Data Shows Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Ah, Thanksgiving! A time for family, gratitude, and of course, mouthwatering food. As the main event is often turkey, the spotlight can easily shift to the many delightful Thanksgiving side dishes that turn a regular meal into a feast. In this post, we’re diving into the best Thanksgiving side dish recipes that are sure to win over your guests. From creamy mashed potatoes to savory green bean casserole, let’s explore how to make these classic and easy Thanksgiving sides!

Why These Side Dishes Are a Hit

Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just enjoying a cozy dinner with loved ones, serving the perfect side dish can elevate your Thanksgiving meal. Popular dishes like sweet potato casserole and stuffing are not just delicious; they also evoke nostalgia, reminding many of cherished family gatherings. Each recipe has its own story, blending tradition with modern flavors.

Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at the essential ingredients you need to create the best Thanksgiving side dishes that will have everyone coming back for seconds:

Classic Mashed Potatoes

• Potatoes: 4 large russet or Yukon Gold
• Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup
• Salt: to taste
• Pepper: to taste

Sweet Potato Casserole

• Sweet Potatoes: 4 medium, peeled and cubed
• Brown Sugar: ⅓ cup
• Marshmallows: 2 cups (for topping)
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon

Green Bean Casserole

• Green Beans: 1 pound, fresh or frozen
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz)
• French Fried Onions: 1 cup
• Milk: ½ cup
• Garlic Powder: ¼ teaspoon

Instructions

How to Make Classic Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil the Potatoes: Place peeled and cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender (about 15-20 minutes).
2. Mash & Mix: Drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Add butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Mash until creamy and smooth.
3. Serve Warm: Transfer to a serving bowl and keep warm until ready to serve.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and mash.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon.
3. Assemble & Bake: Pour into a baking dish, top with marshmallows, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, or until marshmallows are golden brown.

How to Make Green Bean Casserole

1. Prepare Beans: If using fresh green beans, blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. If using frozen, just thaw them.
2. Mix Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, and garlic powder.
3. Assemble: In a baking dish, toss the green beans with the creamy mixture and top with French fried onions. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Tips and Variations

• Mashed Potatoes: For a twist, try adding roasted garlic or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: Add pecans or crushed pineapple for an interesting flavor.
• Green Bean Casserole: Swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery soup for a different taste.

Conclusion

This Thanksgiving, indulge in these classic and easy Thanksgiving side dish recipes that are sure to bring smiles to the dinner table. With creamy mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and savory green bean casserole, you can’t go wrong.

Try these recipes and let us know how they turned out! Share your holiday experiences in the comments and tag us in your mouthwatering photos. Happy Thanksgiving!