Thanksgiving Made Simple: Easy Side Dishes Everyone Will Love!

Quick Overview Section:

• Recipe Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: Serves 6
• Calories: Approximately 150 per serving

Introduction:

As Thanksgiving approaches, the excitement in the air turns our thoughts to cherished food traditions and family gatherings. One of my favorite things about this holiday is how simple side dishes can elevate the entire meal without taking hours in the kitchen. This year, I’m sharing five easy side dishes that are not only crowd-pleasers but also promote healthy eating, making them ideal for those looking for gluten-free or vegan options. Whether it’s the classic Garlic Mashed Potatoes or the vibrant Roasted Brussels Sprouts, there’s something here for everyone!

Ingredients List:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold recommended)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (or vegan alternative)
• 1/2 cup milk (or almond milk)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Sweet Potato Casserole

• 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup pecans (optional)

Green Bean Almondine

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp butter (or vegan alternative)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• Lemon zest to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cranberry Sauce

• 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup sugar (or honey for a healthier option)
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• Zest of one orange

Substitutions: All dairy can be swapped for vegan options, and sweeteners can be replaced to cater to dietary preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

1. Boil Potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into chunks. Boil in a large pot until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Sauté Garlic: In a small pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Mash & Mix: Drain potatoes, then mash with garlic butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare Sprouts: Toss halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast: Spread on a Baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy.

Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Boil Sweet Potatoes: Cook peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in boiling water until tender.
2. Mash & Mix: Drain and mash with brown sugar, coconut milk, and cinnamon.
3. Top & Bake: Transfer to a Baking dish, sprinkle pecans on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.

Green Bean Almondine

1. Blanch Beans: Boil green beans in salted water for 3 minutes, then immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking.
2. Sauté: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté almonds until golden. Add green beans, toss with lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

Cranberry Sauce

1. Cook Cranberries: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice.
2. Simmer: Cook on medium heat until cranberries burst, about 10 minutes. Stir in zest. Cool before serving.

Tips and Tricks Section:

• Make Ahead: Most of these sides can be prepared a day in advance. Just reheat before serving.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to mashed potatoes for an aromatic touch.
• Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g

Recipe Notes:

• These recipes can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
• Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables based on availability.

FAQs:

1. How can I store leftovers?

   • Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

2. Can I freeze these side dishes?

   • Yes! Most can be frozen for 1-2 months, except for the green beans which are best fresh.

3. How do I reheat leftovers?

   • Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or use the microwave for quicker warm-up.

4. Can I add other flavors to the cranberry sauce?

   • Absolutely! A splash of bourbon or a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the flavors beautifully.

5. What can I use in place of butter?

   • You can substitute with olive oil, coconut oil, or a vegan butter alternative.

Please Give Us Your Feedback!

We would love to hear how your Thanksgiving preparations are going! Did you try any of these easy side dishes? Leave a comment below or share your experience on social media using #ThanksgivingMadeSimple for a chance to be featured!

Recipe-Card:

Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Recipes for Success

Ingredients:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: potatoes, garlic, butter, milk
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts, olive oil, garlic powder
• Sweet Potato Casserole: sweet potatoes, brown sugar, coconut milk
• Green Bean Almondine: green beans, butter, almonds
• Cranberry Sauce: cranberries, sugar, orange juice

Instructions:

1. Prepare each side as described.
2. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Info: 150 calories, 3g protein, 5g fat, 25g carbs.

Happy Thanksgiving from our kitchen to yours! Enjoy your feast! 🌽