Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when our homes fill with the aroma of roasting turkey and spices, and our hearts brim with gratitude. One of the things I absolutely adore about this holiday is the variety of *thanksgiving sides* that grace our tables. From creamy mashed potatoes to vibrant green beans, these dishes are more than just accompaniments—they’re the stars of the show! They bring color, flavor, and a whole lot of love to our feasts. I remember the excitement as a kid, waiting to dive into those delicious sides, each one holding a special place in my heart (and stomach!). So, whether you’re hosting a big gathering or keeping it cozy, these sides are sure to impress and satisfy everyone around your table. Let’s dive into these delightful recipes that will make your Thanksgiving unforgettable!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups green beans, trimmed – Make sure to remove the tough ends to ensure a tender bite!
- 1 cup sliced almonds – These will add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to our dish.
- 2 cups mashed potatoes – Feel free to use your favorite potatoes; I love using russets for their fluffiness!
- 1 cup sour cream – This adds a creamy tanginess that elevates the mashed potatoes.
- 1/2 cup butter – Unsalted is best, so you can control the seasoning perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Trust me, this adds a wonderful depth of flavor!
- 2 cups cranberry sauce – Homemade or store-bought, it’s a must-have for that sweet-tart contrast.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest – A little zest goes a long way in brightening up the cranberry sauce!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Sides
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures even cooking for everything we’re about to whip up. Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference!
Prepare the Green Beans
Now, let’s tackle those green beans! In a pot of boiling water, add the trimmed green beans and let them cook for about 5 minutes. You want them bright green and just tender, not mushy. Once they’re done, drain them well and set them aside. This little step ensures they’ll keep their vibrant color and crunch!
Toast the Almonds
Grab a skillet and set it over medium heat. Toss in those sliced almonds and toast them until they’re golden brown, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Don’t walk away—stay close! They can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a flash, and we want that delicious nutty flavor, not a charred disaster!
Make the Mashed Potatoes
While the almonds are toasting, let’s make those creamy mashed potatoes. In a large bowl, combine your cooked potatoes, sour cream, butter, and garlic powder. Start mashing everything together until smooth and creamy. I like to mix in the butter first so it melts nicely before adding the sour cream. It’s all about that luscious texture!
Prepare the Cranberry Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix your cranberry sauce with the orange zest. This little zing of citrus brightens up the sauce beautifully! You can even prepare this the day before—just pop it in the fridge to let those flavors meld together. So easy, right?
Serve the Dishes
Now it’s time to serve! Plate the green beans and sprinkle those toasted almonds on top for that gorgeous crunch. For the mashed potatoes, a generous scoop next to the cranberry sauce is perfect. The creamy and tangy combo is something everyone will love! Just imagine the colors and flavors coming together on your table—what a feast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These *thanksgiving sides* are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making your holiday cooking stress-free!
- The vibrant green beans and crunchy almonds add a beautiful pop of color and texture to your table.
- Mashed potatoes with sour cream create a creamy, dreamy side that everyone will want to come back for seconds!
- Cranberry sauce with a hint of orange zest elevates the dish, adding a refreshing twist that complements your feast perfectly.
- These recipes can be made ahead, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
- Each dish is vegetarian-friendly, catering to all guests at your Thanksgiving table!
- They’re versatile enough to pair beautifully with any main course, from turkey to ham or even a hearty veggie roast.
Tips for Success
Now that you have your delicious *thanksgiving sides* lined up, let’s talk about some handy tips to make sure everything turns out perfectly! Trust me, a little prep goes a long way.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your dishes as you go! Don’t be afraid to add a pinch more salt, a dash of pepper, or even a sprinkle of herbs. Each ingredient can vary in flavor, so adjusting to your taste is key.
- Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, consider preparing your cranberry sauce a day in advance. It tastes even better after sitting overnight! You can also chop your green beans and toast the almonds ahead of time—the less you have to do on the big day, the better!
