Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, sharing stories, and of course, indulging in delicious food that warms the heart and soul. This year, why not shake things up a bit with some incredible *smoked Thanksgiving sides*? Trust me, the smoky flavor adds a whole new dimension to your classic vegetable dishes, making them unforgettable. Imagine the aroma wafting through your home as these vibrant veggies transform into tender, flavorful bites. It’s the perfect way to impress your guests and elevate your holiday feast! Plus, they’re super easy to make and oh-so nutritious. So, let’s dive into these delightful smoked sides that will have everyone raving about your Thanksgiving spread!
Ingredients
- 3 cups of Brussels sprouts, halved – These little gems get beautifully charred and caramelized when smoked.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – A must for adding a rich flavor and helping the seasonings stick.
- 1 teaspoon salt – This enhances all the natural flavors of the vegetables.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Just the right amount of kick for those Brussels sprouts!
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, diced – Their sweetness pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – This adds a lovely smokiness and a dash of color to the sweet potatoes.
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed – Fresh and crunchy, these will be a delightful addition!
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder – For that delicious, savory aroma that fills your kitchen.
How to Prepare Smoked Thanksgiving Sides
Prepping the Vegetables
First things first, let’s get those veggies ready! Start by rinsing your 3 cups of Brussels sprouts under cool water to remove any dirt. Then, simply slice them in half; you want those cut sides to soak up all that smoky goodness! Next up, grab 2 cups of sweet potatoes. Peel them and cut them into bite-sized diced pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and get that perfect caramelization. Now, onto the green beans. Just trim off the ends for a clean look. Once all your veggies are prepped, toss the Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. In a separate bowl, coat the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of paprika for that extra flavor punch. Finally, season the green beans with 1 tablespoon of garlic powder and give them a good mix.
Smoking the Vegetables
Alright, now it’s time for the fun part! Preheat your smoker to 225°F—that’s the sweet spot for getting those veggies tender and infused with that amazing smoky flavor. Once your smoker is nice and warm, spread the Brussels sprouts on a smoker-safe tray and place the sweet potatoes on another tray. Smoke both trays for about 1 hour. Halfway through, around the 30-minute mark, add your seasoned green beans to the smoker. They’ll join the party and soak up all that smoky goodness too! Just keep an eye on everything, and when all the vegetables are tender, you’ll know they’re ready! Wow, the smell alone is going to have everyone gathering around your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love These Smoked Thanksgiving Sides
- Incredible Flavor: The smoky taste elevates your vegetables, creating a unique and delightful twist on traditional Thanksgiving sides.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal prep, these sides fit seamlessly into your holiday cooking routine.
- Healthier Choice: Packed with nutritious vegetables, these sides are a guilt-free addition to your feast, offering fiber and vitamins.
- Colorful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and green beans make your table look festive and inviting.
- Versatile: Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables or add herbs to customize these sides to your taste!
Tips for Success
To really nail these smoked Thanksgiving sides, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your taste—maybe a pinch more salt or a dash of cayenne for heat! If you like your veggies with a bit more char, increase the smoking time by 10-15 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like carrots or zucchini; just make sure they’re cut to similar sizes for even cooking. And remember, fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add a lovely aroma and flavor boost, so sprinkle some on before serving!
Nutritional Information
These delightful smoked Thanksgiving sides are not only tasty but also nutritious! Each serving (1 cup) packs approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, 4g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. Plus, with 8g of fiber, they’re sure to keep you satisfied. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so adjust based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy guilt-free indulgence at your Thanksgiving table!
FAQ Section
Can I use other vegetables for smoking? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different veggies like carrots, zucchini, or even cauliflower. Just make sure they’re cut to a similar size for even cooking.
How long can I store leftover smoked vegetables? You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat them gently in the oven or microwave.
Can I prepare these sides ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the vegetables a day in advance, seasoning them and storing them in the fridge. Then, just pop them in the smoker on Thanksgiving day!
What if I don’t have a smoker? No worries! You can achieve a similar smoky flavor by using a grill with a smoker box or even try a stovetop smoking method with wood chips.
How do I know when the vegetables are done? They’re done when they’re fork-tender and have that lovely smoky aroma. Just keep an eye on them as they smoke!
Serving Suggestions
These smoked Thanksgiving sides are so versatile and pair beautifully with various dishes! For a delightful main, serve them alongside a juicy smoked turkey or a savory honey-glazed ham. If you want to keep things vegetarian, a hearty lentil loaf or stuffed squash would work wonders! And don’t forget about the drinks—try a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir to complement the smoky flavors. For non-alcoholic options, a refreshing apple cider or a herbal iced tea can be the perfect match. Your Thanksgiving table will be a feast for the senses!
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Smoked Thanksgiving Sides to Ignite Your Holiday Feast
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious smoked sides perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 3 cups of Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread Brussels sprouts on a smoker-safe tray.
- In a separate bowl, mix sweet potatoes with olive oil and paprika.
- Place sweet potatoes on another tray.
- Smoke both trays for 1 hour.
- After 30 minutes, add green beans seasoned with garlic powder to the smoker.
- Continue smoking until all vegetables are tender.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- For extra flavor, add fresh herbs.
- Try different vegetables based on preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: smoked thanksgiving sides, vegetable sides, Thanksgiving recipes
