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25 Essential Side Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Table

Top 25 Thanksgiving Side Dishes made approachable with clear cues, pantry staples, and flexible swaps.

Ingredients
  

  • 5 lbs Russet potatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 3 cups green beans
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup pecans chopped
  • 1 cup cranberries dried
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 2 cups cooked wild rice
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley
  • 1 tbsp thyme dried
  • 3 cups cornbread cubed
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 1 tbsp sage dried

Method
 

  1. Peel and chop the potatoes into equal-sized chunks.
  2. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Drain potatoes and let them steam dry, about 5 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, add the drained potatoes, cream, butter, salt, pepper, and sour cream.
  5. Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning as needed.
  6. For green beans, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  7. Toss green beans with olive oil, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
  8. Spread out on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes.
  9. For Brussels sprouts, trim and halve them before preparation.
  10. In a bowl, combine Brussels sprouts, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  11. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and golden brown, tossing halfway through.
  12. Prepare cornbread stuffing by cubing the cornbread and letting it dry.
  13. Sauté onions and celery in a skillet until softened, about 5 minutes.
  14. In a large bowl, combine dried cornbread, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, and dried cranberries.
  15. Pour in chicken broth gradually until moist but not soggy.
  16. Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes.