Thanksgiving is a time to gather around the table, enjoy delicious food, and create lasting memories. While the turkey may take center stage, side dishes play an important role in rounding out the meal and delighting guests. Preparing side dishes doesn’t have to be stressful; you can make flavorful, crowd-pleasing sides with just a few ingredients and minimal effort. Here’s a guide to some easy Thanksgiving side dishes that add a homemade touch without overcomplicating your holiday cooking.
Classic Thanksgiving Sides Made Easy
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without some beloved classics, but they don’t have to involve complicated steps. Here’s how to keep things simple while staying true to tradition.
– Mashed potatoes: For a creamy, indulgent mashed potato dish, boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, and a pinch of salt. Use a hand blender for extra smoothness, and add garlic or herbs for more flavor.
– Stuffing: Start with diced bread, add sauteed onions, celery, and herbs such as sage and thyme, then add broth and bake. This basic stuffing recipe provides all the traditional flavors without the extra effort.
– Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish can be made with canned or fresh green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. Just mix, bake, and you have a comforting side dish ready to serve.
These classic sides bring warmth and familiarity to the Thanksgiving table, and by keeping the ingredients simple, you’ll save time and effort.
Vegetable Sides with a Twist
For a fresh take on Thanksgiving sides, try adding a twist to your vegetable dishes. These recipes are easy to prepare and offer vibrant flavors.
– Roasted Carrots and Brussels Sprouts: Toss carrots and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast at 400°F until caramelized. After roasting, drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra touch.
– Honey Glazed Butternut Squash: Dice butternut squash, toss with honey, cinnamon and a sprinkle of rosemary, then roast until tender. This sweet and savory dish complements any Thanksgiving spread.
– Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Slice sweet potatoes, brush with maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and roast until golden. These sweet potatoes bring out the natural flavors of fall.
Adding vegetable sides with a little twist can elevate your Thanksgiving table and give guests something different while still being easy to prepare.
Make-Ahead Sides for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving
Preparation is the key to a relaxed Thanksgiving. These make-ahead side dishes can be prepared ahead of time so you can focus on enjoying the holiday.
– Cranberry Sauce: A simple recipe calls for simmering fresh cranberries with sugar, orange zest, and a touch of water until thickened. Make this a day or two ahead and refrigerate until ready to serve.
– Sweet Potato Casserole: A comforting dish that combines mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar and marshmallows on top. Prepare the night before and bake just before dinner.
– Slaw or salad: Fresh coleslaw with a tangy dressing or a seasonal salad with mixed greens and cranberries can be prepared a day in advance to add a refreshing bite to your meal.
Make-ahead side dishes take the pressure off holiday cooking and ensure everything is ready when guests arrive.
Hearty Grain and Bread Side Dishes
Bread and grains provide a satisfying base for your Thanksgiving meal, and these easy recipes add texture and flavor without complicating your preparation.
– Herbed Rice Pilaf: Lightly sauté rice with butter and herbs, then simmer with chicken or vegetable stock until tender. Fluffy and fragrant, rice pilaf is a delightful addition to any holiday table.
– Buttery dinner rolls: Quick, soft dinner rolls can be made with minimal ingredients. Serve warm with a dollop of butter to satisfy any guest.
– Quinoa Salad with Cranberries and Nuts: For a lighter grain option, toss cooked quinoa with dried cranberries, chopped nuts and a vinaigrette. This dish is not only healthy, but also adds a pop of color to the table.
These grains and bread accompaniments add balance and savoriness, giving guests a variety of textures and flavors to enjoy.
One-Pan and Slow Cooker Side Dishes
Simplify cleanup and save oven space by preparing side dishes that can be made in a one-pan or slow cooker.
– Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese: Combine pasta, cheese, milk and butter in a slow cooker and cook until creamy. This no-fuss dish is sure to be a hit with guests.
– One-Pan Roasted Vegetables: Chop seasonal vegetables, toss with olive oil, salt, and herbs, and roast on a single sheet pan. Easy to make and even easier to clean up!
– Crockpot Stuffing: For a hands-free stuffing option, add bread, herbs, and broth to a crockpot and cook on low. It’s a comforting dish that frees up oven space for other items.
These one-pan and slow-cooker options keep Thanksgiving stress-free while serving up delicious sides.
Quick Thanksgiving desserts to end the meal on a sweet note
After a satisfying meal, quick desserts can provide a delightful end to Thanksgiving dinner. Here are some easy dessert ideas that are just as festive.
– Pumpkin Pie Bars: A simpler alternative to traditional pumpkin pie, these bars can be made in a single baking dish. They capture the essence of pumpkin pie with less effort.
– Apple Crisp: Mix apple slices with cinnamon and brown sugar, top with an oat crumble, and bake until golden. Serve with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
– Pecan Pie Bites: These mini treats have all the flavor of pecan pie in bite-sized form, making them easy to share.
End your Thanksgiving meal on a sweet note with these desserts that require minimal preparation.
Thanksgiving side dishes don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With these simple ideas, you can focus on creating a cozy, flavorful meal that leaves plenty of time to enjoy the holiday with family and friends. From classic mashed potatoes to creative vegetable sides and one-pan dishes, these recipes are designed to simplify your holiday feast while adding a homemade touch to the table.