When it comes to a turkey dinner, the main event may be the turkey itself, but let’s be honest—it’s the turkey dinner side dishes that really steal the show! These delightful accompaniments not only elevate the meal but also bring a rainbow of flavors and textures to the table. From creamy mashed potatoes to crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, each dish plays a vital role in creating that perfect holiday feast. Trust me, you don’t want to skip out on these delicious side dishes; they’re the heart and soul of your Thanksgiving spread. So, let’s dive into my favorite turkey dinner side dishes that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of mashed potatoes (made with butter and milk for creaminess)
- 1 cup of green bean casserole (mix green beans with cream of mushroom soup and top with crispy onions)
- 2 cups of stuffing (prepared according to package instructions)
- 1 cup of cranberry sauce (served chilled or at room temperature)
- 1 cup of roasted Brussels sprouts (tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper)
- 1 cup of sweet potato casserole (mix sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, and marshmallows before baking)
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! I’ll walk you through each side dish step-by-step, so you’ll have everything prepped and ready to enjoy alongside that beautiful turkey. Let’s get started!
Preparing Mashed Potatoes
First things first, let’s make those creamy mashed potatoes! Start by peeling about 2 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet are my favorites) and cut them into even chunks. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain the water, then mash the potatoes while they’re still hot. I like to mix in about 4 tablespoons of butter and a splash of milk (or cream if you’re feeling indulgent). Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. The key to perfect mashed potatoes is to mash them while hot, so they stay fluffy!
Making Green Bean Casserole
Next up is the green bean casserole! It’s super simple. Grab a bowl and mix together 1 cup of cooked green beans (fresh or frozen), 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, and about half a cup of milk. Stir in some salt and pepper to taste. Transfer this mixture to a baking dish, then sprinkle crispy fried onions on top for that crunchy finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden. For a flavor boost, toss in some sautéed mushrooms or a sprinkle of garlic powder!
Cooking the Stuffing
Now let’s get that stuffing going! Follow the package instructions for your stuffing mix, which usually involves combining it with boiling water or broth. I like to enhance the flavor by adding sautéed onions, celery, and a bit of sage or thyme. Mix everything together, then transfer it to a greased baking dish. Bake according to the package directions, generally around 30-40 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until it’s nice and crispy on top and warm throughout.
Serving Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a must-have! It’s so simple, just open a can of your favorite cranberry sauce and either serve it chilled or let it sit at room temperature for a bit. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own by simmering fresh cranberries with sugar and a squeeze of orange juice for about 10-15 minutes until they burst and thicken. Either way, it adds a lovely tartness that really complements the turkey!
Roasting Brussels Sprouts
For those Brussels sprouts, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim and halve about 1 pound of fresh Brussels sprouts, then toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while tender on the inside. Fresh sprouts are key here for that amazing flavor!
Preparing Sweet Potato Casserole
Last but not least, the sweet potato casserole! Boil about 2 cups of peeled and cubed sweet potatoes until they’re soft, which takes about 15 minutes. Drain and mash them, then mix in 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 4 tablespoons of butter, and a splash of vanilla extract. For a delicious twist, fold in mini marshmallows before transferring to a baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes until it’s bubbly and the marshmallows are golden. It’s the perfect sweet ending to your turkey dinner!
Nutritional Information
Please note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use in these turkey dinner side dishes. The information provided here is a general estimate and should be used as a guideline. Always check the packaging of your ingredients for the most accurate nutritional information.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious flavors that complement turkey perfectly
- Easy-to-follow recipes for stress-free preparation
- Classic dishes that bring warmth to your holiday table
- Perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions
- Flexible options to suit various tastes and dietary preferences
- Comforting textures that make every bite a joy
Tips for Success
To ensure your turkey dinner side dishes shine, here are some of my go-to tips! First, don’t hesitate to swap out ingredients—if you’re short on butter, olive oil works great in mashed potatoes too! For the stuffing, adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the flavor. If you’re short on time, consider using pre-packaged frozen green beans or even store-bought cranberry sauce to save a few minutes. Oh, and for that sweet potato casserole, you can use canned sweet potatoes if you’re in a pinch—just drain and mash! Lastly, prep what you can ahead of time—mashed potatoes can be made the day before and reheated for convenience. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up these turkey dinner side dishes! For the mashed potatoes, try adding roasted garlic or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor. In the green bean casserole, mix in some sautéed mushrooms or swap the crispy onions for crunchy bacon bits for a savory twist. You can even experiment with different stuffing flavors—think apple and sausage or wild rice with cranberries! For the sweet potato casserole, how about adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg? Get creative and make these dishes your own—you can’t go wrong!
Serving Suggestions
To complete your turkey dinner, consider serving a fresh garden salad or a warm bread roll to soak up all those delicious flavors. For drinks, a crisp white wine or a sparkling cider pairs beautifully with the meal, adding a festive touch. If you want something cozy, a hot apple cider can warm up the gathering too! Whatever you choose, these side dishes will shine even brighter with the right accompaniments, making your holiday feast unforgettable!
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Turkey Dinner Side Dishes That Steal the Show This Holiday
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A selection of delicious side dishes to complement your turkey dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of mashed potatoes
- 1 cup of green bean casserole
- 2 cups of stuffing
- 1 cup of cranberry sauce
- 1 cup of roasted Brussels sprouts
- 1 cup of sweet potato casserole
Instructions
- Prepare the mashed potatoes by boiling and mashing the potatoes with butter and milk.
- Make the green bean casserole by mixing green beans with cream of mushroom soup and topping with crispy onions.
- Cook the stuffing according to package instructions.
- Serve the cranberry sauce chilled or at room temperature.
- Roast the Brussels sprouts in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper until golden brown.
- Prepare the sweet potato casserole by mixing sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, and marshmallows, then bake until bubbly.
Notes
- You can make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the stuffing to your taste.
- Use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Baking, Boiling, Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: turkey dinner side dishes, Thanksgiving sides, holiday sides
