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EASY Thanksgiving Side Dishes | 5 Tried & True Holiday Recipes | Julia Pacheco

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Julia Pacheco
Julia Pacheco
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Thanksgiving stuffing, also known as dressing, is a traditional dish served during the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. It is typically made with bread and a variety of seasonings and vegetables, reflecting regional and family variations. The dish is often cooked inside the turkey or separately, and it symbolizes the harvest and gratitude associated with the holiday.

Ingredients

  • bread
  • onion
  • celery
  • butter
  • chicken broth
  • sage
  • thyme
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  3. 3Add chopped onion and celery, sauté until softened.
  4. 4Stir in herbs, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute.
  5. 5In a large bowl, combine bread cubes and sautéed mixture.
  6. 6Pour in chicken broth gradually, mixing until moistened.
  7. 7Transfer to a greased baking dish and cover with foil.
  8. 8Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden.

Ingredient Alternatives

bread

Healthier: whole grain bread

Cheaper: day-old bread

Whole grain bread is more nutritious; day-old bread is budget-friendly.

butter

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier; margarine can be a cheaper alternative.

Techniques

sautéedbaked

Equipment

skilletbaking dishmixing bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairy

Also Known As

StuffingDressing

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds russet potatoes
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Peel and cut the potatoes into quarters.
  2. 2Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt.
  3. 3Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and cook the potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  4. 4In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. 5Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
  6. 6Add the melted garlic butter, milk, sour cream, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper to the potatoes.
  7. 7Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
  8. 8Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  9. 9Serve warm, garnished with additional herbs if desired.

Equipment

large potsmall saucepanpotato mashermeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons
veganvegetariandairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Cranberry sauce is a traditional accompaniment to turkey during Thanksgiving in the United States. It is often homemade to enhance the flavor and freshness compared to store-bought versions. The tartness of cranberries complements the savory flavors of roasted meats, making it a staple during holiday feasts.

Ingredients

  • fresh cranberries
  • sugar
  • water
  • orange zest
  • cinnamon

Instructions

  1. 1Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water.
  2. 2In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water.
  3. 3Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  4. 4Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. 5Add orange zest and cinnamon, mixing well.
  6. 6Remove from heat and let it cool before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

sugar

Healthier: honey

Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey is a natural sweetener, while brown sugar is often less expensive.

fresh cranberries

Healthier: frozen cranberries

Frozen cranberries are often more affordable and available year-round.

Techniques

simmered

Equipment

saucepanmeasuring cupsspoon
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

Cranberry RelishCranberry Chutney

Mashed potatoes are a staple side dish in American cuisine, often served during family gatherings, holidays, and comfort food meals. They are typically made with simple ingredients and can be customized with various add-ins like garlic or cheese. This dish has roots in European cooking, particularly in the British Isles, where potatoes were first cultivated.

Ingredients

  • potatoes
  • butter
  • milk
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Peel and chop the potatoes into even pieces.
  2. 2Place the potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water.
  3. 3Add salt to the water and bring to a boil.
  4. 4Cook the potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  5. 5Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
  6. 6Add butter and milk to the potatoes.
  7. 7Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
  8. 8Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. 9Serve warm as a side dish.

Ingredient Alternatives

butter

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier with unsaturated fats.

milk

Healthier: almond milk

Cheaper: water

Almond milk is lower in calories; water is budget-friendly.

Techniques

boilingmashing

Equipment

potmashercolanderstirring spoon
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairy

Also Known As

MashCreamy Potatoes
veganplant-basedgluten-freenut-free

Cranberry sauce has its roots in Native American cuisine, where cranberries were used both as a food source and for medicinal purposes. It became a staple at Thanksgiving dinners in the United States, symbolizing the harvest and the blending of cultures. Today, it is enjoyed not only during the holidays but also as a tangy accompaniment to various dishes, with many families passing down their unique recipes.

Ingredients

  • fresh cranberries
  • sugar
  • water
  • orange juice
  • orange zest
  • cinnamon
  • nutmeg
  • salt
  • vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. 1Rinse fresh cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or damaged berries.
  2. 2Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
  3. 3Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
  4. 4Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
  5. 5Stir in orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  6. 6Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
  7. 7Transfer to a serving dish and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Ingredient Alternatives

sugar

Healthier: honey

Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds sweetness with fewer calories.

fresh cranberries

Healthier: dried cranberries

Cheaper: frozen cranberries

Dried cranberries are more accessible and have a longer shelf life.

Techniques

simmeringmixing

Equipment

saucepanmeasuring cupsspoonserving dish
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

Cranberry RelishCranberry Chutney

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf of bread (about 12 cups, cubed)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp dried sage
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  3. 3Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. 4Stir in the minced garlic, dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
  5. 5In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread and the sautéed vegetable mixture.
  6. 6Pour the vegetable broth over the bread mixture and stir until the bread is evenly moistened.
  7. 7Fold in the chopped parsley for added flavor and color.
  8. 8Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased baking dish.
  9. 9Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top.
  10. 10Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Equipment

large skilletbaking dishmixing bowlknifecutting board

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. 1In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. 2Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture, and mix well.
  3. 3In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  4. 4Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
  5. 5Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  6. 6Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
  7. 7After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
  8. 8Shape each piece into a ball and place them in a greased baking dish, leaving some space between each roll.
  9. 9Cover the rolls with a cloth and let them rise for another 15 minutes.
  10. 10Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  11. 11Bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  12. 12Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter before serving.

Equipment

mixing bowlwhiskbaking dishclean clothoven

Sweet potato casserole is a traditional American dish often served during Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings. Its origins can be traced back to the Southern United States, where sweet potatoes are a staple crop. The dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with rich ingredients, creating a comforting side that complements savory main courses.

Ingredients

  • sweet potatoes
  • butter
  • brown sugar
  • milk
  • eggs
  • vanilla extract
  • cinnamon
  • marshmallows

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2Peel and chop sweet potatoes, then boil until tender.
  3. 3Drain and mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl.
  4. 4Mix in butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
  5. 5Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish.
  6. 6Top with marshmallows or alternative topping of choice.
  7. 7Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and topping is golden brown.

Ingredient Alternatives

butter

Healthier: coconut oil

Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat alternative.

brown sugar

Healthier: honey

Cheaper: white sugar

Honey offers a natural sweetness.

marshmallows

Healthier: toasted nuts

Cheaper: coconut flakes

Nuts add crunch and nutrition.

Techniques

boiledbaked

Equipment

potbaking dishmixing bowlmixer
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairynuts

Also Known As

Sweet Potato BakeSweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato casserole is a popular dish in American cuisine, often served during Thanksgiving and holiday meals.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  3. 3Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  4. 4Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the sweet potato mixture if using.
  5. 5Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  6. 6Remove the casserole from the oven and top with mini marshmallows, spreading them evenly over the surface.
  7. 7Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and toasted.
  8. 8Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Equipment

mixing bowl9x13 inch baking dishoven

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