- Keep an Eye on Cook Times: When toasting almonds, stay close! They can go from perfect to burnt in a matter of seconds. Set a timer and keep stirring them for even toasting.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh green beans and good-quality butter make a noticeable difference in flavor. Don’t skimp on the essentials, as they really shine in simple dishes.
- Presentation Matters: Take a moment to plate your sides beautifully. A sprinkle of almonds and a little extra orange zest on the cranberry sauce can elevate your dish from ordinary to stunning!
- Stay Calm: It’s all about enjoying the process. If something doesn’t go as planned, don’t stress! Your family and friends are there for good food and good times, not just perfection.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set for a successful Thanksgiving feast. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of these delightful *thanksgiving sides*. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
This combination of deliciousness not only fills your belly but also offers a good mix of nutrients. So, enjoy those sides guilt-free and know you’re treating yourself to something tasty and wholesome this Thanksgiving!
FAQ Section
Can I prepare these sides in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it to save time on the big day. You can prepare the cranberry sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge; it’ll taste even better after the flavors have had time to meld! As for the green beans, you can trim them and even blanch them in advance—just give them a quick boil and then shock them in ice water to keep that vibrant green color. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to toast the almonds and serve. The mashed potatoes can also be made ahead; just reheat them gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed to bring back that creamy texture.
What can I substitute for sour cream in mashed potatoes?
If you’re looking for alternatives to sour cream due to dietary restrictions or personal preference, there are a few great options! Plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic swap; it adds creaminess and a bit of tang, just like sour cream. You could also use cream cheese for a richer flavor—just make sure to blend it well with the potatoes. For a dairy-free option, try using cashew cream or a dairy-free sour cream alternative. These will keep your mashed potatoes delicious and creamy without missing a beat!
How can I make these sides healthier?
There are definitely some easy tweaks you can make to lighten up these *thanksgiving sides* while still keeping them flavorful. For the mashed potatoes, consider using low-fat milk or broth instead of butter and sour cream to cut down on calories and fat. You can also mix in some cauliflower with the potatoes for added fiber and nutrients—just steam the cauliflower and mash it together! For the green beans, try sautéing them in a bit of olive oil instead of butter to keep that delicious taste while reducing saturated fat. And don’t forget to load up on herbs and spices for flavor without extra calories!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After a delightful Thanksgiving feast, you might find yourself with some tasty leftovers of these *thanksgiving sides*. Don’t worry—storing them properly ensures they stay delicious for your next meal! Here’s how to do it right:
First, let everything cool down to room temperature before transferring them to the fridge. For the green beans and toasted almonds, I recommend storing them in separate airtight containers to keep the beans crisp and the almonds crunchy. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The mashed potatoes should also go into an airtight container. If you want to prevent them from drying out, add a splash of milk or a little extra butter on top before sealing the container. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days in the fridge as well.
As for the cranberry sauce, just pop it back into the container you used, or another airtight one, and it can last in the fridge for up to a week. Its flavors will actually deepen over time, making it even tastier!
When it’s time to reheat, I suggest using the stovetop for the mashed potatoes. Just add a bit of milk and gently warm them over low heat, stirring occasionally until creamy again. For the green beans, you can reheat them in a skillet with a touch of oil or butter to bring back that fresh flavor. Just sauté them for a few minutes until heated through. The almond topping can be added fresh right before serving for that perfect crunch!
And if you find yourself with extra mashed potatoes, they actually freeze quite well! Just scoop them into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. With these tips, your *thanksgiving sides* will taste just as good as the first time around!
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Thanksgiving Sides: 7 Delicious Recipes to Savor Together
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious side dishes perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 4 cups green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a pot, boil the green beans for 5 minutes, then drain.
- In a skillet, toast almonds over medium heat.
- Prepare mashed potatoes by mixing potatoes, sour cream, butter, and garlic powder.
- In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce with orange zest.
- Serve green beans topped with toasted almonds.
- Serve mashed potatoes alongside cranberry sauce.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Can prepare cranberry sauce a day ahead.
- For a twist, add cheese to mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking and boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: thanksgiving sides
