Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and of course, a bountiful feast. While the turkey often takes center stage, the side dishes are equally important in creating a memorable meal. If you're looking for simple yet delectable side dishes to complement your Thanksgiving spread, you're in the right place. In this blog, we'll share three easy-to-make, mouthwatering side dishes that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Ingredients:
- 4 pounds of russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 whole head of garlic
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1 cup of milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, wrap in aluminum foil, and roast for 30-40 minutes until soft.
- While the garlic roasts, peel and chop the potatoes, then boil them until tender.
- Drain the potatoes, add the roasted garlic (squeezed from the cloves), butter, and milk. Mash until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots: Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the carrot sticks and sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to caramelize.
- Drizzle the honey over the carrots, stirring to coat evenly.
- Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes until the carrots are tender and glazed.
- Season with salt and pepper and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Classic Stuffing (Dressing): Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of day-old white or whole wheat bread, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons of dried sage
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, celery, and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Stir in the dried sage and thyme, then season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes and the sautéed mixture. Gradually add enough broth to moisten the bread but not make it soggy.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
These three simple and delicious side dishes are sure to complement your Thanksgiving feast. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes are easy to follow and will impress your family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!