Thanksgiving is one of my absolute favorite times of the year! It’s all about gathering with family and friends, sharing laughter, and, of course, indulging in a feast that warms your heart. While the turkey often takes center stage, let’s be real—it’s the best Thanksgiving sides that steal the show! Whether it’s the creamy mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, or buttery green beans, these side dishes bring vibrant flavors and textures that complement the main event beautifully. Trust me, a well-planned spread of sides can elevate your Thanksgiving dinner from good to unforgettable. Get ready to impress your guests with these delicious accompaniments!
Ingredients for the Best Thanksgiving Sides
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed: Fresh green beans are perfect for steaming or sautéing. Make sure to trim the ends for a clean presentation.
- 1 cup cranberries, fresh: These little gems add a burst of tartness and color. Look for firm, bright berries for the best flavor.
- 1 cup corn, frozen: Sweet corn brings a lovely sweetness to the mix. No need to thaw; it can go straight from the freezer to the pan.
- 4 cups mashed potatoes: Creamy and buttery, mashed potatoes are a must-have. Use your favorite recipe or keep it simple with butter and cream.
- 1 cup turkey gravy: Rich and savory, gravy is the perfect finishing touch. You can opt for homemade or your favorite store-bought version.
- 1 cup stuffing mix: Choose a savory stuffing mix that complements your flavors. Don’t forget to follow the package instructions for the best results!
- 1/2 cup butter: This will be used for sautéing and adding richness. I always prefer unsalted butter to control the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon salt: A little salt goes a long way in enhancing the flavors of your sides.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice kick, but feel free to adjust to your taste!
How to Prepare the Best Thanksgiving Sides
Preparing the best Thanksgiving sides is a delightful journey that brings a medley of flavors to your table. Let’s break it down step-by-step to make it as easy as pie—well, easier than pie, I promise! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for warming everything up nicely.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- First, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add your trimmed green beans. Blanch them for about 5 minutes until they’re just tender and bright green. This step keeps them vibrant and crisp!
- While the beans are blanching, melt 1/2 cup of butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Toss in the fresh cranberries and frozen corn. Sauté these until the cranberries start to pop and everything is heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The smell is heavenly!
- Next, prepare your mashed potatoes according to your favorite recipe. If you need a quick reminder, just boil peeled potatoes until fork-tender, then mash them with butter and cream until smooth and creamy. Yum!
- Now, heat the turkey gravy in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. No one likes lumpy gravy!
- As everything comes together, mix your stuffing according to the package instructions. This is where you can sneak in some herbs or spices for a personal touch!
- Finally, serve each side in separate dishes, making it easy for everyone to pick their favorites. And voilà! Your Thanksgiving sides are ready to shine!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates! Typically, each serving of these delicious Thanksgiving sides contains around 250 calories, 10g of fat, 6g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. For the most accurate information, I always recommend checking the labels of your ingredients!
Why You’ll Love These Best Thanksgiving Sides
- Quick Preparation: These sides come together easily, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the festivities with your loved ones.
- Delicious Flavors: Each dish bursts with vibrant, complementary flavors that elevate your Thanksgiving meal.
- Healthy Options: Packed with fresh vegetables and wholesome ingredients, these sides add nutrition to your holiday spread.
- Crowd-Pleasing: With something for everyone, from creamy mashed potatoes to sweet corn, these sides will satisfy all your guests.
- Versatile: Feel free to mix and match or add your own twist, making them perfect for any gathering!
Tips for Success with Best Thanksgiving Sides
Getting those Thanksgiving sides just right can make all the difference, so here are some of my top tips to ensure success! First, don’t overcook the green beans; they should be bright and crisp, not mushy. Blanching helps lock in that beautiful color and crunch! When making mashed potatoes, use warm milk or cream to keep them fluffy and smooth. And remember to taste as you go—seasoning can really vary based on your ingredients! If you’re using store-bought gravy, jazz it up with a splash of cream or a sprinkle of herbs for extra flavor. Finally, have fun with presentation; colorful dishes always catch the eye and make the meal feel special!
Variations for the Best Thanksgiving Sides
One of the best things about Thanksgiving sides is how easy it is to get creative! For the green beans, try adding slivered almonds or crispy shallots for an extra crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some garlic or a squeeze of lemon for a bright twist. When it comes to mashed potatoes, why not mix in some roasted garlic or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme? You can even swap the corn for sautéed zucchini or diced bell peppers for a pop of color. The sky’s the limit, so have fun experimenting and make these sides truly your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Thanksgiving sides properly is key to enjoying those leftovers! Let everything cool down before transferring them to airtight containers. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save them for longer, most of these sides freeze beautifully—just make sure to label your containers with the date!
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the oven for the best texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dishes with foil to keep them from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For mashed potatoes, a splash of milk can help bring back that creamy goodness. Enjoy your delicious leftovers just as much as the first time around!
Serving Suggestions for the Best Thanksgiving Sides
When it comes to Thanksgiving, the sides are just as important as the turkey! I love serving these delightful sides alongside a juicy, herb-roasted turkey—it’s a classic combination that never disappoints. Pair the creamy mashed potatoes with a drizzle of rich turkey gravy for that ultimate comfort. The sautéed green beans add a vibrant touch and balance the meal beautifully, while the sweet corn and cranberries bring a burst of color and flavor to your plate. Don’t forget to have some warm, crusty bread on the side to soak up those delicious gravies and sauces. Trust me, this spread will make your Thanksgiving unforgettable!
Print
Best Thanksgiving Sides to Elevate Your Holiday Feast
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup cranberries, fresh
- 1 cup corn, frozen
- 4 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup turkey gravy
- 1 cup stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil water in a pot and blanch green beans for 5 minutes.
- In a separate pan, sauté cranberries and corn in butter.
- Prepare mashed potatoes according to your recipe.
- Heat turkey gravy in a small saucepan.
- Mix stuffing according to package instructions.
- Serve each side in separate dishes.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs to the green beans.
- You can use homemade or store-bought gravy.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: best thanksgiving sides
