Delicious Thanksgiving Recipes| The Best Sides

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Alright, folks, get your stretchy pants ready because we’re diving into the heart (and stomach) of Thanksgiving – the sides! Sure, the turkey gets all the glory, but let’s be real: it’s the sides that steal the show. From creamy mashed potatoes to tangy cranberry sauce, these recipes are guaranteed to make your Thanksgiving feast a deliciously memorable affair.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Garlic Butter Green Beans
Sweet Potato Casserole
Classic Stuffing
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Pumpkin Soup

Thanksgiving is the Super Bowl of feasts, and the sides are the MVPs. It’s a time-honored tradition of filling our plates with an array of mouthwatering dishes that perfectly complement that golden bird in the center. Grab your aprons and get ready to whip up some culinary magic. *Insert twinkle fingers*

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Let’s start with a classic: Creamy Mashed Potatoes. These fluffy clouds of potato goodness are like a warm hug on a chilly autumn day.

Here’s how you make them:

Choose starchy potatoes like Russets.
Boil them until tender, then mash with butter and cream of choice.
Season generously with salt and pepper.
Add in any accoutrements such as chives, cheese or bacon. Pinkies coming all the way out — Fancy!

Whether you like ‘em lumpy or silky smooth, these mashed potatoes are sure to disappear faster than you can say “pass the gravy.”

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

No Thanksgiving table is complete without Homemade Cranberry Sauce. It’s the perfect complement to your savory turkey and adds a pop of color to your plate.

Here’s the recipe:

Simmer fresh cranberries with sugar and orange zest.
Add a splash of orange juice until they burst open like little flavor bombs.
I like to add a sprig of rosemary for garnishment on the plate. Because, I’m extra and I know it!

Forget the canned stuff, you deserve better – this tangy-sweet condiment bursts with flavor and tastes like actual food.

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Give your veggies some love with Garlic Butter Green Beans. The aroma of garlic wafting through the kitchen is guaranteed to get everyone’s mouths watering.

Here’s how to make them:

Sauté green beans in garlic-infused butter until tender-crisp.
Season with salt and pepper.

It’s a simple yet elegant side dish that adds a burst of freshness to your Thanksgiving spread.

Sweet Potato Casserole

Take your taste buds on a flavor journey with Sweet Potato Casserole. It’s a decadent treat that will have your guests singing praises between bites.

Here’s the recipe:

Mash boiled sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Top with a crunchy pecan streusel.

It’s like dessert masquerading as a side – and we’re here for it.

To keep the kids hands busy and out of the Sweet Potato Casserole, check out my post “Thanksgiving Crafts to Make with Kids” and let them help by creating a more festive atmosphere.

Classic Stuffing

Ah, Classic Stuffing – the unsung hero of Thanksgiving sides. Whether you stuff it in the bird or bake it separately, this savory blend of bread, herbs, and veggies is pure comfort on a plate.

Here’s how to make it:

Toss bread cubes with herbs, veggies, and broth. The herbs, veggies and broth you choose will make this dish a new experience every time.
Sauté the veggies, add the herbs until fragrant, add bread and broth. Toss all together.
Bake until golden and crispy.

The golden crust gives way to a moist, flavorful interior that’s perfect for soaking up gravy. It’s Thanksgiving in every bite.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Turn any Brussels sprout skeptic into a believer with Roasted Brussels Sprouts. These little green gems crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Here’s how to make them:

Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Roast until crispy and caramelized.

They’re crunchy, savory, and downright addictive – you might need to make a double batch to keep up with demand.

Pumpkin Soup

Warm up your Thanksgiving feast with a bowl of Pumpkin Soup. Serve it as a starter or alongside your main course for a taste of autumn goodness that will have your guests asking for the recipe.

The scoop on how to make it:

Simmer pumpkin puree with veggie broth, heavy cream, and fall spices.
Season with nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

Creamy, velvety, and infused with autumn flavors, this soup is comfort in a bowl.

That’s the lineup of delicious Thanksgiving side dishes! I would love it if you shared your famous sides with us, too! Drop them in the comments so we can all mix it up this year.

In my house, we try a new side or two each year and see if it get’s to stay in next years rotation!

If you are looking for inspiration on the rest of your Thanksgiving shindig, check out “How to Lay Out a Family-Style Feast”. I talk about much more than the food in that article.

Whether you’re a traditionalist or like to mix things up, these recipes will satisfy every palate around your table.

So, lets raise a glass of cider, and toast to a Thanksgiving filled with good food, great company, and maybe some newfound TG favorite recipes!

Rollin’ out like a can of burst biscuits,

Anna