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4 BEST Make Ahead Thanksgiving Side Dishes To Save You Time On Thanksgiving Day

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In The Kitchen With Momma Mel
In The Kitchen With Momma Mel
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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

Broccoli casserole is a popular American side dish often served at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday meals. It combines the nutritious benefits of broccoli with creamy and cheesy flavors, making it a comforting addition to any meal. This dish reflects the American trend of incorporating vegetables into hearty casseroles, making them more appealing to a wider audience.

Ingredients

  • broccoli
  • cheddar cheese
  • cream of mushroom soup
  • bread crumbs
  • butter
  • onion
  • garlic
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2Steam the broccoli until tender, then chop into small pieces.
  3. 3In a large bowl, mix the steamed broccoli with cream of mushroom soup, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. 4Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
  5. 5Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
  6. 6Top with bread crumbs and dot with butter.
  7. 7Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
  8. 8Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

cheddar cheese

Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

Cheaper: processed cheese

Lower calorie option or more budget-friendly alternative.

cream of mushroom soup

Healthier: homemade mushroom sauce

Cheaper: canned cream of chicken soup

More nutritious homemade version or a cheaper canned alternative.

Techniques

mixingbakingsteaming

Equipment

ovenbaking dishmixing bowlsteamer
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairygluten

Also Known As

Broccoli Cheese CasseroleCheesy Broccoli Bake

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

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is a beloved American comfort food, often served at family gatherings and potlucks. Its origins can be traced back to the mid-20th century, where it became a staple in many households due to its simplicity and satisfying flavor. The dish showcases the use of frozen hashbrowns and creamy ingredients, making it a popular choice for busy weeknights. Today, variations abound, with some adding vegetables or different types of cheese, but the core recipe remains a nostalgic favorite for many.

Ingredients

  • hashbrowns
  • cheddar cheese
  • cream of chicken soup
  • sour cream
  • butter
  • onion
  • garlic powder
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • green onions
  • paprika
  • cornflakes

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2In a large bowl, combine hashbrowns, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted butter.
  3. 3Add diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the mixture.
  4. 4Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
  5. 5Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
  6. 6Spread evenly in the dish.
  7. 7Top with crushed cornflakes and sprinkle with paprika for color.
  8. 8Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  9. 9Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  10. 10Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

sour cream

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

Techniques

mixingbaking

Equipment

large bowlbaking dishoven
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilkeggs

Also Known As

Hashbrown BakeCheesy Potato Casserole

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

Ingredients

  • 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 (15 oz) can creamed corn
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 (8.5 oz) package Jiffy corn muffin mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole kernel corn, creamed corn, sour cream, and melted butter. Mix well.
  3. 3Add the Jiffy corn muffin mix to the bowl and stir until just combined.
  4. 4Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper.
  5. 5Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  6. 6Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
  7. 7Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  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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