While the turkey may be the star of the Thanksgiving show, we know every star is made better by a strong supporting cast. Side dishes fill this role on our dinner plate but our list of 6 easy Thanksgiving side dishes can stand in a spotlight all their own.
Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes Good Enough to Steal the Show
While we love to applaud the turkey, it’s the side dishes that keep our guests coming back for more. Our list of easy Thanksgiving side dishes has recipes that are both easy to prepare and full of the sweet and savory flavors we love this time of year.
1. Herb and Apple Stuffing
Stuffing is essentially the turkey’s co-star because each brings out the best of the other. Whether you prefer yours roasted in the turkey or baked in a pan on its own, this is one of those classic Thanksgiving side dishes you need in your repertoire. Ours is rejuvenated with apples and herbs for fresh fall flavor:
You’ll need:
- French bread
- Rosemary
- Parsley
- Granny Smith apples
- Celery
- Sliced blanched almonds
Get the full recipe here.
2. Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake
There’s always room for cheese at any dinner table and Thanksgiving is no exception. The Brussels sprouts in this dish also get a smoky flavor from another crowd-pleaser: bacon. But the best part about this side is that it can be one of your Thanksgiving side dishes made ahead of time, saving you precious minutes on the big day:
You’ll need:
- Brussels sprouts
- Bacon
- Shredded Cheddar
- Shredded Gruyere
- Heavy Cream
Get the full recipe here.
3. Orange Cranberry Sauce
So many chefs don’t believe that homemade cranberry sauce can be one of the easy Thanksgiving side dishes you’ll make every year. Long known as the best side dish for turkey, this easy recipe gets a flavor punch from fresh orange juice and zest:
You’ll need:
- Cranberries
- Fresh orange juice
- Orange zest
- Rosemary
Get the full recipe here.
4. Spice-Roasted Butternut Squash with Cider Vinaigrette
If it seems as though butternut squash is on every Thanksgiving table, that’s because it is. Everyone loves its sweet flavor and bright orange color but roasting this popular gourd intensifies its sweetness in this dish. The squash then gets an unexpected tang from the vinegar and mustard of this sharp vinaigrette:
You’ll need:
- 2 butternut squash
- Apple cider
- Red wine vinegar
- Whole grain mustard
- Brown sugar
Get the full recipe here.
5. Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
A list of easy Thanksgiving side dishes just wouldn’t be complete without mashed potatoes. This classic gets turned up a notch with the addition of cream cheese for extra creamy texture and tang:
You’ll need:
- Russet potatoes
- 1 block cream cheese
- Butter
- Milk
- Chives
Get the full recipe here.
6. Green Beans with Chorizo and Almond Crumbs
Cooking the green beans just until tender will give them the fresh green bite your easy Thanksgiving side dishes need. The spicy boost from the chorizo will stand out against more traditional flavors and the crunch of the almonds will provide a nice change in texture compared to other dishes:
You’ll need:
- Green beans
- Chorizo
- Orange zest
- Sliced almonds
Get the full recipe here.
Here at Ortega’s Appliance Service, we not only pride ourselves on being Albuquerque’s #1 appliance repair service, but on our 40+ years as a family-owned business. We understand the importance of family and wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!
