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Top 10 Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Outshine the Turkey!

Top 10 Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Outshine the Turkey!

Top 10 Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Outshine the Turkey

Quick Overview Section:

Recipe Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5 from 210 readers)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: Serves 6
Calories: 180 (per serving)


Introduction

Thanksgiving is often synonymous with turkey, but what truly elevates the holiday feast are the side dishes that accompany it. I can vividly remember my first Thanksgiving dinner as a child—everyone raved about the green bean casserole while the turkey sat largely untouched. This year, let’s shine a spotlight on sides that outshine the bird! Whether you’re looking for healthy options, vegan alternatives, or gluten-free recipes, this list of top-notch side dishes will wow your guests and complement that turkey beautifully.


Ingredients List

  1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

    • 3 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold preferred)
    • 1 cup milk (or almond milk for vegan)
    • 4 tablespoons butter (or vegan butter)
    • 3 cloves garlic
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  2. Sausage and Herb Stuffing

    • 1 loaf bread (preferably sourdough), cubed
    • 1 lb sausage (or plant-based sausage)
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 2 cups celery, diced
    • 1 tablespoon sage, dried or fresh
    • 2 cups vegetable broth
  3. Honey-Glazed Carrots

    • 2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
    • 3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  4. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

    • 12 oz cranberries, fresh or frozen
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1 cup water
    • Zest of 1 orange
  5. Brussels Sprouts Roasted with Balsamic Glaze

    • 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
    • 4 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

  1. Prep Potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into chunks.
  2. Boil: In a large pot, boil potatoes until fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
  3. Mash: Drain and return to pot. Add butter, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.

Sausage and Herb Stuffing

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook Sausage: In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onion and celery. Cook until soft.
  4. Combine: In a bowl, mix bread cubes, sausage, sautéed veggies, sage, and broth. Pour into a greased Baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.

Honey-Glazed Carrots

  1. Cook Carrots: Boil carrots in water for 10 minutes until tender.
  2. Glaze: Drain and toss with honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a pan. Sauté for 5 minutes over medium heat.

Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

  1. Boil Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Cook until cranberries burst.
  2. Add Zest: Stir in orange zest and simmer for 5 minutes.

Brussels Sprouts Roasted with Balsamic Glaze

  1. Toss Ingredients: In a bowl, mix Brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  2. Roast: Spread on a Baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C), until crispy.

Tips and Tricks Section

  • Substitutions: Use a dairy-free milk and butter for a vegan version of mashed potatoes.
  • Make-Ahead: Many sides like stuffing and cranberry sauce can be prepared a day in advance.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Macronutrients:
    • Protein: 4g
    • Fat: 6g
    • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Micronutrients:
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Sugar: 5g
    • Sodium: 200mg

Recipe Notes

  • Flavor Enhancements: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for deeper flavors.
  • Leftover Inspiration: Use leftover stuffing to make a savory breakfast casserole!

FAQs

  1. How can I store leftovers?

    • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  2. Can I reheat these dishes?

    • Yes! Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave.
  3. What can I swap for breadcrumbs in the stuffing?

    • Use gluten-free bread or cooked rice for a gluten-free option.
  4. Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?

    • Yes! Make them and store in the fridge, then reheat on the stove with a splash of milk.
  5. How do I make these vegan?

    • Swap out dairy products for coconut milk and use olive oil or vegan butter.

Please give us your feedback!
We’d love to hear from you! Leave us a comment below, rate the recipes, and don’t forget to share your Thanksgiving favorites on social media!


Recipe Card: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs potatoes: Yukon Gold preferred
  • 1 cup milk: or almond milk for vegan
  • 4 tablespoons butter: or vegan butter
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prep Potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into chunks.
  2. Boil: In a large pot, boil potatoes until fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
  3. Mash: Drain and return to pot. Add butter, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 200mg

Tips and Variations: Use a mix of potatoes for varied flavors and textures.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.


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Marcella Gucci embodies a warm, inviting, and adventurous spirit. Her tone is friendly yet knowledgeable, blending passion for culinary exploration with a genuine love for travel. She communicates with enthusiasm, inspiring her audience to embrace new flavors and cultures.

As the founder of Travel Foodie, Marcella is a culinary enthusiast and globe-trotter. With a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for diverse food cultures, she curates experiences that connect people through the universal language of food. Marcella’s mission is to transform culinary dreams into reality, guiding her audience on a delectable journey around the world.

Travel Foodie where culinary curiosity meets wanderlust! This site is your passport to a world of flavors, offering a delightful mix of travel tips, authentic recipes, and immersive culinary experiences. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply looking to spice up your kitchen, we will serves up inspiration and tasty tidbits that will leave you hungry for more. Bon appétit!

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