Thanksgiving Sides That Won’t Play Second Fiddle
When it comes to Thanksgiving Dinner, the turkey is usually the star of the show. Whether you roast it, fry it, smoke it, or sous-vide it, when it hits the table, there are bound to be lots of “oohs” and “aahs.”
Of course, the Thanksgiving meal is about more than just turkey. The side dishes are equally important – some may even think more important – and they need to be delicious.
Sure, you could serve up that famous Green Bean Casserole made with canned soup, but here are a few alternatives that may just become family traditions at future Thanksgiving celebrations.
- Swiss Cheese & Green Bean Casserole: This is a fantastic alternative to the traditional Green Bean Casserole served at many Thanksgiving tables. This dish creates a creamy sauce from butter, milk, sour cream, and Swiss cheese. If you love the “old school” green bean casserole – then give this one a try.
- Potato-Leek Gratin: Mashed potatoes may be the gold standard on Thanksgiving, but that doesn’t mean they have to be the only potato on the menu. This gratin is a great alternative – and heats up well the next day when you reheat those yummy leftovers.
- Roasted Honey Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes often get mashed for Thanksgiving, but if you want a really simple recipe that will highlight the sweet potato flavor and not require a lot of effort – this is it. By roasting them, you’ll bring out all of their natural goodness!
- Broccoli Rice Casserole: This recipe combines fresh broccoli, rice, and a fabulous homemade cheese sauce to make a casserole like no other. And it’s an ideal way to get the kids to eat their veggies!
- Balsamic Roasted Pearl Onions: Pearl onions are usually quite mild in flavor, but with the addition of some balsamic vinegar, they become really tangy. And there are only four ingredients needed for the entire recipe – and that includes salt and pepper. Talk about easy to make!
- Easy Brussels Sprouts and Bacon: Brussels sprouts often to get a bad rap – and they shouldn’t. When prepared well, they are delicious! This recipe has just three ingredients – and packs in the flavor! Even someone who insists that they don’t like Brussels sprouts might change their tune when they try these.
- Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Every good Southern table has macaroni and cheese on it at Thanksgiving – so why not give it a try? You can bet the kids will love this side dish. Southern-style macaroni and cheese is more custard-style, and contains eggs and evaporated milk – which may be quite different than what you are used to – but it’s a winner!
- Creamy Fresh Baked Corn Casserole: Corn is another vegetable classic, and this creamy baked casserole is simple to make – and perfect if you happened to freeze some corn at the end of summer.
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce: There’s no shame at all in loving jellied cranberry sauce from the can, but if you want to offer something else – this is the recipe to try. It’s a great combination of sweet and tart!
- Maple Bacon Carrots: Another delicious 4-ingredient recipe is this one – Maple Bacon Carrots. You’ll be wrapping whole carrots in bacon and then basting them in maple syrup and black pepper.
- Lunch Lady Cafeteria Rolls: Who remembers those delicious rolls from school lunches? Soft and squishy – and oh-so-yummy! This recipe will bring back those memories, and they’re ideal for sopping up a little extra gravy that might be on your plate.
- Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins: And if squishy rolls aren’t your thing, then try these cornbread muffins. They’re sweet and savory – and when served warm with a pat of butter – there might not be anything better!
This Thanksgiving, don’t let the turkey be the only star of the meal. These sides can definitely hold their own – and your family is going to love them!
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