Planning for Thanksgiving? After nearly two decades of meals, these are the Thanksgiving side dishes my table isn’t complete without.
For nearly two decades, I’ve hosted Thanksgiving for my family. Even when I moved from Connecticut to Maine, Thanksgiving continued to be my holiday — the one for which I pull out all the stops, making the favorite recipes my family has come to adore. Side dishes are my favorite part of the meal, so I always make a lot of them. Every year has some variety to it.
The favorites are my recipe staples. Some — like the Cranberry Apple Sauce and Jellied Cranberry Sauce — I’ve been making for years and years, because different family members like each of them. Others are newer additions to the list.
The green beans, in particular, became a favorite after years of enjoying different recipes. I have many green bean recipes we like, but the one in this list is a standout.
The thing about hosting a holiday for years is that dishes can become sentimental. They become part of memories that we carry with us, remembering good times and funny moments. They can connect us with our past in the most lovely way. These recipes do that for me, even as things change and people do too.
Without further ado, these are the Thanksgiving side dishes my table isn’t complete without.
My Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes
For more than 19 years, I have written about food, developed recipes and helped others learn to quick and easy from scratch cooking. Over the years, I have developed a cache of side dish recipes that I absolutely love. These are the recipes my Thanksgiving table wouldn't be complete without.
Bold with rich roasted garlic flavor, this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Parsley recipe is a big favorite. These always go fast at our house!
Crisp-tender green beans are tossed with a lemon-roasted garlic sauce in this easy side dish recipe that is elegant enough for holidays but easy enough for anytime.
This is an oldie but goodie. We've been eating these brussels sprouts at holidays for more years than I can count. The tangy, bright flavor is a favorite. And the leftovers are divine cold.
Carrots are a must on our Thanksgiving table. This roasted carrot recipe is one I have been coming back to again and again for the last few years.
Although I didn't grow up with Sweet Potato Casserole, it's become a favorite at our Thanksgiving table. I often make it in single-serving portions though since it makes it extra special.
Tart cranberries are mellowed in this homemade whole berry cranberry sauce featuring apples and cinnamon, which lend a warm flavor. Delightful with your holiday turkey.
It's true. I almost always make two varieties of cranberry sauce. This Homemade Jellied Cranberry Sauce recipe is a must-have.