The Best Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes is a treasure trove of culinary inspiration for the holiday season. This collection features an array of mouthwatering side dishes that perfectly complement your Thanksgiving feast. From classic mashed potatoes to innovative takes on green bean casserole, these recipes promise to elevate your holiday meal. With these dishes at your table, your Thanksgiving celebration will surely be memorable and flavorful.
Yummy Mashed Potatoes!
4 pounds of russet potatoes
1 cup of whole milk or heavy cream
1/2 cup of unsalted butter (1 stick)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks.
Cover the potato chunks in a large pot with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
While the potatoes are cooking, heat the milk (or cream) and butter in a separate saucepan over low heat until the butter is melted. Keep the mixture warm.
Drain them thoroughly once the potatoes are cooked and return them to the pot.
Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a potato ricer until they are smooth and lump-free.
Gradually stir the warm milk and butter mixture into the mashed potatoes. Mix until the potatoes are creamy and well combined with the liquid.
Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Transfer the creamy mashed potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Serve your delicious homemade mashed potatoes hot as a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or any meal.
Feel free to adjust the amount of milk or cream and butter to achieve your desired level of creaminess. Enjoy your creamy mashed potatoes!
Mac and Cheese!
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups milk
1/4 cup butter
2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 1/2 cups shredded Colby cheese
1/4 cup butter
2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 1/2 cups shredded Colby cheese
1/4 cup butter
2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 1/2 cups shredded Colby cheese
1/4 cup butter
2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 1/2 cups shredded Colby cheese
1/4 cup butter
2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 1/2 cups shredded Colby cheese
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter or margarine over medium heat. Stir in enough flour to make a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to brown the roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk so that no lumps form, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce thickens. This will take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth—season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a lightly greased baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella and Colby cheese. Sprinkle this cheese mixture over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Dot with 1/4 cup of butter cut into small pieces.
Bake in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 30 minutes.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade mac and cheese!
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch or mixing in ingredients like crispy bacon or sautéed onions for added flavor.
Green Bean Casserole!
1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for about 5 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and transfer the beans to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain again.
In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Add the blanched green beans to the soup mixture and fold them gently until they are evenly coated.
Transfer the green bean mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the casserole is heated through and the edges are bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 5–10 minutes or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve your homemade Green Bean Casserole as a delectable Thanksgiving side dish everyone will love.
This classic dish is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table!
Cranberry Sauce!
12 ounces (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
Zest of one orange (optional)
1–2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice (optional)
Instructions:
Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and remove any stems or blemished berries.
In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Add the fresh cranberries once the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is boiling.
Reduce the heat to medium and let the cranberries simmer for about 10–15 minutes or until they start to burst. Stir occasionally.
If desired, add the zest of one orange and 1–2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice to the sauce for a citrusy flavor. Stir to combine.
Continue simmering for another 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens. You can simmer longer for a thicker consistency or less for a thinner sauce.
Taste the cranberry sauce and adjust the sweetness if needed. If you prefer it sweeter, add more sugar or more orange juice for a tangy twist.
Once the cranberries have mainly burst and the sauce has thickened to your liking, please remove it from the heat.
Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
This homemade cranberry sauce is a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving table. It provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory dishes. Enjoy!
Thanksgiving Dressing!
12 ounces (about 3 cups) fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
Zest of one orange (optional)
1–2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice (optional)
Instructions:
Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and remove any stems or blemished berries.
In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Add the fresh cranberries once the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is boiling.
Reduce the heat to medium and let the cranberries simmer for about 10–15 minutes or until they start to burst. Stir occasionally.
If desired, add the zest of one orange and 1–2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice to the sauce for a citrusy flavor. Stir to combine.
Continue simmering for another 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens. You can simmer longer for a thicker consistency or less for a thinner sauce.
Taste the cranberry sauce and adjust the sweetness if needed. If you prefer it to be sweeter, add more sugar or more orange juice for a tangy twist.
Please remove it from the heat once the cranberries have mainly burst and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
Allow the cranberry sauce to cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
This homemade cranberry sauce is a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving table. It provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory dishes. Enjoy!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, beaten eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Mix until well combined.
Transfer the sweet potato mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Prepare the topping in a separate mixing bowl by mixing the brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans until you have a crumbly texture.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the sweet potato filling is heated.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve your homemade Sweet Potato Casserole as a delightful Thanksgiving side dish that’s both sweet and nutty.
This dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a crunchy pecan topping, making it a favorite among Thanksgiving guests. Enjoy!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts!
1 1/2 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
2–3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
2–3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl with olive oil until they are evenly coated—season with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, add minced garlic for extra flavor.
Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes or until they are tender and crispy outside. Be sure to stir or shake the pan occasionally, even when cooking.
If you’d like to add a cheesy topping, remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven a few minutes before they’re done. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the sprouts and return them to the oven for a couple of minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Once done, transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts to a serving dish and serve them hot.
These roasted Brussels sprouts are a fantastic Thanksgiving side dish. They offer a delightful combination of tenderness and crispiness, with a hint of garlic and optional Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Enjoy!
Creamy Spinach!
2 pounds fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
Grated nutmeg for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the washed and trimmed spinach and blanch for about 1–2 minutes until wilted. Drain the spinach and transfer it to a bowl of ice water to cool. Once cool, squeeze out excess water and chop the spinach.
Melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.
Gradually add the whole milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the chopped spinach to the creamy sauce and stir until the spinach is evenly coated.
Season the creamed spinach with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg if desired. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Continue to cook for another 2–3 minutes or until the spinach is heated and the flavors meld together.
Transfer the creamed spinach to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of grated nutmeg if you like.
Serve your homemade creamy spinach hot as a delectable Thanksgiving side dish.
This creamy and flavorful spinach dish pairs wonderfully with your Thanksgiving turkey and other traditional dishes. Enjoy!
Roasted Vegetables
4 cups of mixed root vegetables (such as carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and beets), peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
Combine the bite-sized root vegetables, olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh thyme leaves in a large mixing bowl. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Roast the root vegetables in the oven for about 30–40 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized, stirring once or twice during cooking to ensure even browning.
Once the vegetables are done roasting, remove them from the oven.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor if desired.
Serve your homemade Roasted Root Vegetables as a delicious and colorful Thanksgiving side dish.
This dish combines the natural sweetness of root vegetables with the savory flavors of garlic and thyme, making it a perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving meal. Enjoy!
Yummy Sweet Potatoes!
4–5 medium-sized yams or sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1‑inch thick rounds or cubes
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Marshmallows for topping (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Place the peeled and cut yams or sweet potatoes in a large pot of boiling water. Cook for 10–15 minutes or until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes smooth and bubbly.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Place the partially cooked yams or sweet potatoes in the greased baking dish.
Pour the sugar and butter mixture over the yams and coat them evenly.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 30–40 minutes, or until the yams are tender and the sauce is thickened.
If desired, uncover the dish and place marshmallows on top. Please return it to the oven and broil for a few minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve your homemade Candied Yams as a sweet and comforting Thanksgiving side dish.
These Candied Yams are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, and the toasted marshmallow topping adds an extra layer of deliciousness. Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal!
Creamed Corn!
4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 4–5 ears of corn)
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the corn kernels and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they become slightly tender and begin to brown.
Sprinkle the sugar over the corn and stir to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to caramelize the sugar and enhance the sweetness of the corn.
Sprinkle the flour over the corn and stir to combine. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to remove the raw taste of the flour.
Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
Season the creamed corn with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
Once the creamed corn has thickened to your liking and the flavors meld together, could you remove it from heat?
Transfer the creamed corn to a serving dish.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor if desired.
Serve your homemade Creamed Corn hot as a comforting and creamy Thanksgiving dish.
This creamy and sweet corn dish will be a hit at your Thanksgiving table, adding a touch of comfort to your holiday meal. Enjoy!
Scalloped Potatoes!
4–5 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and garlic. Stir to create a roux and cook for another 1–2 minutes to remove the raw taste of the flour.
Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, breaking up any lumps. Cook and whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth about 5–7 minutes.
Season the cream sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
In the greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes and half of the sliced onions (if using). Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Pour half of the creamy garlic sauce evenly over the first layer of potatoes.
Repeat the layering process with the remaining potatoes, onions, cheddar cheese, and creamy sauce.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for about 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender, the top is golden brown, and the sauce is bubbling.
If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Allow the Scalloped Potatoes to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve your homemade Scalloped Potatoes as a rich and cheesy Thanksgiving side dish that will delight your guests.
This creamy and cheesy potato dish will surely be a hit at your Thanksgiving table. Enjoy!
Wash and dry the mixed salad greens and place them in a large bowl.
Rinse the fresh cranberries and set aside.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans for about 3–5 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove from the heat and let them cool.
Add the fresh cranberries, toasted pecans, and crumbled feta cheese to the salad greens.
For the Vinaigrette:
Combine the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake vigorously until the vinaigrette is well-emulsified.
Assembling the Salad:
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients in the salad bowl.
Toss the salad gently to ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed.
Serve your homemade Cranberry Pecan Salad immediately as a refreshing and vibrant Thanksgiving side dish.
This salad combines the sweetness of fresh cranberries, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the creaminess of feta cheese; all brought together with a delightful balsamic vinaigrette. Enjoy!
Green Bean Almondine!
1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup sliced almonds
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of one lemon (optional)
Juice of half a lemon
Salt and black pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for 3–4 minutes or until tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and set aside.
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Add the sliced almonds and sauté them for 2–3 minutes or until lightly toasted. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove a few toasted almonds for garnish, if desired.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the blanched green beans to the skillet and toss them with almonds.
Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet and toss to coat the green beans evenly.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
Cook for 2–3 minutes or until the green beans are heated through and well coated with the almond and lemon mixture.
Transfer the Green Bean Almondine to a serving dish and garnish with the reserved toasted almonds and lemon wedges if desired.
Serve your homemade Green Bean Almondine as an elegant Thanksgiving side dish.
This dish combines the crispiness of green beans with the nutty flavor of almonds and a hint of citrus from the lemon, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving menu. Enjoy!
Garlic Mashed Potatoes!
4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups whole milk
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Place the peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 15–20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot.
Pour the garlic-infused melted butter over the potatoes.
Mash the potatoes with a potato masher until they are smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the whole milk, stirring continuously, until you achieve your desired creamy consistency. You may not need to use all of the milk, so add it a little at a time.
Season the mashed potatoes with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
Transfer the Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes to a serving dish.
If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Serve your homemade Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes as a rich and creamy Thanksgiving side dish.
These mashed potatoes are luxuriously creamy with a delightful garlic flavor, making them perfect for your Thanksgiving feast. Enjoy!
Cranberry Sauce!
12 ounces fresh cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
Zest and juice of one orange
Zest and juice of one lemon
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
Combine the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, and water in a medium saucepan.
Add the zest and juice of one orange and one lemon to the saucepan.
If desired, add the ground cinnamon for a hint of spice.
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10–15 minutes. The cranberries will pop, and the sauce will thicken.
Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar if needed.
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the cranberry sauce to cool.
Once cooled, transfer the Cranberry Sauce to a serving dish.
Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve your homemade Cranberry Sauce as a tangy and vibrant Thanksgiving side dish.
This homemade cranberry sauce is bursting with flavor and adds a delightful tangy contrast to the richness of Thanksgiving dishes. Enjoy!
Sausage and Sage Stuffing!
8 cups stale bread cubes (such as French or Italian bread)
1 pound pork sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Over medium heat, cook the pork sausage in a large skillet until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
Stir in the fresh sage and cook for another 2 minutes to release the aroma.
Combine the stale bread cubes, cooked sausage, sautéed vegetable mixture, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Toss everything together until well mixed.
