Introduction
No holiday feast is complete without a variety of delicious side dishes to complement the main course. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy family dinner, the right sides can take your meal to the next level. From creamy mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables and flavorful stuffing, these side dishes are sure to make your guests thankful. Let’s dive into some of the best recipes to round out your holiday table.
1. Classic Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream (or milk)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 cloves roasted garlic or ¼ cup sour cream for extra richness
Instructions:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Mash until smooth.
- Add butter, cream, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- For extra flavor, stir in roasted garlic or sour cream. Serve warm.
2. Green Bean Casserole with a Twist
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the fried onions. Add green beans and stir to coat.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese (if using), and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Sprinkle the remaining fried onions on top and bake for another 5 minutes. Serve hot.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
Ingredients:
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 medium sweet potatoes)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread into a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine pecans, flour, and cold butter to make the streusel. Sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. Serve warm.
4. Herb-Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 cup parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the vegetables with olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized. Serve warm.
5. Cranberry Orange Sauce
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Let cool and serve at room temperature or chilled.
6. Cornbread Stuffing
Ingredients:
- 6 cups cubed cornbread (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté celery and onion until softened.
- In a large bowl, combine cornbread, sautéed vegetables, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add broth and mix until moistened.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve warm.
Conclusion
These side dishes are the perfect way to round out your holiday meal and show your gratitude to family and friends. Whether you stick to classic recipes or try something new, these dishes are sure to impress. Don’t forget to pair them with your favorite main course for a truly memorable feast!