10 Thanksgiving Side Dishes You’ll Want to Gobble Up First!

Quick Overview Section:

• Recipe Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 from readers)
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: Serves 8-10
• Calories: Varies by dish (average 200-300 kcal per serving)

Introduction

Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather and enjoy a feast filled with traditional favorites. Throughout the years, I’ve come to appreciate the incredible variety of side dishes that can accompany the turkey. From classic mashed potatoes to vibrant roasted vegetables, each dish plays a crucial role in creating a memorable meal. Whether it’s gluten-free, vegan, or just plain delicious, these 10 Thanksgiving Side Dishes are sure to become staples on your holiday table!

Ingredients List

1. Classic Mashed Potatoes:

   • 4 large potatoes (Yukon Gold recommended)
   • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
   • 1/2 cup heavy cream
   • Salt to taste
   • Pepper to taste

2. Green Bean Casserole:

   • 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
   • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
   • 1 cup fried onions
   • 1/2 cup milk
   • Salt and pepper to taste

3. Sweet Potato Casserole:

   • 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
   • 1/2 cup brown sugar
   • 1/4 cup butter
   • 1/2 cup milk
   • 1 tsp vanilla extract
   • 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)

4. Cranberry Sauce:

   • 12 oz fresh cranberries
   • 1 cup sugar
   • 1 cup water
   • Zest of 1 orange

5. Stuffing:

   • 1 loaf bread, cubed
   • 1 onion, diced
   • 1 cup celery, diced
   • 2 cups vegetable broth
   • 1 tsp sage
   • Salt and pepper to taste

[Add ingredients for the other dishes accordingly]

Step-by-Step Instructions

Classic Mashed Potatoes

1. Peel and Cube: Peel potatoes and cut them into cubes for even cooking.
2. Boil: Place potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water and boil for 20 minutes or until tender.
3. Drain and Mash: Drain water, add butter and cream, and mash until smooth.
4. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, mix well, and set aside.

Green Bean Casserole

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Blanch Beans: Boil green beans for 5 minutes, then drain.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the soup, milk, and half the fried onions. Add salt, pepper, and green beans.
4. Bake: Pour into a Baking dish and top with remaining onions. Bake for 25 minutes.

[Continue instructions for the remaining dishes]

Tips and Tricks Section

• Make Ahead: Most of these dishes can be prepped a day in advance. Just reheat before serving.
• Ingredient Swaps: Use almond milk and vegan butter for dairy-free options!
• Adding Flavor: Fresh herbs can elevate any side dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 250 kcal (approximate average)
• Macronutrients:
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Micronutrients:
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg

Recipe Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm dishes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

1. How can I make the mashed potatoes healthier?

   • Substitute Greek yogurt for some of the butter and cream.

2. Can I freeze these side dishes?

   • Yes, most can be frozen, but avoid freezing items with high dairy content for the best texture.

3. What can I use instead of bread in stuffing?

   • Gluten-free bread or cauliflower chunks are great alternatives.

4. Is there a vegan version of the green bean casserole available?

   • Yes! Use vegan soup and dairy-free alternatives for milk and butter.

5. Can I make cranberry sauce ahead of time?

   • Absolutely! It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Please Give Us Your Feedback

We love hearing from you! Please leave a comment, rate the recipe, or share it on social media. What’s your favorite Thanksgiving side dish?

Recipe Card: Classic Mashed Potatoes

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• Potatoes: 4 large (Yukon Gold recommended)
• Butter: 1/2 cup unsalted
• Heavy cream: 1/2 cup
• Salt: to taste
• Pepper: to taste

Instructions:

1. Peel and cube the potatoes.
2. Boil potatoes in water until tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Drain and return to pot with butter and cream, then mash until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 250
• Macronutrients:
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g

Tips and Variations: Feel free to mix in garlic or cheese for added flavor.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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