Gradually pour in enough chicken or vegetable broth to moisten the bread cubes. The amount of broth needed may vary, so add it a little at a time until the stuffing reaches your desired moisture level.
Transfer the stuffing mixture to the greased baking dish.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 30–40 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for 10–15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.
Serve your homemade Sausage and Sage Stuffing as a delicious Thanksgiving side dish.
This stuffing combines the rich flavors of sausage and sage with the comforting taste of bread, making it a perfect complement to your Thanksgiving turkey. Enjoy!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze!
1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
2–3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl with olive oil until they are evenly coated.
Season the Brussels sprouts with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss again to ensure even seasoning.
Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes, or until they are tender and browned, stirring once or twice during cooking for even roasting.
Remove the roasted Brussels sprouts from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish.
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the roasted Brussels sprouts. Adjust the amount of glaze to your taste.
If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added flavor.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve your homemade Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze as a delicious and healthy Thanksgiving side dish.
These roasted Brussels sprouts are caramelized and coated in a delightful balsamic glaze, making them a savory and slightly sweet addition to your Thanksgiving meal. Enjoy!
Cranberry Pecan Stuffed Acorn Squash!
2 acorn squashes, halved, and seeds removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cranberry Pecan Stuffing:
1 cup wild rice blend
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:For the Stuffed Acorn Squash:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush the cut sides of the acorn squash halves with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
Place the squash halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 30–40 minutes, or until it is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Remove it from the oven and set aside.
For the Cranberry Pecan Stuffing:
Combine the wild rice blend and vegetable or chicken broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 45–50 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
While the rice is cooking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
Add the cranberry pecan mixture and chopped fresh parsley to the cooked rice. Toss everything together until well combined.
Assembling the Dish:
Place the roasted acorn squash halves on a serving platter or individual plates.
Fill each squash half with a generous portion of the cranberry pecan stuffing.
Serve your homemade Cranberry Pecan Stuffed Acorn Squash as a flavorful and festive Thanksgiving side dish.
This dish combines the sweetness of roasted acorn squash with the savory and nutty flavors of the cranberry pecan stuffing, creating a delightful and visually appealing addition to your Thanksgiving table. Enjoy!
Place the trimmed asparagus spears on a baking sheet.
Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus and toss to coat evenly.
Sprinkle the minced garlic over the asparagus, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste, and toss again to ensure even seasoning.
Spread the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly browned, stirring once during cooking for even roasting.
Remove the roasted asparagus from the oven.
If desired, sprinkle the zest of one lemon over the asparagus and garnish with lemon wedges.
Serve your homemade Garlic Roasted Asparagus as a flavorful and healthy Thanksgiving side dish.
This dish allows the natural flavors of asparagus to shine, enhanced by the aromatic garlic and optional lemon zest. It’s a simple yet elegant addition to your Thanksgiving table. Enjoy!
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the sliced carrots to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes or until they become tender.
Stir in the honey and fresh thyme (or dried thyme) and cook for another 5–7 minutes until the carrots are glazed and caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Season the honey-glazed carrots with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
Remove the skillet from heat.
If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Serve your homemade Honey Glazed Carrots as a sweet and savory Thanksgiving side dish.
These honey-glazed carrots are a delightful combination of sweetness and earthy thyme, making them a perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving meal. Enjoy! These 20 Thanksgiving side dish recipes offer diverse flavors and textures that will elevate your holiday feast to new heights. From classic favorites like creamy mashed potatoes and stuffing to inventive dishes like cranberry pecan stuffed acorn squash and honey-glazed carrots, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The rich and savory flavors of recipes such as garlic roasted asparagus and sausage and sage stuffing complement the traditional turkey beautifully. Moreover, these dishes’ vibrant colors and delightful aromas will not only tantalize your taste buds but also create a visually appealing and inviting Thanksgiving spread. Whether you stick with the classics or explore new culinary horizons, these side dishes will make your Thanksgiving gathering a memorable and delicious occasion for all.