are known for their many health benefits, including being rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and creates a crispy texture that is simply irresistible. The tangy balsamic glaze adds a delightful depth of flavor, making these sprouts a standout dish.
To make this crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side dish, start by preheating your oven and tossing the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer, and roast until they are tender and golden brown. While the sprouts are roasting, prepare the balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar and a touch of honey until it thickens.
“Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and creates a crispy texture that is simply irresistible.”
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
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These roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze are a simple yet elegant addition to your Thanksgiving feast. They offer a healthy and flavorful option that will please both veggie lovers and skeptics at the table. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – your guests will be impressed!
Scalloped Corn Casserole
Looking for a delicious and vegetarian-friendly Thanksgiving side dish? Our Scalloped Corn Casserole is the perfect addition to your holiday spread. This creamy and savory dish is sure to please all of your guests.
Our Scalloped Corn Casserole combines the sweetness of corn with a savory blend of cheeses. The result is a rich and indulgent casserole that will melt in your mouth. The dish is topped with a buttery cracker topping, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
To make this dish even more special, we use fresh corn kernels for the ultimate flavor. Each bite bursts with sweetness, making it the perfect complement to your Thanksgiving feast. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to add variety to your menu, our Scalloped Corn Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Recipe:
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“Our Scalloped Corn Casserole is a vegetarian twist on a classic side dish. The combination of fresh corn, creamy cheeses, and a buttery cracker topping creates a dish that is both comforting and indulgent. It’s the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast!”
Roasted Root Vegetables with Sage Oil
Enhance your Thanksgiving feast with the vibrant flavors of roasted root vegetables. This vegetarian side dish combines an array of colorful vegetables, including sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips, roasted to perfection. The addition of a savory sage oil and crispy sage leaves adds a delightful herbal essence to the dish.
Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and creates a slightly caramelized exterior, adding depth and richness to the flavor profile. The combination of different root vegetables offers a variety of textures and tastes, making this dish visually appealing and satisfying to the palate.
To create the sage oil, simply heat olive oil in a small saucepan and add fresh sage leaves. Let the leaves sizzle until they become crispy and fragrant. Drizzle the sage oil over the roasted vegetables just before serving to infuse them with its aromatic essence.
Baked Acorn Squash
The baked acorn squash is a simple and healthy Thanksgiving side dish that is sure to impress your guests. With just three ingredients and minimal preparation time, this dish showcases the natural flavors of acorn squash, making it a perfect addition to your holiday spread.
To prepare the baked acorn squash, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake the squash in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork. Once the squash is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. The flesh of the acorn squash will be sweet and tender, with a beautiful golden color that is visually appealing on the plate.
Recipe:
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Bacon Deviled Eggs
Elevate your deviled eggs with the addition of crispy bacon. These bacon deviled eggs are sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering. The bacon adds a savory and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cut the hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise and remove the yolks. Place the yolks in a bowl and mash them with a fork.
- Add the crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chives, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the mashed egg yolks. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the egg white halves.
- Garnish with additional crumbled bacon and chives, if desired.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
These bacon deviled eggs are a flavorful and easy Thanksgiving side dish that will impress your guests. The combination of the creamy filling and crispy bacon is simply irresistible. They can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient option for holiday entertaining. Whether served as an appetizer or alongside the main course, these bacon deviled eggs are a crowd-pleasing addition to any Thanksgiving feast.
Tips for Perfect Deviled Eggs
“To easily remove the yolks from the hard-boiled eggs, gently tap the bottom of each egg on a hard surface to create a crack, then roll the egg between your hands to loosen the shell. The shell should come off easily.”
Southern Thanksgiving Side Dish: Homestyle Butterbeans
When it comes to traditional Southern Thanksgiving side dishes, Homestyle Butterbeans are a must-have on the holiday table. These tender and creamy butterbeans are slow-cooked to perfection with flavorful seasonings, creating a comforting dish that will transport you to the heart of the South. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying an intimate meal with your loved ones, Homestyle Butterbeans are sure to be a hit.
Butterbeans, also known as lima beans, are a staple in Southern cuisine. They have a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the smokiness of ham or the savory taste of roasted turkey. The key to making Homestyle Butterbeans is to cook them low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to become tender.
Recipe for Homestyle Butterbeans:
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried butterbeans
- 6 cups water
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Instructions:
- Place the dried butterbeans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight.
- Drain and rinse the soaked butterbeans.
- In a large pot, combine the butterbeans, water, onion, garlic, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the butterbeans are tender.
- Stir in the butter until melted and well incorporated.
- Remove the bay leaves and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve Homestyle Butterbeans alongside your favorite Thanksgiving dishes for a true taste of the South. The creamy texture and savory flavors of these buttery beans will complement the rest of your meal perfectly. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this Southern classic on your Thanksgiving table.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time-honored tradition that brings family and friends together to celebrate and give thanks. And no Thanksgiving feast is complete without an array of delicious side dishes. Whether you prefer the classic favorites or are looking to try something new, we’ve got you covered with a collection of mouthwatering Thanksgiving side dish recipes.
From creamy mashed potatoes to crispy green beans with bacon and Parmesan, these dishes are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. The traditional flavors of Thanksgiving shine through in every recipe, giving you that comforting feeling of home.
As you gather around the table this Thanksgiving, remember that it’s not just about the main course. The side dishes play a vital role in creating a memorable and satisfying meal. So, take your time, savor each bite, and enjoy the deliciousness that these traditional Thanksgiving side dishes bring to your feast.
FAQ
Are these Thanksgiving side dishes easy to make?
Yes, all of these Thanksgiving side dishes are easy to make and require minimal preparation time.
Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
Many of these Thanksgiving side dishes can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Check each recipe for specific instructions.
Are these side dishes vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, there are several vegetarian-friendly options among these Thanksgiving side dishes, including the stovetop broccoli casserole and the scalloped corn casserole.
Are these side dishes gluten-free?
While some of these Thanksgiving side dishes are naturally gluten-free, others may require substitutions or modifications to make them gluten-free. Check each recipe for specific instructions.
Can I customize these recipes to fit my dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! Many of these Thanksgiving side dishes can be customized to fit various dietary restrictions, such as dairy-free or vegan. Check each recipe for specific instructions on how to make substitutions.
Can I double or halve the recipes?
Yes, you can easily double or halve these Thanksgiving side dish recipes to accommodate the size of your gathering. Adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
While fresh vegetables are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen vegetables as a substitute in these Thanksgiving side dishes if fresh ones are not available. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I save oven space when making these side dishes?
Some of these Thanksgiving side dishes, like the stovetop broccoli casserole and the roasted root vegetables, can be made entirely on the stovetop or in a separate cooking appliance like an air fryer. This will free up valuable oven space for other dishes.
