What To Know
- Spread vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and browned.
- Cranberry sauce is a tart and tangy complement to turkey and ham pie.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until cranberries have burst and sauce has thickened.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. Turkey and ham pie is a classic Thanksgiving dish, but it’s not complete without the perfect side dish. Here are some of our favorite options to complement your main course and make your Thanksgiving dinner truly unforgettable:
Mashed Potatoes: A Creamy Classic
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for a reason. They’re creamy, comforting, and versatile. You can make them as simple or as flavorful as you like, adding herbs, spices, or even cheese.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Boil potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender.
2. Drain potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
4. Mash until smooth and creamy.
Roasted Vegetables: A Colorful and Healthy Option
Roasted vegetables are a great way to add color and nutrients to your Thanksgiving dinner. You can roast any vegetables you like, but some of our favorites include carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound vegetables, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and browned.
Stuffing: A Savory and Filling Side
Stuffing is another classic Thanksgiving side dish. It’s a savory combination of bread, herbs, and spices. You can make stuffing from scratch or use a boxed mix.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped sage
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 loaf (1 pound) white bread, cubed
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Sauté celery, onion, carrots, parsley, and sage in butter until softened.
2. Add bread cubes and chicken broth.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through.
Cranberry Sauce: A Tart and Tangy Complement
Cranberry sauce is a tart and tangy complement to turkey and ham pie. You can make it from scratch or use a canned variety.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
1. Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until cranberries have burst and sauce has thickened.
Green Bean Casserole: A Retro Delight
Green bean casserole is a retro side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. It’s made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions:
1. Cook green beans in boiling water until tender.
2. Drain green beans and return them to the pot.
3. Add cream of mushroom soup, milk, onion, and celery.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Top with crispy fried onions.
Sweet Potato Casserole: A Sweet and Savory Treat
Sweet potato casserole is a sweet and savory side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. It’s made with mashed sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, and spices.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Boil sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender.
2. Drain sweet potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. Add butter, brown sugar, white sugar, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Mash until smooth and creamy.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through.
The Perfect Side Dish for Your Thanksgiving Feast
No matter what side dish you choose, make sure it complements the flavors of your turkey and ham pie. With so many delicious options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect side dish to make your Thanksgiving dinner truly special.
FAQs
Q: What are some tips for making the perfect mashed potatoes?
A: Use russet potatoes for the best texture. Boil the potatoes until they are very tender. Drain the potatoes well and mash them until smooth and creamy. Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper to taste.
Q: What are some variations on roasted vegetables?
A: You can roast any vegetables you like. Some popular options include carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes. You can also add herbs and spices to taste.
Q: What is the best way to make stuffing from scratch?
A: Start with a good quality bread. Cube the bread and toast it in the oven until it is golden brown. Then, sauté celery, onion, carrots, parsley, and sage in butter until softened. Add the bread cubes and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through.
