19 Sides for Thanksgiving
For all the fuss we make about turkey, everybody knows it’s the sides that make the Thanksgiving Day meal, right? I mean as far as I’m concerned, you can never make enough stuffing and mashed potatoes if only to ensure plenty of leftovers! So today I’ve compiled a list of 19 of my favorite turkey day sides to help make the meal complete. If only we could have each and every one of them at the table this year!!
THE SIDES
Wild Mushroom and Brioche Stuffing This stuffing is a huge family favorite snd I dare not show up to Thanksgiving without at least 2 large trays of it—this year I might even triple it. The base is this homemade brioche recipe which is part of why it tastes so heavenly and then there are tons of mushrooms, leeks and shallots, not to mention the white wine and Gruyere!!
Sure it’s trite but can it really be Thanksgiving without it?!!
A total throw back to the jello mold heyday but so delicious and pretty too!
Savory Butternut Squash Crumble
This lovely casserole with its buttery crumble topping is a great way to include butternut squash at the holiday table and not only does it come together fairly easily but you can make it ahead, even cooked all the way through and just pop it in the oven to reheat once the turkey is done.
Homemade Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
You just can’t beat homemade! Comes together so easily and doubles, triples, even quadruples really well and can be made days in advance.
People will fight over every tender/crispy bite and you don’t even need a mandoline to make this!!
Creamy, smooth and so comforting! Cross your fingers there are leftovers!
I sort of forget about carrots on the big day but these would be most welcome and they come together on top of the stove—a real boon when you’re juggling oven space!
Honey Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These are divine! Just look at all that gorgeous caramelization!!
Lemony Caramelized Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For all the lemon lovers out there!
Maple-Mustard Braised Brussels Sprouts
A little sweet, a little savory, a whole lot of delicious!
Butternut Squash and Spinach Gratin A great vegetarian alternative. Thinly sliced butternut squash gets combined with spinach, garlic, a little cream and milk and the whole thing gets topped with a generous amount of Parmesan so what you get are tender veggies and a crispy, cheesy top!
These are irresistible and a little off the beaten path. Don’t just save them for Thanksgiving!
Auntie Mirrie’s Roast Potatoes
My dear Auntie Mirrie made these every year for Thanksgiving in a teensy tiny kitchen and they always came out perfect! Fluffy potato wedges with crispy golden brown exteriors. Yum!!
Orange and Yellow Potato Gratin
So colorful! And you can definitely make ahead and reheat while the turkey is resting.
This is super delish and special but only practical to make if you’re having a small group of people because it needs to be served and eaten as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Green Beans with Pecans and Maple Vinaigrette
If you love green beans but don’t want to go the traditional casserole route, this is a sweet and savory alternative.
Holiday Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Shallots—just in case it’s not Thanksgiving for you without this iconic dish
I make this every year and can’t imagine a Turkey day without it!
Hope all this helps with the planning! Next week: Pies!!!
