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Top 10 Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Outshine the Turkey!

Top 10 Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Outshine the Turkey

Quick Overview Section:

Recipe Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5 from 210 readers)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: Serves 6
Calories: 180 (per serving)


Introduction

Thanksgiving is often synonymous with turkey, but what truly elevates the holiday feast are the side dishes that accompany it. I can vividly remember my first Thanksgiving dinner as a child—everyone raved about the green bean casserole while the turkey sat largely untouched. This year, let’s shine a spotlight on sides that outshine the bird! Whether you’re looking for healthy options, vegan alternatives, or gluten-free recipes, this list of top-notch side dishes will wow your guests and complement that turkey beautifully.


Ingredients List

  1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

    • 3 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold preferred)
    • 1 cup milk (or almond milk for vegan)
    • 4 tablespoons butter (or vegan butter)
    • 3 cloves garlic
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  2. Sausage and Herb Stuffing

    • 1 loaf bread (preferably sourdough), cubed
    • 1 lb sausage (or plant-based sausage)
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 2 cups celery, diced
    • 1 tablespoon sage, dried or fresh
    • 2 cups vegetable broth
  3. Honey-Glazed Carrots

    • 2 lbs carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
    • 3 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  4. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

    • 12 oz cranberries, fresh or frozen
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1 cup water
    • Zest of 1 orange
  5. Brussels Sprouts Roasted with Balsamic Glaze

    • 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
    • 4 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

  1. Prep Potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into chunks.
  2. Boil: In a large pot, boil potatoes until fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
  3. Mash: Drain and return to pot. Add butter, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.

Sausage and Herb Stuffing

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook Sausage: In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onion and celery. Cook until soft.
  4. Combine: In a bowl, mix bread cubes, sausage, sautéed veggies, sage, and broth. Pour into a greased Baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.

Honey-Glazed Carrots

  1. Cook Carrots: Boil carrots in water for 10 minutes until tender.
  2. Glaze: Drain and toss with honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a pan. Sauté for 5 minutes over medium heat.

Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest

  1. Boil Ingredients: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Cook until cranberries burst.
  2. Add Zest: Stir in orange zest and simmer for 5 minutes.

Brussels Sprouts Roasted with Balsamic Glaze

  1. Toss Ingredients: In a bowl, mix Brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  2. Roast: Spread on a Baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C), until crispy.

Tips and Tricks Section

  • Substitutions: Use a dairy-free milk and butter for a vegan version of mashed potatoes.
  • Make-Ahead: Many sides like stuffing and cranberry sauce can be prepared a day in advance.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Macronutrients:
    • Protein: 4g
    • Fat: 6g
    • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Micronutrients:
    • Fiber: 3g
    • Sugar: 5g
    • Sodium: 200mg

Recipe Notes

  • Flavor Enhancements: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for deeper flavors.
  • Leftover Inspiration: Use leftover stuffing to make a savory breakfast casserole!

FAQs

  1. How can I store leftovers?

    • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  2. Can I reheat these dishes?

    • Yes! Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave.
  3. What can I swap for breadcrumbs in the stuffing?

    • Use gluten-free bread or cooked rice for a gluten-free option.
  4. Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time?

    • Yes! Make them and store in the fridge, then reheat on the stove with a splash of milk.
  5. How do I make these vegan?

    • Swap out dairy products for coconut milk and use olive oil or vegan butter.

Please give us your feedback!
We’d love to hear from you! Leave us a comment below, rate the recipes, and don’t forget to share your Thanksgiving favorites on social media!


Recipe Card: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs potatoes: Yukon Gold preferred
  • 1 cup milk: or almond milk for vegan
  • 4 tablespoons butter: or vegan butter
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prep Potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into chunks.
  2. Boil: In a large pot, boil potatoes until fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
  3. Mash: Drain and return to pot. Add butter, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 200mg

Tips and Variations: Use a mix of potatoes for varied flavors and textures.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.


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