10 Must-Try Thanksgiving Dinner Sides and Recipes
Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks, gathering with loved ones, and of course, indulging in a delightful meal. While the turkey often takes center stage, the sides are just as essential to making your dinner table shine. From creamy mashed potatoes to flavorful stuffing, these recipes will complement any Thanksgiving spread. Let’s dive into 10 must-try Thanksgiving dinner sides and their recipes.
1. Classic Mashed Potatoes
Nothing beats a pile of fluffy mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving. They're the ultimate comfort food, and with just the right amount of butter, cream, and seasoning, they can elevate your meal.
Ingredients:
- 5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Boil potatoes until tender (around 15-20 minutes).
- Drain and mash using a potato masher or hand mixer.
- Add butter, cream, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
This dish adds a touch of sweetness to the table, and it’s a favorite for both adults and kids alike.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla in a baking dish.
- Top with marshmallows and bake for 25-30 minutes, until marshmallows are golden brown.
3. Green Bean Almondine
A fresh and crunchy side dish, green bean almondine offers a light, buttery complement to the heavier Thanksgiving fare.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 4-5 minutes, then cool in ice water.
- In a skillet, melt butter, add garlic and almonds, and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Add green beans, toss to coat, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Classic Stuffing
No Thanksgiving dinner is complete without stuffing. Whether you prefer to cook it inside the turkey or bake it separately, this classic stuffing recipe will be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed and dried
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup butter
- 1 tsp sage
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onions and celery in butter until soft. Stir in herbs.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, broth, and vegetable mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until crispy on top.
5. Cranberry Sauce
A tart and sweet cranberry sauce adds a burst of flavor and color to your plate.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag (12 oz) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Directions:
- Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst.
- Remove from heat and stir in orange zest. Let it cool before serving.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
For a veggie side with a hint of sweetness and tang, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze are a fantastic choice.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over roasted sprouts and return to oven for 5 more minutes.
7. Mac and Cheese
Rich and cheesy, mac and cheese is a Thanksgiving comfort food that pleases both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly add milk, stirring until thickened.
- Add cheese and stir until melted. Mix with the cooked pasta, and season with salt and pepper.
8. Glazed Carrots
Sweet and savory glazed carrots are a vibrant side that’s simple to make but full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb baby carrots
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp honey
Directions:
- In a saucepan, melt butter and add brown sugar and honey.
- Add carrots and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until carrots are tender and glazed.
9. Cornbread
Cornbread is a Southern classic that pairs perfectly with turkey and gravy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup melted butter
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, milk, egg, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Pour into the dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
10. Buttermilk Biscuits
Flaky, buttery biscuits are perfect for sopping up gravy and cranberry sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ¾ cup buttermilk
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Mix dry ingredients, then cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add buttermilk and stir until combined. Roll out the dough, cut into biscuits, and bake for 12-15 minutes.
These sides will bring a delicious and colorful variety to your Thanksgiving feast, ensuring that everyone leaves the table satisfied. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or looking to add a twist to your dinner, these recipes will complement your turkey and make your Thanksgiving meal unforgettable!