5 Quick and Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes Recipe
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’re like many of us, you’re probably already planning your menu. While the turkey tends to take center stage, it’s the side dishes that truly steal the show! Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or keeping it small and cozy, we’ve rounded up five classic, easy-to-make sides that will complement your Thanksgiving spread perfectly.
1. Classic Stuffing
No Thanksgiving is complete without stuffing! This traditional recipe is flavorful, simple, and guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups cubed bread (preferably stale or toasted)
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and celery; cook until soft (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sautéed mixture over the bread.
- Gradually add chicken broth until the bread is moist but not soggy.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and slightly crispy on top.
Why You’ll Love It: This stuffing is packed with savory herbs and rich flavors, making it the perfect companion to roasted turkey.
2. Green Bean Casserole
A holiday classic that’s creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious! This green bean casserole is super easy to whip up.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil green beans for 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain well.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and pepper.
- Add green beans and half of the crispy fried onions; mix until well combined.
- Pour into a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.
- Sprinkle with the remaining fried onions and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It: The combination of creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onions is simply irresistible!
3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
What’s Thanksgiving without a heaping bowl of mashed potatoes? This recipe is smooth, creamy, and the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes in salted water for about 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain and return to the pot. Add butter, heavy cream, and sour cream.
- Mash until smooth and creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Why You’ll Love It: These mashed potatoes are rich, creamy, and practically melt in your mouth. They pair perfectly with gravy!
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Add a touch of green to your plate with these crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts. The balsamic glaze gives it a sweet tang that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar with a pinch of sugar)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy, shaking the pan halfway through.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Why You’ll Love It: These roasted Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and have a sweet tangy finish.
5. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Sweet, creamy, and topped with gooey marshmallows, this casserole is always a hit on Thanksgiving tables. It can even double as a dessert!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 large sweet potatoes)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and milk in a bowl.
- Spread the mixture in a baking dish and top with mini marshmallows.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the marshmallows are golden and bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It: This dish adds a touch of sweetness to your Thanksgiving plate, and the toasted marshmallows are an irresistible topping!
With these five easy side dishes, you’ll have a Thanksgiving feast that’s both delicious and stress-free. Each recipe is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, ensuring that your guests will be asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds).
Happy Thanksgiving, and may your table be filled with good food and great company! 🦃🍂🍁
