7 Unbelievable Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes That You Need In Your Life!
As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of gathering around the table to feast on delicious food fills the air. If you’re looking for the best Thanksgiving side dish recipes, you’ve come to the right place! From classic mashed potatoes to vibrant roasted veggies, these side dishes will elevate your holiday meal and leave your guests raving. Let’s dive into these easy Thanksgiving side dish recipes that you’ll want to serve year after year!
The Perfect Thanksgiving Table
Thanksgiving is not just about the turkey; it’s about coming together, sharing stories, and, of course, indulging in a hearty array of flavors. Thanksgiving side dishes play a vital role in creating a memorable feast. They complement the main course and add color and variety to your table. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or an intimate dinner, these side dishes are crowd-pleasers that will satisfy every palate.
H2: Ingredients
Each recipe below has its unique ingredients, but here’s a compiled list for easy reference:
Classic Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Green Bean Casserole
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup fried onions
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cranberry Sauce
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- Zest of 1 orange
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Sweet Potato Casserole
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Mini marshmallows for topping
Stuffing
- 1 loaf of stale bread, cubed
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Sage, thyme, and salt to taste
Macaroni and Cheese
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Bread crumbs for topping
H2: Instructions
Classic Mashed Potatoes
- Boil potatoes until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes).
- Drain and mash with butter and heavy cream.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Green Bean Casserole
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blanch green beans for 5 minutes; drain.
- Mix with cream of mushroom soup, fried onions, and shredded cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly.
Cranberry Sauce
- Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes or until cranberries burst.
- Stir in orange zest and cool before serving.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, drizzling with balsamic glaze before serving.
Sweet Potato Casserole
- Boil sweet potatoes until tender; mash with brown sugar, butter, and vanilla.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with mini marshmallows, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
Stuffing
- Sauté onion and celery until soft. Mix with bread, herbs, and broth.
- Bake in a greased dish at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes.
Macaroni and Cheese
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter; stir in cheese and milk until smooth.
- Combine with macaroni, transfer to a baking dish, top with bread crumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
H2: Tips & Variations
- Make-Ahead Tips: Many of these side dishes can be prepared a day in advance and simply reheated before serving.
- Healthier Options: For a lighter twist, consider steaming the vegetables instead of roasting or using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
- Add Flair: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can enhance the flavors beautifully.
Thanksgiving is about gratitude and celebration, and these unbelievable Thanksgiving side dish recipes will surely make your table shine! Try them out, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy feasting!