Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food! While the star of the show is undoubtedly the turkey, no Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a variety of tasty and colorful side dishes. In this article, we'll share some of the best Thanksgiving side dishes that will perfectly complement your turkey and leave your guests feeling satisfied and grateful.
1. Green Bean Casserole
A classic Thanksgiving side dish, green bean casserole is always a crowd-pleaser. Made with fresh green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions, this dish is a perfect balance of savory and crunchy. To make your green bean casserole even more special, try adding some bacon bits or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top.
Pro tip: If you're short on time, you can use canned green beans and pre-made mushroom soup instead of fresh ingredients.
2. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a sweet and savory dish that is always a hit at Thanksgiving. Made with mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and spices, this dish is topped with a crunchy pecan streusel that perfectly balances the sweetness of the potatoes. For an extra touch of elegance, try layering slices of sweet potato in a circular pattern before adding the streusel topping.
Pro tip: You can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it in the oven before serving.
3. Cornbread Stuffing
Cornbread stuffing is a Southern staple that adds a delicious twist to traditional stuffing. Made with crumbled cornbread, sausage, celery, and onions, this dish is the perfect combination of sweet and savory. To make your cornbread stuffing even more flavorful, try adding some chopped apples, dried cranberries, or pecans.
Pro tip: Use day-old cornbread for a more authentic and flavorful stuffing.
4. Cranberry Sauce
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a side of cranberry sauce. While you can buy pre-made sauce at the store, making your own is surprisingly easy and adds a special touch to your meal. To make homemade cranberry sauce, all you need is fresh cranberries, sugar, water, and a splash of orange juice. Just boil the ingredients together until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, and you'll have a deliciously tangy and sweet condiment in no time.
Pro tip: Add some cinnamon or ginger for a little extra spice.
5. Roasted Vegetables
If you're looking for a healthy and colorful side dish, roasted vegetables are a great choice. Simply toss your favorite vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until they're tender and crispy. Some of the best vegetables for roasting include Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash.
Pro tip: Add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to give your roasted vegetables an extra burst of flavor.
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